"Good. It is good that you are clear of the situation." The Speaking Ink Tree's green orbs flashed with approval.
'Of course. It was worried for nothing. If the kid could not even overcome such a small hurdle, how could he possibly stir great storms in the future?' With such thoughts, the ancient tree relaxed.
"But how do I enter the Academy? I have only ever heard of its existence in the realm, and have no idea how to find it or enter it." Crown Prince Lail's brows were furrowed in thought as he wondered how he was going to find an invisible academy and enter.
"The Amayan Mistland Academy usually accepts yearly enrollment, but the selection for this year has already passed. Look for an aquiline round plaque under the largest root of my trunk. It will allow you to enter the Academy without going through the selection.
However, the plaque will only provide you with the exception to enter the Academy ahead of time, the rest will depend on you and your ability. The portal to the Amayan Mistland Academy dimension is within the wandering mists. But you will need to enter it by tonight because the mists will shift their location tomorrow.
Your spiritual weapon will be able to detect the dimensional rift and lead you to it. Alright then, you can run along now. " After saying all it needed to say, the Speaking Ink Tree immediately dismissed the Crown Prince.
Waving its black branches in a shooing manner, it unceremoniously closed its eyes to continue its long slumber.
Crown Prince Lail was not offended by the ancient tree's dismissive attitude.
On the contrary, he felt grateful to the Speaking Ink Tree. Even though it had no obligation to do so, it had helped him locate his wife's whereabouts and gave him advice when he felt lost.
And even when it was dismissing him, it still provided him with a way to get admitted into the Academy outside the selection period.
"Speaking Ink Tree, thank you for helping me. I know you did it on behalf of my ancestor, but I still want to express my heartfelt gratitude. If there comes a time in the future where you need my assistance, then please do not hesitate in seeking me out." He earnestly said with a serious expression.
However, the Speaking Ink Tree did not give any response.
Whether it acknowledged the Crown Prince's promise or not, Crown Prince Lail did not know. But since he said everything that he wanted to say, he did not see any point in sticking around.
Clasping his fists together, he slightly nodded his head in respect to the Speaking Ink Tree before searching for the aquiline plaque under its large root.
The plaque was not deeply hidden, easily being found under the hairs of the root by him after two searches. Bright aqua with flashes of mystical light, the round plaque was about the size of a palm, faintly emitting warm currents of energy.
Seeing that it was easily carriable under his wide black sleeves, he immediately kept it there.
After giving one last glance to the silent ancient tree, Crown Prince Lail turned on his heels, leaving the black forest.
The Speaking Ink Tree slightly opened its squinted eyes as it watched the Crown Prince's receding back. Flashes of gold flickered within the sea of green, as a pensive look appeared within their depths.
It could distinctly feel that this would not be their last meeting.
Sighing, it closed its eyes again, this time slumbering for good.
Crown Prince Lail exited the black forest on his recovered Myif to find the Old Oracle sitting cross-legged on the black sand, his cane in his hand.
He directed his ride to the ground, jumping off the Myif before it landed.
The Old Oracle immediately got to his feet the moment he saw the black Myif. He anxiously approached the Crown Prince, his sight roaming over his figure for any serious injuries.
When he had directed Crown Prince Lail to the Speaking Ink Tree, he had never anticipated that the Crown Prince of the Great Amayan Empire would risk his own life without hesitation.
And all that, just to fulfill the request of the ancient tree so he could find out his wife's location.
As the one to lead him here, he felt that if anything were to happen to the Crown Prince, then it would be all on him.
Not finding any wounds, let allow serious ones, the Old Oracle was relieved. But at the same time, he could not help feeling perplexed.
'Was the Crown Prince not able to enter the Heart of Mistland?' He secretly wondered in confusion.
"Crown Prince, are you alright?" The Old Oracle asked the obvious as he wanted to hear the answer from the involved individual himself.
"I am fine, Oracle. But I will not be returning with you back to the empire. I hope you will be able to return safely." The Crown Prince was also grateful to the Old Oracle for guiding him towards the Speaking Ink Tree.
Because of the two's selfless aid, he was able to get so far ahead in the search for his wife.
As such, he felt bad about sending him back alone.
The Amaya realm was relatively safer to travel around in comparison to most of the other realms due to the establishment of governing laws in each region of the land and yearly inspection of the court ministers.
But, no matter how perfectly a task was completed, there was never a full guarantee that an incident would not occur.
However, he had to find the dimensional rift in the wandering mists by tonight to successfully enroll in the Academy.
"Haha, do not be overly worried about me. I have been traveling in the Amayan lands for more years than I can count, to the point that now every terrain and region is as familiar as the back of my hand. But seeing your relaxed expression, I presume that you were able to complete the Speaking Ink Tree's request?" The Old Oracle's eyes glowed with curiosity.
He was amazed at the fact that the Crown Prince was able to enter the Heart of Mistland and come out unscathed.