As Lira and Renkai ventured deeper into the crystalline forest, Lira's eyes caught a faint glimmer near the base of a spiraling tree. She knelt, brushing aside tiny shards, and uncovered a cluster of small, translucent crystals embedded in the ground. Unlike the glowing fruit-like orbs she had seen before, these were jagged, colorless, almost like tiny shards of ice—but warmer to the touch, and pulsing softly with life.
Curious, she picked one up and sniffed it. It smelled faintly metallic, like minerals in a riverbed. Tentatively, she brought it to her lips.
The moment the crystal touched her tongue, she felt a sharp, bracing saltiness that made her eyes water slightly. "Huh… salty," she murmured, tasting it again. It had a crisp crunch, then melted into a smooth, mineral-rich liquid that lingered pleasantly on her tongue.
Renkai leaned closer. "Salt crystals? Here? That's… unusual."
