I landed on the ground with a soft thud, my knees sinking slightly into a strange, translucent grass that shimmered like liquid crystal beneath the light of a swirling sky. The portal behind me vanished instantly, leaving only the golden glow of the pearl to light the surroundings. I blinked rapidly, trying to take in the new world. Mountains glimmered in the distance, jagged peaks that seemed to float slightly above the ground. The air was crisp and carried an almost musical resonance, as if the wind itself was singing.
EG was beside me, his silhouette calm against the surreal landscape. "Welcome to the Crystal Plains," he said. His voice seemed to echo softly across the expanse, harmonizing with the natural music of the land. "Few who enter this tower ever reach this stage. The plains will test your perception, your intuition… and your heart."
I took a cautious step forward, feeling the crystal grass bend gently beneath my foot. Every movement sent tiny vibrations through the ground, and I realized the plains were alive—aware of every action. A flicker in the corner of my eye made me spin around, and I saw faint shapes moving in the distance. They weren't fully formed—more like silhouettes of creatures made from light and shadow, skimming across the plains with unnatural speed.
"Be careful," EG warned. "The plains respond to your emotions. Fear, anger, hesitation—they all manifest as obstacles here. You must remain centered."
I clenched the pearl tightly, its warmth steadying my racing heartbeat. As I walked, the first challenge appeared: a cluster of glowing crystal towers rising from the plains, their surfaces reflecting not only the sky but fragments of my own memories. As I approached, I realized the towers were shifting, rearranging themselves in response to my thoughts. The moment I doubted myself, the path I had been taking twisted into an impossible maze.
I took a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment. The warmth of the pearl spread through my chest, and I whispered to myself: "I trust myself. I will find the way."
When I opened my eyes, the towers had aligned, forming a clear path forward. Relief washed over me, but it was brief. From the edge of the plains, a figure emerged—a guardian of the tower. Its form was humanoid but made entirely of jagged crystal, its eyes glowing like molten gold. The ground trembled slightly with each step it took.
"You dare enter the Crystal Plains?" the guardian's voice boomed, though its lips did not move. "None pass without proving their worth. Face me, or be lost."
I felt fear gnaw at me, but the pearl pulsed urgently, and I felt a surge of courage. "I… I will face you," I said, stepping forward. My heart pounded, but my resolve was firm.
The guardian raised its crystalline arms, sending shards of light flying across the plains. I dodged instinctively, feeling the air slice past me, and realized that this battle would require more than strength—it required strategy, focus, and harmony with the pearl. The crystal spikes seemed to respond to my intent; if I moved with clarity and calm, they avoided me. If I hesitated, they struck dangerously close.
EG stood silently, observing. "The pearl amplifies your awareness," he said. "Trust it, and trust yourself. Only then will the guardian reveal what lies ahead."
I gritted my teeth, feeling the wind and light pulse through the pearl as I danced between the shards. Step by step, I advanced, and the guardian's attacks slowed, almost as if it were testing me, gauging my determination. My pulse synchronized with the pearl, and a golden aura surrounded me, illuminating the plains in a warm glow.
For the first time, I felt… in control.
But I knew this was only the beginning.
Beyond the guardian lay secrets, mysteries, and truths that could change everything I thought I knew about EG—and about myself.