---
The battle was over, but the forest was silent, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind. Sieris sat beside her sister, who had now regained her full senses but was still weak from the control that had bound her for so long.
Lumi stood at the edge of the clearing, eyes narrowed as she surveyed their surroundings. Elira was by her side, her expression thoughtful.
"I didn't expect that much resistance," Lumi muttered, her usual playful tone absent. "I mean, I know we've dealt with some pretty nasty creatures, but that was next level. A whole forest magic system built to control someone? That's some dark sorcery."
Elira nodded, her gaze focused on the clearing. "The Veil of Shadows. It's more than just an entity; it's a system. A network that feeds off the energy of the forest and its people. It uses fear, sorrow, and control to sustain itself."
"Great," Lumi sighed, throwing her hands up. "Now we have an entire system to worry about. Next thing you know, we're gonna be fighting its cousin, Veil of Light or something."
Elira smirked. "I don't think that's going to be a problem. But it's not over yet. That entity is gone, but its influence is still in the forest."
Sieris looked up, her eyes somber as she addressed the group. "My sister… she wasn't the only one it affected. The forest itself is corrupted. We need to cleanse it before more souls are caught in the same trap."
Her sister, still weak, stood shakily and placed a hand on Sieris's shoulder. "But how do we even begin to cleanse something this deep? It's everywhere."
Lumi crossed her arms, looking thoughtful. "Maybe it's a little less hopeless than you think."
"How so?" Sieris asked, eyebrow raised.
Lumi gave her a playful grin. "Because we've got a dragon on our side, haven't we?"
Sieris blinked. "Yuki?"
"Yeah. He's not just sitting pretty up there in his tree, y'know," Lumi said with a wink. "His whole domain is the forest. If anyone can fix this mess, it's him."
Sieris hesitated. "But he's…"
"Busy being broody and mysterious? Sure, we've all noticed," Lumi interrupted. "But I'm sure if we ask him nicely, he'll help us clean up. Dragons like to hoard power, right? Well, let's just ask for a little bit to get this forest back to its proper self."
Sieris felt a flicker of hope, but still, there was something troubling her. "What if he refuses?"
Elira looked at her with a steady gaze. "Then we make him an offer he can't refuse."
---
### **Ability Spotlight – *Sieris's Sister: Soulweaver***
After being freed from the control of the Veil of Shadows, Sieris's sister discovers that her soul is linked to the forest in a unique way.
**Soulweaver – Unique Skill**
A powerful ability that allows the user to weave and manipulate the energy of the soul and nature. It can purify dark magic, enhance the bond between individuals, and even restore corrupted lands.
**Subskills:**
1. **Spirit Thread** – Weaves together the fragments of souls to repair damage caused by corruption.
2. **Nature's Healing** – Uses the forest's natural energy to heal injuries and cleanse poison.
3. **Bond of Souls** – Strengthens the connection between individuals, allowing for shared power and emotions.
4. **Purify** – Clears dark magic from a person or area, reversing curses and enchantments.
5. **Awaken the Grove** – Summons the forest's energy to awaken dormant powers and life forms within it.
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Sieris's sister took a deep breath, her eyes glowing with newfound power as she began to weave her abilities. The air around her shimmered with a soft golden light, and the twisted branches of the trees began to stir. The dark energy that had once gripped the land slowly began to recede, the forest coming alive once more.
"Can you feel it?" Sieris asked, her voice quiet with awe. "The forest is responding to you."
Her sister nodded, though her strength was still waning. "It's as if the forest is... waking up. It's been asleep for so long, controlled by that dark magic. I think I can help cleanse it."
Lumi stepped forward, her smile returned. "Well, as long as it doesn't involve more creepy shadow creatures, I'm all for it."
Sieris's sister managed a weak smile. "No promises."
Elira raised an eyebrow. "We've come this far, so I think we can handle anything else the forest throws at us."
As Sieris's sister continued her work, the air became lighter, the oppressive weight of the forest lifting. The flowers began to bloom, and the trees swayed in a gentle breeze, as if acknowledging the return of balance.
But Sieris couldn't help but glance upward, her gaze locking onto the distant treetops where Yuki often watched from. She had a feeling he was still there, watching them with that mysterious gaze of his.
"I think it's time we bring him into this," Sieris said, determination hardening her voice. "He's part of this forest too, whether he likes it or not."
Lumi's grin widened. "Finally, someone with the guts to face the dragon. Let's go talk to him, then. I'm sure he'll love being interrupted by us."
The group gathered their strength, preparing to confront the dragon that had watched over the forest for so long.
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