In a small remote village somewhere between the mountains surrounded by rivers, waterfalls, and lush green forests. You can hear the faint sound of a group of people shouting in the same rhythm, in an enormous courtyard built in front of an ancient temple.

This temple with its pillars was as old as time itself. Grass grew between the cobblestones. Many cracks were apparent on the old pillars, with vines wrapping around them, all witnesses of how old they were.

Generations have used them for many centuries and will continue to use them for decades to come.

Our voices echoed throughout the mountains and dissipated into nothing. Then, another chant followed, and another, all in unison.

We engaged in our daily training session. Everyone moved in perfect harmony under the scorching sun.

Each of us synchronized our movements, creating a unified rhythm and voice. Not a single foot was out of place, as if we were a flawless mechanism working together seamlessly.

Some seemed winded, while others appeared focused. Some were trying to keep it together, while other were on the verge of collapsing. 

We eagerly waited for the moment the master would clap his hands and declare,

“We're done for the day.”

Everyone sighed and broke posture.

I rolled my eyes and said,

“What's the point of all this, if we are not going to use it?”

Master heard me even though I was whispering, and he said,

“Even in times of peace, a person must stay in harmony, body, mind and soul, all in sync with the universe.”

“Euh,” I sighed.

The master added,

“Careful what you wish for, son. War is not to be trifled with.”

He dozed off in the distance, like he was imagining some horrible images playing in front of his eyes.

I objected,

“What if the old legends come true … and ...”

Kids in the background laughed at my words. I lowered my voice, making sure they didn't hear me this time,

“What if they were true, and we are not ready? You should teach us the spirit arts, instead of this ... this dumb training.”

Master shook his head in worry.

“You know, you shouldn't be reading those books. You are not even allowed in that section of the library.”

“If someone wrote these books, it means they intended for us to read them.”

That was my philosophy. What was the point of leaving them on shelves collecting dust?

Master continued with his wise quotes,

“There are things better left unknown …”

He gave me the impression that he possessed knowledge that he didn't want us to acquire. He was definitely hiding something.

However, his enigmatic and composed words only fueled my growing anger. Unable to contain myself, I began to rant,

“You used to be the master of the spirit arts. Look at you now. Where is your power?”

He replied calmly,

“Powers is not how loud you speak or how hard you hit your opponent. It's about how you act in tough situations. Remember that, son. It's about the inner balance that's what makes the spirit arts.”

I grunted as I took my wooden swords and disappeared into the woods, away from the training grounds and every living being.

Master shouted,

“Don't go into the caves, or I'm going to make you run for hours.”

I lifted my middle finger as I ignored my master's warning and I disappeared from his sight.

I didn't care. I wanted to stay away from everyone and read my books in peace.

I kept the forbidden ones I borrowed in a stash inside the cave that used to be part of a ritual of the spirit arts. 

The cave looked like nothing special on the outside. Its entrance was far from the village. Out of sight of passers-by. Nature has done its part to hide it under a huge arch-like formation. It was the perfect place for me.

I never went too deep, but I always felt like the cave was calling me to go inside, inviting me to explore its secrets.

Even though I was intrigued, I ignored the whispers and opened my book.

Now, where did I leave off ….?

Alternate Realities: Unveiling Extraordinary Creatures. In a realm where worlds collide, animals look like humans. Humanoid creatures possessing otherworldly powers. My insatiable desire was to witness it all. Even if they were mere figments of imagination, I yearned to taste the sweet nectar of freedom and embark on thrilling adventures. And so, as I drifted off to sleep, I delved into the enchanting realm of legends and fantasies.

My slumber was abruptly interrupted by a tumultuous quake that shook the very foundations of the cave. Disoriented and bewildered, I found myself grappling with the unknown. Panic surged through my veins. I instinctively shielded my head from the cascading pebbles and sand, seeking refuge.

I glanced behind me, desperately searching for an exit, only to find it blocked by a cascade of fallen rocks. With no other option, I ventured deeper into the darkness of the cave.

