Harry Potter: Archmage of Another World

Time slowly passed, and the sky grew dim. The faint red sunlight cast its final glow as golden-red clouds floated silently in the sky. Hermione leaned against an ancient, grand tree, quietly gazing up at the drifting clouds.

"Hermione, we've been out here for almost three hours. Loki said we had to return to the starting point before nightfall. Are we really going to keep waiting?" Harry asked, lying casually on the grass, a cool grass root held loosely between his lips.

"This place is far too unfamiliar to us. In situations where we lack any intelligence, even the smallest piece of useful information is worth taking a risk for. Besides, the only cost the tree required from us is our time. Trading time for potentially valuable information is, in my opinion, a very worthwhile exchange," Hermione replied calmly, not turning to face him.

Harry nodded and looked through the colorful tree leaves toward the half-sunken, crimson-red sun. Twirling the grass root in his mouth, he spoke casually, "In our current state, knowing something about this place would certainly be helpful. It's better than wandering around blindly. But don't you worry at all that this seemingly friendly treant might have bad intentions? Its condition—that we can only meet after dark—feels like a trap."

Hermione's brow furrowed slightly, the sunlight reflecting off her serene face like snow. "If my deduction is correct, it doesn't make much of a difference to us. Didn't you notice? From the moment I suggested burning down the forest to the treant's appearance, it took less than two seconds. If it truly had the confidence or power to threaten us, there would only be two responses to my words. First, it would remain hidden and observe us silently. Second, it would confront us directly and eliminate us. Both outcomes are proof of a strong being's confidence and strength. Clearly, all schemes arise only when power is insufficient. Since it lacks the confidence to confront us openly, setting traps would be redundant."

Harry shrugged and sighed, "Whatever you say."

Hermione smiled faintly, a trace of warmth flashing in her eyes.

The sky grew dark, and stars began to twinkle. One by one, the countless stars appeared in the night sky, like icy blue gems adorning a pure black gown.

"Where is this treant? I feel like it's been playing us all along," Ron muttered irritably, kicking at the ground and stomping on a few leaves.

"Just wait a little longer. We've already waited this long," Harry advised, though he, too, felt uneasy. After all, they were in a dense forest at nightfall, and time was running out for them to regroup with the team. Waiting here in uncertainty was hardly reassuring.

Hermione remained seated quietly under the tree, lost in deep meditation. To her, every moment spent enhancing her control of elemental forces was invaluable.

"My honored guests, I apologize for keeping you waiting." A deep, warm voice echoed through the forest. The trees shook gently as a large, ancient tree suddenly appeared beside them, its lush branches stretching wide. The elder face reemerged from the tree trunk.

Hermione rose from her meditative state and stood up to face the treant. "Greetings, honored treant."

"You may call me Kessus, young lady," the treant replied kindly with a slight nod.

"Very well, Mr. Kessus. We kept our agreement and waited until now. But before you share this so-called information, my companions and I are quite curious—why does this meeting have to take place after dark?" Hermione asked calmly. Ron muttered to himself, "Curious? More like only you are."

"The reason is actually part of the information I intend to share," Kessus said straightforwardly. "But since you're particularly interested, I'll explain. After nightfall, the constraints on this space weaken significantly. Whether it's the surveillance system or its actual restricting forces, they drop to their lowest levels. At this time, the likelihood of our conversation being overheard or monitored is minimal. For us treefolk, this is a risk worth taking."

Hermione pondered silently for a moment before replying, "If I understand you correctly, you're saying that you are being enslaved or restricted by some other, more powerful force?"

"Indeed," Kessus sighed. "I'm aware there are other humans in this valley besides you three. Are they your companions?"

Ron, who clearly disliked the treant, snapped, "Why are you asking us this? You're supposed to be telling us information. What does it matter to you?"

Kessus ignored Ron and looked only at Hermione.

Being dismissed so blatantly, Ron's face darkened with anger. "Didn't you hear me?" he shouted.

Kessus remained patient, still focusing his gaze on Hermione.

"You—!" Ron's eyes blazed with fury, and he seemed ready to draw his wand.

"Calm down, Ron," Harry said, walking over to him and speaking softly. "What the treant said just now is actually useful. Clearly, this place isn't as simple as it looks. For the sake of learning more, let's hear it out."

Hermione waited a moment and then answered Kessus. "If you mean others in the valley around our age, yes, they are our companions."

"As I suspected. That is very good news," Kessus replied with a relieved smile.

After hesitating briefly, the treant seemed to make a decision. "Honored human guests, most of what you see here is not real."

"Not real?" Harry exclaimed in shock.

"Indeed," Kessus nodded kindly. "This place, a hundred years ago, was a natural valley. Over time, the plants here absorbed the power of the elements, and many began to develop sentience. My treefolk migrated here afterward. For us, finding an untouched and secluded sanctuary is extremely rare. Moreover, the valley's unique terrain allows it to gather the essence of the sun and moon, which is highly beneficial to our growth."

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