Inside the tall crystal tower in the center of the orchard, the atmosphere was solemn and expectant. The sound of an ancient bell echoed throughout the area, calling everyone to gather. A faint light from the crystals on the ceiling shone down, making the central hall of the tower feel magical.
Punya sat beside Princess Lingya, who was looking straight ahead with a calm expression, while Li Shan stood behind Punya like a shadow, guarding her. He remained vigilant of every move in the room. Xian Lan, who was standing in the center, opened the meeting with a clear and resolute tone.
"In the past, the queen who built this orchard left an important legacy. It is a test for those who are worthy of the great power of the orchard," Xian Lan began, her tone inviting everyone to listen intently. "This test does not only measure physical strength or power, but also the heart of those who dare to face the truth."
Prince Xiao Yang, who was sitting opposite Punya, leaned forward, his eyes filled with interest that hid a hint of cunning. He asked in a calm but curious tone, "What about those who failed?"
Xian Lan turned to look at him sharply. Before answering in a tone that made the whole room go silent, "They will be expelled from the garden, never to return."
That answer caused tension in the room. Prince Li Cheng, who was sitting calmly, turned to look at Punya. His face was solemn. "If what we predicted is true, you will be the only one who can pass this test."
Punya swallowed her saliva lightly. She felt everyone's eyes in the room staring at her, as well as the heavy pressure. She never thought that she would be in such a situation. In the eyes of Prince Xiao Yang and Prince Li Cheng, she saw both expectation and doubt.
Princess Lingya, who was sitting beside her, reached out and lightly touched her arm to encourage her. "Don't worry too much, Punya. Remember that everyone here will support you."
These words helped Punya's mind to be more stable. She took a deep breath before replying in a firm and confident tone, "I am ready."
Xian Lan nodded slightly, her eyes showing satisfaction. "Then, you will face the test tomorrow. Prepare yourself, because this test will not only measure your strength, But also to test the sincerity and courage in your heart."
After that, the meeting continued to explain in more detail about the test and the support methods of each party, but in Punya's heart, she knew that tomorrow would be the day that would change her life forever.
--
Amidst the silence covered by the thick fog, Punya walked deeper into the orchard. She felt a strange energy permeating the air. Li Shan followed closely behind her, while Weng Qing walked by the side, her eyes scanning the surroundings cautiously. Yang Sheng, who held her dual swords tightly, surveyed the surrounding area with a ready attitude.
"This fog is not ordinary," Weng Qing said softly, gripping the hilt of her weapon even tighter. "It seems to be hiding something."
Punya nodded. Although her heart was beating wildly, she continued walking. Suddenly, the thick fog began to move as if it were alive. It separated to reveal a large courtyard in the middle of the orchard. There, a giant tree stood tall in the middle. Its leaves spread out like dark shadows. But the most eye-catching thing was a glowing fruit that shone like a falling star, hanging from the highest branch.
"That is…" Punya said softly. Her eyes stared at the forbidden fruit she had only heard of in legends.
"This is part of the test," Weng Qing said calmly, but her tone was solemn. "I feel a certain power… It's not as friendly as it should be."
Before anyone could say anything, a thick vine from a giant tree shot out from the ground. It moved as fast as a serpent and rushed towards Punya. She let out a shriek and barely dodged it.
"Watch out!" Li Shan shouted, before pulling out his sword and cutting the vine in one go.
"I will protect you!" Li Shan said with a resolute tone.
At the same time, Yang Sheng charged at the other side of the vines. His twin swords slashed at the vines that were coming towards Weng Qing, but the vines recovered and charged again.
"They won't give up easily!" Yang Sheng roared.
Weng Qing moved quickly. She used the power of the "Thunder Mango" to send electricity into the vines. One of the vines was knocked away, but it did not give up and kept trying to attack them.
Punya stood in the middle. Her breath was rapid. She saw everyone fighting to protect her, but she felt like a burden.
