After reaching the top of the mountain, the team finally discovers a massive, glowing lake. Their eyes fill with tears. So many battles, and even the sacrifice of their friends... all had led them to this place.
Everyone settles down, resting near the lake's edge.
NiZo walks a little ahead to look closer. That's when he notices something — a girl, bathing near the center of the lake.
Her pink hair glows faintly in the water. NiZo freezes.
> "Those hair... I've seen them before..."
It all flashes back — the little girl behind the tree, the kiss, the stone fall.
Zimi and the rest come forward, shocked by the sight.
NiZo:
> "I have to go talk to her."
Laitho warns:
> "Be careful. That girl might not be human."
Zimi jokes:
> "The lake doesn't even look that deep."
But before NiZo can respond — his foot slips, and he falls into the water!
The girl turns and sees him sinking.
Without hesitation, she dives underwater and swims gracefully. Everyone on land watches, confused.
Zimi:
> "She swims so well... maybe she can save him."
---
🐍 Underwater Revelation
NiZo slowly opens his eyes underwater.
What he sees leaves him speechless — giant snake tails, over 120 ft long, weaving across the lake floor. They are connected to her.
She brings him back to the surface.
As the team runs to check on NiZo, her serpent tail stays hidden beneath the water. No one notices... except NiZo.
NiZo (weakly):
> "You're... really huge…"
Zimi punches him:
> "Is that the first thing you say to someone who saved your life!?"
The girl looks at NiZo's face... and then something strange happens — the bandage covering his kiss mark peels off.
Her eyes widen. She softly touches the scar.
Then, suddenly… she hugs him tight and starts crying.
> "Gakhuyi... Gakhuyi... Gakhuyi…"
She repeats, over and over.
---
🌀 Reunion and Realization
NiZo turns to his team.
> "Guys... wanna see something cool?"
He calls the girl:
> "From now on, your name is... Gakhuyi."
He gestures to her.
Gakhuyi slowly raises her giant tail out of the lake, revealing its full size and scale.
As she does, the pressure of the lake water reduces — and the mist starts clearing.
Everyone is frozen.
Later, around the fire, NiZo explains everything:
> "I met her when I was a kid... she saved me then, too."
Laitho sets up the tents.
NiZo:
> "Guess I'll need a separate tent for myself now—"
Suddenly, Gakhuyi coils around him and uses her tail to build a tent-like shelter around them.
Zimi and Zama see it from a distance. Zimi mutters:
> "Tch. I'll go set up my own tent too."
She walks off. Zama silently follows.
Inside the makeshift tent, NiZo yells in his typical funny style:
> "Oi, don't just crawl over me like a snake princess!!"
---
🌌 The Sky Cracks Open
At midnight, the entire team is awakened by a roaring sound.
They run out and look up — a bright blue beam is shooting into the sky from the highest mountain peak.
Suddenly, a giant explosion occurs.
NiZo shouts:
> "Laitho!! What the hell is that!?"
Laitho:
> "I don't know... but it doesn't feel right."
Koku:
> "It's beautiful... but dangerous."
Zimi:
> "I don't like this one bit..."
Zama stays silent. Watching.
Then — Gakhuyi rushes to them. She grabs everyone and starts carrying them far away with incredible speed.
Moments later, giant stones start falling from the sky.
The team takes shelter in a deep cave, narrowly escaping death.
---
🔥 Cave Path & New Enemy Appears
The next morning, the team continues toward the mountain's top. Inside the enormous cave, they find a narrow path — beside it, a small glowing river flows silently.
Suddenly, a blazing light appears ahead.
A creature approaches — it's a Fire Lion. Its body is covered in magma, and flames roar from its mane...
> To be continued...