As the conversation flowed, I reached into my Limitless Storage once again, this time drawing out an artifact I had prepared specifically for Nerina. It thrummed with ancient power, its crystalline surface intertwined with shimmering vines, pulsing with a soft green glow. The energy within it felt alive, as though it breathed in unison with the world around us.
"Nerina," I said, my voice steady as I held the artifact in my hands, "this is for you."
She turned toward me, her attention fully captured by the object. Her eyes widened slightly as they took in the intricate design—the way the vines twisted and pulsed like veins through the crystal.
"Rosé, what is this?" she asked softly, her voice laced with awe.
With a smile, I stepped closer and placed it gently into her hands. "This is the **Verdant Core of Eternalis**, a relic from a realm far beyond Elaris. It's tied to the lifeblood of a great world tree that once nurtured entire worlds. With it, your bond to nature will deepen, and the Lumera energy flowing through you will stabilize."
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**Verdant Core of Eternalis**
*Type:* Relic of Life and Growth
*Origin:* Forgotten Realm of Eternalis
**Description:**
The **Verdant Core of Eternalis** contains the concentrated life force of Eternalis, a primordial World Tree that once sustained entire realms. Its crystalline vines pulse with the essence of creation, amplifying the growth, power, and spiritual wisdom of any being that bonds with it. The artifact's energy can adapt to the bearer, enhancing their natural abilities and fostering deeper connections with the natural world.
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**Abilities:**
- **Life Amplification:** Drastically increases the bearer's life force, enhancing natural healing and vitality, as well as speeding up magical and physical growth.
- **Soul Synergy:** Bonds with the bearer's soul, allowing them to access and channel the raw life energy stored within the artifact.
- **Nature's Command:** Empowers the bearer to manipulate plants and flora within a large radius, calling upon vines, roots, or trees for defense, offense, or healing.
- **Eternal Growth:** Over time, the artifact continuously strengthens the bearer, expanding their wisdom, power, and connection to the flow of life and nature.
---
As soon as Nerina took the artifact, I could feel its energy begin to flow into her, intertwining with her life force. The bond we had just forged was still fresh, and I could sense how the raw power of Lumera within her was still settling. This artifact would help her adjust, anchoring her to the profound energy that now flowed through her veins.
Her fingers traced the runes along the surface, and her eyes flickered with emotion. "I can feel it… it's helping me already," she whispered. "Thank you, Rosé."
Beside her, Autum gave a knowing smirk, watching the interaction unfold. "Another priceless relic for another bond," she teased, her tone light but her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're quite the generous one, aren't you, Rosé? Gifting hearts and artifacts like it's second nature."
I gave her a playful look. "Only for those who are worth it, Autum. You know that."
Autum chuckled, clearly enjoying the dynamic, and then turned her attention back to Nerina. "Looks like you're adjusting nicely, though," she said, her tone gentler now. "How does it feel?"
Nerina smiled softly, a quiet strength emanating from her. "It feels... right. Balanced. I understand now why Rosé's power is so different."
I nodded, glad to see the artifact helping her find her equilibrium. My attention, however, soon shifted to Elowen and Valendra, both of whom had been quietly observing from a short distance. Despite the teasing energy between Autum and Nerina, I knew my connection with these two was still in its early stages.
"Elowen, Valendra," I began as I walked toward them. "I know we've only just begun this journey together, but since you've both sworn an oath, I want to make sure you can reach me when you need to."
I raised my hand, summoning a series of intricate runes into the air, the symbols glowing softly as they floated between us. I gently reached out to each of them, inscribing the permanent teleportation runes onto their arms. The magic settled into their skin with a faint shimmer, leaving behind a subtle mark.
"These runes will allow you to teleport to me whenever you need to," I explained. "No cost, no restrictions. Just think of me, and you'll be able to find me."
Elowen glanced at the rune, her brow arching slightly as she examined the mark now on her arm. "That's... incredibly useful," she remarked, a note of surprise in her voice. "You're certain there's no cost?"
I nodded. "None. You'll be able to come to me whenever the need arises."
Valendra, meanwhile, regarded the rune on her own arm with quiet curiosity. "It's quite the gift," she said, her voice calm yet thoughtful. "I wasn't expecting such a... personal touch. You've only known us a short time."
I met her gaze, offering a small smile. "True, we haven't known each other long, but you've already proven your dedication. And I believe that trust, even in its early stages, should be reciprocated."
Elowen's lips curled into a faint smile, her eyes meeting mine with a hint of warmth. "That's... kind of you, Rosé. Most wouldn't extend such trust so quickly."
"Kindness isn't a weakness," I replied, my tone soft yet firm. "Besides, I have a feeling this is just the beginning."
Valendra chuckled lightly, though there was a note of admiration in her tone. "You're certainly confident."
"Confidence helps," I said with a grin, feeling the atmosphere ease between us.
Behind me, Nerina and Autum shared a glance, and I caught the slight teasing glimmer in Autum's eyes before she spoke up again.
"Looks like someone's already catching hearts left and right," Autum teased, her voice playful. "You've known them for a few hours, and already they're swearing oaths and receiving gifts."
Nerina smiled warmly, still holding the **Verdant Core of Eternalis** in her hands. "Careful, Rosé. You'll end up with more bonds than you know what to do with at this rate."
I turned back to them, my smile deepening as I met Nerina's gaze. "I think I'll manage. Besides, it's not about quantity—it's about quality."
Elowen and Valendra both exchanged a glance, a subtle acknowledgment of the connection forming between us, even if it was still new.
"Quality, huh?" Elowen mused softly, her eyes meeting mine again. "Let's hope we live up to your expectations, then."
"I have no doubt you will," I replied, my voice warm but steady.
Though my bonds with Elowen and Valendra were still forming, I could feel the potential for something deeper—both in power and in connection. But for now, it was enough to know we were on this path together, and that the seeds of trust were already taking root.