The deeper Unit 92 ventured into Mira, the more it felt like they were crossing into an entirely new world.The path from Mira's Nexus stretched out before them, a natural trail winding through dense forests and open glades that seemed to pulse with life. Massive trees loomed overhead, their canopies forming a rich green ceiling that let dappled sunlight filter through. The air was thick with the earthy scent of leaves and moss, accompanied by the faint, melodious hum of birds and distant wildlife."It's... alive," Anne murmured again, marveling at the vibrancy of the forest around them. "It's like everything's connected."John, walking beside her, looked around with equal parts curiosity and unease. "I feel like the trees are watching us.""They might be," Benji replied, his voice calm and steady. "Mira's environment is known for being responsive to energy. The stronger your connection to the natural world, the more the forest responds to you."Alex let out a low whistle. "So, if we start messing with it, will it fight back?""More or less," Benji said with a slight smirk. "But Mira is also a place of balance. If you respect it, the environment won't cause you any harm."The group continued along the winding path, taking in the surreal beauty of their surroundings. Waterfalls cascaded in the distance, their gentle roar blending with the rustling of leaves and the occasional birdcall. Vibrant flowers bloomed at the bases of trees, their petals glowing faintly with an otherworldly light, as if the energy from the Nexus had seeped into every living thing."Look at those flowers!" Anne exclaimed, kneeling down to observe a cluster of glowing blooms. "I've never seen anything like this.""They're called Aetherblooms," Benji explained, coming to a stop beside her. "They only grow here, in Mira. The locals say they bloom where energy is at its purest."Anne gently brushed her fingers against the petals, feeling a faint pulse of energy radiating from the flower. "Amazing," she whispered.As they moved further into the heart of Mira, the forest began to give way to rolling hills, their grassy slopes dotted with strange, crystalline formations that jutted out of the earth like jagged teeth. The crystals shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting rainbows of light across the landscape.Gordon strode ahead, his excitement barely contained. "This place is unreal. It feels like we're walking in some kind of dream.""Yeah, but don't let it fool you," Benji cautioned, his tone more serious now. "Mira's beauty hides some real challenges. The terrain is constantly shifting. You could be walking through a peaceful glade one minute and then find yourself in the middle of a canyon the next."Alex, always the joker, glanced around with a mock-serious expression. "So, basically, watch your step, or the ground might decide it doesn't like you."Benji gave him a wry smile. "Exactly."The path wound onward, leading them up a gentle slope. As they crested the hill, the view before them opened up, revealing a sprawling landscape that took their breath away. The forest continued to stretch out below, but in the distance, they could see Mira's true majesty—an expansive city built into the land itself, harmonizing with the natural world around it.Mira's architecture was a blend of ancient stone and living greenery. Tall, spiraling towers made of pale stone rose from the earth, their surfaces covered in vines and flowering plants that seemed to grow naturally from the structures. Bridges made of wood and crystal arched over flowing rivers and streams, connecting different parts of the city. Every building, every walkway, every garden seemed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, as if Mira had been grown rather than built."Wow..." John breathed, his eyes wide with wonder.Anne nodded in agreement, her voice soft with awe. "I've never seen anything like it.""It's beautiful," Alex added, his usual sarcasm absent for once. "Like the city is part of the land."Benji crossed his arms, taking in the sight with a quiet smile. "Mira's people believe in harmony with nature. Everything here is designed to work with the environment, not against it. That's why their benders are so in tune with their surroundings—they see the world as an extension of themselves.""Man," Gordon said, shaking his head. "And here we thought Stronghold was impressive. This place is on a whole different level."The group began their descent down the hill, following the path that led toward the heart of Mira. As they approached the outskirts of the city, they could see more people moving about—Mira's benders, their clothing light and flowing, decorated with symbols of nature. Some were tending to the gardens that lined the streets, their hands glowing softly with energy as they manipulated the plants with ease. Others were practicing their bending techniques in open spaces, their movements graceful and fluid as they interacted with the world around them."It's like the whole city is a training ground," John observed, watching a group of young benders practice near a crystal-clear pond. The water rippled with each movement of their hands, rising and falling as if responding to their commands."Mira's benders train differently than we do," Benji explained as they walked. "For them, bending isn't just about power. It's about balance, control, and connection. They're taught to feel the flow of energy in everything, to understand how the world moves around them and to move with it.""I can respect that," Alex said, nodding. "Sounds like they're really in sync with their surroundings.""Exactly," Benji agreed. "But that doesn't mean they're any less dangerous. In fact, it makes them even more formidable in combat."As they entered the main thoroughfare of the city, the ground beneath their feet shifted slightly, responding to their presence. The path seemed to adjust itself, guiding them toward a large, open plaza at the center of Mira. At the far end of the plaza stood a massive structure, unlike anything they had seen before.Mira's tournament grounds.The building rose high above the city, its walls made of the same pale stone as the towers, but reinforced with vines and crystal. The arena was open to the sky, with tiered seating carved into the surrounding hills, allowing spectators to watch from every angle. Energy pulsed faintly around the structure, a sign of the power that flowed through it."This is it," Benji said, his tone reverent. "The tournament grounds. Every forty-two years, benders from all across the seven cities come here to compete. And now, it's our turn."The group stood in silence for a moment, taking in the grandeur of the arena. This was where they would prove themselves—not just to Stronghold, but to the entire Bender League."We've come a long way," Anne said, her voice quiet but filled with determination."And we're just getting started," John added, clenching his fists in anticipation.Alex grinned, his usual confidence returning. "This is going to be one hell of a tournament."Benji nodded, his gaze fixed on the arena. "Get ready. Mira is where the real challenge begins."