Kael began following the paths that the Earth itself revealed.
They weren't maps.
They were feelings.
He stepped on soil and sensed warmth in certain directions, cold in others.
Colors shimmered within the veins of stone.
And with every step, he heard whispers — ancient voices, not human.
---
In the forest north of the old region of Germania, he found the first organic portal.
It wasn't a machine.
It was a colossal tree.
So ancient that no number of rings could mark its age.
On its bark were symbols reminiscent of those of the Pedra.
But they were natural, curved, almost breathing.
Kael touched the tree.
It responded.
---
He was pulled into a vision:
Thousands of years ago, other immortals — like him — used this place to travel.
But not through technology.
They used the Earth's own pulse.
With rituals.
With soul.
A time before LIGA.
Before the Pedra.
Before History.
---
When he returned to consciousness, Kael noticed one detail:
A face was carved into the tree.
It was his.