Haru had finally managed to shake off the lingering awkwardness from his encounter with Tigressa. With his heart still racing, he began walking along the forest path, his footsteps light and filled with curiosity. The world around him was lush and vibrant, every corner of the forest offering something new to explore. The trees stretched high above him, their leaves rustling in the wind, and the scent of fresh earth filled the air.
As he walked, something caught his eye—a small mushroom nestled in the shade of a large rock. It was unlike any mushroom he had ever seen before. Its cap was a delicate shade of deep violet, almost shimmering in the soft sunlight that filtered through the trees. The stalk was thin and white, and tiny droplets of dew clung to its surface, making it look almost magical.
"Hey, Piko," Haru called out, crouching down to get a closer look. "What's this? I've never seen a mushroom like this before."
Piko fluttered over, her tiny wings sparkling as she hovered beside him. "Ah, that's a special one!" she said with excitement in her voice. "That mushroom is called Lunaflora, and it only grows in places with rich magical energy. It's known for its beautiful, glowing cap that can light up the dark if it's disturbed. Some even say it has minor healing properties, though it's not usually used in potions. The Lunaflora is a delicate little thing, so you have to be careful around it!"
Haru's eyes widened as he listened. "A glowing mushroom with healing properties? That's so cool! I've never seen anything like it on Earth."
With a grin, Piko added, "Yeah, the world here is full of surprises. You're going to see a lot more of these as you explore. If you want, you could collect it! But make sure to write it down in your journal. Who knows when you might need it?"
Haru nodded eagerly. He always loved taking notes and sketching things out, especially when it came to his explorations. He reached into his bag, pulling out his journal and a small pencil. Carefully, he began to sketch the mushroom, drawing its unique shape and vibrant colors with a focus only an adventurer could have. As he drew, he made notes in the margins, describing the mushroom's size, appearance, and the little details Piko had mentioned.
"Got it!" Haru said, beaming with pride as he looked at his drawing. "Now it's officially recorded. I'll remember this one!"
Piko floated beside him, nodding with approval. "You're getting better at this, Haru! Soon, you'll have a whole journal full of amazing discoveries."
Haru smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "Yeah, I can't wait to see what else this world has to offer. There's so much more to discover."
With the Lunaflora safely documented in his journal, Haru stood up, ready to continue his journey. The forest ahead beckoned, and with his curiosity ignited, he couldn't help but wonder what other strange and wonderful things awaited him.
As Haru continued his walk, something small caught his attention. He dashed over to a nearby tree, his curiosity piqued. Perched delicately on the rough bark was a tiny, vibrant creature—its wings shimmering with an almost ethereal glow. It was a ladybug, but not just any ladybug.
"Oh, what's that?" Haru whispered, crouching down to take a closer look.
Piko, who was floating beside him, spoke with a slight chuckle, "Ah, that's a Flarewing Ladybug. It's a rare species here in the forest. Known for their radiant wings that seem to sparkle under the sunlight. They're not common at all, actually. Quite the beautiful sight!"
Haru's eyes widened in amazement as he observed the little creature. The Flarewing Ladybug had wings of a soft golden-orange hue, with tiny, glowing spots that flickered like embers. Its body was a deep crimson red, speckled with black markings that resembled ancient runes. As it crawled slowly across the tree bark, tiny specks of light seemed to follow in its wake, like fireflies.
"This is beautiful," Haru murmured, captivated by its delicate beauty. "I've never seen anything like this before."
Piko continued, "These ladybugs are known for their magical properties. Their wings can glow in the dark, guiding travelers through the forest at night. They also have a minor ability to purify the air around them, making the forest feel fresher, even when the seasons change. They're rare, but they're vital to the ecosystem here."
Haru carefully pulled out his journal and started sketching the little ladybug. He paid close attention to the delicate details of its wings and markings, determined to capture every bit of its enchanting appearance.
The ladybug fluttered its wings, sending tiny glimmers of light into the air before it gracefully flew off, disappearing into the dense foliage.
Haru sat back, still gazing in the direction the ladybug had gone. "It's incredible… every little creature has its own role in this world. Even something so small can have such an impact."
"Exactly," Piko replied with a warm smile. "The balance of nature is something truly remarkable. Even the tiniest creatures are important."
