Several days had passed since the incident in the forest, yet the atmosphere in Kirana's small house remained heavy with worry. Aelina, usually cheerful, had become quiet. She spent most of her time alone, sitting on the porch or in the kitchen, trying to calm her thoughts. Her face looked calm, but Kirana knew there was a storm brewing inside her.
That morning, Draven was preparing to go to the city. He stood in the yard, meticulously checking his gear: a large supply bag, a small map, and a dagger tucked at his waist. Kirana, Zephyr, and Lyra stood nearby, sending him off with quiet respect.
"I'll be gone for a few days," Draven said, looking at each of them. "I'll try to get everything we might need. Maybe I'll also find more information about their technology."
"Be careful, Draven," Kirana said gently. "We don't know what's out there. If you sense danger, come back immediately."
Zephyr patted Draven's shoulder. "You're a smart man. I believe you'll handle it, but stay alert."
Lyra added, "And if you find anything strange, don't get involved for too long. We can't afford to lose anyone else."
Draven gave a faint smile and nodded. "I understand. Don't worry. I'll be back as soon as I can."
Aelina, who overheard the conversation from the kitchen, glanced briefly through the window without saying a word. She watched Draven walk away, then turned her gaze back to the cup of herbal tea she was making.
In the main room, Kirana, Zephyr, and Lyra sat in a circle around a small table. The discussion was serious, while Aelina stayed in the kitchen, finishing the tea.
"We can't let this continue," Kirana began. "Aelina is getting more withdrawn, and I know something is troubling her. We need to help her, before things get worse."
Zephyr leaned back in his chair, his face thoughtful. "I agree. But what can we do? We don't know how Edenian technology works, let alone how to remove its influence from her."
Lyra took a deep breath and looked at them seriously. "I've been thinking… If that device is truly connected through a neural network, then Aelina needs to train her mind. She has to learn to control her emotions, her thoughts… even her body."
"How?" Kirana asked, frowning. "Who could teach that to Aelina?"
Zephyr, who had been listening intently, suddenly looked up. "I know someone," he said. "In the Althera Desert, there's an elder known for his wisdom. He's a mental guide, able to help people control their thoughts and emotions. I've heard he teaches how to fight fear, control anger, and strengthen focus."
Kirana looked at Zephyr with hopeful yet cautious eyes. "An elder in the Althera Desert? Can he be trusted? And… isn't it too dangerous for Aelina?"
Zephyr nodded. "He can be trusted. But there's something you need to know. To earn his guidance, one must go through a series of trials. They're not easy, Kirana. In fact, they're quite intense. Only those truly strong can pass."
Kirana fell silent, her mind racing. "Difficult trials…" she murmured. She glanced toward the kitchen, watching Aelina pouring tea. "I know Aelina is strong, but I'm worried. What if she can't pass the trials?"
Zephyr met Kirana's gaze with confidence. "Kirana, I know Aelina. She's resilient. If anyone can get through those trials, it's her."
Lyra, who had been quietly listening, suddenly stood. "Before we decide anything, I want to show you something," she said, walking to the communication device in the corner.
Kirana and Zephyr watched closely as Lyra activated the device. A soft blue light glowed, and a large hologram appeared over the table. It displayed data from the device found in Aelina's ear.
"I managed to connect this device to my comm system," Lyra explained. "I can't control it, but I can monitor its activity. And this... this is what Aelina usually sees."
They stared at the hologram, amazed. The display was filled with detailed data about the environment, plant names, tree ages, even biological data of nearby life forms. But most striking was a small indicator in the corner that read:
Connected: Neural Network Active.
"What does that mean?" Zephyr asked, pointing to the text.
"It means the device is still connected to the Edenian network," Lyra replied. "It's not just monitoring, it might be sending data back to them. This is an advanced system. I can't even imagine how their scientists designed it."
Kirana looked at Lyra with growing concern. "So, they're still watching Aelina?"
Lyra nodded slowly. "Most likely, yes. But so far, I haven't seen any command transmissions. They may just be observing her progress for now."
"Then what can we do?" Kirana asked, her voice tight.
"We need to act quickly," Lyra answered. "If they decide to take control, we won't have much time to respond. I agree with Zephyr, we need to take Aelina to the Althera Desert and let her be trained to control her mind. It may be the only way to fight their influence."
Kirana sighed deeply, looking at Aelina as she brought the tea into the room. Though her heart was heavy, she knew this was a decision she had to make for her daughter's sake.
"I just want Aelina to be safe," Kirana finally said. "If it means she has to face difficult trials, then I'll support her. But we'll do it together."
