David stared with an open mouth at the shimmering large, round portal. Its edges swirled like an eddying mist. He couldn't see through its gleaming center.

"Is that a portal?" David asked.

"We call it a porthole."

"I thought nobody could open any portals," David said, shifting his gaze back to Dectus.

"There's a big difference between a porthole that can send you to a certain place in this world and a portal that can transport you to another world."

"I can't see through it. Did you make it?"

"This porthole is as old as this castle. And constructing a permanent one entails broad knowledge to the discipline of space bending," Dectus said. "This is the only heirloom passed down from one Magus to the next. The first of us designed it with substantial intricacies, but it mostly serves as a secret passageway in times of need."

"But you show it to me?"

"I have thought about it for a while. I only take actions of great consequences as I saw fit with the current situations," Dectus said. "You're the most interesting person I've met, David. Your power is so unusual that I cannot predict what it might transcend beyond what I have seen today. I am certain that my motive aligns to our both needs."

David approached the portal. Its honey-yellow radiance dazzled him, which he had to cover his eyes every time it flickered. The relentless rotation made him think he was looking to an actual hurricane. "Where is this supposed to send people?"

"I have not yet tested the possibilities, but this one can send you miles away from the castle. Only I can shift the distance to an intended place within its borders," Dectus answered. "The remaining Wisdom Tree lies a good distance from here. I should send us both to the nearest place."

David felt a strong impulse to grab a book from the shelves and throw it inside the portal to test his hypothesis. But he turned his back instead, bringing his attention to Dectus again. "What is the Wisdom Tree?"

"I'll tell you about it once we get there," Dectus replied, gesturing him to the portal.

Without any protest, David walked through. He felt like he was stepping through a thin, perfectly even waterfall. Instead of getting wet, his skin tingled as the unseen membrane parted to receive him.

And then David stood on the wide pasture. Before him, a line of trees covered the extensive field of a forest. Dectus stepped beside him, and the porthole continued to whirl behind them.

"You can control it?"

"Yes, but I have limits," Dectus answered. "I couldn't hold this all day. The effort is strenuous. A visit to the Wisdom Tree shouldn't take long, or we have to prepare for a trek."

With that, the Magus started toward the forest. David kept up beside him. Glancing back, the shimmering portal remained in place.

"Does a typical portal or porthole should be a one-way journey?" David checked.

"What makes you say that?"

"I read a book about it back home."

"That is true. A spatial warper can open a way from one point to another, but getting back is another matter. And opening a porthole usually drains them," Dectus said. "The discipline is not my expertise. I can only manage a little technique in spatial bending."

"Then what makes this one different?"

"It is full of specifics and adjustments," Dectus answered. "Aside from its capability to endure time, its destination from the original point is also devised to be manipulated by its possessor. That makes it difficult for anyone but the most adept to mimic. Even then, I don't believe another of its sort existed. Brogan must be a highly skilled warper back in the days."

Dectus led him through the forest in silence. They did not get that far when trees and the whole forest ground seemed to emit an extra glow. It was as if all the colors that covered the whole place were intensified by degrees.

Could it be about how lights reflect here? David looked up. The mostly covered canopy only allowed a fair amount of gaps for the dancing beams of sunshine to pass through.

"Does it shine here?" David asked.

A couple of steps before him, Dectus paused, allowing his eyes to roam around for a moment. "Ah. I forgot to explain. Not long before the emperor's lordship, Ryeland was the most recently established town of Drundar—located in the farthest southeast. Its foundation was mainly concluded for another academy of the mageborn,” Dectus said. “By the time of the emperor's maneuvering, Ryeland was far from an ideal hideout for the revolutionaries. But since it was relatively new and too far away to interest the king, people started to consider the place as a possible sanctuary."

David stared at him. "That does not answer my question."

"True, but it should give you a clue," Dectus said. "We're currently in the borderline between the former kingdoms of Mageyard and Drundar. If we continue to walk for an hour in this same direction, we will cross it. There, you'll see that this is nothing compared to how the whole kingdom shines."

"A whole kingdom that shines?"

"People believe it reflects the disciplines that originated there—enchanting, charming, divination, and minding,” Dectus replied. "For me, it is beyond the aesthetic of their specialties. Considering that until today, the emperor cannot do anything to alter the place because it denies impurity."

"This reminds me of the forbidden forest," David said, looking around. "It doesn't share many similarities, but it gives me the same vibes."

"I've never set foot in that place. Its story is lost in history."

"You actually sound like my history teacher."

Dectus chuckled. "You don't need to absorb all the details. It's good that you understand enough. After all, for someone new to this world, knowledge should be your most precious possession."

