Several days had passed since the incident in the forest, yet the atmosphere in Kirana's small home still felt heavy. Aelina—usually cheerful and full of life—had withdrawn into herself. She spent most of her time sitting quietly on the porch or in the kitchen, trying to calm the noise inside her head. Outwardly she looked composed, but Kirana could feel the storm churning beneath the surface.
That morning, Draven was preparing for a trip to the city. He stood in the yard, double-checking his gear: a packed supply bag, a folded map, and a dagger secured at his waist. Kirana, Zephyr, and Lyra stood nearby, watching him with a quiet, almost solemn respect.
"I'll be gone for a few days," Draven said, meeting each of their eyes. "I'll try to gather whatever supplies we need—and maybe find more information about their technology."
"Be careful," Kirana told him softly. "We still don't know what's out there. If anything feels wrong, return immediately."
Zephyr placed a hand on Draven's shoulder. "You're smart enough to handle yourself, but stay sharp."
Lyra added, "And if you encounter anything unusual, don't linger. We can't afford to lose anyone."
Draven gave a faint smile and nodded. "I understand. I'll return as soon as I can."
Aelina, overhearing them from the kitchen, stared out the window for a moment before returning her attention to the cup of herbal tea she was brewing.
In the main room, Kirana, Zephyr, and Lyra gathered around the small wooden table. Their conversation was hushed and serious. Aelina remained in the kitchen, finishing the tea in silence.
"We can't let this continue," Kirana said, her voice tight with worry. "Aelina's shutting herself off, and I know something is haunting her. We have to help her before it gets worse."
Zephyr leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "I agree. But what can we do? We barely understand Edenian technology, let alone how to counter its influence."
Lyra inhaled deeply, her expression firm. "I've been thinking. If the device truly connects through her neural pathways, then Aelina needs to train her mind. She has to learn to control her emotions, her thoughts… even her body."
"How?" Kirana asked. Her worry etched lines on her face. "Who could teach her that?"
Zephyr raised his head. "I know someone. In the Althera Desert, there's an elder known for his wisdom. A mental guide. He teaches discipline—how to master fear, control anger, sharpen focus. If anyone can help Aelina fight the device's influence, it's him."
Kirana's eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear. "Can he be trusted? And… isn't the desert too dangerous for her?"
"He's trustworthy," Zephyr said. "But you need to know the truth. To earn his guidance, Aelina must undergo a series of trials. They're demanding—physically and mentally. Only the strong get through."
Kirana fell silent, glancing toward the kitchen. Aelina was stirring tea slowly, her movements distant. "She's strong… but I'm afraid. What if she can't pass the trials?"
Zephyr held Kirana's gaze. "Aelina's tougher than she looks. If anyone can do it, she can."
Lyra suddenly stood. "Before we decide, I want to show you something."
She approached the communication device and activated it. A soft blue glow filled the room as a holographic display rose above the table. It projected the data extracted from the device they'd removed from Aelina.
"I managed to connect it to my comm system," Lyra explained. "I can't control it, but I can monitor it. And this… this is what Aelina normally sees."
The hologram displayed detailed information about the environment—plant species, tree ages, biological data of nearby creatures. But one indicator captured everyone's attention:
Connected: Neural Network Active
"What does that mean?" Zephyr asked quietly.
"It means the device is still linked to the Edenian network," Lyra said. "It's not just observing—it might be sending data back. This is advanced tech, beyond anything we have here."
Kirana swallowed hard. "So… they're still watching her?"
Lyra nodded. "Most likely. But I haven't detected any direct command transmissions yet. They may only be observing her development."
"Then what do we do?" Kirana asked.
"We act fast," Lyra said firmly. "If they decide to take control, we won't have time to counter it. I agree with Zephyr. Aelina needs mental training—something strong enough to resist outside influence. The Althera Desert elder may be our only chance."
Kirana looked up as Aelina entered the room carrying the tea. Her daughter's face was calm, but Kirana saw the exhaustion behind her eyes.
Her heart squeezed with fear, love, and resolve.
"I just want Aelina to be safe," she whispered. "If she must face these trials to protect herself… then I'll support her. And we'll do it together."