Zephyr and Lyra nodded, looking at Kirana with respect. They knew this journey would be a great challenge, but they also knew Aelina had the courage to face it.
That evening, the sky over Arbora shimmered with soft orange hues, casting a peaceful glow over the luminous forest, a peace not felt in days. A cool breeze drifted gently, carrying the scent of damp earth and leaves. On the porch of her small house, Kirana sat alone, her eyes fixed far into the woods.
Her mind was full of worry about what lay ahead. Even though they had decided to take Aelina to the Althera Desert, there were still so many uncertainties. And above all, her heart ached when she thought about her daughter becoming so quiet.
Soft footsteps echoed from inside the house, and Kirana turned. Aelina, her long black hair swaying gently in the wind, appeared in the doorway. Her face was still a bit pale, but there was a determination in her eyes that Kirana hadn't seen before.
Without saying a word, Aelina walked over and sat on the small wooden chair beside her mother. For a while, the two simply sat in silence, enjoying the quiet peace.
After a moment, Aelina leaned her head against Kirana's shoulder and hugged her tightly. "Mom…" she whispered.
Kirana tilted her head slightly, looking at Aelina with softness. "Yes, sweetie?"
Aelina paused, trying to find her words. Finally, she took a deep breath and said, "I want to say sorry, Mom."
Kirana frowned, not expecting that. "Sorry? For what?"
Aelina lifted her face slightly but didn't meet Kirana's eyes. "For everything. For making you worry. For hiding the device from you."
Kirana remained quiet, letting her speak.
"I know I was wrong, Mom. I should've told you about the device from the start. But I was scared... scared you'd be angry. And I didn't understand what was happening to me. When I found it, I just wanted to know what it was. I didn't know it would turn into all this."
Aelina took a long breath, holding back tears. "And in the forest... I don't remember everything, but I know I hurt you. I'm sorry, Mom. I really am."
Kirana's eyes began to well up. She had never blamed her daughter, but hearing such a sincere apology made her heart heavy. She hugged Aelina tightly, stroking her hair.
"Sweetie," Kirana said softly. "You don't need to apologize. This wasn't your fault."
"But Mom, "
"No, listen to me," Kirana said firmly yet lovingly. "I know you didn't mean to hide it. I know you were just curious. And what happened in the forest… that wasn't you, Aelina. That was something beyond your control. Don't blame yourself."
Aelina looked at her mother, her teary eyes filled with gratitude. "But I made things hard for you… for Dad… and everyone here."
Kirana smiled gently, wiping a tear from Aelina's cheek. "We're all here for you, sweetheart. No matter what, we'll always be with you. You're our daughter, and nothing can change that."
Aelina nodded slowly, then hugged Kirana tightly again. "Thank you, Mom. I'll try to be better. I'll try so you won't have to worry anymore."
As the sun set, painting the sky in purple-orange, Zephyr stepped out with a small chair and sat near them. He looked at the two, still in embrace, and said softly, "Hey, everything okay here?"
Kirana turned to Zephyr with a small smile. "Yes, everything's okay."
Zephyr looked at Aelina kindly. "How are you feeling now, kiddo?"
Aelina released the hug and turned to him. "I feel better, Dad. Thank you."
Zephyr smiled and gently patted her head. "Good. You're a strong girl, Aelina. We all know that."
Lyra appeared from inside, carrying two cups of herbal tea. "I think these will help settle things down," she said, handing the cups to Kirana and Aelina.
Aelina accepted hers and gave a small smile. "Thanks, Aunt Lyra."
Lyra sat beside Zephyr, watching Aelina with care. "Do you know how lucky you are to have a family like this, Aelina?"
Aelina nodded. "I do, Aunt. And I don't want to let them down again."
Emotional Intelligence Experiences 30%…
---------------
The sun had just risen over the village of Ravara, casting golden rays that pierced through the glowing blue foliage. The morning was bustling at Kirana's small home. Everyone was preparing for the long journey ahead.
Kirana stood before a small wooden table, checking the supply bag she had packed the night before. Zephyr was outside in the front yard, securing the saddle on one of the horses, ensuring everything was firm and safe. Inside the house, Aelina moved quickly from room to room, helping to carry light provisions like water pouches and dried fruits.
Lyra, also preparing for her own trip to the city, stood near the door with a small bag slung over her shoulder. She looked toward Kirana, who was strapping a large pack onto her back.
"Kirana," Lyra called. "You're really going through with this, huh?"
Kirana turned and gave a faint smile. "Yes, Lyra. This is something we must do for Aelina. I can't let her continue being disturbed by Edenan technology. She needs to learn how to control her mind."
