1.
In the distant future, Earth is ruled by a newly born intelligence of technology, reducing humanity to a mere adjunct. To begin anew, the "Kunpeng" sets off into the vast cosmos, carrying the Nuwa System designed to reboot civilization.
"Elementa...
Although the cold wind season was imminent, the Verdant Thistle Forest remained lush and verdant, showing no signs of withering. However, a scent of decay pervaded everywhere. Under the intertwining branches and dense thorns lay an ancient, decaying world.
Dense trees covered the sky, with sunlight filtering through the gaps in the leaves, casting mottled shadows. The air was humid and oppressive. Insects buzzed on the branches, their blood-sucking sounds seemingly interwoven with the subtle friction of leaves. The fierce and brutal competition for life was evident everywhere, with even the tree bark deeply etched with marks of time and struggle.
The mountain path twisted and turned, with the rapid flow of streams roaring in deep valleys, occasionally punctuated by the howls of wild beasts.
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All of this was starkly different from the Water Realm where Raina Grace grew up. But beyond the difference in scenery, what Raina felt most was a cold, sharp force moving restlessly around her, trying to infiltrate her body but hesitating, swirling endlessly, making it difficult for her to breathe comfortably.
"Found them! Here, take one each, quickly." Coiled Stone unearthed four shiny black fruits, each the size of a baby's fist.
"These are 'Elemental Magnetic Fruits'. Eating them can resist the disordered elemental magnetic forces in the forest," Flicker Shadow explained, handing one to Raina, "They are stored here by patrolling tribesmen, needing regular replenishment and replacement; otherwise, they rot and lose their effect."
Raina took one and almost spat it out after a bite. The taste was close to the rotting smell of the forest, pungent and foul. She glanced at the others who were eating with relish and couldn't help asking, "Don't you find it disgusting?"
The three of them paused, seeming puzzled by Raina's question, then Coiled Stone remarked, "No, the Elemental Magnetic Fruit is very sweet and delicious. How can it be disgusting?"
However, Flicker Shadow admitted, "You didn't mention it, I almost forgot. I also found it unpalatable the first time I ate it. But after so many years, I guess I got used to it, and it doesn't seem so bad anymore."
Wind Voice teased Flicker Shadow, "You're only fifteen years old, what do you mean 'so many years'? Wait until you've eaten it for another twenty years, then you'll find it tasty."
"Does the taste of the Elemental Magnetic Fruit change with age?" Flicker Shadow asked.
"You see, for someone like Coiled Stone, who's eaten it for over a hundred years, it tastes very sweet, having forgotten its initial bitterness," Wind Voice said, taking a big bite, "But no matter the taste, the main function of the Elemental Magnetic Fruit is to help the body adapt to the violent elemental magnetic forces. That's the important thing, even if it's unpalatable."
