The Sorin Main Hub was probably the most unusual of all the Empire's magic network hubs—not merely because its Crystal Array was built atop a tree, but because Beltira, this "living hub carrier," had made bold alterations to the entire hub by exploiting the unique biological properties of the Thorin Giant Tree. She had ingeniously integrated what had once been cold steel and crystal into the giant tree's structure, and throughout its canopy, her "designs" could be seen everywhere.
Guided by Beltira, Margarita arrived at the area housing the Crystal Array. The metal structures supporting the array had been driven deep into the giant tree, while vast amounts of wooden structure and vine-like "pipes" extended from layer upon layer of branches and merged with the Crystal Array's base. Amid a rustling sound, Margarita saw a patch of "ground" near the base open up. Leaves that had seemed neatly packed together trembled and withdrew to either side, revealing a set of stairs sloping downward, seemingly leading somewhere very deep.
Though enclosed by layers of leaves and branches, the passage was not dim. Numerous luminous flowers, leaves, and fine vines hung from the "walls" on either side, lighting this "little world" within the canopy like lamps.
"This is my 'laboratory.' I built it inside myself, which makes it more convenient to use," Beltira said to Margarita as she took the lead and walked ahead. "Please follow me—watch your step. These stairs are a little steep. I've recently been thinking about how to regrow this section."
"Truly... ingenious," Margarita said as she followed in the other's "footsteps," leading several Technical Personnel and accompanying soldiers into Beltira's private "secret space." She looked in amazement at the luminous plants on the leafy walls and the cleverly grown stairs and corridors, unable to stop herself from