{ Successful }

What name is more graceful than dusk for the sun's gentle fall,

When twilight whispers and shadows grow tall?

What is it that drives us, a treasure we keep,

That lingers at dusk but fades with dawn's sweep?

As Axis recited the words out loud the old tree came alive, as its branches moved, and a face formed on its trunk, it announced.

" To the young one who knows our language, three question , three answers "

" Huh? What does that mean." looking towards lyra i asked " does it mean i get three questions i can ask him and 3 chances to guess the answer ? "

" Kre… [yes] " lyra responded.

A few moments later.

" i am gonna ask my first questions now"

Tree moved again, face on the trunk announced " ask "

" is it a tangible thing "

" No! "

Axis looked up at the ancient tree, trying to steady his thoughts. "Alright… first guess."

He cleared his throat, glancing at Lyra, who tilted her head, watching him intently. "Is it... stars?" he asked, though the answer didn't feel quite right even as he said it.

The tree's wooden face shifted, creaking as it formed a grin. "No, young one. Stars fall, yet they do not linger only at dusk. Try again."

Axis bit his lip, thinking hard. "Okay, next question," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else. "Does it have to do with feelings or emotions?"

The tree seemed to pause, considering his question. Finally, it answered in a low rumble, "Yes, in a way."

Axis's brow furrowed as he mulled it over. "Then… hope?" he asked, testing out the idea, but as the word left his mouth, it didn't sit right.

The tree chuckled, its deep voice echoing through the clearing. "Hope may endure, but it does not fade with dawn's light. That is not the answer."

He took a deep breath. He only had one chance left. He closed his eyes, thinking back to the riddle.

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"What is it that drives us, a treasure we keep, that lingers at dusk but fades with dawn's sweep?"

He opened his eyes, realization dawned on him. "Is it... dreams?"

The tree's face split into a wide smile. "Yes, young one. Dreams. They drift in like shadows at dusk, and fade with the morning sun."

A soft light filled the clearing, and the altar stone shifted, revealing a small, ancient metal piece resting within a shallow groove. It pulsed faintly, resonating with a strange energy.

Axis reached out, carefully picking up the small metal piece. It was cool to the touch, pulsing gently in his hand as though it was alive.

He looked up at the tree, his curiosity piqued. "Why do dreams fade with the morning sun?" he asked.

The tree's face twisted in thought, its ancient eyes narrowing as if it could see beyond the here and now. "Dreams," it began slowly, "are woven from the quiet hours, spun from hopes and fears buried deep within. In the night, when the world is still, the spirit wanders free from reality's grip, exploring places it cannot reach in the light."

The tree's voice softened, as though speaking from some ancient memory. "But with the dawn comes the weight of the day, the pull of the waking world. Dreams, delicate as whispers, cannot survive in a place ruled by reason and purpose. They fade, hiding in shadows, only to return when the mind is once again free."

Axis stared at the tree, letting its words sink in. Dreams were fleeting but powerful, tied to the quiet hours that allowed his mind to roam untethered.

"Then are dreams meant to be chased? Or are they simply meant to be… experienced and forgotten?" he asked, almost to himself.

The tree's eyes twinkled, and it replied, "Dreams are yours to hold, to remember, or to let slip away. Some are guides, lighting the way to paths you have yet to find. Others are but echoes of things that have been, or might be. You may chase them, young one, or let them pass; the choice is yours."

Lyra chirped softly beside him, as though understanding the depth of the tree's words.

Axis nodded, feeling a strange sense of understanding, yet the mystery remained. "Thank you," he said, tucking the metal piece safely in his pocket.

{ Ding! }

{ First task complete. }

{ Rewards for the tasks are on hold. }

{ Full rewards will be granted upon quest completion. }

{ New task generated. }

…

Task 2: Follow the river to its end; the location of the second broken metal piece awaits.

Details: Five ancient metal shards lie scattered through the forest, rumored to hold mysterious power. Gather all pieces and bring them to a sacred place; if the pieces are submerged, something extraordinary may be revealed. The trial is a sequence of five tasks, each appearing only after the previous one is complete. Your next step is to follow the river to uncover the second shard.

…

The tree's face slowly receded into the bark, its features blending back into the rough surface until only the aged trunk remained. The forest resumed its stillness, but Axis felt an odd sense of calm, as though the trees and creatures were silently watching over him.

He glanced at Lyra, who seemed eager to continue. "Guess we have four more pieces to find. Think the other tasks will be as strange as this one?" he mused, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Axis glanced at Lyra. "Guess we have four more pieces to find. Think the other tasks will be as strange as this one?" he mused, a small smirk playing on his lips.

Lyra tilted her head, giving a soft chirp that almost sounded like a laugh.

As both lyra and axis departed towards the next location.

Behind the tree faughted " one more question is remaining, may fate allow you to ask and let this old tree be able to answer, oh mother why does this child carry a piece of that being. "