Continuation — inside the Great Tree

  We went deeper—down a spiral staircase that felt alive.

  Each step answered with the soft glow of runes beneath our feet.

  And then… the door opened.

  I froze.

  This was more than just a chamber.

  A vast hall carved inside a living tree—so immense it felt as if the forest itself had opened its heart.

  Hundreds of firefly-runes drifted slowly beneath the ceiling.

  Along the walls—carvings so vivid they seemed to breathe.

  The history of the forest.

  I saw:

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  — the first elves arriving here;

  — how they hid from humans;

  — trees falling in ancient wars;

  — new shoots rising again;

  — the Council gathering;

  — the birth of their small Forest Town…

  And then—I saw myself.

  Not an exact portrait, but… unmistakable.

  A boy with white hair, standing before children, pointing at a glowing rune.

  I let out a breath.

  — They added that themselves, — Reim said quietly. — I wanted to remove it. But they said, “He is part of our history.” And I couldn’t argue.

  — Then I told them to change the hair color from black to white. After all, I know how important your secret is to you, — Reim added.

  I didn’t answer.

  Warmth spread inside my chest, so strong I almost sat down right there on the floor.

  Reim tilted his head slightly and fixed me with his beastlike—but kind—gaze.

  — You’ve finally returned, Zen-senpai, — he said, as if he had been holding those words back for a year. — We waited for you for so long.

  He stepped forward, straightening his shoulders just a little.

  — If only you could see how much they’ve grown…

  You would be proud of them—just as the forest is proud.

  I heard a faint tremor in his voice.

  The General—feared by bandits, beasts, and even elder elves—was trembling with emotion.

  — I’ve sent word, — he continued. — Tomorrow, everyone will gather.

  The Council of Branches wants to hear you.

  You will… stay, won’t you?

  I nodded.

  — Of course. My winter break lasts a week.

  Reim seemed to exhale—loudly, with relief.

  — Good. Very good.