People used to call it the "White Castle," referring to the Elf King's palace.

It was built with a rare tree called the "Alabaster Tree," which had a pure white bark and was harder and stronger than most rocks.

It was truly an ingenious idea, constructing a palace with Alabaster trees, even the smallest branches of which held astronomical value.

World scholars of magic couldn't help but be amazed by such a concept, thinking it was something only elves would come up with.

The Alabaster trees had immense magical value, making it highly regrettable for efficiency-minded mages not to have access to them.

However, if those mages had ever set foot in the White Castle, they would understand why it was spoken of in such awe.

The spire-like White Castle rose sharply, reminiscent of a crystal, situated at the highest point in the three realms.

When gazing at the sky at night, it gave the illusion of being a magnificent star rather than a White Castle.

On the day of the Heavenly Spirit Tree's Ascension, the Elf King would emerge from the White Castle and traverse the entire Skyflower Haven, riding down the Heavenly Spirit Tree's stem in a spiral formation until reaching the Eternal Waterfall, and then returning to the White Castle.

The Elf King's journey through the Skyflower Haven could be easily observed by elves and other beings.

Although it was called a "journey," it simply involved ascending and descending the stem of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, which was located right in the middle of the city. This allowed people to witness the journey from any location within the Skyflower Haven.

"Long time no see..."

Emerging from the White Castle, Elf King Florin carefully raised his head, ensuring his mask remained in place.

"The King has revealed himself!"

Following someone's exclamation, an overwhelming gaze that seemed capable of piercing through the tightly wrapped dress could be felt.

Many fairies, humans, dwarves, elves, spirits, and other races had gathered in the Skyflower Realm to witness the birth of the World Tree.

There were more individuals present than usual. It was almost suffocating, but he managed to endure it.

Because he was the King. Because it was his duty.

Step by step, as he walked toward the stem, flowers bloomed in his footsteps. They were daffodils, as if announcing the arrival of spring. With each step he took, different flowers bloomed, and they watched his every move, remaining fresh and vibrant.

Today was the day when the king conveys the will of the fairies to the Heavenly Spirit Tree on their behalf.

Whoooosh...

The wind blew.

Suddenly, people realized that a shadow loomed over the entire space and they raised their heads.

"What is this...!"

"Ugh..."

Golden branches enveloped the sky, as if embracing it. It was the reaction of the Heavenly Spirit Tree to the voice of the Elven King.

Florin did nothing.

He simply walked along the trunk of the Heavenly Spirit Tree, descending in a spiral.

That was enough.

Just by walking along the Heavenly Spirit Tree, the will of all the elves, fairies, spirits, and druids could be conveyed to the Heavenly Spirit Tree through the Elven King.

As Florin slowly started to walk, it felt as if someone plucked a star from the sky, and the sun was clutched in their hand, shattering into a brilliant display of iridescent colors as they fell into the world.

The elves knelt and prayed upon witnessing this spectacle, hoping that their own wishes would reach the World Tree.

The other races, apart from the fairies, could do nothing but watch.

Enchanted by Florin’s movements which appeared as if he was gracefully walking on clouds, even their breath was held in awe.

Sometimes, intelligent beings with language boasted about themselves.

They believed that they could describe and express anything in their own language.

However, their arrogance crumbles and shatters when they encounter extraordinary beauty and wonder that goes beyond their imagination. They keenly feel the inadequacy of their own language.

Perhaps everyone present there felt the same way.

Boom! Thud!

As the iridescent blossoms bloom throughout the Heavenly Spirit Tree, changes begin to unfold in the entire city of Skyflower Haven.

It started with tiny buildings hanging like fruits from the branches, and flowers bloomed in all directions.

Far away, an amusement park sprouts in the garden, tall towers were erected, bridges were built, and roofs were adorned.

According to the whims of the elves, the Heavenly Spirit Tree nurtured its territory.

Florin walked down for a long time and finally reached the Eternal Waterfall, located at the very bottom. If she had come this far, she had already completed half of her journey.

The rest was simply retracing the path she originally took.

With that thought in mind, she crossed the bridge connecting to the Eternal Waterfall and gracefully stepped on the upward spiraling trunk.

… Oops!

Somewhere, a sinister energy was detected.

Without a doubt, it emanated dark magic. Florin turned her head slightly to look at the elite elven warriors accompanying her for protection.

They possessed excellent magical abilities, but unfortunately, they seemed unable to detect this dark magic.

Perhaps... she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, thinking that she might be the only one in this place who could sense this dark magic.

During the Heavenly Spirit Tree's Ascension Day, the Elven King must not utter a word.

At that very moment, the Elven King had to be the bridge that connected the Heavenly Spirit Tree and its people. If he were to intervene and express his intentions, everything would fall apart.

However...

Yet, it was not acceptable to simply let the intruder, the dark mage, invade the Skyflower Haven. If it were a powerful and treacherous dark mage, the other elven warriors would have noticed long ago, but this dark magic was mysteriously discreet, and no one had detected it.

"... An extraordinary dark mage has infiltrated."

Someone had to be informed of this fact. But how?

… At least until the end of the Heavenly Spirit Tree's Ascension Day, it was impossible.

That left only one option. After Ascension Day, she had to go there herself.