As Yawen gazed at the Arctic bird, the molten bird, and the zap bird, memories of her mother surged forth. Her mother often spoke of the legendary warrior Fu Hao, one of the strongest warriors to ever live. Yawen had once declared to her mother that she would one day master the trio of birds and be as powerful as Lady Hao. Zen, sensing her thoughts, wished her the best of luck, his voice filled with sincerity. Rui, too, extended his wishes, adding a supportive nod.
As they pressed on, Yawen's curiosity grew. "What is the significance of this?" she asked, gesturing toward the intricate art. "What does it represent?"
Rui pondered for a moment before answering, "These are likely the works of the ancients. They could signify a hidden refuge or a place of great importance. The artistry and symbolism suggest a connection to a powerful past." Their journey continued, the air thick with anticipation and mystery.
Zen's voice cut through the silence: "We need to focus on finding that necromancer rather than looking at wall paintings." Yawen, annoyed by the interruption, puffed and continued her work, her expression sour. Rui couldn't suppress a giggle at the exchange.
They walked for a while longer, the corridor narrowing and the air growing cooler. The walls became more elaborate, adorned with paintings of weapon-like figures in striking poses. Intrigued, Yawen reached out and, without realizing it, pressed a hidden button. A low rumble filled the air, and a hidden door emerged from the wall. Yawen jumped back, terrified, while Zen and Rui remained calm.
"That's interesting," Zen said, his voice steady. "Do we want to explore this?" His tone was confident, almost eager.
"Not another danger," Yawen murmured, but Rui's eyes were already sparkling with curiosity. "While we're at it, why don't we discover the ruins here?" he suggested.
Zen nodded. "I agree. We can come back to look at the paintings later, but for now, let's explore."
Yawen, outvoted, sighed and complied, her apprehension mingling with a reluctant sense of adventure. Together, they stepped through the newly revealed door, leaving the mysteries of the wall paintings behind for the moment. As they ventured deeper into the ruins, the anticipation of what lay ahead filled the air, each step cautious and slow.
Suddenly, a trap activates, and a spear hurtles toward Yawen. With lightning reflexes, Zen catches it mid-air, saving her from imminent danger. Terrified, Yawen stumbles back, landing against Zen's chest. "Thank you, Zen," she whispers, her voice shaky with relief.
Rui, observing the situation, remarks, "I think we need to send a dummy to trigger the traps." Zen nods and sends a fireball forward, but nothing happens. Frustrated, Zen muses, "I think it's activated by someone stepping on the floor."
Taking a deep breath, Zen creates several clones of himself, each made of fire. As the clones advance, they activate traps, revealing a myriad of hidden dangers. The corridor becomes a maze of spear traps, leaving no safe place to step.
Yawen, impressed and curious, asks, "How did you learn this?"
Zen recalls the private conversation with Pali. "When Pali declined to teach me formally, he gave me a scroll and taught me the basics of clone arts. He said it's most beneficial to an archer, but it's a skill worth learning for anyone."
Yawen's eyes widen with admiration. "Pali must have been a great teacher."
Zen continues, "Pali also said I should repay the favor one day."
Intrigued, Rui asks, "Who is this Pali?"
Zen is about to reveal Pali's true identity but remembers Pali's request for secrecy. Instead, he replies, "Pali is a family friend who taught me this for my own benefit."
Rui nods, accepting the explanation. "He taught you a really important art."
Zen and Yawen agree, their thoughts aligning on the significance of Pali's teachings. The atmosphere is tense but filled with mutual respect for the skills and knowledge shared.
With the traps now visible, they carefully navigate through the corridor, each step taken with heightened caution. The ancient ruins seem to watch them, holding secrets of both danger and discovery. Despite the peril, the trio moves forward, driven by a blend of curiosity and determination, with each step a testament to their resilience and unity.
The group proceeded with cautious steps and stern looks. The corridor ahead glowed faintly, leading them into a garden bathed in ethereal light from glowing berries, green vines, and luminescent grass. A crystalline stream flowed serenely, originating from two statues that poured water from vases. At the center of the garden stood a statue of a woman adorned with intricate jewelry, her presence commanding and graceful.
Mesmerized by the enchanting view, they paused. "I've never seen grass glowing like this," Zen remarked, awe in his voice.
