The Gate that Start's Everything (IV)

Snow was standing underneath the S-Class gate that hovered over their head. Mike was waving down a few people as they had gotten the large tree out of the building. Luckily, the tree didn't take much effort.

It was as if the tree knew that it was the day for it to move, shrinking down its size to a small bonsai tree, wrapped around Snow's wrist like a bracelet. She couldn't help but stare at its unusual sight, sitting and sipping on her magical power as if she was some kind of snack for it.

Another magical plant was put in place to replace the empty room, bringing back with it the tranquil feel. It didn't have the same effect as the Yggdrasil tree and was instead used to purify the whole building of air and energy. Still, the magical water was enriched with the Yggdrassil's power that any plants that grew in it would bloom to its full potential.

Snow was grateful that the others had come along. The majority of the guild was present alongside Heavenly Guild and the other mid-size guilds present. Even the Red Flower Nation company, the numerous Hunters, and vampires were surrounding the giant gate that stood a bit back in position for any possible escaped dungeon monsters.

The number of people present could be a quarter of the city's citizens as they all anticipated with worry at the possible shift.

Snow walked into the massive stadium, leaving most of the others behind.

Only a handful of the strongest warriors silently followed as they were now in the center of the S-Class gate. Just looking straight up, they could see the looming black gate flickered overhead.

Continuing forward, she headed straight towards the middle. The majority of the ground was filled t with fresh magical water brought from the springs in the mountain. Nobody would have thought to see such a large quantity of such water in the city, but the Gold Phoenix guild had made it possible.

Many were astounded by the wealth that the Gold Phoenix guild had accumulated. Even Snow was shocked to hear that Mike had pushed for the magical water to be brought to this place.

Stepping forward, she took off her shoes. Her feet splashed into the cold water that brought a freshness to her whole self that she couldn't help but sigh in pleasure.

Each step she took, the closer she had arrived at the center. Already, the water was up to her chest.

Snow stopped in the middle, she stared at the small tree on her wrist. Its beautiful black and white flower buds were ready to bloom, and she couldn't wait to see the full splendor of magic that it would show when it was fully grown.

Gently, she dipped her hand into the water.

In excitement, the tree roots shuddered at first, then it reached forward as if it was testing the water. When the tree found out that the water was to its liking, it completely detached itself from the very wrist, sinking into the bottom. The moment its roots touched the very ground, it exploded in growth.

Seconds, the tree grew larger and larger. Snow quickly stepped out of the way, making her swim back away. She crawled out of the waters, turning over as she flopped on her back. Her eyes glittered with amazement as the tree grew to twenty stories high.

The buds started to open up as it showed off its dazzling splendor.

Snow gasped, her smile became wider.

She was proud to assist such a magnificent tree grow to its glory. What was more astounding was that the tree was only in its early years of life; eventually, it would continue to grow over time, but much more slowly than before.

A light hum of magic floated around it. It wasn't like the soft light that a normal Yggdrasil Tree would have, but a mixture of black and white. The density of magic in the air made it possible to see such rare phenomena. The expansion of its magical force expanded, growing a few inches a minute.

Pleased with her actions, Snow sat up.

Red had come over to hand her a towel for her to use.

"Amazing," Red said with glee. As a researcher and a powerful magician, seeing something this grandiose use the large amount of endless magic made her eyes twinkle in anticipation. When she heard that she was asked to go into the dungeon, Red was excited, but she also heard that the Yggdrasil tree would be planted. She couldn't help but want to personally see the whole process herself.

"Yes, it is." Snow said with a silly smile. All that effort to train and feed the Yggdrasil tree was worth it. She felt like a proud parent, seeing the tree grow. The joy she felt to see an ancient tree of power growing in the middle of the city was peculiar, but she didn't care. This was where it wanted to grow.

"Did you know that there have been more sightings of Yggdrasil's seed being cropping up in cities with an S-Class dungeon involved?" Red said with fascination, staring at the beauty in front of her.

"Yes, I heard about it recently as well in the morning. More reports from different locations of the Dragon Express company had stated something similar. Many are halfway in the process of getting there's ready, but we are the first one to move forward with this plan."

Red nodded. "Which in itself is amazing. I think you guys feeding the young sapling had pushed its growth forward exponentially. Our company has spread the information out to others in the hopes of getting a similar effect."

"Either way, what we need to worry about is what comes next."

Snow words were a heavy burden to everyone present. They could all see the expanding barrier like an energy line growing rapidly, and it was coming close to the gate's border. Already, half the city was covered with the blessing of the Yggdrasil's power.

"Give it about fifteen minutes. We'll see what the results will be." Red replied. "I suggest we head towards our flight; we will be entering in as well."

Snow got up. She dried herself with a basic wind magic spell.

They left the stadium and headed straight to the helicopter that was waiting for them outside.

Mr. Rogers was already sitting comfortably in the driver seat's front, while Dairen Rodney and Mike were getting on. Red walked over, she pulled herself up. Snow was the last to arrive as she made it onto the helicopter.

Audrey was present. He rushed over as he handed five earrings to Snow. "Snow!" He waved Snow down.

Snow turned around.

"Here. Before you go. It's a communication device, specifically for the dungeons." Audrey yelled, trying to not get his voice drowned out by the helicopter blades.

"Thanks." Snow took the bracelet and handed them to the others.

"Be safe. We expect your return!"

Snow gave Audrey a thumbs up. Audrey backed away, letting the helicopter take off.

With a grunt, she pulled herself up with the help of Rodney. Making her way over, she sat across from him. Her hair blew all around her, making it a bit annoying to manage. She reached back, pulling back her hair into a temporary ponytail.

They continued their ascent upwards, making their way towards the gate. The city became smaller and smaller, the higher they went. Snow could see the rapid expansion of the magic in the city, purifying everything in its path, growing at the same rate that they were getting closer to the gate.

Eventually, they arrived simultaneously as the Yggdrasil's power touched the end of the portal. The portal angrily shook, groaning in a wild anger. It's black gate shimmered back and forth from Red.

"What's happening?" Rodney shouted, his weapon was in his hand. Looking at it with concern.

"Both energies are clashing." Snow explained. The magic tattoo flared to life. Her magic swirled around her, changing into the armor.

The others were ready, staring at the gate with anticipation.

Without stopping, Mr. Rogers pushed the helicopter through the black gates, leaving everything behind.

It was the same jolting feeling that Snow had felt whenever she crossed through the gate. Her stomach turned and jostled around, making her queasy. It didn't take long for them to burst out the other end.

What appeared before them was a modern-day city. With its massive skyscraper, busy streets, and even heavy smog, air littered the air, making them cough a few times.

Snow missed the air quality back at home for a short period, but she quickly adjusted to it. Staring down at the large number of buildings and people, she wondered what this dungeon provided and what purpose. Better yet, she couldn't but wonder if this was a mirrored world.

"We will be landing shortly." Mr. Rogers spoke with excitement at their entrance. He hovered towards the nearest opening building that would lead them to the floor.

Landing, everyone got off. The blades eventually stopped.

"That was a fun ride." Mr. Rogers had stepped out of the helicopter. He said with excitement at the prospect of the new adventure that he would go through. "Now, what do we do next?" He took a step forward in his nicely pressed black and blue suit, while the others wore medieval-type armor.

"I don't know." Mike was the first to speak, "we usually get thrown into the wilderness to fight against monsters, but this…" He tilted his head, trying to figure out words for it.

"There is nothing like that?" Mike finally said.