Martin led her back toward the central academy. The Light Tree dominated more of the sky with every path they crossed, its luminous canopy spreading above the surrounding buildings like a second night sky.
By the time they reached its base, the enormous trunk filled most of Alexandra's view before disappearing into the golden leaves far above them.
She glanced around. "Are we meeting someone?"
"No."
"Another hidden platform?"
"Higher."
Alexandra followed his gaze toward the branches.
Martin pointed up. "We're climbing."
She turned to him. "Players can't climb the Light Tree. It rejects anyone who tries."
"Most players."
"And we're different?"
"Rangar spoke to the higher-ups. They gave us permission to approach it, but the tree still has to accept us."
"That is much less reassuring."
"He said an old hunter route would reveal itself if it did. If nothing happens, we leave."
Alexandra looked up again. "So you brought me here without knowing whether this would work."
