The underwater ruins.
When Kroya returned, the ship that had sunk to the seabed had been fully repaired, looking far more intact than before.
Magic runes had even appeared across the enormous ship's surface, swaying with the movement of the seawater.
If one ignored the fact that it lay deep beneath the sea, it looked ready to hoist its sails and depart.
"Is it about to set sail?"
Kroya was a little surprised. He did not quite believe the Orpheus Oak could actually set sail.
The moment the ship came into view, a vast wave of friendly consciousness flowed out from within.
"Human friend!"
The Orpheus Oak's voice rang out, still brimming with warmth and excitement. "You're finally here."
Its magic instantly formed a passage Kroya could traverse with ease: a portal entwined with vines, inviting him inside.
"Here I am."
Kroya set his doubts aside and gladly accepted. With a single step, he arrived in the Orpheus Oak's forest garden.
Flowers still bloomed in profusion here, but there were now many tall, ancient-looking trees. Their bark and branches were all a deep, dark green, and they stood like silent sentries.
The Orpheus Oak gazed at him joyfully.
"I came to visit you, my oak friend."
With easy familiarity, he casually found somewhere to sit, treating the place entirely like his own home without standing on ceremony.
"Welcome, human friend!"
The face formed by the oak grew increasingly expressive, and a little rainbow symbol appeared above its head to convey its delight.
It immediately prepared a drink for Kroya.
Kroya also took out a small bottle and generously poured a cup of amber liquor that seemed to contain tiny flecks of sunlight. Smiling, he offered it. "Have a taste, my oak friend!"
Naturally, the little cup held grape wine brewed