"You have to believe in yourself," a mysterious voice whispered in her head.
Punya took a deep breath, trying to gather her remaining courage. She decided to approach the giant tree. Even though the vines were still moving violently, she did not stop.
"Punya! Watch out!" Li Shan shouted as he fought the vines that were getting in her way.
But Punya did not stop. She stepped towards the trunk of the giant tree. She reached out and touched the glowing fruit hanging at the top.
The moment she touched the fruit, all the vines stopped moving, and the giant tree became still as if nothing had happened.
Punya breathed a sigh of relief. She turned to look at Li Shan, Weng Qing, and Yang Sheng, who were looking at her with eyes that were a mixture of relief and surprise.
"You did it…" Weng Qing said softly. She looked at Punya with admiration in her eyes.
"You are so brave," Li Shan said, his eyes shining with pride.
Yang Sheng chuckled softly, sheathing his sword. "I thought we would have to fight for a long time."
Punya smiled slightly. Although her heart was still beating fast, she knew that this test was just the beginning of something greater to come.
--
The atmosphere inside the Crystal Tower was tense and tense when Punya returned with the forbidden fruit in her hand. She could feel everyone's gazes on her. Some were filled with questions, while others were filled with distrust.
Prince Li Cheng stood in the middle of the room, his figure elegant but cold. Beside him was Princess Mei Lin, who also had a depressed expression on her face.
"What did you do, Punya?" Li Cheng asked in a deep voice. His eyes were filled with displeasure.
Punya was stunned for a moment, but she gathered her courage and replied, "I did what you asked me to do. I brought back the fruit…"
"But did you know that touching the fruit could release power that we cannot control!" Li An's voice rang out. He stepped out from the shadows of the corner of the room, his eyes filled with reproach.
"But… I was careful," Punya tried to explain, but her words could not cover up the displeasure that spread throughout the room.
As the tension rose, Prince Xiaoyang slowly walked in. Every step he took was imbued with elegance and awe. His eyes were fixed on the forbidden fruit in Punya's hand. His lips curved into a slight smile.
"You did well, Punya," he said in an easy tone, but that tone made everyone in the room even more wary.
"But I have to examine the fruit in your hand first."
Punya felt uneasy. "Examine…examine what?"
Her voice barely came out, but it was heard throughout the room. Princess Lingya was the one who asked again in a firm tone. "What do you want this fruit for?"
Xiao Yang turned to look at Ling Ya with an indifferent expression. "To protect our kingdom, of course."
But no one believed his words. Xiao Yang's smile was like ice that never melted. Princess Mei Lin stared at him with a suspicious gaze, while Li An stepped forward again. "We know that you have some plans that have nothing to do with protecting the kingdom."
"You've said too much, Li An," Xiao Yang replied coldly. "Don't judge me without evidence."
Mei Ling, who had been standing quietly all along, spoke up in a calm but firm tone. "I'm sorry to say this, but I heard something from Lord Xiao Yang last night… I don't think he's being honest with us."
Mei Ling's words made the room go dead silent. All eyes were on Xiao Yang. He turned to look at Mei Ling, his eyes as cold as ice. "What did you say, Mei Ling?"
Mei Ling didn't back down. She faced Xiao Yang bravely. "You have some secret plans related to this forbidden fruit. I heard you talking to your people the night before."
Xiao Yang moved closer to Mei Ling. The smile on his face disappeared. "Watch your words… or do you want to be in trouble!"
"Enough!" Princess Mei Lin's voice rang out. She stepped into the middle of the room, raising her hand to stop the tension that was about to erupt. "Everyone, go back and rest tonight. Sister Ling Ya and I will decide this matter tomorrow."
Everyone stopped, before slowly withdrawing from the room. Punya looked at the fruit in her hand with worry, her heart heavy with what was about to happen.
When everyone had left, she knew that this was not the end of the conflict, but only the beginning of a more complicated battle than she had ever imagined…