Three months had slipped by in the forest, each day filled with the comfort of Nyx’s steady routine: raiding dungeons, adventuring with her friends, visiting each of the constellations, and learning something new at every turn. Life was simple yet brimming with magic, and Nyx found herself settling into the rhythm of it, savoring each discovery.
True to her word, she and her friends had ventured into Fox’s territory, nestled deep in the southeastern part of the forest. As they walked in, a dense canopy of twisted trees loomed above them, letting in only slivers of sunlight that danced across the forest floor. Vines dangled from thick branches, and clusters of jewel-toned flowers hid among thorny bushes. Streams crisscrossed the landscape, bubbling with a quiet, mysterious energy.
“Keep your eyes open,” Fox warned, his voice both playful and serious. “Some of the plants here might look tasty, but they’re far from friendly.”
Len leaned in close, his eyes narrowed as he scanned the ground. “That one over there,” he murmured, pointing to a bush with blood-red berries. “One bite of that, and you’ll be out for days.”
Nyx’s eyes widened in fascination, carefully avoiding the berries as she followed the group. She couldn’t help but wonder why Fox rarely stayed in his territory, which, despite its hidden dangers, was incredibly beautiful.
“So, why are you always everywhere else?” she asked, glancing up at him.
Fox smirked, nibbling on a snack he’d brought along. “Why stay in one place when the whole forest is mine to explore?” he replied with a shrug. “Besides, it’s more fun keeping you all on your toes.”
Nyx laughed, the sound echoing softly through the trees. Fox’s territory might have been laced with danger, but that only made it all the more exciting. She soon became captivated by the plants Fox showed her, learning how to make poisons and their antidotes, something she found both thrilling and a little unnerving.
Under Len and the Fox’s watchful eye, she crushed leaves, mixed strange roots, and combined different ingredients, watching as they blended into shimmering liquids that were potent enough to stun or heal. As she ground a handful of bitter-smelling herbs into a powder, she couldn’t resist a smile.
“I didn’t know making poison could be so… fun,” she said with a mischievous grin.
Fox chuckled, nodding approvingly. “There’s an art to it, Nyx. Just remember, these things are as deadly as they are fascinating.”
Back in her usual territory, Nyx found herself taking on new routines. Now that she’d learned to swim, she no longer needed help with bathing. Instead, she would wade into the shallow end of the waterfall pool each morning, letting the cool, crystal-clear water wash over her skin. Though she still stayed close to the shore, she loved the feeling of independence it gave her. Floating and paddling, she felt as if she were dancing with the water.
After one of her swims, Peacock handed her a small package. Unwrapping it, she found soft fabric—simple underwear. Peacock watched her reaction, smiling with a hint of amusement.
“People outside the forest wear these beneath their clothes for added protection,” he explained, noticing her puzzled look.
Nyx looked at the garment, then back at Peacock. “But… I don’t need more protection,” she said, tilting her head. “I can protect myself just fine.”
Peacock chuckled, his laughter gentle and understanding. “Think of it as another layer, Nyx. The outside world has many customs—some practical, some simply… tradition. You’ll understand more when you see it for yourself.”
Reluctantly, she nodded, agreeing to wear it out of respect for Peacock’s wisdom, even if the reasoning was still a bit hazy to her. She had also learned to wash her clothes in the lake, though she found herself splashing around as much as actually cleaning. The sight of her laughing and playing in the water with Len and the others became a familiar one, filling the air with joy and lightheartedness.
Three months later, Nyx’s ninth birthday arrived. Despite the steady rhythm of her daily life, she could feel her magic and skills growing, her bond with the forest deepening. Her friends gathered to celebrate, filling her day with laughter, food, and gifts.
Peacock had gone out of his way to bring snacks from the outside world, treats wrapped in bright papers and strange shapes. But one treat stole the show: a delicate, enchanting cake he called Dreamloaf.
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As Nyx bit into it, her eyes widened in delight. The cake seemed to melt on her tongue, soft and airy, with a taste both sweet and mysterious. Hints of vanilla, honey, and something floral lingered, calming and soothing her with every bite.
Fox, stealing a piece with his usual sly grin, looked equally enchanted. “Now that,” he declared, licking his lips, “is a treat worthy of a god.”
Peacock chuckled, watching Nyx savor each bite. “Dreamloaf is meant to bring a sense of calm, to help you dream happier dreams,” he explained, a twinkle in his eye. “I thought it fitting for someone as spirited as you.”
Nyx closed her eyes, feeling a soft warmth spread through her. “Thank you, Peacock,” she said sincerely. “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
As the celebration continued, the constellations presented Nyx with their gifts. Each one had bestowed upon her a new skill, and she accepted each with gratitude, her eyes shining as she absorbed the knowledge and power they offered.
“Thank you all,” she said, looking around at the friends and guardians who had become her family. Each skill felt like a piece of their wisdom and strength, something she could carry forward in her own journey.
