At the same time that the dramatic events were unfolding at the World Tree...

The Black Magic Sect Leader, Hoiryeon, was observing the World Tree from a distant cliff.

“This is my first time seeing the World Tree…”

The boy spoke with a melancholic expression. Was he somber because of the World Tree’s imposing presence, or because of the countless Black Mages who had died so far?

Clad in an oversized black robe and wearing a mask resembling a respirator, Hoiryeon was an undeniably conspicuous figure. However, there wasn’t a soul nearby.

This was due to the "unperceivable field" he …