Chapter 56: Chapter: The Northern Dead Forest

"So, do you mean the north wind element is here?" Belinda asked.

"Yes," Luca replied. "Are you okay?" he asked, turning to Belinda and looking at her intently.

"Yes, I'm fine. We need to move quickly, right?" Belinda asked, glancing at Luca.

"Alright, then hold my hand." Luca extended his hand towards Belinda, and she immediately took it.

They both entered the dead forest area, where the trees were so dry and black, yet somehow, it felt as though the trees were alive and watching them.

In the midst of the tense atmosphere, Belinda and Luca stepped deeper into the dead forest. The broken branches creaked beneath their feet, as though groaning from deep within the earth. Belinda felt the tension in the air, as if the north wind Luca had mentioned was slipping through the dead trees.

"Luca, are you sure we should be here?" Belinda asked, her voice trembling slightly.

"Yes, there is something we need to find here," Luca replied firmly. "It's not just about the north wind element, but also about the balance that we need to restore."

Belinda nodded, though fear still lingered in her mind. She tightened her grip on Luca’s hand, trying to convince herself that they would be alright. As they turned past the dry trees, she saw a moving shadow, something that made her heart race.

"What is it?" Luca asked, quickly turning toward Belinda when he felt the tension in her hand.

"I... I saw something," Belinda replied, trying to calm herself. "Maybe it's just a shadow."

"It could be a clue," Luca said in a low voice. "We need to stay focused. If we find what we're looking for, this forest can recover."

With renewed determination, they continued their journey, trying to ignore the whispers of the wind that seemed to carry messages from nature, warning them to be more careful with their steps.

The deeper they ventured into the forest, their steps eventually halting at the center, where a strong wind suddenly swept over them. Luca immediately hugged Belinda, trying to shield her.

"This is where the wind element is; it’s here," Luca said.

The force of the wind grew wilder, causing dry leaves to fly around, creating a deafening roar between the trees. Belinda could feel Luca’s tight embrace, which made her feel slightly safer amidst the chaos.

"Luca, what do we do?" Belinda asked, her eyes glancing at the darkening sky, seemingly threatened by an approaching storm.

"We need to find the source of this energy," Luca replied, his voice nearly breathless. He raised his hand, as if trying to feel the direction of the wind. "There is power here that we can use, but we need to get close enough to recognize it."

They held on to each other, struggling against the wind that almost lifted them off their feet. Belinda could feel the vibrations in the air, as if there was a powerful flow of energy surrounding them.

"But where?" Belinda asked, trying to see through the trees, which seemed even more terrifying in those conditions.

Luca closed his eyes for a moment, focusing. "Fell what’s around us," he said. "There’s something within us, a bond we might be able to use."

Belinda closed her eyes, doing as Luca had done. She tried to feel the heartbeat of nature, and suddenly, she felt something—a soft touch, like a gentle breeze coming from a specific direction, guiding them.

"Luca! Over there!" Belinda shouted, pointing toward a faint glow between the fallen trees.

"Yes! Over there!" Luca replied, gripping Belinda firmly as they followed the glow.

With renewed energy, they moved forward, pushing through the storm, heading toward the source of the power they were searching for. Every step felt heavy, but their resolve grew stronger, as if the wind itself was trying to show them the way.

They pressed on, cutting through the branches, swaying wildly in the wind. The dark shadows of the trees made the atmosphere more mysterious, but the soft light ahead stood out, shining brightly in the darkness of the forest, giving them hope.

"Can you feel it?" Belinda asked, her voice almost drowned out by the howling wind.

"Yes," Luca replied, catching his breath as he fought against the pressure of the wind. "That’s the energy of the wind element. We’re almost there."

"No. I think something is watching us," Belinda said.

With each step, their emotions were a mix of tension and hope. The gusts of wind that had been harsh at first now seemed more controlled, as though their flow was guiding them to a specific place—the place where the element was located. The soft glow ahead was getting closer, transforming the surrounding atmosphere.

