The group stares in awe at the massive tree that just spoke to them. Luna raises a hand. "What are you exactly?"
The tree smiles. "I am simply known as the Wise One, my friend."
Luna is taken aback by that response. "They believe you killed that woman, but you're saying you're innocent? Why do they want you dead?"
The tree's smile turns more somber. "Ah, they have a mutated Venus flytrap. They spliced its DNA with a bit of Laughing Ooze and an Abyssal creature."
Sunny slowly turns to look at the researcher who brought them here, then turns back to the tree. "And what do you mean by 'answers they wish for'?"
The tree opens its mouth to speak, but before it can answer, the researcher quickly orders the guards to silence it. However, before they can act, Priscilla snaps her fingers, making the guards lower their weapons.
The tree smiles again. "They wish to know of the Other Place."
Priscilla raises an eyebrow. "Other Place?"
The tree nods. "Yes, the Other Place—the world that wishes to collide with this one."
The group falls silent. The researcher clenches his fists and punches the ground. "I'm fired..."
Sunny narrows her eyes. "Wait, wait, wait—describe this Other Place."
The tree remains silent for a few moments before speaking again. "Ah, the other plants tell me to tell you all, but only if the researcher leaves."
Sunny shrugs before shoving the researcher out the door, and Priscilla snaps her fingers, causing the guards to shut it behind him.
The tree smiles. "Good. I can trust you people. The plants say you all are fine—except for the bad ones below the facility. I'd recommend dealing with them." The tree shakes its head. "This place I mention… it is another world, a strange place, completely different from this one. Another realm. In due time, our worlds will merge, and the balance of power will be thrown off."
The group is stunned. Jamal lets out a nervous chuckle. "You're joking, right?"
The tree shakes its head. "No, I am not. After all, I am from that world. That place is dictated by light and dark, by good and evil, unlike this world, which exists in shades of gray. Here, people are a mix of both good and evil."
Priscilla is taken aback. "Wait… and then what? If the balance of power gets thrown off, what happens?"
The tree ponders for a second. "I do not know, vampire. I hope things can be resolved peacefully, but I doubt it."
The tree then turns its gaze directly at Sunny. "Do not tell Sanctum about this. And do not worry—the researcher will forget that you ever spoke to me. But I will repeat myself: do not tell Sanctum. If they find out, it will only make the situation worse. Lately, they have been doing shady things, working towards harming the world. Once the Great Collision happens, they will most likely return to their old ways—and hopefully the wicked ones within the organization are snuffed out first."
The tree smiles once more. "Now then, go below this facility and deal with the malicious plants that lurk beneath it. It will do these researchers good if you take care of them all."
JJ looks at the tree. "Wait, are you saying there will be consequences if we tell Sanctum about this world colliding? And why are you fine with us knowing but not anyone else?"
The tree nods. "Yes, though most likely, they already know. The real consequences are for you all—knowing this information puts you at risk."
JJ sighs. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Confidential information and all that. But tell us—what makes us so special?"
The tree smiles. "I simply trust you all. But I will say this—I can see into the future, and if I had not given you this information, you all would have died. I am telling you this to ensure your survival. However, I will also warn you—once the worlds collide, many evils will make their presence known. When the Great Collision happens, a calamity will rise and begin hunting hunters. Be ready."
Sunny sighs. "You don't know much else, do you?"
The tree shakes its face. "You would be correct in that assumption. I have no more information to share with you."
Rhea stands there, stunned, struggling to process everything. After a moment, she raises her hand. "Um... why were you fine with me or Priscilla knowing this information?"
The tree looks at her. "Because you two will play an important role in defeating this calamity."
The group collectively sighs before heading to the door, but the tree reaches out and unlocks it. "I know the password. And do not worry—I can leave at any time I wish."
As the group exits, leaving the tree alone, it sighs. If it had given each of them a playing card, two or three of their current or future members would be represented by the Ace of Spades. It wishes to tell them more, but the powers that be would smite it for doing so.
Outside, the group sees the researcher drooling on the ground, and they notice the security cameras glowing faintly. The man looks around, confused as to why he's even there. Sunny realizes that the tree may have compelled him to bring them all to him.
The researcher rapidly shakes his head. "W-why the hell am I here? You know what, it doesn't matter. Look, I need you all to go and kill the plants at the bottom of the facility! We've been containing them, but we called for some hunters to come and help!"
Sunny sighs. "Alright, bring us down there so we can deal with these murderous plants."
Ricardo stands up, dusting himself off. "Yes, yes, let's hurry! These creations have gotten way too out of hand. I told the other researchers to stop, but they continued their work despite my protests!"
He begins heading toward the elevator, while the group exchanges glances, now wondering if the tree had something to do with his unusually cooperative attitude earlier versus his frustration now.
The group enters the elevator, ready for battle. After all the driving, some of them need to stretch their muscles, so this upcoming fight will be a good exercise.