Zephyr and Lyra exchanged nods. They knew the journey ahead would not be easy. But they also knew one truth:
Aelina had already survived more than most adults ever would.
And she wasn't done fighting yet.
*****
That evening, the sky over Arbora glowed with warm hues of orange and gold, casting soft light over the bioluminescent forest. For the first time in days, the world felt calm. A cool breeze drifted past the porch of Kirana's small house, carrying the scent of leaves and damp soil.
Kirana sat alone, her gaze distant. Her thoughts circled endlessly around the journey ahead. The Althera Desert. Trials. Unknown dangers. And above all, Aelina's growing silence. It weighed on her like a stone she could not set down.
Soft footsteps approached from inside the house. When Kirana turned, she saw Aelina standing in the doorway. The girl looked noticeably better, though still pale. Her long black hair swayed gently in the breeze, and in her eyes, a quiet determination had taken root.
Without a word, Aelina crossed the porch and sat beside her mother. For a moment, neither spoke. They simply shared the silence, letting the wind fill the spaces between them.
Then Aelina leaned her head on Kirana's shoulder and wrapped her arms around her. Her voice came out small and trembling.
"Mom."
Kirana rested her cheek against Aelina's hair. "Yes, sweetheart?"
Aelina hesitated, searching for words. "I want to say sorry."
Kirana blinked, taken aback. "Sorry? For what?"
Aelina kept her gaze down. "For everything. For making you worry. For hiding the device. For not telling you what I found. I was scared you'd be mad at me, and I didn't know what the device was. I just wanted to understand it. I never thought it would turn into... all of this."
Her breath shook. Tears welled in her eyes, but she forced herself to continue.
"And in the forest... I don't remember everything, but I know I hurt you. I didn't want that. I'm really sorry, Mom."
Kirana's heart tightened. She had never placed any blame on her daughter, but hearing the apology still struck deep. She wrapped her arms around Aelina and held her close.
"Oh, Aelina. You don't need to apologize," Kirana whispered. "None of this was your fault."
"But Mom, I—"
"No. Listen to me." Kirana gently lifted Aelina's chin. "You didn't hide the device on purpose. You were curious, and you didn't understand what it was. What happened in the forest wasn't you. It was something forced on you. You are not to blame for that."
Aelina's lips trembled. "But I made things hard for you. And Dad. And everyone else."
Kirana brushed away a tear on her daughter's cheek. "We're here because we love you. Nothing you do will ever change that. You're our daughter. That will always be true."
Aelina closed her eyes and hugged her mother tightly. "Thank you, Mom. I'll try harder. I'll try so you won't have to worry anymore."
As the sun dipped below the trees, painting the sky in shades of purple and amber, Zephyr stepped outside with a small chair. He sat near them, watching the quiet embrace.
"Everything alright out here?" he asked gently.
Kirana smiled at him. "Yes. Everything's alright."
Zephyr leaned forward slightly. "How about you, Aelina? Feeling better?"
Aelina nodded. "I think so, Dad. Thank you."
Zephyr ruffled her hair with a warm smile. "Good. You're tougher than you think."
A moment later, Lyra stepped outside carrying two cups of herbal tea. "Thought you might need these," she said, handing them to Kirana and Aelina.
Aelina accepted hers with a small smile. "Thank you, Aunt Lyra."
Lyra sat beside Zephyr, her expression soft but thoughtful. "You know, Aelina, not everyone is lucky enough to have a family ready to face danger for them."
Aelina nodded slowly. "I know. And I don't want to disappoint them again."
A faint pulse of data flickered in her vision.
Emotional Intelligence Synchronization: 30 percent.
Aelina tightened her hold on the warm cup. For the first time in days, she felt the smallest spark of confidence. Maybe—just maybe—she could fight whatever Edena had put inside her.
And she would not face it alone.
*****
The sun had just risen over the village of Ravara, casting golden rays through the shimmering blue foliage. Morning energy filled Kirana's home as everyone prepared for the long journey ahead.
Kirana stood at the wooden table, checking the supply bag she had packed the previous night. Outside, Zephyr tightened the saddle straps on one of the horses, ensuring everything was secure. Inside, Aelina moved quickly from room to room, helping carry small provisions like water pouches and dried fruits.
