Mul moved forward, almost in a trance, as she felt the leaves and grasses. She was infatuated by them—their beauty seemed out of this world. Given that they were dealing with an otherworldly being, these plants were likely extraordinary.
Aleazm followed behind her. The garden was far wider than a football pitch; it was multiple times larger, its space expanded similarly to domains. As they moved closer to the center, they could sense it: the holy water was nearby, its energy radiating more intensely than anything they knew. But how much energy was it exactly? Reaching the center of the garden, they discovered a gigantic lake. Mul's knees weakened slightly. This wasn't ordinary water; it was holy water. Greed surged within her—an urge to claim it all for her domain. With this resource, she might even ascend to the status of a Titan. Aleazm had similar thoughts; he'd considered it since entering. However, such power wouldn't manifest in mere days, and this gift wasn't just for them—it was for the entire clan's expansion and growth.
But should they be too greedy, the creature might retaliate and destroy them all.
"Now, how are we going to get all this home?" Aleazm pondered.
"Can we stay a few more minutes before leaving?" Mul asked.
"You know how to get out… with everything?" Aleazm inquired.
"Yes," Mul replied. "The plants told me. See that small island in the middle of the lake? That's our key to getting home."
She lay on her back, breathing in and out the pure, clean energy that filled the atmosphere. Aleazm remained vigilant, while Mul felt almost guardless, absorbing the beautiful air.
'The same monster that created the devastation outside could also create this paradise,' Aleazm thought. This was the next stage of power—a chance to transform their world.
…
Hours passed without any sign of Mul and Aleazm. The Chief and Joheki, who had followed them from the desert, grew worried.
"What's taking them so long?" The Chief wondered. Then, from his vantage point, he caught sight of something and signaled Joheki to prepare.
As the figure approached, their anxiety eased—it was Mul and Aleazm. They were safe, and Aleazm carried something above his head.
…
As days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and months into a year, Mul's wish came true: all the children were safely born. For the first time in millennia, even the Grand Elder felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Since his own birth and even before, since the world had fallen into ruin, he had never witnessed a time when all pregnancies resulted in safe births.
After the children's arrival, they were fully prepared to confront the enigmatic being. However, their perception had shifted; they no longer saw it as malevolent. Strangely, they hadn't sensed any sign of it since receiving the gift—until today, exactly one year later.
High atop a mountain, a young man with blue hair and bright blue eyes sat. He released a surge of energy, causing the ground to rumble and the mountain to crack. Every living thing in their world felt this energy.
"So, it is time," the Grand Elder murmured, sensing the energy within his private chambers. All the leaders assembled swiftly in the sanctuary; they had been preparing for this moment.
"I believe everyone knows their responsibilities," the Grand Elder addressed them, his gaze sweeping over the gathered leaders.
"Khan, Mul, Aleazm, Joheki, Kedi, Toko, Waka, and Hisho," he whispered a silent prayer in his mind. He dreaded the thought of any harm befalling them. The pain of not being able to provide what the stranger had given gnawed at him. If only he could grow stronger, reach the next stage of power—but such thoughts were futile.
"Finally, it's time. Let us go meet this creature," declared the Grand Elder.