MYSTIC MOUNTAIN:FIRST CRYSTAL CORE

The group had trekked Mystic Mountain for two months, driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure. Each step revealed more of the mountain's enigmatic beauty, blending elements of both reality and fantasy. The soldiers, hardened by training, found themselves in awe of the natural wonders before them.

"The name says it all; there is a lot of mystery here," one soldier mused, his eyes darting around the vibrant landscape.

The trees, with limbs swaying in an almost sentient manner, seemed to react to their presence. Some branches reached out as if to embrace the newcomers, while others recoiled in silent fear. The dwarf plants

employed their own tactics of concealment, curling their leaves tightly or folding them over completely.

A myriad of birds and butterflies flitted around them. But it was a butterfly with luminous wings and a tiny human-like face that captivated their attention.