Eden's eyes fluttered open, his breath catching as the sharp crackling sound echoed through the air. He pushed himself upright, muscles aching and mind sluggish from exhaustion. The lake was eerily still, save for the faint shimmer of white light particles floating where the Kelpie had once stood.
"What…" he muttered, confusion threading through his voice. His hand instinctively reached to adjust the blindfold—only to realize it was no longer there. His heart skipped a beat as the world around him came into full, unfiltered focus for the first time in what felt like an eternity.
The shimmering light particles seemed alive, swirling in intricate patterns like they were caught in a silent, graceful dance. Before Eden's thoughts could take form, a deafening roar split the silence, its deep, resonant power shaking him to his core.
The light shifted abruptly, gathering into a brilliant, pulsating mass. Eden shielded his eyes from the blinding glow as the crackling intensified. And then, in an instant, the particles scattered, revealing a form that took his breath away.
There it stood—the Kelpie, no longer the dark, menacing creature he had faced before. Its once-black coat now shimmered with a pristine white, radiating an ethereal glow that seemed to blend with the lake's surface. Its mane flowed like silken threads of moonlight, and its eyes—no longer burning with rage—held a depth that spoke of untold wisdom and quiet strength. The creature was majestic, otherworldly, and utterly transformed.
Eden took a cautious step back, his instincts screaming both awe and fear. The Kelpie turned its head toward him, its gaze locking with his. For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving only the two of them in the stillness.
The Kelpie tilted its head slightly, as if in quiet curiosity, its posture calm and unthreatening. Eden's breath hitched, his racing heart gradually slowing. Slowly, hesitantly, he reached out a trembling hand.
The Kelpie didn't flinch. Instead, it lowered its head slightly, meeting Eden's hand halfway. His fingers brushed against its warm, silken fur, and a wave of inexplicable calm washed over him. The fear melted away, replaced by something far deeper—an unspoken connection, an understanding that transcended words.
A lump formed in Eden's throat as his hand glided over the creature's mane. Before he realized what he was doing, he stepped closer, wrapping his arms around the Kelpie's neck in a gentle embrace. Its warmth seeped into him, chasing away the cold that had gripped him for so long.
"Thank you," Eden whispered, his voice barely audible. For what, he didn't know. But in that moment, he felt something he hadn't in a long time—peace.
The Kelpie remained still, its presence as steady and unwavering as the lake itself. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Eden allowed himself to hope.
---
The Arch Academy
Far across the world, within the towering halls of Arch Academy, Zayneb adjusted the her hairs as she walked through the grand corridor. The soft hum of enchantments woven into the marble walls resonated faintly around her, a constant reminder of the Academy's rich history. She had barely taken a seat in the common area when one of her professors, a stern-faced woman with sharp features and an imposing aura, approached her.
"Zayneb Vermillion," the professor began, her voice carrying the kind of weight that demanded attention. "Congratulations on achieving the highest score in your class for the Arts. Your work was... exceptional."
Zayneb blinked, caught off guard by the sudden praise. "Thank you, Professor Lorrain," she replied, trying to keep her tone composed despite the bubbling excitement in her chest.
"Your talent hasn't gone unnoticed," Lorrain continued. "In fact, the Academy has selected you to spearhead the design of a new dungeon for the upcoming entrance exams. This will be a collaborative effort, so you'll be allowed to choose a team of your peers to assist you."
Zayneb's eyes widened. Designing a dungeon wasn't just a task—it was an honor. The entrance exams were a cornerstone of the Academy's reputation, and the dungeons were legendary for their complexity and challenge. To be entrusted with this responsibility was no small feat.
"I'll do my best," she said firmly, her nerves buried beneath a layer of determination.
"I expect nothing less," Lorrain said, her gaze softening slightly. "You have two weeks to submit the initial blueprint. Choose your team wisely, Zayneb. The success of this project will depend on it."
As the professor turned and walked away, Zayneb stood frozen in place for a moment, the weight of the task settling on her shoulders. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, she felt a spark ignite within her. This was her chance to prove herself—not just to the professors but to everyone who had ever doubted her abilities.
Clenching her fists with renewed resolve, she whispered to herself, "Don't worry. I'll do my utmost best. But first, let me inform Umais."