The area outlined by fiery red lines was shaped like a tree hollow, but the hollow did not open immediately. After Shade removed his palm, specks of starlight lit up within the black area enclosed by the fiery red lines.
"This is..."
Daniste stepped forward to inspect it and memorized the Star Chart before the traces of the tree hollow completely vanished:
"It should be here. The starlight appearing on the tree hollow is a Time Lock. Only when the stars reach the proper positions can the tree hollow truly open after Appearing. Miss Feliana and the others were worried that someone might find this place years too early."
Emilia then asked:
"But hasn't the right time already arrived? When will that Time Lock be undone? Did Miss Feliana set the unlocking time down to a specific day?"
"No, no. The stars will be in suitable positions throughout the next ten years, but due to changes in the night sky, we still need to wait for a particular lunar phase."
The red-haired Sorceress, who looked eighteen, raised her head toward the Three Moons. After a dozen seconds, she calculated the time:
"Looks like we're lucky. Today is Monday, so the tree hollow should be able to open around Thursday night. When the time comes, Shade can use his Mark to make the tree hollow appear again. I'll guide the moonlight to illuminate that area of bark, and then we can bring the teacher back."
Her face was full of smiles. Even Ellie could tell that she was in an exceptionally good mood.
Emilia smiled as well:
"So that solves it, doesn't it? It went even more smoothly than I expected. We only sent that Egg away this morning, and by tonight we had already found a clue. Miss Feliana and