Great Jura Forest
The forest stretched across vast expanses of land, surpassing in size entire nations, to the point where the horizon itself was hidden by waves of interwoven trees that embraced the sky. Their ancient trunks were thick, with tangled roots, and topped by a layer of faint emerald-hued moss, giving the impression that the trees were not merely plants… but towering pillars of an ancient edifice built in the earliest ages.
Their twisted branches wrapped around one another, forming a natural canopy that blocked sunlight, letting through only thin strands of fractured light that swayed with the movement of the leaves, as if they were the forest's own breath. In some spots, the light disappeared entirely, leaving the ground in a state of near-perpetual darkness, broken only by the glow of luminescent fungi or the reflection of eyes hidden in the shadows.
The ground was covered with a thick layer of withered, perpetually damp leaves, as if they never dried. Beneath them stretched a network of coiled roots, like living veins pulsing slowly, crawling silently beneath one's feet. Here and there, small clear pools appeared, yet they reflected the sky in a strange purplish hue, as if containing hidden magic.
The air within the forest was inexplicably cold, even in broad daylight. The breezes passing through the branches emitted faint melodies, reminiscent of a distant flute, carrying with them complex scents: the smell of damp earth, mold, and an unseen yet unmistakable strange flower.
Among the trees hung climbing plants with broad leaves, some pulsating with dim light, others moving slowly when touched—as if aware of their surroundings. From time to time, massive boulders rose, covered in moss and ancient carvings carefully etched then lost to time, bearing witness to civilizations perhaps swallowed by the forest without leaving a trace.
Sounds of life were rare, but they existed. The creak of unfamiliar insects, the echo of transparent wings buzzing, and the light footsteps of creatures that revealed themselves only on rare occasions. In some areas, fog would suddenly appear, rising from the earth as if exhaling, engulfing the lower trees and leaving only the canopies visible, floating above the gray mist in solemn silence.
There were no clear roads here. No marked paths. The forest constantly shifted its shape, as if refusing to be understood or confined to a map. Those who entered did not follow a trail but were gradually consumed by a vast, silent entity—not without hidden danger.
Jura Forest… was not just a piece of nature, but a complete ecosystem. It breathed, it reacted, and it possessed its own rhythm—one that followed no human logic. Its beauty was immense, majestic, but it was a beauty that did not welcome you—it warned you... not to make a mistake.
The forest breathed in silence.
In that abandoned corner of the Great Jura Forest, where the trees touched the sky and light only trickled down in scattered points of gold, the unexpected occurred. The air rippled, and reality tore like a wet page of paper—revealing the first fracture in the world.
Space was torn.
Without warning, and without a resounding sound, a gate of golden light opened in the heart of the forest. From within, a man stepped forward with steady steps, as if the earth itself recognized him.
His hair was a brilliant gold, fluttering in a breeze felt by no one else. His red eyes glowed with an aura of glory and pride, and his royal armor shimmered in the forest's shadows. Every movement radiated the truth that he was not born to follow.
Akira — Heir of King of Heroes.
He stood there without hesitation, as if his appearance was destined.
After him, a woman emerged from among the trees—a presence that froze the air. With her shining blonde hair and radiant features, and her sparkling violet eyes, she walked cheerfully on the moss, as if she found everything around her fascinating. There was a warmth in her gaze, something the heart could not mistake, as if she genuinely cared about everything around her.
Yukihime — the Cheerful Ice Queen.
Even with the cold that surrounded her, she remained warm in spirit—as if she had never lost joy in this world.
Another moment…
A white beam tore through the horizon, and with it appeared a girl wearing a simple white armor. In her hand:
The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi — a beautiful sword with a striking deep blue blade that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal glow. Its edge was finely honed, reflecting light with a mystical aura. The hilt was intricately adorned with several magatama—the curved, bead-like ornaments—each one meticulously placed along the grip. These ancient symbols not only added to its beauty but also served as a visual representation of its sacred and powerful nature. The overall design conveyed a sense of divine power, elegance, and timeless strength.
Her chestnut hair fell over her shoulders, and her calm eyes gazed at the forest as if she had known it before.
Yuuki Asuna — the Flash.
Her sword was silent—but promised a deadly lightning strike.
Light steps sounded—like the dance of a demoness… followed by a soft laugh. Then appeared a girl in a black outfit tinged with madness. One eye was black, the other a red clock that ticked steadily. She stood atop a high rock, as if she had emerged from a shadow the world had forgotten to move.
Tokisaki Kurumi — Nightmare.
Deadly beauty, and a gaze that left one unsure whether she was laughing or hunting prey.
Then, from another rift in time and space, a gentle noise echoed—like things rearranging themselves in the universe. Amid the twinkling blue light, appeared a girl with long flowing purple hair and wine-colored eyes, gazing at everything with disinterest. She wore a long-sleeved French maid outfit, with a pair of artificial rabbit ears mounted on her head. A playful smile curved her lazy face, as if she didn't care about anything around her and was lost in other thoughts.
Shinonono Tabane — the Genius Engineer.
No matter how lazy she looked, her smile hid a brilliance beyond imagination.
And finally, from a small crack in the void, a soft green gleam appeared. The earth trembled for a moment… then a girl emerged with graceful Elven features: long ears, silver hair that touched her back, and a simple robe colored like nature. In her hand was a wooden staff adorned with tiny crystals, and her large eyes viewed the world with a blend of childlike wonder and hidden intellect.
Sui — the Wandering Elf.
The forest's stillness welcomed her—as if she were born of its soil and breeze.
"It's been a while since I've seen you all, guys." — Akira's lips curved slightly in a warm smile as he looked at everyone gathered, for it truly had been a while since he last saw them.
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