Haru nodded, feeling a deep sense of awe for the new world around him. With a small grin, he closed his journal and stood up. "Alright, let's see what else is out there."
As Haru stood up, his stomach let out a loud, rumbling growl, echoing through the quiet forest. His face flushed bright red as he quickly placed a hand over his stomach. "Ugh, I guess I'm really hungry..." he muttered, feeling embarrassed.
Piko floated beside him, trying her best not to laugh. "Heh, looks like you've got a bit of an appetite, huh?" she teased, her voice light and playful.
Haru blushed even more, puffing out his cheeks. "It's not funny..."
"Don't worry, I've got you covered," Piko said, waving a hand. "Follow me!"
With that, she zipped ahead, guiding Haru through the thick forest. The sunlight trickled through the trees, casting a soft glow on the mossy ground. After a few moments, they came across a large, sprawling bush. The plant was unlike any Haru had seen before—thick vines twisted around each other, holding large, round, deep red fruits, almost like tomatoes, but they were much brighter and slightly translucent.
"This is Crimson Berries," Piko said, floating in front of the bush. "They look like regular berries, but they're packed with a sweet, tangy flavor. Not only do they taste great, but they're also perfect for adventurers like you. They'll give you a nice burst of energy."
Haru stared at the fruits, still a little unsure. They looked soft and inviting, with tiny beads of moisture sparkling on their skins as they swayed gently in the breeze. The scent of sweet fruit filled the air, making his stomach growl again.
"Go ahead, try one," Piko urged, grinning. "I promise they're not like anything you've ever tasted."
Haru hesitated for a moment before carefully plucking one of the berries from the vine. It felt surprisingly soft in his hand. He took a tentative bite. The taste hit him almost immediately—sweet, juicy, with just the right amount of tang that made him close his eyes in delight. The fruit's juices were cool, and the slight zing of flavor made him feel more awake.
"Wow... that's incredible!" Haru exclaimed, his eyes wide in amazement. "I've never tasted anything like this!"
Piko nodded with a satisfied smile. "Told ya. Crimson Berries are great for giving you a quick boost, and they're delicious, too! It's the kind of fruit that'll keep you going during long adventures."
Haru grinned and took another bite, savoring the sweet juice. He felt a little more energized, the rumbling in his stomach finally quieting down. "I didn't think something like this could exist. This world is amazing."
Piko floated around him, clearly pleased by his reaction. "You've only scratched the surface. There's so much more to discover. The more you explore, the more wonders you'll find."
As Haru finished the berry, he wiped his mouth and smiled, feeling content. "Thanks, Piko. That really hit the spot."
"Anytime, Haru!" Piko chirped. "Let's keep moving. Who knows what else we'll come across next."
As Haru finished sketching the Crimson Berries in his notebook—capturing their glossy red skin, soft fuzz, and the way they clung in small clusters like ornaments—he smiled proudly. The pages seemed to welcome every drawing, every note, without ever running out of space.
He tapped the page gently. "That looks pretty good, right?"
Piko hovered by his shoulder, pretending to inspect it. "Mhm! You've got a good eye, Haru."
Sliding the notebook back into his satchel, Haru stood and stretched. The filtered sunlight above painted dappled patterns on the forest floor, and the scent of moss and sweet fruit hung in the air. Every leaf seemed a little brighter, every sound more magical.
He continued walking, his sandals brushing over roots and soft grass. His wide eyes scanned everything—curled vines, tiny insects, even the glimmer of dewdrops on petals.
"You're really enjoying this, huh?" Piko said with a giggle.
Haru nodded with a childlike grin. "It's like nature's alive here. Like it's showing me things it's been waiting forever to share."
Piko smiled gently, floating beside him. "Maybe it has."
And so, Haru walked deeper into the forest, his heart light, his eyes curious, and his mysterious notebook ready to record a world full of wonder—one step at a time.
The breeze rustled the leaves above, and the warmth of the sun kissed his skin. Everything felt like a dream wrapped in green and gold.
But not all dreams stay peaceful forever.
From the thick brush several meters behind him, a low, guttural growl stirred—then another... and another.
Hidden in the shadows, unseen and unheard, several pairs of glowing eyes flickered to life, tracking the boy and his floating companion as they walked on... unaware.