Chapter 2

The four friends, Rishie, Axel, Ayano, and Klovi, continued their stroll through the Stardust Citadel, the shimmering spires and celestial pathways casting an ethereal glow upon their faces. A playful glint sparked in Rishie's eyes. "Hey guys!" she exclaimed, her voice ringing with excitement.

Axel, Ayano, and Klovi turned, their attention immediately drawn to her infectious enthusiasm. "Since we'll be here for a while," Rishie continued, a mischievous smile playing on her lips, "how about we practice our abilities?"

Klovi's face lit up. "Oh! That's a great idea!" she chirped, her voice brimming with agreement.

Axel nodded thoughtfully. "I mean, even though we've all awakened to our abilities, it's been a month since we've seriously trained. It's time to make some real progress," he said, a determined set to his jaw.

Ayano, ever the composed one, simply nodded in agreement. "Hmm, yes. This is our chance to truly master what we've been given," he said, a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Rishie, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, spoke softly, "I—I'll figure out my ability! I know… I have one…!" The hesitation in her voice was palpable, but a resolute determination shone through.

Ayano's warm smile eased her apprehension. He gently patted her head, his touch reassuring. "That's the spirit," he murmured, his voice filled with encouragement.

Their destination was the Whispering Glade, a place steeped in ancient magic and whispered to be a nexus of powerful Sylvanus energy. It was a place of learning, growth, and self-discovery, the perfect training ground for travelers seeking to hone their unique abilities.

As they arrived, Rishie gasped, her eyes wide with wonder. "So, we're here!" she breathed, taking in the breathtaking vista. Lush, vibrant flora pulsed with an almost palpable energy, the air alive with the hum of unseen magic.

Klovi's cheerful exclamation echoed Rishie's awe. "So beautiful!"

Axel, however, remained more reserved, a slight frown creasing his brow. "I can never get used to this place," he murmured, his voice low. "It's beautiful, yes, but the sheer concentration of magical energy… it's almost overwhelming, terrifying even."

Ayano nodded grimly. "I agree. Imagine facing a strong opponent here," he smirked, a glint of challenge in his eyes.

Rishie's eyes flashed. She lightly smacked his arm, her voice laced with playful exasperation. "Don't even joke about that! We haven't even mastered our abilities, and you want to fight someone stronger than us?! Are you asking to die?!" Her voice cracked slightly, and tears welled in her eyes.

Ayano's smirk vanished, replaced by genuine concern. He gently wiped away her tears, his voice soft and apologetic. "I'm sorry, don't cry. I won't joke like that again."

Axel sighed, a chuckle escaping his lips. "You really need to stop making her worry, Ayano," he said, shaking his head fondly.

Klovi giggled. "He's not going to stop, you know how much he enjoys making her cry," she teased, her tone lighthearted.

Rishie pouted dramatically. "Wow, what a bunch of meanies," she grumbled, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Ayano, Axel, and Klovi laughed, their camaraderie as bright as the magical energy surrounding them. After an hour of relaxed conversation, it was time to get down to business.

Rishie watched as her friends embarked on their training. Axel, with meticulous care, attempted to rewind time to revive a withered plant, his brow furrowed in concentration. Klovi, meanwhile, struggling to practiced her telekinetic abilities, manipulating small stones with efforts. Ayano, also, was struggling. Klovi attempted to help him train by allowing him to copy her abilities, but each attempt resulted in a spectacular backfire, leaving him exhausted and depleted of mana.

Rishie's initial disappointment at her own lack of manifested ability slowly morphed into a quiet determination. She stepped aside, finding a secluded spot, and began to meditate, hoping to unlock the secrets of her own hidden potential. She focused on the Sylvanus energy, letting its gentle power wash over her, hoping to find a connection, a spark that would ignite her own unique ability.

Day after day, the training continued, becoming a cherished part of their daily routine in the Whispering Glade. The friends supported each other, celebrating successes and offering encouragement during setbacks, their bond strengthening with each passing day. The beautiful, yet powerful, glade became their sanctuary, a place where they learned not only to master their abilities, but also to master themselves.

Two years had passed since they first stumbled into the world of Amaris, specifically the Sylvanus Realm. Time, it seemed, flowed differently here. Seasons blurred, days stretched into languid afternoons, and nights shimmered with an ethereal glow.