Lyra nodded, though her face showed a trace of worry. "Alright. I'm heading to the city. I'll try to gather the components we need. If I find anything important, I'll contact you right away."
Zephyr, just returning from the yard, overheard the exchange and added, "Be careful in the city, Lyra. Don't draw too much attention."
Lyra offered a small smile. "I'm always careful, Zephyr. Don't worry."
Aelina, tying a water pouch to one of the saddles, approached Lyra. "Aunt Lyra, you'll come back, right?" she asked softly.
Lyra knelt in front of her, touching her shoulder gently. "Of course, sweetheart. I'll return as soon as I can. You just focus on your journey and the lessons you'll learn in the Althera Desert."
Aelina nodded slowly, but hugged Lyra tightly before she left. "Be careful, Auntie," she whispered.
Lyra smiled, then rose to her feet. She looked once more at Kirana and Zephyr. "May your journey be smooth. Until we meet again."
"Until we meet again, Lyra," Kirana replied, waving as Lyra walked down the small path leading to the city.
Once all preparations were complete, Kirana, Zephyr, and Aelina finally began their journey toward the Althera Desert. With two horses carrying supplies, they slowly left their small village behind, entering the deep Arbora Forest.
"This forest is a place I'll never forget," murmured Aelina, gazing at the towering, glowing trees.
Kirana looked at her daughter with a gentle smile. "And the forest will never forget you either, my love. You are part of this place."
Zephyr, leading the way, glanced back. "We should head northwest. There are a few small villages along the way where we can rest before reaching the desert's edge."
The journey took Aelina through places she had never seen before. Beyond the Arbora Forest, they entered vast grasslands where wildflowers bloomed in vibrant colors. Aelina jogged beside her horse, laughing as colorful butterflies flitted around her.
"Mom, look!" she shouted, pointing to a flock of large birds with glowing blue feathers soaring across the sky.
"Those are Lumos Avianus birds," Kirana explained with a smile. "They can only be found in regions like this. They bring good fortune to travelers."
Aelina stared in awe. "They're so beautiful..."
Zephyr, a few steps ahead, interjected, "You'll see many more beautiful things on this journey, Aelina. This world is full of wonders, if you know where to look."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, they arrived at a small village by a river. It was home to farmers and artisans, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
An elderly man sitting in front of a small house greeted them kindly. "Welcome, travelers. What brings you to our humble village?"
"We're on our way to the Althera Desert," Zephyr replied, leading his horse. "May we stay the night?"
"Of course," the old man said with a smile. "We don't have much, but we always share what we have."
That night, they stayed in a small house provided by the villagers. Aelina sat near the hearth, listening to local stories about the village's past.
"Did you know," one elderly woman said, "that this river was once home to water dragons? They say the dragons brought rain during dry seasons."
"Water dragons?" Aelina asked, eyes wide.
The woman nodded. "Yes. Of course, it's just a legend. But legends always hold a grain of truth, don't they?"
Kirana smiled at her daughter's wonder. She knew this journey would help Aelina discover herself, but also open her to the richness of the world.
Their journey continued for several days. Each village offered Aelina a new experience. She learned about different cultures, heard folktales, and even helped villagers with simple tasks like grinding grain or fetching water.
Zephyr ensured Aelina kept training as well. At every opportunity, he taught her how to shoot a bow more accurately, how to survive in the wild, and how to read signs in the environment.
"Aelina," Zephyr said one afternoon as they rested under a large tree, "this journey isn't just about reaching a destination. You have to learn from every step you take. The world is full of lessons, if you're willing to notice them."
Aelina nodded, absorbing every word her father said.
By the end of the fourth day, they were approaching the border of the Althera Desert. A warm wind carrying grains of sand began to brush against them, hinting at the challenges ahead.
Kirana looked at the horizon, now lined with dunes, then turned to Aelina. "Sweetheart, are you ready for this?"
Aelina met her mother's gaze with determined eyes. "I'm ready, Mom. Whatever I have to face, I'll get through it."
Zephyr patted her shoulder with pride. "That's the spirit I want to hear."
That night, they camped at the edge of the last forest before entering the desert. Under the bright stars above them, they knew the real journey was only just beginning.
...Emotional Intelligence Experiences 45%…
-------------------
Night had fallen over the advanced human city of Selvara. Neon lights in a spectrum of colors lit the narrow alleys bustling with activity. Known as an underground tech hub, Selvara was a place where advanced technologies often changed hands without many questions asked.
