The sun barely rose as the group climbed higher up the cliffs of the island. The landscape began to change—less forest, more floating rocks and ancient ruins suspended in mid-air, held by invisible wind currents.
They had no clear destination—only Neen's pendant and the map etched from the Blue Peach seed. But then, something strange happened.
A sudden gust of wind blew through the ruins, circling the group like a sentient breeze.
"This wind… it's not natural," Shion muttered.
Then, it spoke—not in words, but as a whisper through their minds.
"The one who remembers the past… shall guide the chosen."
The Spirit Reveals Itself
From the sky, the wind gathered into a figure—a translucent, glowing entity with eyes like swirling clouds. Wings of mist spread from its back, and its voice resonated in their hearts.
"I am the Wind Spirit… the creator of this island's trials."
The group instinctively stepped back, cautious. But Neen stood still.
"You… made the trials? Why?" he asked.
"Because the creator—the Celestial One—grew bored of peace. He made a game for those who dare to dream, and I became its watcher."
The spirit drifted closer.
"You've awakened the first path. But the next steps require truth, unity, and sacrifice."
New Allies, New Mystery
The spirit vanished, leaving behind a glowing compass-like artifact, spinning slowly and pointing toward the east.
Suddenly, a soft voice called out from behind the ruins.
"You saw it too?" said a girl, emerging from the shadows.
She wore robes that shimmered like the sky itself. Her name was Miko—a mysterious girl with no memory of her past, yet bearing the mark of the Mika tribe on her hand.
"I've been waiting for others to come," she said. "I think… I'm supposed to help you."
Her presence was calming, but there was something unnatural about her eyes—like she held memories from another life.
The Feather Appears Again
As the group welcomed Miko, something stirred above them.
From the clouds, a white feather slowly floated down—just like the one Neen saw in the very beginning.
This time, Neen caught it in his hand.
Suddenly, the paper key he carried pulsed once, then glowed faintly.
"It's reacting again…" Neen said.
The Wind Spirit's voice echoed one last time.
"When the feather and the key align, the final door shall appear."
The group stared at the feather, now glowing in Neen's palm.
They knew—their journey was far from over.
But something was guiding them now.
Something ancient.
Something alive.