Hidden in the depths of the earth, an immense expanse of land lay beneath the domain of the living.
However, something disturbed this gloomy picture. In one of the corners of this dark kingdom, a small lantern burning with a strange white flame illuminated the surroundings, chasing away the darkness and giving life to the shadows.
A man was sitting right next to the lantern.
"Not even the sun can penetrate it, the land abandoned by the gods lives up to its name". exclaimed the strange individual, relatively tall and slim with dark grey skin.
He wore black trousers held up by a white rope belt, a white hooded cloak attached to a strange gold pendant on the front and a black wooden mask covering his entire face.
The lower part of his mask can apparently be removed to reveal his abnormally sharp canines. He has a strange horn in the centre of his forehead that protrudes from his mask.
He is armed with three arms. He once seemed to have another, but no longer.
Under his hood are what appear to be black markings on half his abdomen. He has short, spiky dark red hair that sticks up in all directions with two long strands on either side of his face.
"Silas, you must find the Tree of Souls quickly if you are to save the Queen."
"I know, Michael."
He dipped one of his hands under his cloak and withdrew the strange talking head hanging from his belt.
His face was small, perfectly formed and handsome, with high cheekbones and flawless ivory skin. His green eyes were nothing short of electric, his lips were soft and full and with sumptuous blonde hair.
"Where can I find this cursed tree in this ocean of darkness?
"The Tree of Souls and an ancient angel transformed by corruption. According to the Ophelia oracle, this tree rose into the sky like a tower, its branches wide enough to cover an entire city. Its bark was as black as the waters of the Black Sea, while its leaves were as glittering as gold."
"With that appearance, it's impossible to miss it then..."
"Indeed, we just need to venture deeper into these dark lands."
The individual named Silas reluctantly rose to his feet, putting his talking head away.
"Come on, Tyki, light my way."
"Chi chichi!"
A strange ball appeared instantly in front of him, slowly chasing away the darkness with its whitish glow.
The lantern revealed itself to be is a small golden creature, shaped like a ball, with four feathered wings and a long tail that ends in a swirl. It has a cross for a face and above it are two small horns. A small white flame shines between its two horns.
"Let's go!"
"Chi chichi!"
***
After an hour's walk through this thick layer of darkness, our trio of adventurers have arrived at what appears to be the first natural biome.
"Whoow!" Silas exclaimed at the beauty of it all.
A forest of towering black stone, adorned with magnificent cascades of azure water, where damp breath escaped from between the cracked rocks and ancient trees through the underground stone mountains.
"The legendary stone forest of Huaguang..."
"Do you know this place, Mika?
"It's mentioned in Sid's legend: these black stone spires rise from the clouds like great pavilions. Although this place is forbidden to mortals, such a magnificent sight is bound to attract the eyes of those who aspire to heaven."
"Are these really pillars of natural rock?"
"I don't know, and I'd advise you not to linger too long here. Even the hero Sid, who has attained the rank of saint among humans, describes it as a zone of high danger, and you're still just a shrimp compared to him.
"Pff, killjoy."
"Chi chichi!"
"Arghhhh you too damned familiar!"
Without wasting another second, Silas set off again.
***
Chance led Silas's wandering footsteps through the immense stone forest.