As the sun dipped below the treetops, casting long shadows across the forest, Nyx felt a deep sense of contentment. She had grown stronger, learned more, and her curiosity had only deepened. The forest held endless mysteries, and for now, she was happy to explore them with her friends by her side. She didn’t know what lay beyond the forest, but one thing was certain—when the time came, she would be ready.
***************************************************
STRENGTH - 1000P
SPEED - 1500P
INTELLIGENCE - 1600P
EXP - 800P
MP - ??
One week later, Nyx found herself once again deep within the forest, embracing the thrill of exploring alone. She and her friends had devised a new plan: each would choose a different part of the forest, bringing back any treasures they stumbled upon. Raided dungeons were fair game, as were undiscovered corners within each territory.
Dressed in her trousers and blouse, Nyx felt ready for anything. Her veil fluttered lightly over her shoulders, and her boots were silent against the forest floor. Attached to her was her scabbard, and by her side, Ori, Rion, and Airy, all a comforting presence as she ventured out.
Today, she had chosen to explore Drac’s territory. Though she knew much of it already, there was one area that had long intrigued her: the northwestern part, which Drac had once told her to avoid. But with her skills, Nyx figured she’d be safe enough. If things went awry, she’d simply teleport away—that was the plan, simple and straightforward.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Nyx set off. She skirted around the main trails, keeping to the shadows and staying close to her target without venturing directly into it. “I’m not really breaking the rules,” she murmured with a grin. “Just… bending them a bit.”
The deeper she went, the darker her surroundings became. Shadows pooled around the twisted trees, and the air grew cooler, carrying an earthy, metallic scent. Unfazed, Nyx activated Echo Vision, scanning the area for any creatures lurking nearby. Finding none, she relaxed, feeling a sense of calm settle over her as she continued.
Finally, she found what she was looking for: a narrow opening in a hillside, half-hidden by thick ivy. A faint glow pulsed from within, beckoning her forward. Taking a deep breath, Nyx stepped inside, her eyes adjusting quickly to the dim light.
The cave was unlike anything she’d seen before. Its walls were encrusted with quartz and gemstones that shimmered in every shade of the rainbow, casting a soft, prismatic glow. The cool, damp air carried a faintly sweet, floral scent, and patches of glowing fungi dotted the stone, illuminating the path ahead.
“Well, this is… something,” she whispered, a sense of awe filling her.
As she ventured further, Nyx’s footsteps echoed softly, each sound absorbed by the cave’s vast, hidden depths. Pools of silver-blue water lay scattered across the cavern floor, perfectly still and reflective, their surfaces like liquid mirrors. Occasionally, they rippled, as if responding to an unseen rhythm, sending tiny waves across the surface.
The quiet hum of the cave seemed to grow louder, and as Nyx moved deeper inside, she caught sight of an enormous crystal formation standing at the heart of the cavern. It glowed with an otherworldly light, shifting between hues of violet and pale green, radiating a soft warmth that filled the room. Nyx’s eyes widened.
“That must be the Heartstone…” she murmured, feeling a strange calm wash over her. She had heard the legends of crystals like these—ancient relics of lost magic from Drac and the others. The Heartstone pulsed gently, as if it were alive, its hum resonating through the rock and filling her chest with a peaceful, almost comforting energy.
Determined to explore the rest of the cave, Nyx carefully followed a path of softly glowing vines that led deeper into the cavern. Her eyes caught the glimmer of something hidden beneath a cluster of crystals. Bending down, she found small shards of opalescent stone scattered across the ground, their smooth, cool surfaces humming faintly as she touched them.
“These look nice,” she said with a smile, tucking a handful of shards into her bag.
Continuing onward, she spotted a small pool of silver water nestled near the edge of a cluster of crystals. Reflecting the ceiling’s formations, it looked like a miniature version of the night sky. Just beside the pool, half-hidden under a tangle of vines, lay an old, tarnished chest. Nyx brushed the vines aside, her curiosity piqued, and slowly opened it.
Inside, she found a set of intricate rings, each one adorned with tiny gemstones that pulsed with a faint, magical energy. She slipped them into Airy, feeling a faint warmth in her hand as if the magic within the rings recognized her as their new bearer.
Nyx continued her exploration until she finally stood before the Heartstone itself. Its radiance filled the chamber, casting a gentle glow across her face. Beneath it lay a small pile of ancient coins and delicate crystal ornaments, each one glinting with an ethereal light. She knelt down, carefully selecting a few of the coins and ornaments, feeling their weight and history.
“This is the jackpot,” she whispered with a grin, slipping the treasure coins into Ori. With a satisfied sigh, she turned to leave, mentally dividing the treasures she’d found. She began to think about how she might share her findings with the constellations. “I think Peacock would like those rings… And maybe Griff could use the coins.”
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a heavy, resounding thud. She froze, her heart pounding as a chill crept up her spine. Slowly, she turned around, her eyes widening as a shadow filled the mouth of the cave.
Standing before her was a giant figure, its silhouette blocking out the faint light from outside. Nyx’s breath caught as she took in the creature’s towering form, a figure unlike anything she’d seen before.