Leaving behind the mysterious thorny path, the grassy meadow ahead revealed itself as the exit from that treacherous trail. A ray of hope illuminated their hearts, and with resolute steps, they eagerly ventured into this new land.
The meadow seemed endless, adorned with lush green grass covering the earth. A gentle breeze caressed the land, making the grass sway like waves in a green sea. Sunlight filtered through the blue sky, casting its golden glow upon the innumerable verdant blades, creating an atmosphere of freedom.
As they entered this enchanting land, it felt dreamlike. The environment was so beautiful it was almost surreal. The sprawling green meadow was adorned with multicolored wildflowers, and a gentle breeze made their petals dance in the air. The remnants of the setting sun bathed the earth, enveloping everything in a golden radiance. It was as if they had stumbled upon an otherworldly realm.
However, as time passed, they started to notice something unusual. While the scenery was beautiful, its perfection felt too overwhelming, giving off an eerie sensation. An unusual silence enveloped this place. There were no birdsong, no sounds of insects, and even the faintest rustling of leaves seemed to be absorbed by the land.
Vivian whispered, "Is it too quiet here?"
Eric nodded, feeling an inexplicable unease about this place. While beautiful, it sent shivers down his spine.
Recognizing the uncanny stillness, Vivian's eyes swept across the surroundings. She noticed the lack of any signs of life in this picturesque landscape. Not a single insect was in sight, which added to the unsettling atmosphere.
Mio Hyde furrowed his brow and looked up at the sky, but there was not a single bird in sight, not even a cloud. This land appeared as if it were forgotten, isolated from the world beyond the forest.
Suddenly, in the distance, they heard a faint sound, deep and resonating, as if the very earth itself were breathing. The sound drew nearer, and to their astonishment, they saw a massive object approaching on the horizon.
This object gradually took shape, revealing itself as a colossal tree. However, this tree was unlike any they had ever seen. Its trunk was smooth as polished marble, and its leaves resembled silver feathers, shimmering with a faint glow. The tree's trunk sparkled like polished marble and exuded a mysterious allure. Its leaves resembled silvery feathers, swaying in an ethereal dance, seemingly possessed with life.
The tree stood with an imposing grandeur, ancient and awe-inspiring, against the landscape.
Mio Hyde's eyes widened, and he muttered, "What is this?" in astonishment.
The sounds of the tree grew more pronounced, like a low chant. They felt it was a language, an ancient language they couldn't comprehend, but they sensed solemnity and power in it.
Vivian approached the enormous tree and gently placed her hand on its trunk, studying it closely. "The Elder spoke of a few words, and if I'm not mistaken, this seems to be... the Prophecy Giant Tree."
Vivian glanced back at Eric and Mio. They, too, joined her, gently caressing the tree's trunk, trying to connect with the mysterious power of nature.
However, at that moment, the tree's branches and leaves suddenly became turbulent, swirling like a silver storm. A lightning-like radiance shot forth from the trunk, enveloping them instantly.
This radiant light enshrouded them, and the great tree trembled, producing an ancient and hoarse sound. Branches reached out, binding their bodies as if the tree were somewhat displeased with their disturbance.
Interwoven with the branches, Eric felt a strange connection between his life force, carried through his bloodstream and his palm's touch, and the ancient entity within the tree.
At this point, the tree's voice resonated. But this time, it was a different kind of language, one they could understand. "You are the chosen ones of the Night Spirits, hailing from another world. Why have you intruded upon my realm, disturbing my slumber?"
Eric's hand naturally rested on the entwined branches, as if it were second nature. He seemed to harmonize with the ancient tree, his heart filled with an instinctive awe and reverence. "Greetings, Grand Tree. We're truly sorry for disrupting your peaceful slumber. We mean no harm. We seek a way out."
The tree's luminescence flickered as if contemplating something. Then, a cold breath started emanating from the tree's surroundings, a presence with a clear and ancient wisdom.
"You should know that this forest has more dangers than what appears on the surface. Those without the determination won't bear the burden of the Night Spirits' task."
The branches continued to ensnare them, causing the pain to intensify, testing their resolve.
At this moment, the Great Tree delved into their minds, bringing forth their deepest fears and memories, projecting them before their eyes, trying to trap them in distress and self-doubt.
Vivian found herself locked in painful memories, struggling with tears in her eyes, unable to escape.
Mio, too, was pale with fear.
Before their eyes, only horrifying visions appeared, one after another, convincing them that the scenes before them were real and terrifying. They couldn't break free, sinking deeper into their own fears.
During this ordeal, the Great Tree noticed Eric. His willpower seemed to gather infinitely, a peculiar, formidable strength silently resisting the intrusion. Even in the face of subconscious resistance, his spirit remained unyielding.
The Grand Tree gazed at the young boy, sensing an unprecedented, unfathomable future. His path was shrouded in alternating mists of black and white, full of unknown challenges.
Could he be...
After a moment of contemplation, the Grand Tree released Eric, adorning him with an ornament crafted from a small vine. "Child, go on. Your future lies ahead, and I bless you." Then it added, "Child, fate is like a boundless river, and we are all drifters within it, but the power to row the boat is in our hands."
At this moment, Eric didn't fully comprehend the profound implications, but he smiled and said, "Thank you, Grand Tree. Although I don't know why I gained your approval, if it's possible, please don't harm my friends. They're good people I've met on this journey, and I want to continue together with them on the path ahead."
"They are brave children," the Grand Tree opened its branches, releasing them, "Go now. You may proceed, but remember, you must not only face external challenges but also confront inner trials. This forest holds many mysteries, and you must unravel them."
Eric, Vivian, and Mio regained their freedom and continued their journey, but the atmosphere was heavy with silence. The trees around them exuded an ancient and mystical aura, as if silently sharing the tales of this place. The forest's dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting intricate patterns on the ground, creating an atmosphere of enchanting mystique.
After leaving the Prophecy Giant Tree's territory a considerable distance behind, they stepped into another part of the forest. Vivian was the first to speak, "Did any of you find that strange just now? I saw something,
like... memories from my childhood, but not quite. They felt like illusions or some kind of test."
Mio nodded, "I saw something too. I was confronted with a phobia of mine, a vision of a snake pit. It was quite distressing." He recalled those illusions, feeling a deep sense of unease.
Eric thought carefully for a moment and then said, "Perhaps this forest isn't just a labyrinth; it contains various trials to assess our inner strength and will. We need to stay vigilant and not be swayed by these illusions, so we can find the Night Spirits as soon as possible."