They lapsed in a long silence as they continued to weave further through the backwoods. Down the muddy trails caking the sole of his sandals, a delicate earthy fragrance invaded his nostrils. Thick vines embraced occasional trees, and the monotonous terrain was mostly dominated by mosses and under bushes.

Although the forest floor was not adored by the medley of flawless floras or flourishing trees like in the forbidden forest, David had still enjoyed the enchanting vibes of the brightened surrounding. He wondered what it would be like when nighttime had fallen.

He felt a little relief that the Magus seemed a good track leader; he guided him to a less tricky and hassling pathway. When a discord of distant animal noises filled the air for a moment, David shuddered. He glanced to Dectus, expecting an equal reaction. But he seemed unaffected by the beastly sound.

Before long, they reached a circled clearing, partly obscured by disorderly bushes and trees around it. Its terrain was covered by a well-kept bed of grass. Luxurious flowers of red roses, lilies, tulips, orchids, and daisies were meticulously arranged on the ground; they were like a cloud of color in the distance. In the middle part, the perfectly trimmed hedges surrounded a broad, lone tree. A single archway of flowery overgrown gave access to the tree. The view gave David a forbidden forest-like experience.

"Is that our tree?" David asked as they reached the entrance.

Hands on his hips, the Magus squinted through the covered archway. "You should go alone. The Wisdom Tree will not converse with you if you are accompanied."

"I just have to walk there?"

"I couldn't remember how I reached the tree. The only thing I could recall was our conversation," Dectus said, face contorted with bewilderment. "It's conflicting. I just went here yesterday and took my only chance. But I've lost the recollections of passing through this way, and even the imagery of its sanctum slipped in my grasp."

"What is it like?"

"It's hard to tell. It only interacted inside my mind."

"Okay, I'm going now. Is that all I need to know?"

"It's common knowledge that a person can only visit one tree once in a lifetime. Since this is the only remaining tree of its kind, it will be your only chance to ask your three questions."

David scowled. "Only three questions?"

"Presumably, the three-question rule is designed to avoid frivolous inquiries and also to prevent it from being abused."

To his dismay, David's voice cracked. "I could've prepared more about my questions."

"You don't know all my motives. But think about your current predicament and reflect about it once you go there," Dectus said. "What matters most to you, my boy?"

"What else can you tell me?"

"The Wisdom Tree is very subtle. You may get some answers that did not seem to connect with your questions. Just try to be more specific with your inquiries and speak your words clearly," Dectus said. "That's all I can share. The three questions should suffice. Be wise about them."

David entered the archy passageway, its marble pathway glimmered with various gemstones, and an aromatic floral scent lingered in the air. Powerful vines, spotless leaves, and blooming flowers made up the curved roof; they shone as if they could barely contain the brightness within! This scenery reminded him of the garden reception he attended last year at his cousin's wedding.

David had taken the time to think about the three questions as he walked. Of course, he knew the first one, but what would be the other two? He thought about what Dectus had said: What would be the most important knowledge that he should know about right now? He did not explain much about the Wisdom Tree. Should he also speak with his mind? Would it answer all his questions? David also wondered what would be its response if he asked, How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? And he laughed.

David arrived at the dead-end. The flat and grassy ground did not have any floras but otherwise looked equally beautiful with its faint glow. The thick hedges that boarded the area made him feel a bit claustrophobic. Looking around, David spotted a couple of butterflies fluttering among the nearby row of bushes. Their colorful translucent wings sprinkled particles of light as they flapped.

He approached the monstrous tree in the middle part. The wide trunk twice the size of his house jutted its leafy branches toward the early afternoon sky. Its intermediate crown filtered the sunlight above and sprawled shadows across the floor—resulting in a perfect ambiance for a picnic. Like any other trees, bushes, and flowers in the forest, the Wisdom Tree was no exception, for its whole limbs suffused with dim light.

If David was asked how to describe the Wisdom Tree as he had imagined, he would've said, a tree with a rumpled face emerging from its bark, and maybe a little twig sprouted as its nose. But what he had found was a perfectly patterned bark as he rounded the tree while tracing his hand through its rough surface.

He flinched back when a rich, manly voice invaded his mind.

"Greetings, my esteemed traveler."

"Hello, are you the Wisdom Tree?"

