The air twisted around them, pulling their bodies through a strange force that felt neither hot nor cold. For a moment, everything went blank, sound, sight, and even the sense of weight disappeared. Then, slowly, the world began to take shape again.
When the light cleared, Redwake, The Rising Heroes, and Wind Chasers found themselves standing on fresh grass. They looked around, confused and astonished.
What stretched before their eyes was not the same ruin they had entered. Instead, it was a vast green landscape. Rolling fields spread endlessly, dotted with wildflowers that swayed with the gentle breeze. A forest stood nearby, its trees tall and healthy, their leaves glowing in the sunlight. A clear pond rested close to where they had landed. The water was so pure that the stones at the bottom were visible, sparkling as if polished.
The air itself was fresh and light, so clean that every breath felt new. The clouds above floated slowly, soft and white, and the sun's warmth was neither too sharp nor too faint. It was perfect, almost unreal.
Birds sang sweetly in the distance, their voices blending into a soft melody. Small animals darted playfully through the grass, unafraid of the new arrivals. The entire place felt alive and welcoming, like a world pulled straight out of a dream.
Lila spun around, her eyes wide with excitement. "Wow… this place surely seems like a dream."
Her words echoed everyone's thoughts. Even the most hardened among them could not deny the beauty before their eyes. For a brief moment, the tension lifted, and the groups allowed themselves to take in the view.
But as the silence stretched, reality slowly returned. This was no ordinary place. They were inside one of the Mythical Ruins, the Ruins of Never-ending Dreams.
Adrian muttered under his breath, "It's too perfect…"
Alex nodded, his expression serious. "That's the problem. Nothing inside a Mythical Ruin is ever just simple or safe. This beauty has a purpose, and it won't last."
The younger members were still enchanted, walking closer to the pond and marveling at the clear water. Meanwhile, the experienced adventurers exchanged quiet looks. Their instincts told them to stay alert. Peace inside a ruin was never truly peace—it was only the surface of something deeper.
Roland scanned the horizon, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. "We don't know where we are, or how to leave. The only thing we can do is move forward."
With no other option, the groups began walking toward the forest. The soft grass bent under their feet, the sound of running water following them as streams cut through the land. Everything seemed right, almost too right. And that was exactly what made them uneasy.
They continued their cautious march when, from a distance, a lone figure appeared.
The person walked calmly, as if strolling through his own backyard. His steps were steady, unhurried, and full of confidence. His posture carried natural grace, and even before he drew near, the presence around him felt strong.
Instantly, everyone tensed. Hands moved to weapons, spells were prepared, and eyes narrowed. A stranger in a Mythical Ruin was never a coincidence.
The figure kept approaching. As the details became clear, Redwake's members froze in surprise. His sharp features were familiar, his confident smile unchanged. A long sword hung at his side, the blade faintly shimmering like ripples of water under moonlight.
Alex's eyes widened, then he quickly raised his hand. "Hold on. Everyone, stand down."
The tension eased slightly, though the other two groups still looked confused. The figure finally reached them, and without hesitation, Alex stepped forward and firmly shook his hand.
Alex turned back to the others and cleared his throat. His voice carried a mix of respect and familiarity.
"This right here is the Leader of Astra Axis, one of the finest adventurer groups from the neighboring kingdom. His name is Caelus… also known as The Never-ending River."
It was not a surprise that Astra Axis was here. Due to a deal made between the two kingdoms, groups from both sides had been sent to explore the ruin together. Astra Axis represented their kingdom, just as Redwake, The Rising Heroes, and Wind Chasers represented theirs.
Caelus chuckled lightly, waving his free hand. "Come on, Alex, no need to be this formal." His tone was relaxed, his smile warm. Then he looked around at everyone. "Well, nice to meet you all."
Adriana, who had been staring at him with recognition, spoke up. "It has been a long time since we last saw you. Where's the rest of your crew?"
Caelus's smile softened. "They're halted a little ahead. I came here to pick you all."
Hugo frowned, skeptical. "Pick us? And how exactly did you know we were here?"
Caelus's hand brushed the hilt of his sword, his expression unreadable for a moment. "Let's just say… my sword told me." Then his tone shifted, more serious. "But explanations can wait. For now, follow me. Quickly. We need to get away from this spot."
The weight in his voice was enough to silence further questions. Though curiosity burned in their minds, everyone fell in step behind him.
The groups moved quietly, following Caelus's steady pace. His presence alone brought a strange sense of reassurance, yet also raised new questions. If even he treated this place with such caution, then the dream-like scenery was hiding something much greater.
They had just entered one of the Mythical Ruins. For now, it looked like a paradise. It looked like a dream.
But dreams never lasted forever.
And soon, the truth of the Ruins of Never-ending Dreams would unfold.