The wonder of the hidden world had barely sunk in when the ground trembled beneath heavy steps.
From the distance, something massive bounded toward them. At first, Tian's group thought it was one of the small rittles they had seen scampering playfully—but no. This was a beast of legend. A rittle, yes, but magnified to an impossible size, its fur thick like rolling hills of moss. And riding upon its back, seated with ease, was not a warrior, but a man draped in a brilliant blue woolen cloak.
Golden threads caught the light as he drew near, the cloak embroidered with intricate Egyptian-like patterns. He looked more scholar than soldier, his posture light, his gaze sharp.
When his eyes landed on Tian—and more specifically, on the glowing essence orb—the man's expression shifted instantly. Curiosity exploded across his face. He practically leapt from his mount, circling Tian with childlike energy. His hands fluttered in the air as he muttered in a tongue none of them could understand, his words spilling out in rapid bursts of excitement.
Tian and his team stood frozen, unsure whether to laugh, bow, or run. But the scholar's delight was undeniable; his curiosity was harmless, almost contagious.
At last, he rummaged through his cloak and produced several pendants. Each was delicate, beautifully crafted, their metal strange yet warm when pressed into the palm. One by one, he placed them around their necks.
The moment the pendants clasped shut, his voice changed.
"I hope you can understand me now," he said clearly, his words echoing inside their minds as if spoken in their native tongue.
Tian blinked in shock. Everyone understood him—every phrase, every tone. Magic.
The man bowed slightly, his grin wide. "I am Hisag," he introduced. "The Sixth Elder told me you were special guests." His eyes drifted again to the orb, gleaming knowingly. "I can see why."
He tapped the pendants. "These are enchanted. So you won't be left out of any conversations."
Turning, Hisag gestured to their guides. "This is Yavia, granddaughter of our Third Elder, and member of the Feral Squadron." The woman nodded with quiet dignity.He pointed to the spearman. "Glyph."And to the swordsman. "Muan."
Introductions complete, Hisag immediately unleashed a barrage of questions.
"Which clan are you from? Your clothing—so unusual! Who enchanted them? What sort of travel runes are stitched into the fabric? And that orb—why carry such a thing exposed?"
His words came like arrows, fast and relentless. Tian's team could barely keep up, exchanging bewildered glances as Hisag's curiosity swept them along.
Yavia finally stepped in, her tone firm yet respectful. "Enough, Hisag. Please. They need rest. Lodgings have been prepared for them in Mosscall. Escort them there. Once they are settled, our elder will call for them."
With that, Yavia, Glyph, and Muan departed, their figures disappearing along another branch.
Left in Hisag's care, the group was swept into his endless chatter. He spoke as they walked—about his studies, about the long history of Mosscall, about the strange balance of this upside-down world. His excitement never dimmed, even as their journey stretched nearly thirty minutes across a vast branch that felt more like a living road.
At last, the town of Mosscall came into view, nestled among the leaves and branches like a jewel of wood and life.
Their new home was beyond imagination.
An immense wooden house, carved seamlessly from living growth, awaited them. Each member of the team was given a private room—a luxury none had dared hope for.
For the first time since the catastrophe, they removed their helmets. The suffocating suits fell away. They drew deep breaths of pure, clean air, their lungs almost rebelling at the freshness. Some laughed, others wept silently, their shoulders trembling.
It was more than shelter. It was life, comfort, humanity returning after endless days of survival in the dark.
That night, they slept in real beds, wrapped in warmth they thought they might never feel again.
For now, Mosscall was their sanctuary. And within its walls, hope—long-buried under fear and exhaustion—finally began to bloom again.