Accelerated Construction

"Open the window and look toward the fortress you built. You'll understand," the Dark Elf said.

"That would require you to get out of bed..."

The Dark Elf's bed was some distance from the window. For Shael to walk over and open it, she would have to let go of the Dark Elf's arm.

"My legs have lost all feeling, so I can't get out of bed. But I can make my Magic Mark remain on you for one day. For the next few days, though, the world you see will be like this."

No purple lines appeared around the Dark Elf as she said this, so Shael could not use that to judge whether the Dark Elf harbored any ill intent.

Still, she chose to trust the Dark Elf. The Dark Elf softly chanted several spells Shael could not understand, and within seconds, the mark of a Black Ancient Tree appeared on the back of Shael's hand.

"Use your eyes to witness the truth of this world."

The Dark Elf made an inviting gesture. When Shael rose from her seat and walked to the window, she saw another pale purple line appear beside the Dark Elf.

This Magic Mark had not harmed Shael. It had only altered her vision. She opened the window and looked toward Bastion Fortress in the Frost Country.

A vast number of crimson and grayish-white lines filled the sky not far away, mixed with strands of yellow.

This was not as simple as clouds and rain having emotions. With so many emotional marks in the distant sky, there was only one possibility... even the air had feelings of its own!

Shael knew that was impossible. The only reason she could think of for so many emotional marks drifting outside was the domain called the "Gate"