Golden sunlight filtered through the lush leaves of Ao' Village, bathing the morning in peace—yet inside Claude, anxiety gnawed like a restless shadow. She paced the creaking floorboards, every step dragging the weight of a thousand fears. Her younger sister, Lixs, hadn't returned since the previous night, and her apprehension had morphed into a chilling, menacing shadow.
Her breath caught as she stepped outside, the wooden walls behind her aged by time and storms. The cool morning breeze caressed her face, carrying the fragrant scent of damp earth after last night's rain. In the distance, the towering trees whispered, seemingly offering encouragement, yet failing to soothe Claude's troubled heart. The sky was a flawless, bright blue, fluffy white clouds drifting effortlessly, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil swirling within her.
A long journey lay ahead. A winding path, choked with thick grass, led to the dense forest Claude dreaded since childhood. Filtered sunlight pierced the deep green foliage, creating dancing shadows that mirrored her hesitant steps. Dry leaves rustled down, like the unstoppable whispers of time, reminding Claude that every second was precious.
In the distance, magnificent yet ominous ancient ruins emerged—dilapidated structures steeped in history, a hidden meeting place of secrets. Near Nucle Village, the windswept region renowned for its captivating beauty, yet harboring profound mysteries.
Among the moss-covered, weathered stones and faded walls, three figures sat relaxed under the bright sky. As her foot touched the silent ruins, one of them turned. Claude recognized the flat yet keenly inquisitive voice.
"You're here?" Claude murmured, a sharp, suspicious gaze hidden behind a feigned casual tone.
The man, Kai, slowly turned. His face was cold and tense, his black hair neatly tied, giving an impression of calm yet sharp intensity—like a hidden sword poised to strike. He often appeared indifferent, but Claude knew his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
"Ren sent me," he replied curtly, his voice betraying an undeniable tension.
Claude narrowed her eyes, sensing unease. "I figured. Something serious?"
Before Kai could answer, light, nimble footsteps approached. Another young man, Kino, joined them with burning enthusiasm. His gaze was sharp yet spirited, a faint smile gracing his rosy lips, contrasting with the tense atmosphere surrounding them.
"Let me handle this," Kino said, his smooth tone cutting through the tension like sunlight through mist.
Claude furrowed her brow. "Your bad habit, Kino."
Kino chuckled, his wide smile widening. "Kai's too slow and sluggish."
From a shadowed corner of the ruins, a woman, Lylia, spoke in a calm yet chilling voice. She possessed a powerful aura, and each word felt heavy with meaning.
"You do like attention," she retorted, glancing at Kino with a scorching gaze.
Beneath simple words and falling leaves, this meeting whispered of hidden dangers and coming change.
A storm of unease churned inside her—she couldn't wait any longer. "I need your help finding Lixs," she stated, her tone emphasizing the urgency of her request.
Kai was startled. "She's missing?"
Claude nodded, producing a worn note found before Lixs' disappearance. "This is her last note," she said, handing over the paper. Kai read it carefully, speculating, "Perhaps she was searching for something important."
Lylia rose, approaching Claude with graceful steps. "Let me help find her," she said, her voice resolute.
Claude expressed her gratitude.
Their somber mood was interrupted by the arrival of Araka—a handsome man with sparkling black hair and eyes. Kino didn't hear Araka's words; Araka's outburst resulted in a burst of shared laughter.
However, the laughter quickly turned to chilling silence. A fierce, cold wind blew, scattering leaves. Then, Twoaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr... Booommmmm...
An explosion echoed, shattering the morning's tranquility. They froze, eyes scanning the forest for the source of that bone-rattling blast.
"What was that? Where did that terrible explosion come from?" Kai asked, shocked and frightened.
Araka suspected the explosion originated from Nucle. Kino added, "Perhaps an attack, like in Yorkwes."
They hurried towards Nucle, their steps quick and worried. The journey was arduous; strong, cold winds, leaves, and sand obscured their already darkening vision.
Nucle, the secluded wind village, was surrounded by a frightening rocky forest and breathtaking scenery, yet rarely visited due to its inaccessibility and danger. Claude felt the tension in the air, as if something was amiss.
They stopped at a line of large stones guarding a narrow entrance. Kai and Kino were astonished, imagining the lives of the simple yet resilient villagers.
"I've never been here before either," Araka murmured nervously, his eyes darting around, sensing the mysterious aura enveloping the place.
They continued their journey, filled with hope and fear. After a few minutes, a breathtaking and mesmerizing waterfall, lush green trees, unfolded before them. The roar of the falling water enhanced the beauty of the scene.
Kino was stunned, his eyes wide with wonder at the natural landscape before him. "What does this mean?" he whispered incredulously.
Several minutes passed, and they surveyed their surroundings. There was no sign of an explosion.
"Ahh... There's nothing here, let's just go home," Kino suggested, slightly disappointed.
"Wait, something's wrong," Araka said, his face serious, drawing their attention.
They followed Araka, passing strange plants that seemed to observe them. Lylia felt wary, her steps more cautious. Suddenly, Araka stopped, pointing ahead. They advanced, and an unexpected sight greeted them.
Incredibly, the source of the explosion was plants battling each other! They were astonished, disbelieving their own eyes.
"Hahh... How strange! Plants fighting?" Kino exclaimed, still amazed.
Araka told them to be quiet, directing their gaze to a crystal embedded in a tree root, shaped like a bird's nest, glittering in the sunlight.
Kino, driven by curiosity, began to suggest his reckless idea. "Should we take it, Araka?" Kai asked casually.
"No, don't be reckless," Araka replied, his face tense, sensing danger behind the desire.
He activated his Avatar, showing the others what would happen. His Zensh—a manifestation of his energy—shattered, spawning multiple Araka clones. His Avatar moved towards the crystal.
After overcoming difficult plant obstacles, Araka's Avatar reached the crystal. His hand swung, about to take it… Uwaghhhh! The sound of blood spurting echoed. Fresh blood flowed from the Avatar's mouth. His four companions panicked.
Araka wiped the blood from his lips, "That crystal… it activates a mysterious power that attacks anyone who approaches."
Hearing this, they were shocked, their faces paling.
Lylia, her eyes wide, her brow furrowed, her lips slightly parted, "We need to get out of here!"