As the ground trembled violently beneath my feet, I quickened my pace, despite the lack of visibility and my uncertainty about my destination. It was hard to find my footing, but I pressed on.

The atmosphere seemed to vibrate with an unknown force, leaving me torn between my curiosity to uncover the truth behind it and my primary concern for my survival.

After what felt like an eternity, a faint glimmer caught my attention.

Determined, I followed the elusive light. Each time I thought I was getting closer, it receded further away. My heart raced as I pushed myself to the limit. I sprinted towards that flicker of hope, breathless, yearning for a chance at survival.

Just as I reached out for the light, the cave erupted in a blinding radiance, overwhelming my senses. I squinted and shielded my eyes with my hand, trying to make out the source.

“Don't be afraid child …,” a voice echoed as the shaking started to calm down. “no one has reached this deep into the cave in a thousand years --- the world is changing and so are you with it --- it's time ---” 

I stuttered in confusion,

“Who are you? ... what do you mean? … what's going on?”

“You will have your answers soon. But the important questions are: what will you be in all of this? Are you ready for your wish to come true? The spirit arts are yours. They are everyone's now. Only the worthy will triumph, and you are more than worthy. You are the only ...”

The voice echoed in the depth of the cave and faded away. I could only hear some of what it was saying,

“Everything is p--t of you a-- part of ev----hing and .....”

Everything is part of you, and you are part of everything! 

What does that supposed to mean?

The light faded out, and the voice disappeared. My eyes began to adjust to the darkness once again. It wasn't just a dark cave this time; it was an underground forest.

Everything seemed to emit a slight glow illuminating the area. I couldn't help but walk around, completely amazed.

Insects, flowers, mushrooms, and trees had a mesmerizing blue and green hue. Creating their own natural light, illuminating the cave.

It felt like I had stepped into another world, another dimension in the pages of my books.

I continued walking for what felt like hours, mesmerized by everything around me, distracting me from my main goal. Finding a way out. Until another light caught my attention.

This time, it resembled daylight. Rays of Golding hues. Hopeful, I sprinted towards it. It was a narrow beam of sunlight that streamed through the opening. The radiant rays cut through the dim light of the underground forest, creating a spotlight on the ground, and casting a warm and ethereal glow. A glimmer of hope.

“Phew! That was a close call.” 

As I reached the source, I had to stop to avoid falling to my death.

One more step and I almost tumbled into the massive hole within the cave's wall. The strangest part was that I found myself above the clouds as I peered through the gap.

There was no hope of my escape.

I huddled next to the exit, contemplating the possibility of never making it out alive.

I wish I'd listened to my master's warning.

He was right. My stubbornness and recklessness would one day be my undoing. And that day came sooner rather than later.

After I stopped feeling sorry for myself, I looked around and peered again carefully through the hole.

This wasn't the end of the road. I wasn't giving up. I had dreams that needed to be fulfilled. Determined to escape, I decided to start climbing. 

I was quite a skilled climber. But any misstep could be disastrous for me.

With ease, I began my ascent. I ensured that each rock I grasped and every foothold I placed my foot in was secure and stable.

The wind blew hard, almost sending me to my demise, but I managed to push upwards, clinging to dear life.

Finally, I reached the top. I laid on the ground, taking my breath. I laughed frantically. I've never had this much excitement before. This feeling was almost addictive.

The sun in the middle of the sky blinded me.

I realized that it was already the afternoon. An indication that I had spent the entire night in the cave.

Panic set in as I realized that my master would be furious with me for being late to our morning workout. I got up fast to my realization.

Thoughts raced through my mind as I sprinted towards the village. I considered all the possible scenarios that awaited me.

“He's definitely going to make me suffer,” I muttered to myself.

I dreaded the punishment that Sylas, my master, had in store for me.

For the most part, he was a nice guy, but the morning routine was sacred to him. Almost too sacred.

I finally arrived at the village. I was gasping for breath after enduring a strenuous climb and a frantic run.

