Ann's breath caught in her throat.
Where the old woman had once stood, something else now floated in the air — glowing softly like moonlight wrapped in magic.
It was a fairy.
She hovered gracefully, no taller than Mia's arm, with glowing pink wings that shimmered like falling petals. Her dress was made of soft layers of rose-colored silk, flowing in the air as if caught in a gentle breeze. Tiny golden shoes sparkled on her feet, and in her hand, she held the most beautiful wand Ann had ever seen — crystal clear, with swirling silver vines curling around it, topped with a tiny glowing orb.
Ann stared, speechless.
Mia's eyes lit up. "Oh. My. Frogs. Are you seeing this?!"
Jake instinctively stepped in front of the group. "Who… what are you?"
The fairy fluttered closer, her voice gentle but filled with purpose.
"Before you ask anything," she said, hovering right above the glass boxes, "there's something I must tell you. Something important. Something lost."
They all stood frozen, unsure if they were dreaming.
"My name is Lyria," the fairy said softly. "And I come from a realm far beyond this world. A place known as Atheria."
Ann blinked. "Atheria?"
"Yes," Lyria nodded. "A hidden realm. Magical. Beautiful. But broken."
She raised her wand, and a swirl of glowing dust filled the room, forming images in midair — mountains of crystal, floating cities, and a glowing palace above the clouds. Then the vision cracked like glass, showing fire, smoke, and shadows sweeping over the land.
"Atheria once had seven heroes — chosen ones — each tied to a powerful relic. Together, they balanced the forces of nature and protected our world."
Jake narrowed his eyes. "Protected from what?"
Lyria's expression darkened. "From the Umbra Vex. A corrupted force. Power-hungry warlocks and creatures born from fear, shadow, and destruction. Every century, they rise again. And every century… new heroes must rise to stop them."
Mia's voice was barely a whisper. "And the heroes… they're chosen again and again?"
"Yes," said Lyria. "They're not passed down by blood, but by spirit. The relics choose those who are brave enough to carry them."
She waved her wand again. More images appeared — a peaceful village under glowing shields, suddenly attacked in the night. Dark monsters tore through light, and in the chaos, seven glowing relics scattered.
"This time… the choosing day was ambushed. The Umbra Vex came too soon. The heroes were unprepared. All seven — old and new — fell. Their village was destroyed."
Ann felt a chill down her spine. "That's horrible."
"Three of the sacred relics were never recovered," Lyria said. "But four survived."
She turned toward the glass cases.
"The Blue Pendant of Ice. The Red Bracelet of Fire. The Storm Hairpin. And the Tech Watch of Lightning."
Each relic inside pulsed softly with light, as if recognizing their presence.
Ann stepped forward slowly, eyes fixed on the necklace. "So… this isn't just a pendant."
"No," Lyria said gently. "It is a piece of destiny. Each relic carries the power of one element, and it bonds with the one who reflects its nature."
Jake tilted his head toward the bracelet. "And the missing ones?"
Lyria's wings dimmed slightly. "The Water Ring, the Nature Foot Bracelet, and the Stone Earring. Without them, the Circle of Seven cannot be completed."
Mike frowned. "So what happens if we don't find them?"
"Then the next rise of the Umbra Vex could destroy not only Atheria… but your world as well."
A heavy silence settled.
"You are the only ones who've made it here," Lyria said, her voice soft but firm. "The Queen of Atheria felt your spirits from afar. She has blessed these remaining relics. They are yours, if you are willing."
Ann looked at the others.
Jake's brow was furrowed in thought. Mike looked nervous, but steady. Mia was almost bouncing with excitement.
Ann turned back to Lyria. "And if we say yes… we become the new heroes?"
Lyria's smile returned, brighter than ever. "Yes. The fate of both worlds will rest in your hands. But you won't be alone — the relics will guide you. And together, you can find the missing three… and restore balance to Atheria."
Jake nodded slowly. "Then I'm in."
Mia raised her hand. "Totally in."
Mike gave a hesitant smile. "Let's do it."
Ann smiled at Lyria. "Alright. We accept."
The room filled with a faint hum, like music heard through mist. The relics began to glow — one by one.