With the Tree Guardian defeated, the vines released their hold on the four party members. They ran toward Arthos to rejoin him.
"What the hell was that? Where did you learn to do that?" Kristan asked in shock.
"I…I don't know…I just felt it. I can't explain it…it's just something that I felt like instinct." Arthos replied unsure himself how he managed to perform that devasting attack.
"Well…whatever that was…that was awesome!" Wain said with excitement.
"Excellent work. That was a splendid battle. We are pleased," said an unknown voice.
"Who's there?" Arthos asked.
Percy looked around straining his trained senses looking for someone hiding behind stealth or camouflage.
"Over here. Come closer," the voice said.
The group walked cautiously closer to the giant tree. As they approached, the party was amazed to see the tree morphing slowly until a face appeared on the tree.
The tree said in a baritone voice, "we have waited a long time for you."
"We? I only see one tree…who are you?" Arthos asked curiously at the talking tree.
"Yes, we. For now, it's just me. The other one here will speak when the time is right. Unfortunately, we don't have much time…we created a blind spot where the monitoring system can't see us which allows us to speak freely for a moment."
It continued, "we are not part of the system. We are not part of this "game." We are from before. One more recent, and the other from long before."
"I don't understand…from before? What do you mean? Did you create the Verdant Wall to keep players out?" Arthos asked as he struggled to understand what exactly the talking tree was trying to explain.
"The wall was not to keep players out. It was to allow entrance to only you." The tree replied.
"Why me? Does this have something to do with my broken job promotion? Is my account or my avatar broken?" Arthos asked.
"No. Not broken. Unique. It is as it should be. The three castes have always been that way since the beginning millions of years ago. Soldiers and Priest castes change. They "promote" as you say. The third caste, Royals do not. They have no need."
"Three castes? Royals? I'm afraid I don't understand." Arthos said as his voice grew more desperate for answers.
The tree continued, "I know you have many questions. Time is short, and we can't explain everything right now. You found something, something from the human world did you not?"
"Yes, a ring. A wedding ring." Wain replied.
"Good…follow the ring's trail and you will find answers. We will speak again another time." The tree said as it suddenly shrank size appearing as a normal tree in the garden.
!ALERT!
[Dungeon cleared – bonus rewards include:
1 Verdant Armor (S-rank armor). Armor blessed by the First King, increases physical defense and magic resistance by 100%. Armor regenerates from damage.
50,000,000 Nancoins]
The party remained silent…partially due to the shock from clearing the 'Unbeatable B', partially because of the talking tree and its cryptic message, and partially because of Arthos…who was he? Why did the tree talk to him? Why did the Verdant Wall open to him? One thing was painfully clear…Arthos was no ordinary hero.
Arthos turned to face his family…his face pale and somber.
"What was that? Was I dreaming? Did you see that? Tell me that was a dream." He said softly.
"That really happened…I don't know what to say…everything the tree said…all of it…its all new to me. I have read every forum post, every guide and watched every video…and I have nothing. I have no clue what any of that is about..." Wain said in disbelief.
"Based on what the tree said…I think there is more happening here than NAVA lets onto." Kristan said.
"We have bigger problems. Take a look over there...the wall is collapsing! The Verdant Wall is disappearing! This place will be swarming with players. Unless we want all the attention, I suggest we move." Percy said snapping the party back to reality.
The party dashed through the forest frantically making their way back to Avalor. As they reached the entrance of the dungeon, they could hear loud thundering sounds from every direction as giant tree-towers crumbled causing a cascade of earthquakes and tremors.
After they exited the dungeon, they turned around and watched in horror as they witnessed the Verdant Wall crumbling like a house of playing cards.