She focused, examining the paths in detail, then looked back at the team.

"The right tunnel is lined with trees bearing bluish, glowing fruits that shine like lanterns in the darkness. The ground is covered in soft, sky-blue grass. It looks… calm. But the left tunnel is different. The trees there are blood-red, and the ground is covered with rose-red grass, littered with carcasses. Creatures have died there recently."

Ejio’s gaze shifted to the left tunnel, eyes narrowing.

"The pinkish girl likely went that way. Those bodies mean she passed through not long ago."

Hylax shook his head firmly, his brow furrowed.

"The right path is safer. I know the creatures in the forest; they're weak and pose little threat. We don't want to encounter something stronger on the left. I don't know what creatures are in there."

Ejio gave him a cold, silent look, his expression unreadable. Sensing the mistrust, Hylax added, his voice firm,

"This forest is called Azure Glade. It's known for having weaker creatures. Why would I risk danger? We're in this together. If you die, I will die too."

As the thornlings and snakevines closed in, Ejio hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Fine. We'll take the right tunnel."

They moved into the right tunnel. The walls' vines turned a luminescent blue as they proceeded. The scenery transformed ahead of them. The eerie yellow-green glow from the fruits was replaced by the serene light of trees with sky-blue leaves and glowing bluish fruits that hung heavily on the branches. The grass beneath their feet was a soft, calming sky blue. Astra noticed the flowers moving slowly.

Wind? No, the flowers are moving... Astra thought, his eyes widening in realization.

Small, flower-like creatures with translucent petals emitted a soothing blue light. They had delicate, root-like legs that allowed them to move slowly, swaying gently as if in a breeze. Biya saw this and drew her bow, but Hylax stopped her, his voice calm and reassuring.

"They are harmless. They’re called Lumiflora. They are extremely rare."

Hylax moved toward the Lumiflora. They tried to flee, but he was too quick. He caught them all and placed them in his mouth. As he chewed, the deep lines and creases on his face began to smooth out, his skin regaining a youthful tautness.

"They can make you younger," he explained, a satisfied smile spreading across his now-smoother face.

"You seem unusually knowledgeable about these plant-based creatures," Ejio observed, suspicion still lingering in his tone.

"Haha, what if I told you I willingly came here just to find these creatures? Would you believe me?" Hylax replied.

"That would be stupid. Why would you let yourself get captured?" Asa interjected, disbelief evident in her voice.

"Haha, you're right," Hylax chuckled.

Ejio’s team didn’t care if it was the truth or a lie. They were in this together, and with Hylax’s extensive knowledge, they didn’t mind his mysterious past.

"Anyway, you said this place is safe, right? Let's rest here for a bit," Ejio said.

"Finally! I'm starving," Biya said, relief evident in her tone.

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They sat together under a large, ancient tree. Hylax carefully drew runes on the ground so they could cook their food. Astra and Zar lingered a bit farther behind.

I'm definitely going to learn magic

Astra thought to himself as he grumpily chewed on his food, watching the Ejio team share laughter and enjoy their well-cooked meal. Just then, he noticed Hylax place his hand on the crystal ball atop his wand.

What is he doing? Is he... recharging it? Is that even possible?

"Agro, be careful with those flowers. Don’t touch them. They may look normal, but they’re not. They can wrap around you, immobilize you, and slowly drain your blood for months,"

Hylax warned, his voice gentle but firm, pointing at thin, vine-like plants with delicate, feathery leaves emitting a faint blue mist. They appeared almost ethereal, blending seamlessly with the misty environment.

"What!? You said this place is safe!" Agro exclaimed, his eyes wide with anger and fear.

"Haha, relax. If your feet get caught, you can just kick them off. They’re called Mistvines, and they’re G-rank. Their main food is Lumiflora. They’re annoying and produce a faint blue mist for no reason,"

Hylax explained, effortlessly killing one with his wand. Agro glared at him, for making fun of him.

"Old geezer, you've suddenly started making jokes. Does finding Lumiflora make you that happy?"

Biya asked while eating, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Yes, of course," Hylax said, grinning.

Ejio looked at the bluish fruits looming above them, curiosity in his eyes.

"Hylax, do you think these fruits are edible?" Ejio asked, his voice thoughtful.

"I don't know anything about these fruits. They should be our last resort if we need food," Hylax replied, his tone cautious.

⊶☽☬☾⊷

As they continued their journey through the serene right tunnel, the group found solace in the tranquil environment. The soft, sky-blue grass cushioned their steps, and the luminescent fruits on the trees bathed them in a gentle, calming light.

[You have slain an enemy]

Reward: 5 EXP

Seriously? Just 5 experience points?! he thought, annoyed after killing a mistvine.

"I've never seen anything like this, It's like something out of a dream." Aria said, her voice filled with awe as she gazed at the glowing fruits and the sky-blue foliage.

Hylax, walking a few steps ahead, continued to pluck Lumiflora from the ground, popping them into his mouth with a satisfied smile. Each time he ate one, his appearance grew younger. The deep wrinkles around his eyes and mouth began to fade, and his posture became more upright and vigorous.

"I can't believe what I'm seeing. You're looking younger by the minute, old geezer. Or should I say, not-so-old geezer?" Biya said, her eyes narrowing as he watched Hylax.

"These Lumiflora are miraculous. I feel like I’ve been given a new lease on life." Hylax replied, his voice noticeably more robust.

"It's not just your appearance, Your energy, the way you move, it's like you're a different person." Ejio observed.

As they walked for hours, the path widened, revealing more of the ethereal landscape. The air was filled with the soft hum of nature, and the occasional rustle of the Lumiflora moving through the grass added to the serene ambiance but they hadn't slept properly in what felt like days.

Ejio looking at his tired team said "Let's sleep here."

They ate their meal quietly. As they finished and began to settle down for the night, Biya looked around, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Do we need to take turns keeping watch?" she asked, her voice low but serious.

Ejio glanced at Hylax, seeking his opinions. Hylax, now looking no older than a man in his thirties, gave a confident nod.

"This place is safe, no need for watches tonight. Trust me." he said, his voice calm and certain.

Relieved by Hylax's words, the group prepared to sleep. They spread out their makeshift bedding, but the exhaustion and the day's events left them seeking their own space.

Biya chose to sleep on a tree branch. Ejio found a comfortable place near a large tree, stretching out with a sigh. Hylax, now brimming with youthful energy, lay down with a contented smile, quickly drifting off to sleep.

Aria chose to sleep beside a tree while Asa leaned on a tree. Astra, found a spot far from the rest of the group, the cool grass beneath him providing a soothing relief.

Just need five more level-ups and I'll reach level 20. His thoughts wandered as he watched the glowing fruits sway in the gentle breeze before finally closing his eyes.

The soft rustle of the Lumiflora created a lullaby, easing them all into a deep, much-needed sleep.

Lumiflora

Lumiflora [https://files.catbox.moe/eytjyk.png]

𓆩✧𓆪