Compared to Dago's first visit, Bernal's private secret realm had changed beyond recognition.
The God-Prison Blood Tree occupied more than half the realm. Its dense golden leaves formed an immense, magnificent crown, while its branches and trunk below were a beautiful agate red.
As the God-Prison Blood Tree grew stronger by the day, it increasingly encroached on Bernal's living and research space. The few laboratory benches originally set up in the realm had all been moved to a corner in the northwest.
The moment Dago entered, the God-Prison Blood Tree released waves of joyful consciousness. Its soft red branches brushed his cheeks and neck like tiny infant hands, welcoming him home.
Rustle-
Just then, the vegetation stirred in the lush magical plant garden beneath the God-Prison Blood Tree, and a figure quickly emerged.
It was a sturdy young man with thick brown hair, handsome features, and a muscular build. He looked only a few years older than Dago. Had he not been wearing that familiar white shirt with its conspicuous oil stains, Dago would hardly have recognized him.
The man before him was Bernal!
"Your experiment succeeded?!"
A strange light flashed in Dago's eyes as he looked at Bernal, whose appearance had almost completely transformed. He immediately strode forward.
"I've made some preliminary progress."
Bernal nodded calmly. Damp soil still clung to his hands, as though he had just finished his daily work of loosening the soil and weeding the magical plant garden.
His voice had also become much younger, gaining a richer resonance.
Dago immediately released his mental power and swept it over Bernal. The latter showed no displeasure and stood still, allowing him to examine him.
After a moment, Dago drew a deep breath. "Your strength has already begun to recover, and even your vitality has grown considerably.