The forest shimmered beneath the morning sun, the golden rays piercing through the dense canopy above. Birds chirped in rhythmic harmony, and a soft breeze whispered between the trees. After their intense discussion around the Master and Riku's cryptic tales, the group sat in pensive silence.
Devran finally spoke, "Riku, you mentioned stories… forgotten places and ancient legends. Is there anything nearby that could help us?"
Riku tilted his head, eyes gleaming. "Actually…" he began slowly, "there is something. But it's not on the regular paths, and it's not the kind of place you just… visit. It's old. Forgotten, mostly. And very well hidden."
Saanvi narrowed her eyes. "What kind of place?"
"A place," Riku said with an unusually serious tone, "where a blade rests—ancient and silent. They say it once belonged to a celestial prince. A gift from a goddess. But the prince vanished, and the blade was locked away by divine seals. It's said only those touched by the heavens—or those who share a bond with the prince—can find it."
Tianlan leaned forward, brows furrowed. "Why didn't you mention this before?"
Riku rubbed the back of his neck. "Because most people who go looking for it… don't come back. Or they find nothing. But now… something feels different. Since last night. Since you all came. I think it's calling again."
Vihaan, who had been leaning against a tree silently, turned his gaze sharply to Riku. "You're certain this place exists?"
Riku's smile returned, this time softer. "I've been there once. Didn't go too far in—just enough to know the legends weren't lying."
Saanvi exchanged glances with Devran and Tianlan. Curiosity mingled with caution.
Devran stood. "Then take us there. If the goddess's sword truly lies within, we need to see it."
Riku grinned, adjusting his cloak. "Alright, follow me—but stay close. The forest gets... strange the deeper we go."
....
The forest thickened as they moved deeper, roots curling like sleeping serpents, the air growing heavy with age and magic. The light dimmed though the sun remained high—filtered now through branches dense and ancient.
"Are you sure you know where you're going?" Wei Zhan asked, sidestepping a low-hanging branch that smacked him square in the face when Tianlan let it go.
Tianlan smirked. "Sorry."
"No, you're not," Wei Zhan muttered, brushing leaves from his hair.
Riku, skipping a few steps ahead, turned and grinned. "Almost there! Trust the forest, Wei Zhan. It's all about vibes."
Devran gave him a sidelong glance. "The last time we trusted your 'vibes,' we ended up surrounded by man-eating vines."
"And what an experience that was!" Riku beamed. "We lived. Mostly."
Xie Lian chuckled softly. "He's not entirely wrong. It was… memorable."
Saanvi sighed dramatically. "If you three are done flirting with death and each other, can we focus? Riku, you mentioned a sealed place—something powerful?"
"Yes, yes! The Door of Veiled Echoes." He swept an arm dramatically forward. "And here we are!"
They stepped into a circular clearing, eerily silent. A colossal stone gate stood embedded into the hillside, covered in faded glyphs, vines creeping up its surface like fingers trying to keep it closed.
Devran blinked. "That's... more dramatic than I expected."
"I try to deliver," Riku said with a wink.
Saanvi approached the door first, curiosity etched into her features. She raised her hand and pressed it against the surface.
Nothing happened.
"Feels like… touching a boulder," she muttered.
Tianlan tried next. He muttered a short incantation, eyes glowing faintly with celestial energy, and pressed his palm to the stone.
Still nothing. Not even a shimmer.
"Interesting," he said, frowning.
Devran stepped up, his hand hesitant but firm.
Nothing.
Wei Zhan gave it a try too, even tapping his knuckles against it like he was trying to open someone's front door.
"Hello? Ancient secrets?
Riku laughed. "Worth a shot."
"I don't get it," Saanvi said, stepping back. "This door's sealed with divine energy, but not a single one of us triggered even a flicker."
"Except me," Riku added helpfully. "I'm not trying. I'm here for support and ambiance."
"Useless ambiance," muttered Wei Zhan.
Then, as they debated and argued and teased, Xie Lian quietly stepped forward.
"I guess I'll try too, since everyone else had their turn," he said with a sheepish smile.
He gently touched the door—barely a graze.
A soft chime echoed through the clearing.
Everyone froze.
The symbols on the stone flared to life, glowing gold and white, humming with energy. The vines shriveled away instantly as if scorched by holy light. The ground trembled beneath them.
Then, with a deep groan, the door slowly slid open, revealing a chamber filled with pulsing blue light.
Xie Lian blinked, his hand still hovering in mid-air. "...Did I do that?"
Everyone stared at him like he'd grown horns.
"No way," Devran muttered. "You didn't even push."
Tianlan's eyes narrowed. "You didn't channel any power. It just... opened for you."
Saanvi was the first to shake off her shock. "Well, someone clearly has a celestial VIP pass."
"I swear I didn't mean to," Xie Lian said, backing up slightly.
"Yeah?" Riku piped up. "Tell that to the giant magic door that just flung itself open for you like you're its long-lost boyfriend."
Everyone snorted.
Even Vihaan let out a rare, amused sound. "Hmm… Interesting reaction."
Then—whoosh—a small pedestal inside the chamber lit up and a narrow beam of light shot upward from the ground.
A delicate treasure box floated upward within that beam—small, elegant, ancient. It hovered for a moment... then flew straight toward Xie Lian.
"Ack—!" Xie Lian barely caught it with both hands, stumbling back as the light faded.
The box was covered in intricate carvings. Lotus flowers, winged symbols, and the faint glow of celestial enchantments shimmered across its surface. It was locked shut with no visible opening.
Devran gaped. "Okay, that's it. What is happening?"
Saanvi approached him. "Let me see." She studied the box carefully. "This wasn't random. The door opened only for you. The box flew to you."
Wei Zhan crossed his arms, clearly both irritated and intrigued. "It's not enchanted to hurt him, right?"
"I don't sense any danger," Tianlan said, running a glowing hand along the edge without touching it. "Only... secrecy."
Riku tilted his head. "Funny thing is—I don't remember any story about a box being part of this place. Only the sealed door. The treasure was supposed to be… something else."
"That is suspicious," Saanvi muttered.
Riku gave an exaggerated shrug. "Don't look at me. I'm just the forest guide and occasional comic relief."
"Emphasis on comic," Wei Zhan muttered.
Xie Lian turned the box in his hands slowly. "It's warm… but I can't open it."
"Maybe it doesn't want to be opened. Yet," Vihaan said, stepping closer. His eyes remained calm, but something flickered in them—recognition, perhaps, or a memory not fully formed. "This box chose you. I think it belongs to you."
"To me?" Xie Lian blinked. "But I don't even know what it is."
Vihaan's voice was quiet, but certain. "Maybe not now. But someday, you will. It holds something important—meant only for you."
"Like destiny?" Riku teased, throwing an arm dramatically around Xie Lian's shoulder. "Ooooh, maybe you're a hidden prince too! We should start calling you Your Mystery Highness."
"I vote for Prince Door Whisperer," Wei Zhan added, smirking.
"Or Boxy," Devran grinned.
"Please stop," Xie Lian groaned, burying his face in his hands. "I didn't ask for this. I just touched a door!"
"That's how most stories begin," Tianlan murmured, watching the box with quiet curiosity. "Accidental touches. Unseen threads. Forgotten fates."
Saanvi nodded slowly. "This... changes things."
Xie Lian sighed, still holding the box. "Can we not make a big deal out of this?"
Everyone: "Too late."