The path opened in complete silence.
Ancient champions stepped aside one after another.
Crystal giants planted their colossal axes into the ground.
Forgotten dragon knights lowered their spears.
Even the corrupted beasts that had mindlessly attacked John when he first entered the Hidden Realm now stood motionless.
None of them spoke.
None of them attacked.
They simply created a corridor leading toward the massive roots of the World Tree.
John's eyes narrowed.
His instincts screamed louder than ever before.
Not from imminent danger.
But from uncertainty.
---
Lythriel immediately stepped forward.
"We're going with you."
The False Heart slowly shook its head.
"No."
Her grip tightened around her spear.
"I wasn't asking."
Dark mana stirred around the being.
"The trial accepts only one."
Aerion's expression hardened.
"Then we'll make our own path."
Caelis raised a hand, stopping him.
"Wait."
The old man looked toward the corridor.
"The False Heart isn't lying."
