"Let the sacred oak bear witness to our covenant. I, Baigen, and I, Senan, were willing to sign this duel contract here—to the death, with no respite!"
This was an oak tree that had grown for thirty years. Though it had only been transplanted here a month ago, its roots had already sunk deep into the soil, quietly drawing the earth's nourishment. Its branches and leaves were luxuriant beyond compare, great swathes of foliage overlapping one another with scarcely a Rift between them.
It was early summer now, and beneath the sunlight, the oak appeared exceptionally beautiful.
Through the gaps between palm-sized leaves, faint rays of light occasionally spilled down, casting patch after patch of beautiful, mottled colors beneath the tree.
At this moment, a middle-aged Druid and a young Druid stood facing each other. The two of them were like two statues, burdened with far too many thoughts, standing before the oak as they confirmed an ancient contract.
Of the two Druids, the older one had an ordinary appearance and an indifferent expression, his eyes slightly narrowed.
The youth standing opposite him wore clothes of a plain style.
By now, everyone else had withdrawn. Druids Baigen and Senan stood quietly beneath the oak, waiting for something to happen.
The sunlight was bright and splendid. It filtered through the gaps in the oak leaves and fell over the two men, creating a beautiful, mottled pattern.
The two waited in silence. Very soon, a force passed down from the oak.
That force enveloped both Druids Baigen and Senan. An ancient song suddenly rose within their hearts.
It was as though the Elves were singing, as though young maidens were whispering. To the ear, it was filled with holiness—but even more so, with sorrow, a sorrow that reached into the depths of