During those two years, they had grown, not just in power, but in their understanding of this fantastical world and of each other. Ayano, once prone to losing control, could now copy an ability and wield it for a full hour with precision. Klovi, initially frustrated by her telekinesis, now manipulated objects with the grace of a seasoned mage. Axel, ever the calm and collected one, had perfected his time manipulation, able to rewind events with pinpoint accuracy.

And Rishie? Rishie had discovered her own unique gift – a potent healing ability, triggered, ironically, by witnessing Ayano's near-death experience. It was a power that spoke to her compassionate nature, her deep-seated desire to protect those she cared about.

Now, they stood at the threshold of a new journey, their time in Sylvanus drawing to a close. They were on their way to the palace of Frey, the enigmatic Fairy Demon King, to bid farewell and seek passage to their next destination.

"I can't believe we're actually leaving," Rishie sighed, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "I've grown quite fond of this place."

"But aren't you excited about your newfound ability?" Klovi teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You're practically a walking miracle worker now!"

"Yeah," Axel chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips. "If I'd known hurting Ayano would trigger your powers, I would've thrown him off a cliff ages ago."

Rishie shot him a playful glare. "Shut up!" she retorted, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue.

Ayano chuckled, reaching out to ruffle her hair. "But thanks to me, you discovered your true potential, right? You should be thanking me."

"Oh, hush," Rishie grumbled, though a small smile betrayed her amusement.

"I mean, just think about how it all happened…" Klovi began, her voice laced with nostalgia.

And so, they delved into the memory of that fateful day, a year ago, when Rishie's latent powers had awakened.

The Whispering Glade hummed with energy as Ayano and Axel faced each other, ready to spar. Axel, with his time manipulation, moved with an almost languid grace, each step deliberate, each movement precise. Ayano, mirroring Axel's ability, countered with his own accelerated speed, a whirlwind of motion.

The clash was intense. Axel slowed time around Ayano, creating a pocket of stillness where he could anticipate Ayano's every move. But Ayano, quick-witted and adaptable, pushed his copied ability further, his movements blurring as he strained to match Axel's temporal control. The strain, however, was too much. He stumbled, a sharp pain lancing through his chest. Blood trickled from the corner of his lips.

Axel, seeing his opportunity, didn't hesitate. A swift kick sent Ayano crashing to the ground. He lay there, gasping for breath, his vision swimming. The world around him faded in and out of focus.

Klovi, witnessing the scene from afar, gasped in horror. Rishie, startled from her meditation, turned to see Ayano's crumpled form, his body wracked with pain. Her heart lurched in her chest. A wave of fear, cold and sharp, washed over her.

She rushed to his side, her breath catching in her throat. His stillness terrified her. She dropped to her knees beside him, her fingers fumbling for a pulse. Nothing. Panic surged through her, constricting her chest. 'No, no, no… this can't be happening!'

"Axel!" she cried, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and accusation. "What did you do?!"

Axel, his face pale with guilt, couldn't meet her eyes. "I… I didn't mean to…" he stammered. "We were just sparring…"

Klovi rushed over, her voice filled with concern. "Axel, what happened?"

He explained the events, his voice heavy with remorse. Rishie, meanwhile, clung to Ayano, her tears flowing freely. "Ayano… please wake up… this isn't funny…" she pleaded, shaking him gently.

But he remained unresponsive. The realization that he might be truly gone hit her with the force of a physical blow. A scream tore from her throat, raw and desperate. "AHHHHHH!!!!"

And then, something extraordinary happened. A brilliant light erupted from Rishie, engulfing Ayano in its warm embrace.

Klovi and Axel shielded their eyes, momentarily blinded by the intensity. When they could see again, they witnessed an impossible sight. Ayano's wounds were closing, his bruises fading, his breathing returning to normal. As the light subsided, he stirred, his eyes fluttering open.

"Ayano…" Rishie whispered, her voice choked with relief. "You're alright…"

Exhausted from the emotional turmoil, she collapsed against him. Ayano, his senses slowly returning, caught her before she could fall. He looked at Klovi and Axel, confusion clouding his features.

"What… happened?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

Klovi and Axel, still reeling from the shock, rushed to embrace him. "Thank goodness you're alive!" Klovi cried, tears streaming down her face.

"Ayano… I'm so sorry," Axel said, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm so glad you're okay."

Once they had calmed down, Klovi and Axel recounted the events, explaining the miraculous healing that had taken place. Ayano turned to Rishie, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you," he murmured, pulling her into a gentle hug.

