That night, the sky was filled with stars twinkling like gems scattered across a black canopy, as if the universe itself bore silent witness to the meeting of two souls in the heart of the quiet wilderness. The whisper of the night wind rustled through the leaves, dancing with the flickering shadows of the lively campfire. Arthur expertly turned the fish skewers over the crackling embers, while Jing Liu—with mesmerizingly nimble movements—finished cleaning the last fish, droplets of water from the small stream still glistening on her slender fingertips.
The savory aroma of grilled fish mingled with the scent of burning pinewood, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The firelight reflected off Arthur's face as he carefully monitored the fish's doneness, while from the corner of his eye, he caught Jing Liu's curious, lingering glances.
"Alright, I'm full," Jing Liu said, licking her spice-coated fingers. "Now it's time for you to spill! I can't wait any longer to hear your explanation!" Her voice was eager, yet insistent.
Arthur took a deep breath, his greenish-blue eyes reflecting the flames. "It all started when I was four years old..." He paused for a moment, twirling a small stick that soon caught fire. "There's a special dimensional space I can enter. There, I can preview the spirit rings I might obtain—though I can't bring them out—but at least I know what abilities I'll gain."
The chirping of crickets suddenly grew louder, as if listening intently to Arthur's story. "And most importantly," he continued with a faint smile, "there's a voice inside me whispering... that this is truly my own power." A sly glint flashed in his eyes as he finished.
Jing Liu stared at him deeply, her golden eyes shimmering in the firelight. "Are you sure you want to share such a big secret?" Her voice trembled slightly. "Because... I've been keeping something too. Something that might make you see me differently." Her hands clenched tightly around her knees.
Arthur suddenly burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the trees. "You mean your identity as a 100,000-year-old spirit beast? Relax, I already knew!"
"WHAT?!" Jing Liu nearly choked, her face instantly paling. "Since when?! Don't tell me this whole time has just been an act?!" Her body trembled like a leaf in the wind.
"Chill!" Arthur shook his head with a grin. "I figured it out when our energies merged during training yesterday. The resonance of your soul... is different." He winked.
Jing Liu lowered her head, her long black hair cascading over her face. "Then... you don't feel deceived? Me pretending to be human..."
Arthur suddenly clapped her on the shoulder. "Dummy! What's the difference between a human and a spirit beast? All that matters is that you're Jing Liu, the one who's always causing me trouble!" His voice was warm with acceptance.
"But... Uncle Jack..." Jing Liu murmured hesitantly.
"He doesn't need to know," Arthur cut in firmly. "To him, you'll always be the child he loves."
A brief silence fell, broken only by the crackling fire and rustling leaves. Suddenly, Arthur sprang to his feet with enthusiasm. "Enough sad talk! Wanna see my dimension or not?" He stretched out his hand invitingly.
Jing Liu immediately grabbed it with a firm grip. "Let's go! Show me your wonders!"
"Three... two... one... GO!"
In an instant, the world shifted dramatically. They now stood on a beach with sand as white as pearls, waves shimmering under the moonlight crashing onto the shore. "This... is amazing!" Jing Liu exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I thought it'd be some boring empty space!"
"Hah? Underestimating me?" Arthur smirked. "This is just the beginning!" In a flash, the scenery changed to a vast flower-filled meadow, then shifted again into a majestic canyon.
"No way! You can change it however you want?" Jing Liu spun around in awe.
"Still want to see more?" Arthur offered proudly.
"Save it for later," Jing Liu replied with a wink. "For when you get your first spirit ring!"
"Alright, time to head back. We need to rest."
"Huh? Why not just sleep here?" Jing Liu protested.
Arthur flicked her forehead. "Slacker! We're on an adventure, not a vacation!"
"Ugh... you're right," Jing Liu grumbled, yawning widely.
Back in the real world, they lay beneath the starry sky, lulled by nature's soothing symphony. Slowly, their eyes closed, while the small campfire continued to burn, guarding them against the chill of the night.
TO BE CONTINUED....