Lyra stood near the doorway with a small bag slung over her shoulder. She watched Kirana tighten the straps on her pack.
"Kirana," she said, "so you're really going through with this."
Kirana gave her a faint smile. "I have to. Aelina needs help, and the desert elder might be her only chance."
Lyra nodded, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Alright. I'll head to the city and gather the components we need. If anything comes up, I'll contact you."
Zephyr walked in from the yard just in time to hear that. "Be careful out there, Lyra. Don't attract attention."
Lyra smirked lightly. "I know how to keep my head down."
Aelina approached her, a water pouch in hand. "Aunt Lyra... you'll come back, right?"
Lyra knelt, placing a hand on Aelina's shoulder. "Of course. I'll return as soon as I can. You focus on learning everything you can in the Althera Desert."
Aelina hugged her tightly. "Be careful, Auntie."
Lyra rose to her feet, offering one last smile to the family. "May your journey be safe. Until we meet again."
"Until we meet again," Kirana replied, waving as Lyra walked down the forest path.
Once preparations were complete, Kirana, Zephyr, and Aelina set off toward the Althera Desert. With two horses carrying their supplies, they left the quiet comfort of Ravara and entered the deep Arbora Forest.
"This forest feels... different now," Aelina murmured as she gazed at the glowing trees towering above them.
Kirana brushed a hand along her daughter's back. "This place shaped who you are, sweetheart. It will always be a part of you."
Zephyr led the group and called back, "We head northwest. There are small villages along the way where we can rest."
The world beyond Arbora filled Aelina with awe. Vast grasslands stretched beneath a sky streaked with soft light. Wildflowers swayed in the wind. Aelina jogged beside her horse, laughing as colorful butterflies swirled around her.
"Mom, look!" she shouted, pointing as a flock of blue-feathered birds soared overhead.
"Lumos Avianus," Kirana explained. "They're rare. Travelers say they bring good fortune."
"They're beautiful…" Aelina whispered.
"You'll see many wonders on this journey," Zephyr added. "Keep your eyes open."
When evening fell, they reached a small riverside village. Warm faces greeted them, and an elderly man offered them a place to stay.
"We are honored to host travelers," he said. "Rest here for the night."
Aelina spent the evening near the hearth, listening to local stories.
"Long ago," an old woman told her, "water dragons lived in this river. They brought rain during harsh seasons."
"Water dragons?" Aelina's eyes widened.
The woman chuckled. "Just legends… but every legend has a shard of truth."
Kirana smiled, watching her daughter absorb every tale with wonder.
Their journey continued for days. Each village taught Aelina something new. She learned bits of culture, traditions, and small skills like grinding grain and carrying water. And whenever they stopped, Zephyr trained her—archery, survival basics, tracking, reading the land.
"Remember, Aelina," Zephyr said as they rested under a large tree one afternoon. "This journey isn't only about reaching the desert. Every step teaches you something."
Aelina nodded, committed to his words.
By the fourth day, the landscape shifted. Warm winds brushed against them, carrying grains of sand. The horizon glowed with the outline of distant dunes.
Kirana looked toward the desert, then at Aelina. "Sweetheart, are you ready?"
Aelina took a breath and nodded, her determination steady. "I'm ready, Mom. Whatever comes next… I'll face it."
Zephyr placed a proud hand on her shoulder. "That's what I wanted to hear."
That night, they camped at the edge of the last forest before reaching the dunes. Under a sky full of bright stars, they knew one thing with certainty: the true challenge was only just beginning.
…Emotional Intelligence Experiences 45%…
*****
Night settled over the advanced human city of Selvara. Neon lights painted the narrow alleys in shifting colors, casting bright reflections on wet pavement. The city buzzed with life—a hidden tech hub where cutting-edge hardware changed hands with no questions asked.
In one of the older districts, rows of crumbling buildings formed narrow corridors of shadow. Draven walked through them with purpose, though his sharp eyes scanned every corner. He had come with a single goal: to find information on neural network architecture—the technology now entangling Aelina.
He stopped in front of a weathered workshop with a faded metal sign that read: "Technology & Engineering – Felix." He knocked on the heavy door. A mechanical buzz responded, and the door opened to reveal an elderly man with silver hair, deep lines on his face, and eyes still razor-sharp.
