Ignoring Nis, Rhein took a single step and crossed dozens of meters, his figure gradually turning insubstantial... Just as Rhein was about to leave, ripples suddenly spread across the shallow surface of the Star Pool.
As the ripples spread outward, a figure slowly rose from their very center.
As the radiance faded, the figure's true appearance was revealed.
That sleek, glossy skin and completely bare upper body left no doubt as to the newcomer's identity—the Tree Spirit.
Rhein, who had been preparing to leave, slowed when he saw the Tree Spirit arrive.
—Inside the observation pavilion.
"Why have you come back?" Rhein looked at the Tree Spirit in confusion. He had been about to seek out the Tree Spirit and Angel, yet this fellow had inexplicably returned.
"Angel asked me to come find you," said the Tree Spirit.
"Is something urgent?" Rhein frowned. "I'll go take a look right now."
"Wait!" The Tree Spirit hurriedly stopped Rhein. "Since I came here, there must be something else. It won't be too late to leave after you hear me out."
"Actually, I don't know why Angel insisted that I bring these things over while he himself didn't come... But since he was so adamant, I went along with him." As he spoke, the Tree Spirit swept a hand across the table.
Two objects instantly appeared on the tabletop.
One was a bulging little pouch, while the other was an exquisitely ornate bone church.
The little pouch was utterly unremarkable, with no energy leaking from within, so it drew no one's attention. The bone church, on the other hand, was immediately recognized by everyone as having been made primarily from Bones of the Departed. Moreover, it exuded a dense, eerie aura of death, instantly drawing every gaze.
"This seems to be an alchemical