Chapter 6: Moonshadow River
His attire seemed to devour the very light, obscuring his features from view.
He was the Shadow of the Azure Tortoise, draped head to toe in black, swallowed by the shadows. His face remained nearly invisible beneath the overhanging darkness, exuding a sense of mystique and solemnity. The Shadow of the Azure Tortoise stood with confidence and nonchalance, like the embodiment of darkness, an undeniable presence.
Behind the Shadow of the Azure Tortoise, a little face peeked out. "Hey, don't forget about me!" A charming little girl emerged from behind him. It was evident that they shared an intimate bond.
"You took your sweet time, didn't you? I, Evelyn, was getting quite impatient," Evelyn Anderson pouted and teased.
With her luscious jet-black hair cascading down to her shoulders in waves resembling the night, she exuded an air of both mystery and allure. Her deep, bright eyes sparkled with intelligence, displaying a mischievous glint every now and then, brimming with curiosity and wonder for the fantastical world.
She wore a vivid pink dress, knee-high socks, and red shoes.
But the next moment, the little girl cracked a whip at Mio.
Mio was momentarily caught off guard and was struck fiercely by the whip.
A shiver coursed through him, the whip having moved with astonishing speed. He instinctively dodged, but not before being struck.
A distinct mark now adorned his clothing, and Mio screamed out in pain.
The little girl seemed unfazed; it was clear that she was a mischievous character who enjoyed pranks. "My apologies, I just wanted to test if chosen ones like us had any strength. I didn't expect it to...hahaha." The little girl had a sly grin on her face, a stark contrast to her sweet and charming exterior.
"All right, Evelyn, enough with the teasing," Nightspirit said, standing beside the Shadow of the Azure Tortoise.
All five individuals turned their attention to Nightspirit.
He was a tall and enigmatic figure, dressed in a deep blue robe that seemed to sway gently, as if in harmony with the surrounding cosmos. His complexion was as pale as snow, akin to an elf, bearing an air of mystique.
Nightspirit's countenance resembled the stars themselves, his eyes deep as the cosmic void, glistening with a faint light. His raven-black hair flowed like the night sky, seemingly harboring stars and galaxies.
Despite Nightspirit's beautiful and mysterious exterior, his eyes brimmed with wisdom and authority, exuding the majesty and power intrinsic to a leader of Night Spirits. His presence commanded a deep sense of reverence, as though he represented the master of the celestial cosmos.
His gaze was profound, seemingly capable of peering into one's soul. He nodded gently. "You are the chosen ones, hailing from another world. I have been awaiting your arrival, hoping that you would fulfill the mission."
"Please, follow me," Nightspirit continued, slowly making his way toward the river. In his eyes, a mix of emotions not entirely clear shone.
Eric Stone, Victoria Vivian, Mio Hyde, the Shadow of the Azure Tortoise, and Evelyn Anderson followed Nightspirit, taking steps one after the other.
Before them lay a black river, its waters surging and dark waves cresting upon one another, appearing to swallow life whole.
A solitary boat floated upon the river.
"Get on board," Nightspirit's words carried a profound sorrow, as if laden with millennia of memories. They approached the lonely boat, drawing near to the river's edge.
As they stepped onto the boat, a chilling gust met them, like the cold breath of specters rising from the water's surface. Nightspirit stood at the bow, gently brandishing a staff that summoned a soft, pale blue light, illuminating the boat's side. He spoke softly, "This river is a deep and unending abyss, and a thousand years ago, its waters were a gentle shade of blue. It was truly beautiful then. Alas, over time, amidst continuous strife, the Moonshadow River has absorbed the countless sorrows of the departed and grown ever darker."
The boat set off slowly, drifting on the Moonshadow River. The river was like a bottomless abyss, unable to reflect the pale moonlight. Nightspirit's words sent shivers down their spines, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
Nightspirit continued, "This river carries the souls of countless lives, but it is also the only path to the Ice Palace. On this river, you will confront your innermost fears and challenges. Stay resolute, unaffected by the river's illusions."
They remained silent, each preoccupied with their thoughts.
Standing upon the dark river, the six individuals found themselves aboard a solitary boat. The surrounding waters were as black as an endless chasm, filled with an air of mystical dread. The moonlight, cast upon the dark waters, twinkled like stars in the night sky.
The boat set sail toward the depths of the river, where an ice palace gradually emerged.
They gazed at the distance as the ice palace gradually materialized from the darkness, a glimmer of hope like the dawn's first light. The walls of the ice palace seemed as if carved from glistening diamonds, reflecting a faint blue radiance, illuminating the dark waters. It was nestled within the river, gleaming like a beacon in the moonlight.
The boat drew closer to this mysterious ice palace. What lay ahead was shrouded in mystery, and everything seemed to await their exploration and challenge. This boat had become their vessel to hope and the future, carrying them toward the ice palace.
The ice palace was like an exquisite sculpture, radiating a sense of mystic beauty.
The boat continued its approach to the ice palace. The frigid wind that met them caused all three
to shiver involuntarily. They prepared to board the enigmatic ice palace, a journey full of unknowns that lay ahead.