Chapter 81

Bahamut, having transformed into a human form, descended near the cave, his eyes fixing upon the ancient and massive weirwood tree with a carved face adorning its trunk above the entrance. A moment of contemplative silence passed before Bahamut took purposeful steps toward the cave.

As he approached, Bahamut sensed the lingering presence of undead magic, though the skeletal wights emerging from the snow held little concern for him. Annoyed by their presence, he unleashed a burst of magic, creating a powerful air blast that swept across the surroundings. The force of the blast cleared away the snow, revealing hidden wights poised to launch a sneak attack. Those unfortunate enough to come close to Bahamut met their end as the air blast shattered their bones into fragments. The debris of broken bones scattered across the snowy terrain, marking the swift demise of the concealed fragile threat.

Satisfied with the results of his actions, Bahamut continued his stride, walking through the aftermath of the devastation he had wrought upon the lurking wights. As he approached the entrance of the cave, he sensed a barrier woven within its depths—a safeguard erected to prevent outsiders from wielding magic within its confines. Such defenses were anticipated, yet Bahamut proceeded without hesitation, stepping into the cave to encounter one of the few mythical creatures existing in the world of Planetos.

His journey led him through a complex cave system, the cavern walls adorned with roots and veiled in darkness. The ethereal glow of the weirwood's face carved into the trunk above permeated the cavern, casting an eerie light upon Bahamut's path. Deeper into the labyrinth of the cave, he ventured, with each step bringing him closer to the elusive Three-Eyed Raven and the guardianship of the Children of the Forest.

Approaching the depths of the cave, Bahamut's keen eyes discerned the presence of the Children of the Forest, positioned defensively around the body of the Three-Eyed Raven. A palpable hostility emanated from them as Bahamut drew nearer. The eerie glow of the weirwood's roots, deeply embedded within the cave, was visible, having merged seamlessly with the body of the Three-Eyed Raven. 

A subtle smile graced Bahamut's face as he surveyed the scene, curiosity sparking within him. The Blood Raven, in a state of struggle, directed his gaze toward Bahamut, acknowledging the inevitable intrusion into his sanctuary—a development he had anticipated sooner or later. Contrary to expectations, Bahamut harbored no intentions of causing harm to the last wielder of greenseer magic or the remaining Children of the Forest.

His purpose in venturing into this abode was to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Old Ones, beings seemingly threatened by his very presence. With measured steps, Bahamut approached the Blood Raven, who appeared resigned to the cessation of resistance, no longer expecting a future aligned with his visions—particularly the foreseen demise at the hands of the Night King. A new threat, embodied by Bahamut himself, had eclipsed the Night King's shadow.

Having closed the distance to engage in a conversation, Bahamut, mindful not to disturb the delicate presence of the Children of the Forest, addressed the Three-Eyed Raven with a smile, "Three-Eyed Raven, we meet again." In response, the Blood Raven, with a frail and aged voice, uttered, "Bahamut."

Maintaining his amiable demeanor, Bahamut continued, "You have my full attention, Three-Eyed Raven." However, his countenance shifted to one of seriousness, and he spoke with a resonant voice, "I need proper explanations. More importantly, I want to learn about the unknown Old Gods or whatever they may be." The Three-Eyed Raven, wearing a resigned expression, replied, "I can't."

This answer didn't satisfy Bahamut, and his eyes began to glow intensely. Persisting, he asked, "Why?" The Blood Raven explained, "The future has always been volatile, yet it once showed glimpses of truth about what might transpire. But now, with your existence, it has become nothing more than a lie. Neither the future nor the past can define what you are."