Chapter 642: Haunting the Present

The light of the dawn cast long shadows across the valley as Elara and her companions gathered around the Great Tree. The battle had taken its toll, but the sight of the ancient tree standing tall and vibrant renewed their spirits. The air around them was filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the faint hum of energy emanating from the tree, a testament to the life force that pulsed through it.

As they caught their breath, Thorne broke the silence. "We should search the area, make sure there aren't any more surprises waiting for us." His voice was gruff, but there was a note of concern underlying his words.

Kirin nodded in agreement. "I'll scout the perimeter with Selene. Elias, you and Morgana check the tree. See if there's anything we missed." He looked to Elara, his expression softening. "You should rest. You've done more than enough."

Elara shook her head. "I'm fine. We need to understand what happened here, and why that figure was guarding the tree."