Silvy let out a deep sigh of relief as she gazed at the still-standing world tree. Its leaves trembled faintly in the wind, golden light pulsing gently from its bark.
"It survived. It's a good thing the tree is still alive. If we take care of it now, we can make sure it heals. It can still protect our people."
She said, voice shaky but hopeful.
Kyle, however, didn't share her relief. His eyes remained on the towering trunk, sharp and unreadable.
"No. It didn't survive without a cost."
He said after a long pause.
Silvy turned to him, confused.
"But the tree's still standing…"
Kyle shook his head.
"It's standing, but it's hollow. It burned through its core to defend itself. I saw it during the clash—its power is gone. What's left is just a shell, trying to look strong. Any elf born under its protection from now on…"
He glanced at Silvy.
"They'll be unable to use mana. The connection has been severed."