"It takes great needs to follow the track that leads to the last sanctuary of broad understanding." The voice continued, ignoring his question. "As you might have known, I am the lone survivor of extreme tyranny—the remnant source of discernment. I possess countless memories of the past and forever honing them in the present time. If you ever seek the clues for the forthcoming days, I can only speak reasoned possibilities. Until then, I can only allow a single visit for every soul. Be forewarned, the information you will acquire here can be shared, but the questions should always remain yours. The knowledge of the final Wisdom Tree is not perfect, but I cannot lie or evade a question. If I truly deceive a person with all my heart, I would be undone. Hitherto, I am designed to answer each inquiry in accord with the extent of my knowledge. If you understand our ground rules, say yes.

David looked around for a second before whispering, "Yes."

"Tell me your name," the Wisdom Tree demanded in his mind.

"David."

"Do you promise to withhold your questions to anyone, David?"

"Yes." A faint tremor rippled through David as he answered.

"You may ask the first question."

David took a deep breath before asking, "How can a person from another world go back in his homeworld?"

"Confirmation, is that truly your first inquiry?"

"Yes."

His mind was filled with anxieties as he waited for its answer. Did he speak his question clear enough? Should he be more specific about Earth? What if the Wisdom Tree couldn't find any answers?

"One must seek the source of power that necessitates this desire. But with how the things are currently arranged here, it will not be easy for anyone to escape this realm."

David felt relieved about the news. At least going home would not be impossible at all. "Where can I find the source of power that needs to open a portal from here to another world?"

"Confirmation, is that truly your second question?"

"Yes."

"The source of power is lost in ages as two of the Magi have long moved on. The best chance will be to seek the remaining one, but calling out for him is far from ideal. I suggest you converse with someone with truer sights. Seek the abode of Rufus the Oracle for a start. I lack his whereabouts, but he should be able to help."

He repeated the name in his mind, Rufus the Oracle. Now he only had the last question. David thought hard. There were so many questions he wanted to ask. But Dectus had hinted one. He wasn't sure about it, but he knew he had to try.

"What are the chances for someone to develop unusual power?"

"Confirmation, is that indeed your final question?"

"Yes."

"Powers are inborn possession in Atlantia. It's whether you have it or not. There are many ways that can influence its magnitude. One's origin is the best example. Still, there's no definite pattern, for even a family with no trace of gift in their bloodline can give birth to a mageborn," the Wisdom Tree said. "I believe it will be the conclusion of our meeting. You should go now. Come back here and you will perish. Go forth, my bright traveler."

David hurried back to Dectus near the entryway.

"I'm done," David announced.

"Let's get back to the castle."

The Magus led him a couple of yards away from the clearing. The random setting of trees provided small gaps in the forest. Dectus waved a hand before the shimmer appeared in front of them.

"You can open the portal here?"

"I have to sense the destination first before summoning the portal. For some unknown reasons, I cannot manage it from the castle. But here, I can clearly perceive my office," Dectus explained. "You should go first."

David entered the portal. In a moment, he was back inside the fancy chamber. The Magus closed the portal behind. The arched bookshelves went back to their proper place, but the process did not cause to upset the well-ordered books in each case.

"How did it go?" Dectus asked as he sat behind his desk.

"I have learned something."

"Like what?"

"Like there's a possible way home, and I just need to find the right source of power."

"What else?"

"I asked…," David found himself unable to get the words past his lips. He tried again twice with no success. "I can't say."

Dectus bobbed his head. "The binding oath. It does not let you divulge anything about what you've asked, only the information that you've learned. A clever trick to prevent people from scheming their inquiries beforehand. Any other useful information?"

"I did not get much about my powers. It just said it has something to do with the origin of the wielder."

"I'll check on that. You did great, David. But before you go, I want you to have this." Dectus pulled a bracelet from his pocket robe and handed it to him. The perfectly round metal made of pure silver had no linings or any patterns. 

"I've been sensing traces of dark presences here for months prior to your arrival. Only last night it went way up to significant strength, and it keeps on escalating until now. I have to assume many of the emperor's underlings are walking in our midst."

"You mean it has something to do with me?"

"This place is spoiled, and your presence here made the tidings even more remarkable."

David held the bangle in front of his face. "And it's supposed to protect me?"

"I intended it to be as plain and dull as possible, so it does not stand out. It suits the purpose of concealing your power for the meantime. The most talented enchanter here made it."

"Does it mean I can't use my power while wearing it?"

"No. It will only keep your power from being discernible."

"Should I go now?"

Dectus nodded. "We should meet again tomorrow before sunrise. I want to know more about the extent of your power."

David stood. "Sure."

David repeated the name inside his head as he walked toward the door, Rufus, Rufus the Oracle.

"David."

He looked back to Dectus whose face contorted with obvious concern.

"Be careful," the Magus expressed.

David nodded and went outside.