"Well," Klovi said, a knowing smile on her face. "I told you she had an ability. Though I never imagined it would be something like this."

The memory faded, leaving a warm glow in its wake. Rishie, her face flushed, swatted playfully at Ayano. "Gah! Stop reminding me! I thought you were dead, okay? You weren't breathing, and I—"

"Alright, alright, we'll stop," Ayano chuckled, patting her head and wiping away a stray tear. "I know you were scared."

"I felt awful," Axel apologized. "I'm truly sorry."

Rishie smiled, her earlier embarrassment fading. "It's okay," she said. "Really. It all worked out in the end."

After another hour of walking, they finally arrived at Frey's palace. It was a magnificent structure, a colossal tree interwoven with vibrant flora, its branches reaching towards the sky like outstretched arms. The interior was even more breathtaking, a spacious haven filled with exquisite furniture crafted from polished wood and shimmering crystals.

A familiar figure materialized before them – Daisy, the Fairy of Knowledge, her wings fluttering softly.

"Welcome, travelers," she greeted them with a warm smile. "Since you're here, I assume you're ready to depart?"

"Yes," they replied in unison.

"Very well," Daisy said. "Please follow me. I apologize, but Lord Frey is unavailable at the moment. I will be guiding you to the portal instead."

"It's no problem," Ayano assured her.

They followed Daisy through the winding corridors of the palace, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. Finally, they reached a hidden chamber, where a shimmering portal pulsed with otherworldly energy.

They exchanged farewells, a tinge of sadness mixed with the excitement of the unknown. Then, with a deep breath, they stepped into the portal, leaving the familiar beauty of Sylvanus behind.

The world dissolved into a kaleidoscope of colors and sensations. When they regained their bearings, they found themselves standing on solid ground once more. But this was not Sylvanus. This was the place where they first arrived in this world– a world of vibrant landscapes, bustling cities, and untold wonders. Their adventure was far from over. It was just the beginning.

After a period of contemplation and relaxation, the four friends—Rishie, Klovi, Axel, and Ayano—finally decided on their next destination: the second portal adjacent to the one they had just traversed.

"Are you guys ready for our next adventure!?" Klovi exclaimed, her voice brimming with cheerful anticipation.

"Yes!!" Rishie grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Then let's go!!" Hand in hand, Rishie and Klovi dashed towards the second portal, their youthful energy radiating outwards.

Behind them, Ayano and Axel exchanged weary glances, a mixture of amusement and exasperation playing on their faces. They sighed, a gentle exhale of patience, before following the enthusiastic pair.

"Calm down, you two, wait for us!" Axel called out, his voice laced with a hint of fond exasperation as he followed, Ayano trailing behind him with her characteristic calm demeanor.

Stepping through the portal, they found themselves in Luminara, a realm of unparalleled beauty. The sky was a breathtaking spectacle, a constantly shifting kaleidoscope of vibrant colors—fiery oranges melting into soft lavenders, deep blues transitioning to brilliant golds. Clouds, resembling spun sugar, drifted lazily across this celestial canvas. Crystal mountains, their facets catching the light and scattering it in a thousand shimmering rainbows, rose majestically from luminous flower fields, their petals glowing with an inner light. Waterfalls, cascading down the crystalline slopes, created rainbows that arched across the landscape, their colors as vivid and intense as the sky itself. Rivers of pure light meandered through valleys filled with gemstone-bearing trees, their leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow. Cities, seamlessly integrated with the natural world, were architectural marvels, their buildings mimicking the organic forms of the surrounding flora and fauna, their structures glowing with a soft, warm light. The air hummed with a gentle, ethereal music, and graceful, light-filled creatures flitted through the air, their movements fluid and graceful. A palpable sense of peace and joy permeated everything, creating an atmosphere where the boundaries between reality and dream blurred into an exquisite harmony.

Suddenly, a radiant figure approached them—Rafaela, the Angel of Creation, her presence radiating warmth and serenity. Her wings, vast and luminous, shimmered with an array of colors that mirrored the sky above.

"Hello! You seem new here! I'm Rafaela, the Angel of Creation, welcome to Luminara. I hope you enjoy your stay here," she greeted them, her smile as radiant as the sun. "What are your names?"

"Hello, I'm Rishie, and these are my friends!" Rishie replied, gesturing towards her companions with a bright smile.

