On the island before Odys and Bernadette stood enormous dark-green trees, one after another. For a moment, Odys had the illusion that they hid even the mountains.
The Dawn came ashore some distance from the island. After ordering the crew to remain aboard, Odys and Bernadette went ashore together.
Odys raised a hand, and an illusory light fell over them both, rendering them invisible.
Bernadette summoned an Invisible Servant and placed an Eye of Mystery Prying on it. She sent it ahead to scout and shared its vision with Odys.
As soon as they entered the forest, Odys, who had cast Sound-Silencing Witchcraft, looked up at the canopy. "It's too quiet here."
In a forest this vast, there were no birdsong or cries of wild beasts. They had not even seen an insect. It was as though nothing lived there.
Bernadette said, "It seems a great deal has changed here over the past century."
According to Roselle's diary, the island had once been home to many supernatural creatures that were now extinct elsewhere. It had supposedly been quite lively.
"We should be careful," Odys said.
Then he added, "But don't worry too much. The Lord of Mysteries will be watching this place."
This time, a genuine hidden existence was watching. To a certain extent, the Celestial Master could also be equated with the Lord of Mysteries.
Bernadette paused. Hadn't Odys said the Lord of Mysteries was going to give up his sense of self?
Odys had only touched on the subject with Bernadette before. Because it involved beings of a higher level, he had not pursued it, and she had not asked.
Now was not the time to discuss it. Knowing that such a powerful being was watching did offer some reassurance.
They continued following the Invisible Servant from a