Finally, they reached an open area surrounded by black trees. In the middle of this space, there was a swirling light, spinning slowly, emitting beautiful, dancing colors. The energy from the whirlpool felt strong, full of vibrations that made Belinda's skin tingle.

"That's it," Luca whispered, mesmerized by the beauty and power radiating from it.

"How do we access it?" Belinda asked, her curiosity mixed with a lingering fear.

"We need to merge with energy," Luca replied, turning to Belinda. "We have to do this together. Get ready. Feel it and let the energy enter us."

Belinda nodded, trying to focus her mind. They stood facing each other, holding hands, feeling each other’s heartbeat. With one deep breath, they closed their eyes and allowed their feelings to flow, letting the energy of the wind element merge with their souls.

At that moment, the wind surrounded them, as if responding to their call. The light in the center of the swirl grew brighter, making the world around them disappear for a moment, leaving only the two of them and the energy flowing between them. In this synergy, Belinda felt something more—a connection to nature that made her feel alive and connected to everything on earth.

"Now!" Luca shouted, opening his eyes and seeing the light ahead of them. "Let go of all your fears; let the wind guide us!"

With one movement, they stepped forward toward the swirling light, ready to accept whatever would happen next. Though Belinda was the one to take the element, Luca didn’t leave his wife behind. He continued to stay by her side, protecting her.

As they stepped closer to the swirling light, the energy around them felt stronger, as though it was flowing through their skin and seeping into their souls. Belinda could feel the warmth, soothing yet awakening her spirit. However, behind the awe, there was uncertainty and a little fear—what would happen if she truly took the element?

"Luca," Belinda called, though her voice was nearly drowned in the wind's gusts. "Are you sure I can do this? What will happen afterward?"

“Trust yourself,” Luca said, staring intensely into Belinda’s eyes. “You have this power inside you. We’ve been through so much together. This is your time to shine.”

Belinda took a deep breath, trying to calm her mind. She focused on the sound of her heart and the energy surrounding it. The closer they got to the vortex, the more flashes of images crossed her mind—memories, fears, and hopes.

“Alright. I’ll try,” Belinda replied, her resolve strengthening. Luca could feel the tension in Belinda’s grip, but he knew his wife would be able to face it.

As they stood at the edge of the vortex, the bright light radiated warmth, enveloping them. Belinda felt a thousand gentle drops touch her face and fill her lungs with fresh air. She pushed all her fears deep inside her heart, making space for new strength.

As they stood on the threshold of the light, Luca spread both arms wide, positioning himself as a shield, ready to protect Belinda from whatever might come. He felt an invisible bond between them, a connection strengthened by trust and love.

“Accept this energy, Belinda. Let it flow into you,” Luca’s voice trembled, firm but gentle. He wasn’t planning on leaving his wife alone, even in this most important moment.

Belinda felt the vibrations coming from the vortex—warm and calming, yet powerful. She extended her hand toward the light, allowing the energy to enter her body. It felt like thousands of stars touching her at once, uniting all her fears and turning them into courage.

“I accept,” Belinda said simply and sincerely. With those words, it was as if the energy from the vortex answered her call, responding with immense power.

Only a few seconds passed before the light began to move, flowing into Belinda, forging a strong connection between her and the wind element. The winds swirling around them began to slow, as if the forest itself was vibrating in harmony. Luca felt the wind spread, gently protecting them, as if telling them that there was nothing more to fear.

“This is incredible!” Belinda exclaimed, her voice filled with joy. She felt a new strength flowing within her—a power that was not only hers but felt collective, a force connected to all living creatures and elements of nature.

“Now, we can return the life crystal and your power,” Luca said, his smile wide.

“Ha... ha... ha...!”

They both jumped in surprise at the sound of the laughter and looked up at the sky, seeing something large flying overhead.

“What is that?” Belinda asked, confused.

“Don’t stray too far; hold my hand,” Luca said, pulling her behind him.

The figure landed on the ground, and its imposing, terrifying form emerged. Luca recognized it immediately.

“Zeos?” Luca said, pulling Belinda behind his body.