The sky above Lingkar Dalam Stones transformed in color, displaying a stunning array of hues that captivated the eye.
Deep blue gradually faded into a teal blue, as if creating a natural painting in the sky. Thin clouds floated high, silent witnesses to the two travelers who had endured too many wounds, losses… and fragile victories.
With every breath taken, the air felt increasingly alive, infused with a mysterious power that seemed to call them closer; the fresh aroma of freshly cut grass intertwined with the distant roar of the waterfall, creating an enchanting and mesmerizing symphony. Before Fitran and Rinoa stretched a spiral stone staircase descending half a kilometer, each step leading them deeper into the wonders of nature. Beside it, a colossal waterfall cascaded majestically from the cliff, splitting the rocky crevice adorned with vibrant green grass, enhancing the beauty of the panorama.
The thunderous sound echoed like the heartbeat of the world, adding rhythm to the life surrounding them.
The water is not just water; it is the lifeblood of these mountains.
It is water that is born from the vapor of underground rivers, condensing as it passes through the windswept corridors of Stones, gleaming like gemstones in the soft light. This water represents not merely a fragment of life, but the result of droplets of time that have dripped consistently for thousands of years.
The water of life.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, it casts a golden glow upon the surface of the pool, creating the illusion of thousands of sunsets nestled within. The light dances among the leaves, reflecting unrivaled beauty, making this moment seem as if it were conjured by magic. "Like the breath of the world," Rinoa whispers with a voice full of hope.
Fitran merely nods.
He can feel the vibrations of harmony flowing through that water—an ancient magic that never sleeps, filling the air with a mystical aroma that enchants.
Upon reaching the valley floor, the water formed a tranquil natural pool so crystal clear that its depths were visible, creating a stunning panorama brimming with life, where tiny specks of light floated on its surface like fallen stars, adding a magical touch to the scene that felt otherworldly.
Nature's lanterns flickered above the pond, as if inviting them to step deeper into this magical realm, drawing them toward something unspeakable. Rinoa gazed at the pond, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and intrigue.
"Fitran! I want to take a bath first."
Fitran furrowed his brow.
"Me too… I thought my body needed—"
But before he could take a step, Rinoa raised her index finger, her expression suddenly serious, as if sensing something deeper than a mere desire to bathe.
"You can. But you need to have a special relationship with me first."
Fitran tilted his head, confusion flickering across his face.
"Special... relationship?"
Rinoa crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes radiating determination.
"I don't want to expose my body to anyone other than my husband, who I trust completely."
Fitran froze, Rinoa's words hitting him hard.
"Hus—?"
Rinoa quickly continued, her voice firm yet gentle:
"So… go away. Don't peek."
Fitran sighed, turning slowly, feeling awkward.
But just as he was about to turn away, his shoulder accidentally brushed against Rinoa's.
His hand slipped down… and inadvertently gripped Rinoa's chest.
The world seemed to freeze for a moment, tension hanging heavily in the air.
Fitran's eyes widened in shock.
"Oops! I'm sorry!" His panicked voice echoed in the stillness.
Rinoa turned slowly, her hair swirling gently in the air as if caressed by the wind, creating an enchanting silhouette that framed her expression. Her blue eyes shone brightly, radiating a captivating light that dazzled like pure moonlight over an enchanting sea.
The Aura of Harmony surged wildly, signaling her transformation into the Avatar of Harmony.
As light enveloped Rinoa, the surroundings seemed to be suspended in time, as if the world held its breath in awe. The water in the pond sparkled, mirroring every movement of the wind in magical waves; the fragrant scent of wildflowers filled the air, creating an atmosphere that was not just beautiful, but unforgettable.
"Rinoa… calm down!" Fitran raised both hands, trying to ease the tension.
"It was an accident!"
Bugh!
The magical waves surrounding Rinoa intensified, creating small ripples on the pond's surface as if nature was responding to the newly awakened power. Light radiated, highlighting every detail of her form with a majestic hue. Despite the tension between them, a sweet sense of wonder blossomed in the air, bridging the gap between awkwardness and profound understanding, as if the universe itself conspired to ease their moment of discomfort.
Her back collided with a large tree,
pinning her in an inescapable embrace. There was no turning back.
Fitran tried to evade,
but the ground beneath him was slick with damp moss, like a tempting green blanket.
Suddenly, his body slipped and flipped,
as if time paused briefly to reveal the chaos about to unfold.
Buagh!
His body struck the hard ground with a thud,
a blow that shook his entire being.
Darkness.
Rinoa approached, her face flushed with emotion.
Half angry and half worried, her eyes watched Fitran with uncertainty.
"Ouch… I was too much just now."
She knelt beside Fitran, gently patting his cheek.
"Fitran. Wake up. Don't joke around like this."
However, there was no response from Fitran; silence enveloped the atmosphere.
"Don't tell me you really fainted just from that one impact?"
Fitran remained silent.
The aura of Rinoa gradually faded,
as if a heavy burden enveloped her heart.