In one of the city's older districts, lined with decaying buildings, Draven walked with purpose, though his sharp eyes scanned the surroundings with caution. He had come here for a singular goal, to find information on neural network architecture, the advanced technology affecting Aelina.
He stopped in front of a small, weathered workshop with a faded sign: "Technology & Engineering - Felix." He knocked on the heavy metal door. A mechanical buzz echoed from within, and the door creaked open to reveal an elderly man with silver hair and a face etched with wrinkles, but eyes that remained sharp.
"Draven," the man greeted, his voice deep but familiar. "What brings you here?"
Draven gave a faint smile. "Felix, I need your help. You still remember me, right?"
The old man chuckled. "Of course I do. You're that stubborn kid who always asked too many questions."
Draven stepped into a room filled with technological devices. Wires coiled from every direction, and the constant hum of machines vibrated in the air. Felix settled into a large chair in the corner, gesturing for Draven to take a seat.
"So, what are you looking for this time?" Felix asked, sipping a mug of black coffee.
"I need information on neural network architecture, specifically, the kind used by the Edenians," Draven said, getting straight to the point.
Felix fell silent, eyeing Draven with gravity. "Edenian neural networks, huh? That's dangerous tech to be poking around. They won't let anyone tamper with it lightly."
Draven nodded. "I know the risks. But there's a child connected to it. I have to find a way to help her."
With a long sigh, Felix responded, "I don't have the full picture, but I've heard of someone who might. She's an expert in neural networks and owns a highly advanced device. Her name is Seren Vega. She lives in the slums on the outskirts of the city."
As Draven left Felix's workshop, his phone buzzed. Lyra's name flashed on the screen. He answered quickly.
"Lyra, where are you?" he asked, navigating a dimly lit alley under flickering neon signs.
"Heading into Selvara now," she said, her tone serious. "What about you? Found anything?"
"Got a lead on someone named Seren Vega. She might have what we need to understand the system. We need to find her."
"Alright," Lyra said. "Where should we meet?"
Draven thought a moment. "There's a small café near the slums. I'll wait for you there."
"Okay. Be there soon," she replied before hanging up.
The café sat nestled in a narrow alley, its dimly lit sign swaying in the wind. Inside, there were only a few wooden tables and a bored attendant behind the counter. Draven took a seat in the corner, eyes on the entrance.
Soon, Lyra appeared, wearing a long coat, her expression firm.
"You're right on time," Draven said, motioning for her to sit.
"So, what's the plan?" Lyra asked, wasting no time.
Draven leaned forward, voice low. "Seren Vega is a specialist in neural networks. She has a device that can dive into someone's mind. It might help us figure out what's happening to Aelina."
Lyra eyed him warily. "And you trust her?"
"Not entirely. But it's the only lead we've got."
She nodded slowly. "Alright. Let's go meet her."
They made their way to Selvara's outer slums. The streets darkened, narrower, framed by crumbling buildings. The air reeked of metal and trash, worlds away from the city's dazzling core.
Finally, they reached a small structure with a heavy metal door. Above it, a unique triangular symbol with a circle at its center glowed faintly in blue.
"This is the place," Draven said, knocking.
The door creaked open to reveal a young woman with bright blue short hair. Her left eye glowed, an optical implant. A mini-computer with tangled cables wrapped around her arm.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" she asked sharply.
"We need your help," Draven replied immediately. "We heard you're an expert in neural networks."
She squinted, suspicious. "Who told you about me?"
"Felix," Draven said.
She chuckled. "Of course he did. Always throwing problems my way."
"We're not here to cause trouble," Draven continued. "We just need information. If you help us, we'll pay fairly."
Seren crossed her arms, then nodded. "Alright. Come in. But don't expect all the answers for free."
Inside her tech-cluttered workspace, Seren activated a hologram from her arm device. A complex neural network diagram shimmered in the air.
"This system," she said, pointing, "isn't just for communication. It integrates a person's mind with a central system. The Edenians use it to control, monitor, even manipulate their subjects."
Lyra, focused, asked, "So this device can really control someone?"
"More than that," Seren replied. "It can access the subject's subconscious. That's the real key. If we understand how the network functions, we might be able to sever the link, or take control ourselves."
She pointed to a large machine in the corner. "This device dives into the mind, deep into the subconscious. But using it comes with serious risks."
"What kind of risks?" Draven asked.
"If the mind is too influenced by the network, the person could lose grip on reality. They could get trapped in their own mind."
Draven and Lyra exchanged a tense look. They knew this might be the only path to help Aelina, but the danger was real.
"So," Seren said, watching them with a faint smile, "what's your decision?"