Shade tossed the golden box that had turned into a toy, curious about how Miss Goode's family had acquired this suit of armor in the first place. Judging from the packaging alone, it was clearly no ordinary item.
"Mia, get ready to go."
He beckoned to the cat, turned her into a toy, and tucked her into the breast pocket of his shirt.
Having learned from last time, Shade did not wear a coat this time. Instead, he simply carried the garment stuffed full of toys. Turning around, he waved to the somewhat worried Luvia, Leisha, and Miss Galina. Then, holding the key whose surface had already begun to crack, he aimed it at the study door.
"May the World Tree bless me in time."
With a click, the keyhole turned. Beyond the opened door lay endless White Fog. Shade waved once more at those behind him, braced himself for the blazing sun, and stepped through the fog door.
Outlander, you have entered the "Time Corridor."
A message from the Ancient God, "Father of Infinite Tree":
Fifth Epoch, summer of the year 4260. East Continent, Gravel Gold Sand Sea.
Event: Find the "Oasis Heart."
Duration: Forty minutes (2/3).
You have obtained additional information.
The figure of Father of Infinite Tree watches you.
The test bestowed upon you by the Ancient God of Time will continue.
Witness three mirages of the sand sea together with the deity "Mist Lady."
Father of Infinite Tree will grant you a reward: a piece of true information—Holy White Chapel; thaumaturgy—Truth Crystal.
"Oh!"
As he stepped out of the mist, the scorching sunlight still made the prepared Shade squint. Coming from his dry, cool home into a place like a steamer made the harshness of the environment feel even more pronounced.
The wind carried heat, and