To my astonishment, I discovered that most of the village lay in ruins. Gray smoke still billowed from the charred wood of the houses. An apple cart along with a horse carriage were tipped over. Men rushed with buckets of water, trying to put out the fire. Women hugged their children, grateful that they were still alive. Others dug through the rubble, looking for their most precious possessions. The village was in a state of complete chaos.

The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke and ash. The faces of the villagers were covered in dust, tears, and blood. Despite their familiarity, they were unrecognizable.

However, amidst the chaos, there was one silhouette that I could never forget - my master's.

I stumbled towards him, my steps unsteady, as if I had forgotten how to walk. Perhaps it was the fear of not knowing what had happened in my absence. Perhaps it was exhaustion from all the running and climbing. I wasn't sure, maybe a little of both. 

My muscles were on the verge of giving up, and I even struggled to utter his name, choking on my words. 

He must have sensed my presence. He turned immediately, his eyes wide with disbelief. It was as if he had seen a ghost. 

He rushed towards me, enveloping me in a tight embrace against his broad chest. I could feel the strength of his muscles through his oversized training attire smothering me.

The baggy attire effectively concealed his well-built physique.

In his arms, I felt a mix of safety and confusion. He gripped my shoulders with both hands, gazing at me one more time.

“Devi! Where have you been?” he said, “everyone thought you were stuck under some rubble or even worse.”

Worry was apparent in his voice.

“You were gone for three days … we thought you ...”

He didn't finish his words, but I knew what he was going to say - they thought I was dead.

The problem was that I had only been gone for one night.

How could it be? There was no fucking way! I'm missing some time. Three days of it.

I opened my mouth in protest, but then there was the sound of a familiar voice that caught my attention.

“Devi, you're alive?”

It was Jane, with her pitch-black hair, blue eyes, and skin as white as snow. At only fourteen, her beauty was stunning.

Her eyes welled with tears, and snot dripped off her nose when she saw me in Sylas's arms. Despite the messy emotional state she was in, she looked as beautiful as ever.

She hugged me tightly, like she never did before. I could feel her still developing chest against my ribs, her skinny fingers dug deep into my back. She wrapped her skinny arms around my body. 

It was comforting to know that she cared so much about me.

We have known each other forever now because we grew up together. She was the only one I got along with in this stupid village. For some reason, she never left my side, no matter how weird, unreasonable, or crazy I was.

After our brief reunion, I proceeded to recount the precise events of what had transpired. I explained how I had skillfully navigated through the treacherous terrain of the mountain and managed to find my way back.

However, I made a conscious decision to request that they promise to omit my peculiar encounter with the mysterious voice. I feared that revealing such information to the villagers would cause them to question my sanity. Especially the village kids who made fun of me all the time and the elders who didn't tolerate wild stories like mine.

I was already an outcast. I didn't need another reason to make them look at me weirdly - not that I cared. But I just need my peace of mind.

As I shared this request, they exchanged glances and burst into laughter. Their amusement confused me even more than this weird situation. With determination, they firmly grasped my soiled hands. Eagerly guided me towards the outskirts of the village. It was as if they were being beckoned by an even more extraordinary revelation lying ahead.

As we emerged from the forest outside the village, a startling realization struck me. The mountains that once stood tall were now nowhere to be seen. Overwhelmed by curiosity, I hurried to the edge and peered down into the cliff. The river that once flowed through the forest was now leading to a waterfall. The waterfall was pouring into the clouds beneath us.

“We're ... floating!” I exclaimed, unable to comprehend the surreal sight before me, “What on earth is happening?”

A distant memory resurfaced in my mind, and without thinking, I blurted out,

“The legends are true! Floating lands! How is this even possible?”

Sylas, catching on to my excitement, chimed in,

“What's next? Strange creatures?”

I glanced at him, a knowing smile spreading across my face.

“So, you've read those books too, huh?”

Before I could finish what I wanted to say, an eerie sound reverberated through the air, originating from the skys above ...