"Hi, I'm Klovi," Klovi added, her voice soft yet friendly.

"Call me Axel," Axel said, his tone casual yet polite.

"Ayano," Ayano responded, her voice quiet and unassuming.

"Nice to meet you all! Follow me; I'll show you around," Rafaela said, her voice melodious. She snapped her fingers, and a small, fluffy cloud materialized before them. "Hop on!"

"Uhm, are you sure we can ride these? It looks like we'll fall the moment we get on—" Klovi began, her voice laced with apprehension, but her words were cut short as Rishie, without hesitation, hopped onto the cloud.

"What?" Rishie asked, her brow furrowed in confusion as she looked at her friends' surprised expressions. "W-why are you looking at me like that?"

Even Rafaela was taken aback. She hadn't expected these mortals to be able to ride her holy clouds. "Oh! You can actually ride! That's good; it means you're pure," she said, a smile gracing her lips. "Actually, these clouds aren't ordinary; I created them, and only those with pure hearts can ride them," she explained, her voice filled with wonder.

Hesitantly, Axel, Ayano, and Klovi followed suit, each closing their eyes in anticipation of a fall that never came. With a soft sigh of relief, they settled onto their clouds, their initial fear replaced by a sense of awe. Rafaela smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement, and then, with a gentle flutter of her wings, she ascended into the air, the four friends following closely behind.

"You know, how come you weren't hesitant to ride these clouds, Rishie?" Klovi asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Yes, I'd like to know too," Axel added, his voice tinged with genuine interest.

Ayano, ever observant, simply watched Rishie, waiting patiently for her explanation.

"Well, at first I was scared, but eventually those fears vanished, and I decided to hop on without a second thought," Rishie admitted, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

"At first?" Ayano questioned, her tone gentle but inquisitive.

"Yes, I had a fleeting thought that I might fall, but the moment I touched the cloud, it felt like my heart was enveloped in a soft, warm embrace. I felt safe, so I just hopped on," Rishie explained, her eyes sparkling with a newfound understanding.

Rafaela, who had been listening intently to their conversation, smiled subtly. Just as I thought, she's no ordinary woman, she mused to herself.

As they continued their aerial journey, a remarkable sight unfolded before them. Instead of houses on the ground, they saw dwellings built upon clouds, some floating gently, others suspended high in the sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle of floating architecture.

"So amazing!" Klovi breathed, her voice filled with wonder.

"I feel like we're dead and in heaven," Axel commented, his voice laced with a touch of dark humor.

Rishie, unable to contain her exasperation, playfully smacked the back of his head. "Shut up, just because we're in a heavenly realm doesn't mean we're dead!" she scolded, her voice lighthearted despite her playful reprimand.

"He's not entirely wrong. This is where most souls go after death; if not here, then to Nirvana, a realm of spirits," Rafaela interjected, her voice serene and informative.

Rishie froze, her face paling slightly at Rafaela's words, causing her friends to chuckle softly at her surprised reaction.

After a while, they arrived at Elysian City, a breathtaking metropolis that floated amidst the clouds and rainbows. It was a city of unparalleled beauty and luxury, a testament to angelic artistry and ingenuity. The architecture was a harmonious blend of organic and geometric forms, with buildings that seemed to shimmer with an inner light, their structures reflecting the vibrant hues of the sky and the surrounding clouds. The city was renowned for its art, music, and philosophy, a testament to its refined culture and sophisticated inhabitants.

"W-wow...this is so beautiful..." Rishie whispered, her heart pounding unexpectedly.

Klovi, Ayano, and Axel exchanged confused glances. Rishie's behavior had seemed unusual since their arrival in Luminara.

"Uhm, Rishie, are you okay? I mean, I agree that this place is beautiful, but you're acting—" Klovi began, her concern evident in her voice.

"Oh—I'm sorry," Rishie stammered, her voice slightly breathless. "It's just...my heart is pounding. This feeling...it's like I've longed for this," she confessed, placing a hand over her chest, her fingers clenching her clothes.

"As I expected, you possess Divine Mana," Rafaela announced, joining their conversation, her voice calm and knowing. "I suspected it the moment you rode the clouds," she added with a gentle smile.

"Divine Mana?" Axel, Ayano, and Klovi echoed in unison, their curiosity piqued.

