A cottage

"She's gone," Avidia replies, her voice steady but restrained. She doesn't offer more, knowing that if she speaks further, she might reveal too much of what transpires.

"What do you mean, 'gone'?" Cipher tilts his head, concern creeping into his voice. "Is she searching for something?"

"No," Ricka cuts in, saving Avidia from explaining. "She left us since we're near the village." He gestures upward, and Cipher follows his gaze. In the distance, half-concealed by the clouds, the towering branches of an ancient tree come into view.

"The Spirit World Tree," Cipher murmurs, awe and apprehension mixing in his tone. The legendary tree stands like a sentinel over the land, the air, even though they are far, pulses with energy.

"Oh." He stands up and fixes his clothes. A memory of Elga replays in his head, the same words, 'End me,' echoing in the depths of his mind. "Then I shall end you when I become stronger," he mutters to himself. "That's a promise."