Five days had passed since the events on the mountain, and the group was starting to recover, though the aftermath of the magical explosion still lingered. On the way to the city that Rynor had mentioned, a conversation started.
Lirianna, Farris spoke with a note of sadness, his gaze drifting into fragments of memories that still haunted him.
Enough about that! Lirianna interrupted him, firmly gripping his hand. Her eyes burned with determination, and light sparks of magical energy flickered around her, as if her soul couldn't fully contain the power within. Once we find out what happened and how it changed us, then we can talk.
Knowing how heavy Farris' heart was, Lirianna embraced him, and a wave of warmth surged between them—their souls intertwined like two pulsating streams of light.
What you felt back then, Rynor spoke, his voice calm and assured, as golden symbols hovered around him in thin strands, was magic. The power coming directly from your soul. Your brother likely couldn't bear its weight. Or… yes, I think that's what happened.
Magic? Is that even possible? Ariena asked in surprise, her eyes gleaming like two precious gems, her hair subtly lifting as if the air around her, too, was charged with magic.
Rynor turned to Kaldrien and smirked.
Is she all right in the head? She's not surprised that we're flying?
Ariena blushed, and Kaldrien stifled a laugh.
They're just not fully themselves yet.
Nearby, Lian, marveling at the fact of flight, started performing acrobatic stunts, lifting everyone's spirits. With each of his moves, magical sparks traced glowing trails in the air like the tails of comets.
I did it by accident, Rynor said, continuing to manipulate the air currents carrying them.
Accident? For the third time?! Lian exclaimed, his voice filled with playful indignation.
Rynor, pulling a sarcastic face, replied.
Fish can't fly, and we're almost there. Why are you so wound up?
Kaldrien and Farris, watching the angry Lian, couldn't help but laugh.
Flying over a dense forest, Kaldrien spotted a raccoon that was pulling faces, almost mocking him. The little furry trickster jumped from branch to branch, twitching its ears, while a strange mist seemed to surround it, as though it was a creature from magical fog.
Look at that guy! Kaldrien said, pointing at the raccoon. It's like it's laughing at me!
Lian, winking, added.
Raccoons are internet icons, but in our case, looks like it's the local star.
Let's take a break, Kaldrien suggested, pointing to a clearing bathed in the soft light of the setting sun. Waves of energy pulsed across the clearing in time with their steps, a reminder that this world was saturated with magic.
Oh, so you can look something other than serious! Lian teased, imitating the raccoon.
Shut up, Kaldrien muttered, waving his hand slightly, and faint sparks of fire flickered around him. That thing's been running around the forest for half an hour mocking me.
Leave him be. It's just a Koranuki—a creature from ancient mythology, Rynor said, sending a small stream of magical energy to the campfire, which instantly flared up. His hands glowed with a faint golden light, as if the fire was an extension of his soul.
Everyone exclaimed at once, What?!
You're saying mythical animals and all these supernatural beings exist? Lirianna asked, her voice trembling with excitement.
Of course. The world has returned to its original state, as it was in ancient times, Rynor explained. The ring in the sky that you see encircles the entire planet. It's a symbol of magic's awakening.
As the campfire crackled, Rynor approached Linda and Eldric, who sat aside, their faces pale, eyes filled with fear and despair.
You don't need to be afraid, he said gently, his hands slowly rising as streams of magic enveloped their bodies, seeping deep into their souls. In an instant, Linda and Eldric felt the pain and fatigue lift, their bodies filling with vitality.
Thank you, Linda whispered, her eyes welling with tears. You… you saved us.
The recent earthquake and destruction were caused by the appearance of a new continent, Rynor continued. Magic has awakened once again, and the seal holding back people's souls has been lifted.
Wait, wait, wait! What do you mean, a new continent? Farris asked in disbelief.
A continent so vast that it's altered the flow of the oceans and triggered cataclysms. This world will never be the same.
Farris and the others exchanged worried glances.
Meanwhile, Lian, noticing Linda and Eldric's gloom, approached them with a warm smile.
Listen, when we arrived in the city, it was total chaos. Your parents may still be alive, he said. We mourn the losses, but don't lose hope.
At that moment, Rynor motioned for Farris to join him.
I've got a couple of books for you. I learned a lot about magic and how to survive in this new world from them. These are copies. You can take them and study with Kaldrien.
Otherwise, I'll break my back carrying you! You guys are ridiculously heavy! Even with magic, it's hard to maintain the flight, Rynor chuckled.
Exactly what I'd expect from you, Farris said, rolling his eyes.
After a few more hours, they continued their journey, and soon, they spotted a massive stone wall encircling the city.
Hey, Rynor, how did this happen? Your city has a wall? Lian asked, disbelief in his voice.
Rynor stared at the wall, his face growing serious.
I didn't expect this... he whispered, his voice trailing off in surprise.