The path they followed curved deeper into the enchanted forest. The morning light filtered through the high canopy above, casting golden rays upon the glistening grass. Yun Lan and Leon walked side by side, neither speaking for a long while. The blue stone which it resembles the power of the sea, pulsed faintly inside Yun Lan's pouch with a warmth that seemed to guide them.
(The second task is to obtain the blue stone which it resembles the power of the sea and Only people with a pure heart and good soul can take this stone.)
Yun Lan glanced at Leon from the corner of her eye. His dark hair had fallen slightly into his face, damp with sweat from their climb. Despite the teasing and arguments, despite everything, she had begun to see something in him she hadn't noticed before—a quiet protectiveness, a constant presence she could almost depend on.
As if sensing her gaze, Leon looked at her. "You were strong back there."
She raised a brow. "Surprised?"
"Impressed. It takes courage to face something you don't understand."
Yun Lan tried to suppress the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Don't get used to complimenting me. It might become a habit."
Leon grinned. "Can't promise that."
Their banter was interrupted by the black wolf, who had suddenly stopped ahead, its body alert, ears twitching. Leon and Yun Lan froze. The forest around them had gone quiet. The birds, the rustling leaves—all had fallen into stillness.
The wolf growled and stepped aside, revealing an ancient stone path overgrown with moss. Vines wrapped around weathered columns that lined the trail.
Leon looked around. "It's leading us to the next task."
Yun Lan nodded. "We follow."
As they walked along the stone path, Yun Lan noticed that the trees here looked different—taller, twisted slightly, with bark that shimmered faintly silver. The air had a heavier feel, thick with old magic.
After what felt like an hour, the path ended at the edge of a massive, circular glade. At its center stood a colossal stone statue of a woman holding a scale. Her eyes were closed, her mouth set in a solemn line.
Beneath her feet lay a platform with seven markings, each glowing in a different color. Etched on the stone beside the statue were the words:
Only truth opens the path. Lies shall seal your fate.
Yun Lan stepped closer. "It's a trial of truth."
Leon studied the platform. "Looks like we each have to step on one of those markings. Maybe it'll ask us questions."
They exchanged a glance. Yun Lan shrugged and stepped forward, planting her foot on the red marking. Leon followed, choosing the silver one.
The glade shuddered faintly. The statue's eyes opened, glowing with a pale light.
"Yun Lan," a deep voice echoed, calm but commanding. "Do you still carry hate in your heart for the man beside you?"
She inhaled sharply.
Leon turned to her, his expression unreadable.
Yun Lan hesitated, heart pounding. She knew the forest could sense lies. It was magic, and here, magic was not something to play with.
"I did," she said quietly. "But not anymore."
The red marking glowed bright for a moment, then faded.
Leon was next. "Leon, do you crave power more than you crave love?"
He didn't flinch.
"I used to," he said. "But not anymore."
His platform glowed and dimmed as well.
A soft rumble followed. The statue lowered its arm, and a new path opened behind it—a corridor of trees parting to reveal a shimmering passage of light.
Yun Lan released the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.
"Two down," Leon said, stepping off the platform.
They continued through the passage, which led them into a darker part of the forest. Here, the trees arched above like a cathedral ceiling. The light was dimmer, colder.
"How do you think these tasks are chosen?" Yun Lan asked.
"They're personal," Leon replied. "It's like the forest knows what we're hiding."
She nodded. "It does."
The wolf barked ahead and veered to the left. They followed it until they reached a waterfall—not a large one, but tall enough to create a silvery curtain of water flowing into a small pond below.
On the rocks beside the waterfall, an inscription shimmered into view:
Cleanse what remains hidden. Only when you are seen shall the path continue.
Leon tilted his head. "We have to bathe in that?"
Yun Lan's eyes widened. "Together?"
He shrugged, clearly enjoying her discomfort. "Seems that way."
She folded her arms. "Maybe we take turns."
"What if the test is honesty, and we cheat it?"
Yun Lan groaned. "Fine. But if you peek—"
He raised his hands. "Scout's honor."
They turned away from each other to undress. Yun Lan slid into the pool first, the water surprisingly warm. It tingled against her skin like liquid magic. She sunk deeper, letting it surround her.
Leon entered the water behind her. She kept her back to him.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered.
"You're not exactly hard to look at."
"Leon!"
"Just being honest. It's part of the test, isn't it?"
She turned halfway, keeping her arms folded. "Maybe the test is restraint. Ever think of that?"
He smirked. "Then I'm failing beautifully."
Despite the teasing, Yun Lan felt strangely at peace. The water wasn't just warm—it pulsed with clarity. For a moment, she forgot the danger, the tasks, the fear. She felt weightless.
Leon spoke again, but this time his voice was softer.
"You weren't wrong earlier. I wanted power. I thought it would protect me from ever needing anyone."
She glanced at him. "And now?"
"Now I'm not so sure."
Their eyes met over the water.
Neither spoke again.
They stayed in the pool until the rock beneath the waterfall lit up with a soft golden glow. The path forward had opened.
Back on land, they dressed quickly. Yun Lan kept stealing glances at Leon, who had gone unusually quiet.
The wolf waited ahead, tail flicking impatiently.
As they began walking once more, Yun Lan felt a new weight in her chest. Not fear. Not uncertainty.
Something else.
Maybe this realm wasn't just testing them.
Maybe it was reminding them of who they truly were—and who they could become.