The World Tree grew to a radius of nearly ten meters, then stopped its growth. Its expansive canopy stretched out in all directions and then became still, as if it had stood for hundreds of years. Layers of lush green leaves covered the tree and merged with the surrounding forest forming a tranquil whole. Sunlight descended through the branches in golden streaks like swords. Brand looked up, seeing the clear green veins on each leaf, like a web of jade-colored blood vessels spreading across the entire canopy.

An ancient tree silently occupied the center of the ancient and mysterious Magic Array—

Romantic was utterly astonished, Miss Merchant's mouth gaped open in surprise, emitting a short "Ah—." Behind her, Qian couldn't help but widen her amber eyes, though since following Brand, she's encountered many bizarre events, and this strong-willed ponytail girl has somewhat developed a steadiness. Therefore, her eyes showed only a bit of astonishment.

Even Medisha, once the youngest Princess of the Silver Elf, managed better, at least maintaining the Silver People's composure, though her eyes sparkled faintly.

Only the older sister of the Wild Elf, Miss Fuluo, remained with her perpetual poker face. Rather than personality, it might be more accurate to say she is inherently part of the Travel Mage's rules — unlike Medisha who later became a "Knight," her experience was much richer. Having witnessed even more incredible events, even seeing a genuine World Tree sprouting before her didn't seem so shocking.

"Brand, was it a seed you planted just now!?" The first to speak was Little Roman, Miss Merchant's expression was more curious excitement than confusion, perhaps thinking Brand had done something remarkable again: "How did a tree grow, and grow so fast! Am I dreaming, Brand, pinch me quickly!"

Brand shot her a look and returned to his senses. The Merchant Lady's way of thinking is something normal people can never understand; just like when Buqi first encountered Madara's Undead, her expression of fear was — "Brand, will they eat us?", and her expression of curiosity often was — "Ah, amazing, Brand!" 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Is this the World Tree?" Medisha turned back to ask, the Elf Princess's silver eyes sparkled with a certain rationality, not drawing an immediate conclusion: "Lord?"

"No, rather than..." Brand looked up at this tree that could be called 'giant,' and shook his head.

This tree is more accurately described not as a World Tree, but as 'a town sheltered under a huge canopy.' In some ways, it indeed resembles Valhalla's World Tree, with its similarly vast canopy and intertwining roots, like a miniature model. Yet, at its top, it spreads outward to form a giant platform visible even from underfoot.

Calling it a platform, or perhaps more accurately a plaza under the shade.

The brown trunk forms towering walls, protecting the plaza above the walls, with slender branches grown into intertwined railings or handrails, appearing like ramparts or crenellations from a standard military view.

In short, this tree grew into a small natural fortress—

"It seems like a castle, it's so beautiful..." Qian gazed at the tree or rather, this small castle, with a bit of wonder. It's like the enchanted forest castle described in fairy tales where slumbering princesses reside, with a dreamy verdant hue. Even though the red-haired girl has long been like the daughter of a mountain people with her hair bundled and ready with a long spear for battle, she occasionally reminisces about the days of yearning for storybook tales.

After all, she prefers the idea of being an ordinary girl with the privilege to dream. Of course, if Lord is willing to gift her such a castle… Ah, for a moment, Qian couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

Romantic had already started circling the tree, clearly wanting to climb it. Soon, this adorable little girl discovered a treasure: "There's a ladder over here, Brand!"