Scion, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, tried to fish for compliments to boost his ego. He questioned the group, "What's the big deal? Aren't you impressed?"
The group exchanged uneasy glances, a silent understanding passing between Luke, Eve, and Michelle. Luke, always the voice of reason, spoke first, "Scion, it's not that we're not impressed. It's just... you shouldn't have reached tier 2 that quickly."
Confusion etched across Scion's face. "What do you mean? I thought it was a pretty big deal."
Eve, with a thoughtful expression, chimed in, "Rare occurrences like yours take mystic masters about two weeks minimum to absorb that much overflowing energy. You did it in less than a day. There's something different about you."
Scion chuckled lightly, attempting to brush off the suspicion. "Well, you know, my training was intense. I guess I just learned how to control mystic energy better."
The group exchanged sceptical glances. Michelle, always perceptive, spoke up, "Scion, we've known you for a while now. Is there something you're not telling us?"
Scion hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. He remembered the lie about his talent being 75% when it was, in fact, 100%. Deciding to continue the charade, he replied, "Nothing abnormal. Just the usual progress, I guess."
The group didn't press further, deciding to let the matter rest for now. Despite their suspicions, the bond of camaraderie and shared experiences held them together. Luke and Eve, formidable warriors in their own right, were not ones to easily share their doubts. Michelle, recovering from her injuries, was growing stronger, and Scion's rapid recovery from the previous day's battle added to the mystery surrounding him.
After a brief pause, Luke changed the topic. "Well, congratulations on reaching tier 2, Scion. Let's focus on the journey ahead. We have a long day of travelling ahead of us."
The group packed their belongings, each member meticulously folding their belongings and securing them for the journey. As they continued through the Enchanted Realm, the landscape morphed around them. The ethereal battleground of the previous day gradually gave way to a more serene environment. Towering ancient trees formed an intricate canopy, casting dappled shadows on the lush forest floor.
They found a more low-key spot to set up camp, a peaceful farmland stretching as far as the eye could see. The long grass swayed gently in the breeze, creating a rhythmic dance with nature. Flowers of vibrant colours dotted the landscape, adding a touch of enchantment to their surroundings.
The farmland, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, felt like a haven of tranquillity. The rolling hills, adorned with golden hues, extended into the distance. It was a picturesque scene, a moment of respite in their mystical journey. The group marvelled at the beauty of the Enchanted Realm, finding solace in the simplicity of nature.
As evening approached, the group became acutely aware that lighting a campfire too late could attract unwanted attention. They gathered in an area just before dusk, deciding to cook their food above the campfire. The beauty of the evening sky unfolded above them, a canvas painted in hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dipped below the horizon. The distant sounds of nocturnal creatures emerged, creating a symphony of nature that echoed through the tranquil farmland.
With their makeshift dinner cooked and shared, the group sat around the fading embers of the campfire. The gentle crackling of the flames provided a comforting backdrop to their conversation. Luke, Eve, and Michelle decided to dedicate a few hours before nightfall to their training.
Luke, with a focused expression, practised controlling the flow and output of his mystic energy. He stood in a clearing, surrounded by the ancient trees, each movement deliberate and precise. The air around him seemed to respond to his commands, forming intricate patterns that reflected his growing mastery.
Eve, with an ethereal grace, worked on enhancing her speed through wind manipulation. The long grass swirled around her as she moved, creating a mesmerizing dance with the evening breeze. She pushed her limits, striving for a seamless harmony between herself and the natural elements that surrounded her.
Michelle, aware of her depleted mystic energy, concentrated on absorbing the ambient energies around her. The farmland, once still, seemed to respond to his efforts, the energy in the air shimmering with newfound vitality. He closed his eyes, attuning himself to the subtle vibrations of the Enchanted Realm, absorbing its essence to replenish his own.
Scion, having just ascended to tier 2, decided to rest and recover. The overflowing mystic energy within him aided in his swift recuperation from the previous day's battle. He lay on the soft grass, the rhythmic swaying of the long blades lulling him into a peaceful slumber. The farmland, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, cradled the group in its embrace.
The group decided to make use of the mystic goats they had defeated in their battle. They prepared the goats for cooking, and the process of roasting the meat began. The scent of the cooking goat filled the air, a mixture of herbs, spices, and the essence of the Enchanted Realm.
As they sat around the campfire, eagerly waiting for the meal, a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment filled the group. The taste of victory was as savoury as the roasted mystic goat. Each bite symbolized their resilience, unity, and the challenges they had overcome. The journey was arduous, but at that moment, they found solace and strength in the shared triumph of their recent battle.
The night fell, and the stars emerged, casting their shimmering light upon the journeying companions. A new chapter of their mystical odyssey awaited, veiled in the mysteries of the Enchanted Realm. The farmland, now hushed under the night sky, stood witness to their endeavours, its secrets whispered in the rustling leaves and the gentle sway of the long grass.
It was the next day and everyone was clearly tired from yesterday's expedition. But the journey to find human civilization lingered in their minds.
"What plan of action are we taking today?" Luke was adamant about figuring out where they should go and they had no clue whatsoever. But a loud shockwave of hundreds of kilometres was felt by each member and Scion pointed to the large mountain, "let's go there, it looks like there's a strong being there."
Eve facepalmed in disagreement, "Scion, we have to be rational, we can't fight as we are and even then, it won't do us no good if we go to an area no human would be." Scion had a grin on his face as if he won something. "What if there is a human there? The fact that there's rumbling without any climate change of any note shows that there's a chance that it's either a human or mystic beast, we have to take our chances."
For the first time ever, Scion was showing a surprising amount of resilience and leadership qualities. Eve looked away, reminding Scion what a tsundere she was, "You're using your brain for once."
Scion yells out loud "Alright! Our journey is getting better and better!"
Eve sighs "I take back what I said. I can't believe I ended up with this numbskull."