John stood motionless.
His breathing slowed.
The chamber beneath the World Tree was unlike anywhere he had ever seen.
There were no walls.
No ceiling.
Instead, countless golden roots intertwined overhead like the night sky, each carrying streams of glowing mana that flowed like rivers of light.
Leaves drifted lazily through the air, disappearing before they reached the ground.
Everything felt... alive.
At the center of it all stood the man with golden dragon horns.
He wore simple white robes embroidered with ancient runes that shimmered faintly with every heartbeat of the True Heart.
He wasn't releasing any aura.
No overwhelming pressure.
No killing intent.
Yet John's Dragon Core beat so violently that it almost hurt.
**Thump.**
**Thump.**
**Thump.**
Not from fear.
Recognition.
---
The man smiled warmly.
"I've been waiting for quite some time."
John remained cautious.
"...Who are you?"
The man chuckled.
"I suppose introductions are appropriate."
