The tree stood in the middle of the desolate land like an ancient pillar supporting the sky. Its trunk was so wide that even several cities placed side by side might not have been enough to cover its base, and its bark was dark brown mixed with faint traces of gray-black lines that looked almost like old scars carved by lightning.
Countless roots spread from its base and tore through the earth in every direction, some thicker than mountain ridges, some sinking deep into the sand, and some twisting upward like enormous sleeping dragons.
Strange mist coiled around the roots, and every now and then, faint green-black lights flickered within the cracks of the bark.
Max raised his head.
The top of the tree could not be seen.