"Yes, there are five types of mana: Divine, Arcane, Cosmic, Life Force, and Elemental Mana," Rafaela explained patiently.

"At first, I wasn't sure, and I simply assumed that Rishie's ability to ride the clouds stemmed from her pure heart. However, your reaction just now confirmed my suspicions about your possession of Divine Mana," Rafaela clarified.

"Oh..." Rishie murmured, her gaze still fixed on the breathtaking panorama before her.

"May I ask? Can we also discover what type of mana we possess?" Ayano inquired politely.

"Certainly," Rafaela replied, her voice warm and encouraging. "Let's use the Crystal Mana Orb," she suggested.

"What's that?" Klovi asked, her brow furrowed in curiosity.

"A Crystal Mana Orb is a magical artifact that can identify the type of mana energy flowing within you," Rafaela explained.

"Oh, nice!" Klovi exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Rishie? Are you coming?" Ayano asked, turning her attention towards Rishie, who seemed lost in her own world.

"Let her be," Rafaela said gently, sensing Rishie's need for a moment of quiet contemplation. She then proceeded to enter the palace.

Ayano and the others nodded, following Rafaela inside.

The interior of Elysian City was as stunning as its exterior, a breathtaking blend of organic and geometric architecture, shimmering with an otherworldly luminescence. Intricate sculptures, crafted with exquisite detail, adorned the streets, alongside bioluminescent gardens that pulsed with soft, ethereal light. The overall atmosphere was one of tranquil wonder, a harmonious blend of vibrant colors and angelic luxury.

"So beautiful!" Klovi exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

"Wait here; I'll go get it," Rafaela said, her voice echoing softly as she walked towards a nearby building. Minutes later, she returned, carrying a crystal orb that pulsed with a soft, inner light.

"Here, who's first?" Rafaela asked, her voice gentle and encouraging.

"Me!" Klovi volunteered, stepping forward with eagerness.

"All right, place your hand on the crystal orb," Rafaela instructed, placing the orb on a nearby table. Klovi carefully placed her palm on the smooth, cool surface of the orb.

Suddenly, a light shade of beige erupted from the orb, illuminating the room with a soft, warm glow. They were all amazed by the unique color emanating from the crystal orb.

"What does this mean?" Klovi asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"It means you possess Cosmic Mana, connected to the emptiness of space, and often associated with shadow magic," Rafaela explained.

"My turn," Axel said, stepping forward with a confident stride. He placed his hand on the orb, and a dark shade of purple shone brightly, mirroring Klovi's mana type.

"It seems you and Klovi share the same type of mana," Rafaela commented, her voice calm and informative. "And last," she added, gesturing towards Ayano.

Ayano stepped forward and placed her hand on the orb. As she did, a brilliant blue light erupted, filling the room with a vibrant, ethereal glow.

"Oh my, you possess Arcane Mana, a chaotic one, huh?" Rafaela exclaimed, her voice tinged with surprise.

Ayano simply shrugged, her expression unreadable, and then began to search for Rishie. She looked around, a growing sense of unease settling over her as she failed to locate her friend. Just as panic began to set in, she heard a soft snore emanating from a nearby table. Approaching cautiously, she found Rishie fast asleep.

"Man, she sure likes sleeping everywhere," Klovi commented, her voice laced with amusement.

"Let her rest; maybe she's tired," Axel said gently.

Ayano carefully picked up Rishie, making sure not to disturb her slumber. "Is there a place we can stay?" she asked Rafaela.

"Of course, follow me," Rafaela replied, leading them back towards the palace. Ayano, cradling Rishie in her arms, followed closely behind, Axel and Klovi trailing behind them.

They arrived at a spacious bedroom with four comfortable beds.

"This room has four beds, so you guys can stick together, or do you want separate rooms?" Rafaela asked politely.

"No, we're fine," Ayano replied, her voice calm and unassuming as she entered the room.

"I'm so sorry about his grumpiness; he's always like that," Klovi apologized, her voice laced with a hint of embarrassment.

"He's less grumpy around Rishie, though," Axel added, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Rafaela chuckled softly, wishing them goodnight before departing.

Ayano gently laid Rishie on one of the beds, tucking her in with a soft blanket and kissing her forehead before settling into the bed next to her.

Axel and Klovi, witnessing this tender moment, exchanged a knowing glance before settling into their own beds, a sense of warmth and camaraderie filling the room as they drifted off to sleep.

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