492 Lanya Climbs a Tree_1

This is a swamp deep in the jungle, a world filled with the stillness of death.

Dense trees encircle the wetland, with only faint sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting speckles of light and shadow.

In the corners of the puddles, groups of frogs of varied colors gather, while serpentine creatures silently roam the waters. Among the bushes flutter dots of red light, akin to some sort of flying insect.

And in the center of the swamp stands an unusually tall ancient tree, still and alone.

Around the ancient tree is an open space, with no other trees, just a patch of lapping water.

Thick, intertwined roots pile and coil on the ground, forming an entrance near the base of the trunk.

The inside of the hole is pitch black as if it plumbs the depths of infinity.

Suddenly, footsteps echo from within, and a large toad emerges from the hole.

Immediately following are a handsome man and then a young girl dressed as a wizard.