"Draven," the man greeted, his voice rough but familiar. "What pulls you out here tonight?"
Draven offered a faint smile. "Felix. I'm hoping you still remember me."
Felix snorted. "Hard to forget the stubborn kid who asked five questions before breakfast. Get in here."
Draven stepped inside. The workshop buzzed with the constant hum of machines. Wires ran across the floor like vines, and half-assembled devices cluttered every surface. Felix sat heavily in an old swivel chair and motioned for Draven to do the same.
"So," Felix muttered, sipping dark coffee, "what trouble are you chasing now?"
"I need information on neural network architecture—the kind used by the Edenians," Draven said, getting straight to it.
Felix went still. His gaze sharpened. "Edenian neural networks… You realize that's dangerous tech to poke at."
"I know. But there's a child bound to it. I need to help her."
Felix exhaled long and slow. "I don't have everything you're looking for. But I've heard of someone who might. A specialist in neural systems. Her name's Seren Vega. Lives in the outer slums."
It wasn't much, but it was something.
As Draven left the workshop, his phone buzzed. Lyra's name lit the screen. He answered immediately while weaving through a dim alley beneath flickering neon signs.
"Lyra. Where are you?"
"Just entering Selvara," she replied. "Did you find anything?"
"A lead. A neural expert named Seren Vega. She might be able to explain how the system works. We need to meet her."
"Alright. Where do we regroup?"
"There's a small café near the slums. I'll wait for you there."
"On my way."
The café was a cramped place tucked into a narrow alley, its dim sign swaying in the cold breeze. Inside, only a few wooden tables filled the space, and the attendant behind the counter looked thoroughly unimpressed with life. Draven took a seat in the shadowed corner.
A short while later, Lyra entered, draped in a long coat. Her expression was all business.
"You're right on time," Draven said, motioning for her to sit.
"What's the plan?" she asked.
"Seren Vega specializes in neural networks. She owns a device that can dive into someone's mind. If we can understand how the Edenian system works, we can help Aelina."
Lyra studied him carefully. "Do you trust her?"
"Not entirely. But she's the only lead we've got."
Lyra's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Then let's go."
They headed toward the outer slums. The streets grew darker, narrower, lined with collapsing structures and buzzing old lights. The air turned sharp with the smell of metal and garbage—a stark contrast to Selvara's glowing heart.
Finally, they stopped before a small building with a heavy metal door. Above it, a triangular symbol with a glowing blue circle pulsed gently.
"This is it," Draven said, knocking.
The door slid open. A young woman with short bright-blue hair stared at them. Her left eye glowed faintly—an optical implant—and a compact computer with tangled cables wrapped around her arm.
"Who are you, and what do you want?" she asked, voice clipped.
"We need your help," Draven replied. "We heard you're an expert in neural networks."
Her eyes narrowed. "Who told you that?"
"Felix."
Seren snorted. "Of course he did. That old man loves sending strangers to my door."
"We're not here to cause trouble," Draven said. "We just need information. And we'll pay fairly."
Seren crossed her arms, then stepped aside. "Fine. Come in. But don't expect everything for free."
Inside, her workspace looked like chaos held together by sheer will—screens, tools, cables, and active devices everywhere. Seren tapped the device on her arm, projecting a glowing hologram into the air. A complex neural network blossomed in floating strands of light.
"This system," she said, pointing to a cluster of nodes, "isn't just a communication interface. It merges the user's mind with a central network. The Edenians use it to monitor, influence… even override their subjects."
Lyra leaned closer, tension tightening her features. "So it can control someone."
"Control them," Seren said, "and access their subconscious. That's the real danger. If we understand the architecture, we might sever the connection—or take control ourselves."
She gestured toward a large machine in the corner. "That's a mind-dive device. It can reach deep into someone's subconscious. But using it carries serious risk."
Draven's voice hardened. "What kind of risk?"
"If the subject's mind is already heavily influenced by the network, diving in could trap them in their own subconscious. They might not come back."
Draven and Lyra exchanged a tense look. This was the lead they needed—but the danger was unmistakable.
Seren leaned back, folding her arms with a faint, knowing smile.
"So," she said, "what's your decision?"