Nidhogg continued advancing through the monumental branches of the Central Kingdom while Kael remained motionless on his scales, absorbing the impossible vastness of that place. The more he observed his surroundings, the more he felt his mind was incapable of fully comprehending what he saw. Entire forests grew on branches that stretched for distances greater than human kingdoms. Rivers of mana flowed through the living wood like luminous arteries, pulsing in slow, steady rhythms. Space itself seemed to breathe.
For several minutes, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't unpleasant.
It was almost reverent.
As if any excessive noise seemed inappropriate in that place.
Then Nidhogg broke the silence.
"For now, she hasn't noticed yet."
Kael raised his head slightly.
"What?"
"That we are here."
The answer made Kael frown immediately.