She gently touched Fitran's chest, ensuring his breathing was steady, easing the weight that had settled within her.
Fortunately, it was only a light shock, but the tension between them remained palpable.
"The man who could destroy Arboreus Nihil is now defeated by... a tree and moss—an irony that cuts deep into the fabric of their adventures."
Rinoa shook her head with a faint smile, trying to dispel the shadows of anxiety. Next to Fitran, who lay unconscious, she sat, a whirlwind of mixed emotions pressing upon her soul.
All around them, the water sparkled like jewels, its gentle flow creating a harmonious melody that felt almost magical. The moonlight danced upon the water's surface, casting a soft glow that made the entire scene feel more real, yet simultaneously like an exquisite and grand dream.
With her hands, she slowly opened a small book—a travel journal she had kept since the beginning of their adventure.
On the first page, there was an old phrase that had been rewritten many times, filled with hope:
"I want to walk together.
Not just in this world.
But in the world that we will create together."
Seolah merasakan kerinduan yang mendalam, the water around them moved slowly, vibrating with the resonance of Rinoa's sincere feelings. At that moment, a beam of moonlight illuminated Fitran's face, bringing a renewed sense of hope for the awareness he had long awaited.
Rinoa gazed at Fitran with hope.
"If you can hear me, I'm serious about the husband thing."
Fitran murmured half-conscious,
"…If I survive all of this… I agree."
Rinoa's face turned completely red, feeling the warmth of his declaration flow through her soul.
As Fitran began to come to, Rinoa helped guide him to the edge of the pool, the sound of trickling water accompanying each of their steps.
Without a word, they dipped their feet into the clear water that sparkled, reflected by tiny shards of light gently quivering on its surface.
The water felt warm and comforting, despite the biting cold air surrounding the valley. Around them, the soft glow of the moon illuminated the water's surface, creating shimmering patterns that seemed to invite the imagination to sail freely. Various hues of deep blue and rich purple blended perfectly, creating an atmosphere as if the night was a stage adorned with unexpected wonders.
"This water..." Fitran whispered softly,
"Is not just for healing physical wounds. I can feel it—it's washing away the fatigue of the soul that binds me."
Rinoa nodded with understanding.
"That's why it's called the Water of Life.
It's not meant to grant immortality, but to give us the courage to move forward again."
Gentle beams of light from the water's surface flowed over their skin, seeping into their bodies like the fresh and new breath of the world, creating an ethereal connection that felt both transformative and sacred.
seeping into their bodies like the fresh and new breath of the world. A miracle unfolded as the drops of water flowed softly, awakening cherished memories long buried deep within their hearts, igniting a sense of trust and hope. In that warmth, Rinoa felt as if they were connected on a deeper level than just physically; their souls seemed to dance in harmonious union, each heartbeat resonating in the same rhythm.
In the midst of profound silence,
Fitran tightly held Rinoa's hand, as if he never wanted to let go of her.
"If we manage to get out of Stones...
if we can face whatever lies ahead in Gamma..."
He paused for a moment.
The words felt heavy, yet in the quiet, they also seemed to float gently in the air. Rinoa gazed deep into Fitran's eyes, seeing a glimmer of hope and determination shining through. The magical atmosphere surrounding them made each second feel eternal, as if time had slowed its rhythm just for the two of them, creating a space that felt uniquely theirs, filled with possibilities.
"I will make you not just a partner in battle.
But a partner in everything."
Rinoa did not respond.
She simply leaned her head on Fitran's shoulder, feeling the warmth and tranquility emanating from him.
And allowing the water to carry their hopes.
Amidst the usual noise, the gentle rhythm of flowing water could be heard, as if following their breaths, adding harmony to this meaningful moment. Each drop sparkled in the twilight, weaving a tapestry of beauty that stretched between them, as they felt a rare peace amidst the upcoming turmoil.
As dusk began to descend,
the ground trembled softly.
Across the pond, a massive stone gate slowly opened.
Soft light flowed out, resembling the morning mist that radiated beauty and mystery.
The path to Center Stones now awaits.
No longer merely a route to Gamma,
but the final stage—
a place where will, history, and the future will be at stake.
They could feel each other's heartbeats, pulsing in harmony like a gentle melody resonating amidst the whispers of nature. The warm breeze carried the fragrant aroma of fresh leaves, as if nature were merging with them, celebrating this sacred moment as they prepared to step into a long-awaited destiny.
"Are you ready?" Fitran asked with a hopeful tone, his eyes sparkling in the soft light that enveloped them.
"I've been ready since I chose to be with you," Rinoa replied, a gentle smile blossoming on her lips, reflecting a deep conviction.
They stood hand in hand, supporting and strengthening one another, before stepping into the soft light that called them to the realm of Center Stones.
The journey continues, an odyssey that stretches across the very fabric of existence.
But now, they carried not just magic and extraordinary power.
They also carried a choice—
A choice that would determine whether this world would remain trapped in an ancient curse that has haunted generations, or rise with a new will, filled with hope that could illuminate the path forward.
or rise with a new will filled with hope.