Chapter 76

The woman's eyes gleamed with a knowing light as she watched us. "The Kyuubi's power is a key part of the forbidden magic's activation," she said, her voice low and serious. "As a nine-tailed fox, you have the ability to harness and control the magic's power."

Lunaria's eyes narrowed, her grip on my arm tightening. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice firm.

The woman's gaze flicked to Lunaria, a hint of respect in her eyes. "The Kyuubi's power can be used to absorb, control, and redirect the forbidden magic," she explained. "But it comes at a great cost, one that could potentially destroy Riven or worse."

I felt a surge of unease, knowing the risks involved. But I also knew I had to try, for Lunaria's sake, for our people's sake.

The woman nodded, as if reading my thoughts. "I'll help you harness the Kyuubi's power," she said. "But you must be warned, the process will be painful, and the risks are high."

I shook my head, my mind made up. "I won't risk my life," I said, my voice firm. We're newlyweds, and I won't leave her behind, i said and felt Lunaria squeezed my hand gently."

The woman's eyes narrowed, a hint of disappointment flashing across her face. "Very well," she said. "But know this, Riven: if you don't harness the Kyuubi's power, the forbidden magic will destroy everything you hold dear. Including Lunaria."

Lunaria's grip on my arm tightened, her eyes filled with worry. "Riven, maybe we should consider it," she said, her voice soft. "We can't just sit back and do nothing."

But I was resolute. "I'd rather find another way," I said, my jaw set. "One that doesn't involve risking my life."

The woman nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Very well, Riven. Let's see if you can find another way. But don't say I didn't warn you."

With that, she vanished, leaving us to ponder our next move.

I turned to Lunaria. "I think I know someone who might be able to help us," I said, a plan forming in my mind. "The elders at the back of the mountain. They're wise and knowledgeable, and they might know a way to stop the forbidden magic."

Lunaria nodded, her eyes filled with hope. "Let's go," she said, her voice firm.

We made our way to the back of the mountain, the air growing thinner and the path growing steeper as we climbed. Finally, we reached the elders' dwelling, a small cave hidden behind a waterfall.

The elders greeted us warmly, their eyes filled with concern. "Riven, what's wrong?" one of them asked, noticing the worry etched on my face.

I explained the situation, telling them about the forbidden magic and the woman's words. The elders listened intently, their faces growing graver with each passing moment.

When I finished, they nodded, their eyes locked in thought. "We know of the forbidden magic," one of them said. "And we know of the Kyuubi's power. But there is another way, one that might work."

The elder's words hung in the air, filled with a sense of urgency and hope. "There's a hidden tree, an ancient tree known as the Tree of Life," he said. "It's said to be the core of the mountain, and its power might be enough to restore balance to the forbidden magic."

Lunaria's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds like exactly what we need," she said, her voice filled with hope.

But the elder's expression turned somber. "There's a catch," he said. "No one's ever seen the Tree of Life. It's hidden deep within the mountain, and even we elders don't know its exact location."

I felt a surge of determination. "I'll find it," I said, my voice firm. "I'll do whatever it takes to save our world."

The elder nodded, a small smile on his face. "We knew we could count on you, Riven. You have the heart of a true guardian."

With newfound determination, I set out to find the hidden Tree of Life, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.