Arin and Lyra traversed the Vale Relic's radiant landscape, where faint wisps of spiritual energy curled like mist around their feet. The glow of crystal-studded vines overhead cast a serene light, hinting at the trials woven into the Relic's essence. The spiral-carved archway loomed in the distance, its runes pulsing steadily, but Arin's spiritual detection scanned for nearer prospects. The air thrummed with power, keeping their Third Realm auras sharp.
A sudden clash of steel and beastly snarls broke the silence, echoing from beyond a grove of shimmering trees. Arin's hum spiked, his detection locking onto a surge of energy. He glanced at Lyra, her hand already on her runed sword's hilt.
"Someone's fighting," Lyra said, her voice low.
"Let's check it out," Arin replied, nodding.
They moved swiftly, slipping through trees until they reached a broad clearing. At its center stood their cousin, a tall girl with golden-brown hair tied tightly back, her Spirit Core Stage aura blazing. Her curved sword, etched with intricate runes that outshone Lyra's blade, gleamed as four Third Realm beasts—wolf-like, with crackling fur and glowing claws—lay defeated, dissolving into motes of light. Her stance was steady, only faint scratches on her arm hinting at the fight's challenge.
As the last beast faded, a soft glow enveloped her. Ethereal script shimmered in the air, pulsing with spiritual energy. She closed her eyes, her aura syncing with the script, absorbing its essence. When the glow dimmed, her gaze sharpened, reflecting a newfound clarity in her cultivation.
Arin and Lyra stepped forward, their steps quiet on the moss. The girl's eyes flicked up, her sword half-drawn, but she eased at their approach.
"Hi," Arin said, raising a hand. "I'm Arin, this is Lyra. We're Vales—your cousins."
Lyra grinned, eyeing the fading beast motes. "Four Third Realm wolves? Impressive."
The girl sheathed her sword, her expression cool but not hostile. "Elira," she said simply, her voice clipped.
Arin's spiritual detection swept the clearing, noting Elira's dense aura, nearly at the Fourth Realm's threshold. The hum in his chest pulsed, as if recognizing her strength. Sensing an opportunity, he spoke up. "You've been here longer. Got any useful information about the Relic?"
Elira's eyes narrowed, assessing him. After a pause, she spoke, her words measured. "Fourth Realm cultivators get sent out. This level's for Third Realm and below."
Arin frowned, catching the implication. "So we explore everything before advancing."
Elira nodded once. "Advancing to the Fourth Realm's harder. First three realms, spiritual energy's enough. From Nascent Soul onward, you need insights—mindset, inspiration. Energy alone won't cut it."
Lyra tilted her head, intrigued. "Insights like that glow you got?"
"Yes," Elira said, her tone flat but firm. "Trials here give insights as rewards. Use them to grow. Complete as many as you can."
Arin glanced at Lyra's pouch, where her four spiritual berries rested, then back at Elira. Her advice was clear: the Relic's trials were key to preparing for the Fourth Realm. The hum in his chest stirred, echoing her words about inspiration.
Elira turned, her gaze shifting to a path beyond the clearing. "I'm moving on," she said, already stepping away. "Good luck."
"Thanks," Arin said, his voice steady.
Elira vanished into the trees, her aura fading from Arin's detection. The clearing fell silent, the Relic's energy settling around them.
"She's not chatty," Lyra said, half-amused. "But those insights sound valuable."
Arin nodded, Elira's words sinking in. The Fourth Realm required more than power—it demanded understanding. His spiritual detection picked up faint energy traces toward the spiral archway, the hum urging him forward.
"Let's find more trials," he said, meeting Lyra's gaze. "We've got work to do."
Lyra's Third Realm aura flared with resolve. "Right behind you."
They pressed on, the path leading toward the archway, the Relic's small world alive with challenges. Elira's insight lingered—trials for growth, inspiration for breakthroughs. The hum guided Arin's steps, ready for what lay ahead.