?


    Before all spaces merged into one under the influence of the World of Darkness, each powerful race had its own world. For the most part, only the Pirs had their own world, the exceptions to this rule being Dragons, Arkans, and of course Humans.


    The nts, as members of the Pirs, had their own world that very rarely had visitors. Unlike the Axalts or Ashens, who were always in conflict with someone and wanted to fight someone all the time, the nts were a very peaceful race.


    They were somewhat simr to the Inerians in that their world was closed and everything inside was subject to their own rules. They only came into contact with other spaces on exceptional asions.


    "We need to go there, right?" Osvald asked uncertainly, pointing to a massive fortress that looked like it was alive.


    It was more of a nt than some kind of castle, as it had flowers, vines, and branches growing on it that changed their location from time to time. The most powerful smell came from it, and the pollen from the castle spread all over the world.


    "Yeah... That''s where the Progenitor of nts must be waiting for us." Sven said calmly with a slight nod.


    "Well... I hope no one attacks us... It didn''t work out so wellst time..." Osvald muttered, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment.


    "No need to worry about that, it was just a simple misunderstanding that time. No one just didn''t warn us about our visit, it''ll be different now." Sven waved his hand, "Moreover, no one was hurt that day, so calm down."


    Osvald nodded. He loved to fight and was willing to engage anyone, but only if his opponent had the same desire. However, nts were not the type who liked to fight, they were true pacifists who simply preferred to absorb energy and increase their skill at controlling it.


    "Hah, their guards were actually serious. When nts take up arms, it looks threatening. Anyway, it''s time to go." Sven said calmly as he headed forward, toward the end of the branch.


    "Sven... I can create a stream of fire to get us there faster." Marlis suggested as they had vast distances to cover, practically halfway around the world.


    "No... That won''t be necessary..." Sven waved his hand, "Fire will hurt all these beautiful flowers, after all, we are guests here, so we must be respectful."


    "Hah, since when did you be so courteous?" Osvald smirked as he crossed his arms over his chest.


    Sven remained silent, staring intently at the castle until he said, "I just have a bad feeling about this. x said the mission should be easy, and I have no reason not to trust him..."


    "Hmm? Then what''s the problem?" Marlis tilted her head in confusion.


    "Well, I think everyone knows that the calmest and kindest-looking people, in fact, turn out to be quite different on the inside. Whatever,e on, we''ve wasted too much time as it is." Sven waved and jumped off the branch.


    Marlis and Osvald looked at each other, shrugged, and followed him. Beneath the great trees were practically imprable trails that only nts could navigate, so Sven created ayer of energy underneath him on which Marlis and Osvaldnded.<novelsnext></novelsnext>


    They moved forward, while Sven released some energy with each step to support them from above.


    "Damn... I''ve been to nt Cities several times, and they''re always so carefully hidden under other nts... How can you even understand anything here?" Osvald muttered, scratching his cheek and looking around.


    In the distance, on a hill was a small town that was actually dozens of timesrger, but they could only see a few tree towers. This was the situation almost everywhere in nts World.


    Marlis, with her tenacious gaze like a scientist, regarded the various rare nts, while Sven''s gaze was directed to only one point.


    ''nt World...?'' Wain said in confusion, ''As far as I know they had absolutely no part in the war... Then, in that case, what is Sven doing here? Did the nts take sides?''


    Step. Step. Step.


    Slowly, Sven reached the castle as he stepped onto the stone path with Marlis and Osvald following behind him. Until then, they had beenpletely rxed, but as soon as they entered the castle grounds they became wary as they felt the stares on them.


    A multitude of nts with rough woody skin walked around, watching them. Their main purpose was to protect their leader, so they could not allow their guests to start a disaster.


    They reached the massive gate as a man with a long spear in his hand approached them. He looked at them coldly and bowed slightly.


    "Sven Hellem, Marlis, and Osvald, I am pleased to greet you. My name is Arden, and I am a royal guardian. Please follow me, everything will be exined to you from here." Arden said calmly as he raised his hand slightly, giving the sign.


    Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.


    The gateway shed a bright blue light, slowly opening. Arden waited until the gate stopped, then stepped forward. Sven stepped forward immediately, he had no reason to argue with Arden.


    ''Hmmm... Progenitor of nts... By the way... Come to think of it, I haven''t heard anything about it at all during the war... Will Sven decide to attack even those who weren''t going to take part in the war?'' Wain muttered, holding his chin with a thoughtful expression.


    Slowly, following Arden, Sven, and the others came into the throne room. Twenty guards stood at the walls with menacing nces, each one exuding a powerful aura. Most of them were on the Demigod Stage, but three of them, like Arden, were on the God Stage.


    In the center, there was a wood throne on which sat a woman of extraordinary beauty. She may have had the softest skin in the world, and her wise green eyes instantly evoked admiration for her.


    "Polosa, Progenitor of nts, Flower of Life..." Sven muttered and bowed slightly, "I am pleased to meet you."