The group's journey to the Ruins of Celestara takes a detour when they stumble upon a hidden grotto. Nestled amidst vibrant flowers and shimmering waterfalls, it feels like a scene straight out of a romance novel—or perhaps a comedy skit, given this group's luck.
The Mysterious Grotto
As the group ventures deeper into the grotto, they're greeted by an unexpected sight: a glowing spring surrounded by smooth rocks and vines. A sign stands crookedly at the edge, etched with cryptic words:
"He who enters here shall face their deepest desires... and most awkward truths."
"That doesn't sound ominous at all," Mika quips, rolling her eyes.
"We've faced worse," Fergus says, already pulling off his boots.
"No, no, no!" Mika waves her hands frantically. "The last time you jumped into a glowing pool, we ended up battling sentient underwear."
Fergus shrugs. "This one's probably fine."
The Water's Effects
Despite Mika's protests, the group decides to take a break, dipping their toes—or in Fergus's case, his entire self—into the inviting waters. Almost immediately, the magical effects kick in.
Sylvara leans back on a rock, her usually composed demeanor slipping into something softer. Her silver hair glistens in the light as she teases Kazuya with subtle glances, her words carrying an unusual warmth. Mika, trying to relax, ends up slipping and clinging to Kazuya for balance. "Don't let me drown, hero!" she yelps, only to realize the water is waist-deep. Lyria starts humming a lilting tune, her voice unexpectedly sultry as she "accidentally" brushes against Kazuya's arm. Nerissa, ever the wildcard, decides to splash Kazuya, claiming it's "team training." When he retaliates, she mock gasps, "How dare you strike a lady!"
Kazuya, caught in the middle of the chaos, tries to maintain his composure. "I'm starting to think this spring is cursed," he mutters, though his reddening face suggests he's not entirely complaining.
Escalating Antics
The magic of the grotto doesn't stop at playful teasing. The air grows warmer, the atmosphere charged with tension and humor.
Mika and Lyria argue over who gets to sit closest to Kazuya, devolving into a splash fight that leaves everyone soaked and laughing. Nerissa slyly challenges Kazuya to a game of "truth or dare," which quickly spirals into a series of increasingly ridiculous dares—like juggling glowing fish from the spring. Sylvara, ever the strategist, quietly observes the chaos, her smirk growing as she sees Kazuya's mounting discomfort. Finally, she leans in close and whispers, "You're handling this remarkably well, considering."
"Considering what?" he asks, eyes wide.
"Considering you're about five seconds from combusting," she replies with a wink.
A (Literal) Magical Twist
Just as things threaten to spiral into full-blown mayhem, the spring's magic surges. The water begins to glow brightly, and everyone is lifted slightly into the air by a gentle current.
"What's happening now?" Kazuya yells, flailing as he hovers above the water.
"The spring must be reacting to our... heightened emotions," Sylvara says, though her flushed cheeks suggest she's feeling the effects too.
As the group floats in mid-air, they're bombarded by visions of their own desires—some romantic, some utterly absurd.
Fergus sees himself wrestling a golden boar while being cheered on by an army of admirers. Mika envisions a library filled with spellbooks that she owns outright—no overdue fees! Lyria dreams of a peaceful meadow where she can nap without interruption. Nerissa... well, her vision involves a lot of shiny treasure. Sylvara's vision remains private, but her wistful expression suggests it's something deeply personal. Kazuya sees himself... sitting on a throne surrounded by the girls, all of them arguing over who gets to feed him grapes.
When the visions fade, everyone lands back in the water with a splash.
Part 5: The Aftermath
The group emerges from the spring, dripping wet and a little embarrassed. Fergus declares the experience "invigorating," while Mika grumbles about needing a new robe.
As they dry off, Kazuya finds himself once again cornered by the girls, each of them subtly vying for his attention.
"Hero," Sylvara says with a smirk, her tone teasing, "next time we find a magical spring, maybe you should go in first. For... research purposes."
"Agreed," Nerissa chimes in, tossing her damp hair over her shoulder. "You're clearly the most qualified."
"Why do I feel like I'm being set up?" Kazuya mutters, eliciting laughter from the entire group.
The chapter ends with the group leaving the grotto, their bond strengthened by the shared experience—and Kazuya quietly dreading whatever shenanigans await at the Ruins of Celestara.