"Neither have I," Rui replied, equally fascinated.
Yawen, ever knowledgeable, explained, "These grasses are quite rare. They grow only in the famous Kaira soil and are rich in medicinal properties. They can treat several diseases and are very hard to cultivate. Even the slightest mistake can kill them. They are also used for decoration."
Rui nodded, adding, "I've heard of them, but this is my first time seeing them."
Yawen smiled softly. "I have a single strand of it. It usually grows in dark areas."
"Let's look around," Zen suggested with a cautious look, scanning the expansive garden that stretched a couple of hundred meters. As they ventured further, they encountered cute rabbits and capybaras, moving serenely among the glowing flora.
Yawen's face lit up with delight at the sight of the animals. She rushed toward them, her excitement overriding her caution. "Stop!" Zen and Rui called out in unison.
But it was too late. As the rabbits and capybaras noticed their presence, their demeanor changed drastically. They grew larger, their eyes turning dark red, and fangs appeared in their mouths. Yawen, terrified, backstepped, her eyes wide with fear.
Before the creatures could attack, Zen swiftly summoned his wind magic. With a swift motion, he sliced through the monstrous animals, cutting them in half. The garden returned to a tense silence, the glow of the flora now seeming ominous.
Yawen, still shaken, whispered, "Thank you, Zen. I didn't expect that."
Zen nodded, his eyes scanning the area for more threats. "We need to be more careful. This place might be more dangerous than it looks."
Rui agreed: "The beauty of this garden hides many dangers. We should proceed with caution."
As they moved further into the garden, the surreal beauty continued to unfold around them. Yet, the encounter with the transformed animals served as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers within this magical realm. They navigated the garden with heightened awareness, appreciating its beauty while remaining vigilant.
In the midst of the glowing flora, they found a small clearing where the luminescence was most intense. The central statue of the woman seemed almost alive, her eyes sparkling with a knowing gaze. The garden's serene ambiance was both alluring and deceptive.
Zen led the way, his senses sharp and alert. Yawen, regaining her composure, kept a close eye on the surroundings, her earlier excitement tempered by caution. Rui brought up the rear, his mind processing the unexpected encounter and the possible significance of this mystical garden.
After they reached the exit of the garden without fully exploring it, the group decided that it was best to leave for now, and they collected some glowing berries to help them in the future as they regained stamina. At the statue in the center, they saw a strange ancient language that they could not decipher. The garden left a lasting impression on the group, and they promised to come here later.
After a while, the group found the necromancer base in the hall beyond the garden.
"You followed me all the way. Did you kill the serpent?" The necromancer sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
Zen's eyes blazed with fury. "That's none of your business. But you're dying today," he growled. "Here's what I've come for." He gestured toward the humans chained to the walls, their bodies marred by cruel experiments. The sight filled Zen with righteous anger.
Yawen and Rui were horrified; their faces paled with shock. The necromancer gave an evil laugh. "These are what you will be soon," he taunted, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure.
Zen's fury boiled over. He bit his teeth in rage and unleashed a wind slash at the necromancer. The necromancer, however, was prepared and neutralized the attack with his own air bullets. With a mocking grin, he turned and fled, his movements swift and almost ethereal.
Determined not to let him escape, Zen, Yawen, and Rui sprinted after him. The necromancer's speed was terrifying, and he quickly gained a significant lead, disappearing into the dark recesses of the corridor ahead. The group was surprised at how fast he moved, but their resolve only strengthened.
Reaching a fork in the path, they paused momentarily. Zen made a quick decision. "This way," he said, choosing the right route. Luck was on their side, for they soon spotted the necromancer ahead, entering a large hall.
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the hall, growing louder and more menacing with each step. The noise was unmistakable—the clanking of armor against the ground, each impact resonating like a thunderclap.
"Who could that be?" Yawen whispered, her voice tinged with fear and curiosity.
Zen gripped his weapon tighter, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Stay alert," he warned. "This could be another one of his traps."
As the footsteps grew closer, the group braced themselves for whatever monstrous entity the necromancer had summoned to confront them. The tension in the air was palpable, and the hall seemed to darken with the approach of this new threat.
"Who is it?" Zen muttered, his voice barely audible...