After leaving the city, Takeshi, Nyx, and Akari ventured deep into the Forest of Gaia. Towering trees loomed overhead, their branches forming a thick canopy that filtered sunlight into shifting patterns of gold and green. For hours they moved through the woods, their path quiet aside from the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife.
Suddenly, a thick fog rolled in, swallowing their surroundings in ghostly white. Visibility dropped to near zero.
"Nyx, Akari, stay close," Takeshi ordered, his voice firm. "We can't afford to get separated."
The two drew near, gripping Takeshi's cloak as they moved forward cautiously. Every footstep echoed louder than it should, and then—an arrow shot past Takeshi's ear, embedding itself into a tree trunk.
"Ambush!" he growled, unsheathing his blade in a flash.
Bowstrings snapped through the air, unleashing a barrage of arrows. Takeshi deflected them with lightning reflexes, his blade slicing through the fog. Nyx raised a barrier of dark matter, encasing them in a shimmering dome. Arrows clanged and cracked against it.
"How long can you hold it?" Takeshi asked, ducking another volley.
"Not long," Nyx replied, her voice strained as cracks spread across the barrier.
"Akari, stay with Nyx," Takeshi said, stepping forward.
Energy surged around him. "Chronos, Resonate!" he called, and a green aura wrapped his body. "Second Hour: Freeze!"
Time slowed. The arrows froze mid-air. Takeshi's hand shot out again. "Fifth Hour: Rewind!" The arrows reversed direction, streaking back into the fog.
Screams rang out. Then silence.
"Come out!" Takeshi's voice echoed. "I know you're there. Show yourselves."
Moments later, four girls stepped from the mist, followed by a dozen elves, bows lowered and hands raised.
"We mean no harm," said one of the girls, bowing. "We thought you were disciples of the Dark Elves. Please forgive us."
Takeshi narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean by 'disciples' of Dark Elves?"
"I will explain," she said. "But not here. Please, come with us."
Despite his caution, Takeshi signaled Nyx and Akari. They followed the elves. The fog parted at the elf girl's command, revealing a breathtaking sight—a massive elven village spiraling around a tree so large its canopy vanished into the clouds.
"So this is the Great Tree of Life," Takeshi murmured, awestruck.
Inside the tree's base, soft green light bathed the chamber. Elves bowed as the girl entered.
"Welcome back," they chorused.
Four figures approached: an elderly robed man, a silent warrior, a poised archer, and a swordsman with a cold gaze.
"I am Geiros, archmage of the elven race," the old man said. "This is Shin, our strongest warrior; Mia, leader of the marksmen; and Gean, our master swordsman. Why have humans entered our sacred grove?"
"We got lost en route to the ruins," Takeshi replied. "We don't mean harm. If possible, we'd like to leave."
Geiros sighed. "The fog trapping this forest is no natural mist. It protects us from the Dark Elves—but it also prevents anyone from leaving."
"Dark Elves?" Takeshi asked. "Are they part of your race?"
Shin stepped forward. "They are our corrupted kin. Where we protect life, they seek to destroy it."
"They want the Great Tree's fruit," said Gean. "Its power could heal forests or destroy them. In the wrong hands, it would bring ruin."
Mia added, "There is an artifact that can guide you through the mist, but it requires rare materials to forge. It may take days—possibly weeks—to gather them."
Takeshi exhaled, crossing his arms. "If that's the only way, then we'll help. We don't have a choice."
Nyx nodded in agreement, and Akari stepped forward, curiosity glinting in her eyes. The trio had found themselves tangled in a much deeper conflict—but they wouldn't run from it.