The journey back to Elderhaven was marked by an unsettling tension. Kaito’s thoughts lingered on Ignisia’s warning—if the Voidspawn were stirring beneath the world, then every step forward had to be taken with vigilance. Yet, there was no time to dwell. The village continued to grow, and new challenges demanded his attention.

By the time they arrived, the scent of fresh earth and the distant hum of construction filled the air. Wooden scaffolding lined the outskirts where new buildings took shape, and villagers bustled about, driven by a shared purpose. Elderhaven was transforming into something greater than just a settlement—it was a beacon of hope.

“Kaito!” A breathless scout rushed toward him. “There’s… a situation at the river.”

His heart skipped a beat. “What happened?”

The scout hesitated. “It’s the spirits. They’re restless.”

Kaito exchanged glances with Seren and Liora before nodding. “Show me.”

They followed the scout toward the riverbank, where a shimmering mist hovered above the water. The usual gentle murmur of the current had turned erratic, the once-clear waters shifting unnaturally. Shapes flitted beneath the surface—ephemeral figures that wavered like candlelight.

Seren’s eyes narrowed. “River spirits… and they seem agitated.”

A faint whisper carried through the air, a plea entwined with sorrow. Kaito stepped forward, feeling the weight of the spirits’ distress pressing against his consciousness.

Worldweaver… hear us…

A translucent figure rose from the water, its form ever-shifting like the river itself. Its voice, though melodic, trembled with unease.

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The landslide… it has severed the flow… We wither…

Kaito’s gaze followed where the spirit gestured. Upstream, an enormous blockage of earth and rock dammed the river’s path. The stagnant water swirled listlessly, unable to move forward. If left unresolved, not only would the spirits suffer, but Elderhaven’s water supply could dwindle.

Elara stepped closer. “Can’t we just… break it apart?”

Liora crossed her arms. “Not so simple. If we’re not careful, the sudden rush could flood the lower banks.”

Kaito exhaled. They needed precision—something that wouldn’t damage the surrounding villages downstream. He turned to Seren. “What if we use ice magic to reinforce certain sections and gradually ease the flow?”

Seren nodded thoughtfully. “That could work. If I freeze parts of the debris, we can guide the water without losing control.”

With a plan in place, they moved upstream. The landslide loomed before them—a jagged barricade of stone and fallen trees. Kaito placed his hands against the obstruction, feeling the resistance of nature itself. He wove golden threads of energy through the cracks, mapping out the structure’s weakest points.

“Seren, now!”

With a fluid motion, Seren extended her hands, and a rush of frost bloomed across the rubble. Ice solidified in calculated patches, reinforcing key areas while leaving designated paths open for the water.

Kaito focused his magic, directing the threads through the frozen sections. With a careful application of force, the first layer of stone crumbled, water seeping through the gaps. Slowly, the river resumed its course, trickling past the edges before gaining momentum. The spirits let out a harmonious hum as the water resumed its steady flow.

The translucent figure reemerged, eyes gleaming with gratitude. The balance is restored… It extended a hand, and a soft glow surrounded the river. Elderhaven shall never know thirst while we remain.

A ripple of energy spread across the surface, and suddenly, the wells in the village glowed faintly with an iridescent shimmer. The water was now blessed—perpetually pure, untouched by illness or decay.

Elara clapped her hands in delight. “This is incredible!”

Liora smirked. “One problem down. A dozen more to go.”

Kaito chuckled. “That’s how it always is.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they returned to Elderhaven, their spirits lighter. Yet, Kaito knew this was just one of many trials ahead. The Voidspawn’s presence loomed ever closer, and Ignisia’s warning echoed in his mind.

For now, though, Elderhaven was safe.