*****
The hidden realm unfurled before their eyes. Cloaked from the eyes of the rest of the world, a secluded haven where silence hums like a sacred pulse.
Its heart is a vast, shimmering pond, still as glass, reflecting the muted light that filters through the dense canopy of strange, towering flora. Mist hovers above the water, curling and twisting as though alive, giving the scene a dreamlike, almost otherworldly quality.
At the center of the pond rose a solitary, elevated platform of black stone, slick with moss and time. Upon it stood a statue of a woman, carved with exquisite care. Her features were serene, yet commanding, her gaze fixed forward as if guarding some timeless secret.
Between her outstretched arms rested a delicate vial, suspended in quiet importance, catching the faint light and scattering it in fragile, dancing rainbows across the water's surface.
The plain that surrounds the pond is alive with a self-contained ecosystem. Lush grasses sway gently despite the lack of wind, and clusters of luminous fungi and rare, flowering shrubs hint at a subtle bioluminescence after dusk.
Tiny creatures flit between the reeds, and fish dart beneath the water, forming an intricate balance.
Eden and Atticus took in the sight before them with awe. At least one of them did.
" No flipping way. Is that what I think it is your Highness?! " Atticus asked. Shocked, he glanced at the creature lying casually beside the statue.
A giant golden Roc, a creature of legend, was perched nearby. Its massive wings folded elegantly against its back, as it watched over the realm with both vigilance and calm authority.
The ecosystem, though compact, hums with enough vitality to nourish even a creature of its immense size.
The air carries the scent of damp earth and a faint sweetness, as though the land itself is aware of the vial's presence and holds its breath in reverence.
There was a sense of serenity in the realm, a place untouched by most hands, protected by both the Roc and the quiet, relentless power of the hidden world itself.
" Yes, Ruinôus is why I needed you stronger than you were initially. " Eden replied as his gaze wandered around casually taking it all in.
' What a place, shame it would all be reduced to ruin. '
[ Having second thoughts? ] Elyon quipped.
' Hell nahhhh ' Eden replied casually stretching and shaking off any hint of fatigue he might have acquired during their journey.
" Well, time to get this show on the road. " Eden muttered, taking a step forward as tendrils of crimson lightning snaked erratically around him.
He paused, sending a glance at the still stunned Nexarii behind him. " Oh, and Ruinôus….do try to keep up. " He said. The corner of his lips lifted in what appeared to be a smile.
He disappeared for a minute, becoming a streak of crimson then he appeared in the middle of the realm, right above the Golden Roc. His lightning-cloaked fist drawn back and already in motion, slammed down with ruthless intent.
The Roc sensing the incoming attack opened its eyes. A shimmering golden mana barrier formed, blocking the devastating strike, as its blue eyes calmly observed the being who had just invaded its domain.
*** BOOMMM!!! ***
The impact was catastrophic. Fist met barrier with a force that seemed to shake the whole realm. A thunderous shockwave erupted, causing the water below to churn and fine spider web cracks to form across its barrier.
" Just cracks huh? I fully intended to shatter it though " Eden remarked.
[ You do realize that this is a peak Eminent creature though right?, Cracking it isn't what a normal Pulse ranked should be capable of doing ] Elyon replied. Stunned at what he had just witnessed.
" Good thing I'm anything but " Eden quipped back.
*** GROWL!!! ***
The creature roared angrily causing Eden's focus to snap back just in time to see the creature swinging its huge golden wing at him.
A standard long sword appeared in his hand as he blocked the strike. But the strike overwhelmed him sending him flying a couple of meters backwards.
Before he could crash into the pond below a purple platform formed catching his fall.
Taking a deep breath he spoke again addressing his companion. " Finally snapped out of it Ruinôus? " He said glancing at the red-haired Nexarri beside him standing on a fiery platform.
" Can't let you have all the fun your Highness now can I? " Atticus retorted. A wild grin on his face.
" Sure, just try not to overdo it this time " He added glancing at the Vial on the statue.
" Ha ha ha….no promises. " Atticus replied as he let his dark red magic power run wild.
*** GROWL!!! ***
" Brace yourself " Eden added coldly as the clash with the Creature of Legend officially began.