When Angel left the Cloud Tower, the sun was still shining brightly outside. But as he passed through the clouds and began descending, he saw more and more leaves unfurling. The area centered around the Eternal Tree had already been completely covered by leaves, and below lay a pitch-black night.
Angel landed on a massive leaf hidden among the clouds. After walking several dozen steps along its veins, he passed beyond the cloud cover and saw a quiet, deserted platform.
This was Highland Station, the highest platform the Vine Bus could reach.
Angel walked onto the platform and quietly waited for the Vine Bus to arrive.
He had originally planned to fly straight to Demon Illusion Island, but since time was not pressing and flying through the air in an unfamiliar face would be too conspicuous, he decided to take the Vine Bus instead. Besides, it had been a long time since he had ridden one, and he missed it somewhat.
Before long, the Vine Bus arrived at Highland Station with a clattering "ka-ka" sound, hanging from the winding vines.
The bus carriage was empty. Angel found a window seat and sat down.
The bus slowly left the station, winding its way through the clouds. It traveled from daylight above the clouds into night below them. The light had changed, but the biting cold wind had not.
Vivid red sideburns fluttered endlessly in the wind, occasionally slapping against his lips and the corners of his eyes.
Angel, meanwhile, lazily leaned against the window, watching the neon lights of the Tree Spirit Court in the central district. At the same time, his thoughts drifted to all sorts of unrelated matters. For instance, the construction of the New City in the Dream Wilderness—Jon had designed it with a steam-fantasy punk style. If