Arin and Lyra stepped out of the grove, the glowing moss crunching softly under their feet. The Relic's small world stretched before them, its meadow giving way to a winding path flanked by crystal clusters. A stone archway loomed in the distance, its spiral runes pulsing faintly, but Arin's spiritual detection—now extending 10 meters—picked up a closer energy source, hidden among the shimmering trees to their left. The hum in his chest thrummed, nudging him toward it.
"Over there," Arin said, pointing. "Something's giving off spiritual energy."
Lyra nodded, her Third Realm aura steady, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. "Let's check it out. Stay sharp."
They moved cautiously, weaving through trees with leaves that glowed like starlight. The air grew thicker, the spiritual energy denser, as they approached a small clearing. At its center stood a low bush, its branches heavy with eight vibrant berries, each glowing with a soft, azure light. The berries pulsed with spiritual energy, their power rivaling the spiritual stones from the Vale Ascension School.
Before Arin could approach, a chittering sound filled the air. Four squirrel-like beasts, each the size of a small dog, darted from the trees, their fur crackling with Second Realm energy. Their eyes glinted with hostility, and their claws gleamed like polished stone. Behind them, a larger beast emerged—another squirrel-like creature, but taller, its aura solid and menacing, radiating the Spirit Core Stage, Third Realm.
Arin's grip tightened on his plain iron sword, its edge serviceable but unremarkable. He glanced at Lyra, who drew her sword—a sleek blade with a silver hilt, its edge etched with faint runes that shimmered with spiritual energy. The difference was stark.
"No wonder Grandfather said to reach the Third Realm," Lyra said, her voice low. "That big one's trouble."
Arin nodded, understanding. The Second Realm beasts were manageable, but the Third Realm guardian was a real threat. Without their recent breakthroughs, they'd have been outmatched.
Lyra stepped forward, her eyes locked on the larger beast. "I'll handle the Third Realm one. Its aura matches mine, and my sword's better suited. You take the four smaller ones."
Arin frowned, hesitant to let her face the stronger foe alone, but her confident stance and superior weapon eased his concern. "Got it. Be careful."
The beasts charged, their chittering rising to a shrill cry. The Third Realm squirrel lunged at Lyra, its claws slashing in a blur. She met it head-on, her sword flashing in precise arcs, parrying its attacks with ease. Sparks flew as her blade clashed with its claws, her Third Realm aura holding steady.
Arin turned to the four Second Realm beasts, which circled him, their movements quick but predictable. He extended his spiritual detection, tracking their positions within 10 meters. His normal sword felt heavy compared to Lyra's, but his Third Realm strength compensated. He moved first, lunging at the nearest beast.
The squirrel dodged, but Arin's detection sensed its shift. He pivoted, slashing downward, catching its flank. The beast squealed, its Second Realm aura faltering. Arin pressed the advantage, his strikes steady and deliberate, following the hum's rhythm. The first beast fell, its body dissolving into motes of light.
The remaining three attacked together, their claws raking from multiple angles. Arin spun, his sword deflecting two strikes while his detection warned of the third. He ducked, letting the claw pass overhead, then thrust upward, piercing the second beast's chest. It collapsed, leaving two.
The last pair grew cautious, circling wider. Arin didn't wait. He channeled a small burst of spiritual energy into his sword, giving it a faint glow, and charged. His detection pinpointed their movements, allowing him to anticipate their dodges. Two quick slashes ended the fight, the beasts dissolving like the others.
Breathing heavily, Arin turned to Lyra. She was locked in combat with the Third Realm beast, her sword a blur of silver light. The beast was fast, its claws leaving shallow cuts on her arm, but Lyra's movements were precise. She feinted left, then struck right, her blade slicing through the beast's shoulder. It roared, stumbling, and Lyra seized the moment, driving her sword into its chest. The beast collapsed, its aura fading as it dissolved into light.
Lyra sheathed her sword, wiping sweat from her brow. "Tougher than I thought, but we're even now."
Arin smiled, sheathing his own blade. "Nice work. That sword's something else."
They approached the bush, carefully plucking the eight glowing berries. Each was warm, its spiritual energy tingling against their skin, promising a boost to their cultivation if consumed later. Arin counted them, then handed four to Lyra, keeping four for himself.
"Equal split," he said, tucking his share into a small pouch at his waist.
Lyra did the same, her eyes lingering on his plain sword. "You did alright with that old thing, but you need something better."
Arin glanced at her blade, its runes still faintly glowing. "Where'd you get yours? It's not standard issue."
Lyra grinned, a hint of pride in her voice. "Father bought it for me when I reached the Second Realm. Said it'd grow with me. He's got one ordered for you, too—something special, forged by a master in the capital. You'll get it when we return."
Arin raised an eyebrow, surprised. "He didn't mention that."
"He wanted it to be a surprise," Lyra said, shrugging. "You know how he is."
Arin nodded, a warmth spreading in his chest. Their father's faith in him, even unspoken, was a quiet motivator. He gripped his plain sword, resolved to prove himself worthy of the new blade.
The clearing was quiet now, the Relic's energy settling around them. Arin's spiritual detection scanned the area, picking up no immediate threats. The path beyond the clearing stretched toward the spiral-carved archway, its runes glowing brighter, as if inviting them deeper.
"More opportunities out there," Arin said, glancing at Lyra. "Ready?"
Lyra adjusted her pouch, her Third Realm aura steady. "Always. Let's find what else the Relic's hiding."
They moved forward, following the path, the hum in Arin's chest pulsing faintly. The Relic's small world seemed to watch, its energy alive with possibilities. The berries in their pouches were just the beginning—greater trials and treasures awaited.