Chapter 3

Arthur noticed a small tree in the distance. This place where molten rocks and blood flowed instead of water where the land was as dry as the sun it felt strange that a tree could appear. But because of his curiosity, he approached it.

"Strange why don't the knights and demons seem to notice that tree"

As he approached it he saw a single fruit.

It didn't look like an apple or a pear but the more he got close the more appetizing it looked. Without a second thought because of his primal instinct taking over he pluck the fruit and devour it whole.

Just as he devour it a sudden gust of energy suddenly awaken inside of him. He noticed various parts of his body suddenly began to swell. His stomach started to feel like the void that wanted to devour anything.

Then he started to lose consciousness then everything went dark.

Soundless footsteps resounded through the desolate land. Thousands upon thousands of knights marched toward a majestic tree that defied the barren surroundings. This magnificent tree reached toward the clouds.

"Ha? What's happening who are those? They look nothing like the knights from before"

Arthur was again puzzled he was just in a hellish place now he was on a gigantic tree.

The knights wore full-body armour that seemed to blend seamlessly with their bodies, they took their footsteps as though each one marked their last. Their armour was covered in black goo and other pigments there were even those who were covered in gold goo, their face carved with various symbols. They held different weapons each unique with strange symbols similar to their face, they moved as if the blades were extensions of their bodies.

The terrifying army moved in a precise formation, creating a strange symbol encircling the ancient tree. Seven distinct knights stood at the largest roots of the tree, their presence felt suffocating, dominating, and a hint of sorrow. The other knights continued to shift into intricate formations.

Arthur notices that none seem to notice him.

He just sat there contemplating what was happening.

As the knights came to a halt, three maidens stepped forward. Each held a different item - the first maiden held what appeared to be an eye, the second embraced a heart, and the last carried a brain.

Then, a figure in the shadow emerged. He spoke, his voice echoing through the silence.

"Seven of the strongest knights…"

The roots of the ancient tree began to encircle the seven knights, sharp tendrils drawing closer to their hearts and heads.

"6 of the strongest legion…"

The ground shook as if the very earth had opened its mouth. Many knights were cast to the ground But non-resist.

Arthur terrified on what was happening millions of knights had just killed in front of him.

"The eye of the watcher,

the brain of the inventor,

the heart of the executioner…"

Each maiden approached the tree's massive trunk, placing their respective items near its deformed surface. As the tree absorbed the first knight, it gained the ability to speak yet it didn't speak.

It continued to consume the knights, and with each one, the process became faster. it then incorporated the second item, a pair of massive, all-seeing eyes that emerged from the bark.

The tree swallowed the fifth knight, and a strange energy flowed through its roots as if it were awakening from a long slumber. His roots became faster

The sixth knight was devoured, but no visible change occurred. the final knight was absorbed.

The tree remained still, its towering form seeming to absorb the essence of the seven knights, a peculiar stillness descending upon the scene.

Blood of various colours then seeped from its roots, remnants of the once-mighty legion crushed into the earth. Then, as an unsettling silence fell, a small fruit emerged from the tree's bark. The tree's eyes began to close, its gaze now hidden

The ancient tree, having lost the life it had absorbed, began to wither and fade, its once-vibrant leaf turning brittle and grey. Finally, the mysterious figure stands before the now-dried tree. He gazed upon it, it was the fruit of their sacrifice He laughed as now he was the only one left.

He opens his mouth once more. He then silently whispers….

"The body of Aldreach of time…"

It opens its mouth, it has hands for its tongue and teeth. As if it knew what was happening the fruit pulled him gently pulling the dark figure to its abyssal-like mouth.

Just before being devoured he whispered once more.his lips curving in an unsettling manner, after uttering the phrase.

"The divine allowed it...hHaHahHaHahaha"

As he looks at Arthur direction.

It was a laugh that sent shivers down the spines of anyone who heard it, a strange and chilling sound.His laughter was not joyful laughter but rather the kind that left you wondering if he found entertainment in the suffering of others.