Chapter 1: The Turning Point of Fate

Elise hummed a lively tune as she strolled through the magical forest on the outskirts of the Arocia Continent. The sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting dappled shadows, and the forest was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees. A small magical medicine pouch hung from her waist, filled with various healing herbs and magical potions. Since childhood, Elise had shown a talent for healing magic. She loved this forest and always came here to rescue injured animals.Suddenly, a painful wail reached her ears. Elise's heart tightened, and she quickly walked in the direction of the sound. Beside a bush, she found a wounded fawn. Its hind leg was cut by something sharp, and blood was dripping profusely. Elise immediately crouched down, gently stroked the fawn's head, and said softly, "Don't be afraid, little one. I'll heal you." As she spoke, she took out a faintly glowing herb from the medicine pouch, gently crushed it, and applied it to the fawn's wound. At the same time, she murmured incantations and cast the healing magic.Just as the wound was gradually healing, Elise noticed that the air around her became extremely cold, and the originally bright light seemed to dim a bit. She looked up and saw a mass of black mist slowly spreading towards her. Wherever it passed, the flowers and plants withered instantly, and the vitality of the trees was quickly drained. Elise was shocked. She had never seen such a strange sight before."What... what is this?" Elise muttered to herself. She subconsciously stood up, ready to take the fawn and leave. However, the black mist seemed to sense her intention and suddenly rushed towards her at an accelerated speed. Elise hurriedly cast a defensive magic, and a transparent shield formed in front of her. The mist hit the shield, making a hissing sound, and the shield began to show tiny cracks.Elise was filled with fear, but she didn't back down. She concentrated, trying to find the weakness of the mist. Just then, she noticed that there seemed to be some strange runes hidden in the mist. These runes glowed with a dark red light, exuding an evil aura. Elise's heart skipped a beat. She remembered seeing similar records in her family's ancient books."Could this be the legendary Shadow Mist?" Elise murmured. She knew that the Shadow Mist was an extremely evil force. Once engulfed by it, the consequences would be disastrous. Elise decided to take a risk. She focused her mind and mobilized the nature magic within her, trying to resonate with the runes in the mist.With Elise's efforts, the runes in the mist began to flicker more violently. Suddenly, a beam of dark red light shot out from the mist and headed straight for Elise. Elise couldn't dodge in time and was hit by the light. Immediately, she felt a powerful force invading her body, and her consciousness began to blur.Just as Elise was about to lose consciousness, a figure suddenly appeared beside her. The person was waving a wand in their hand, muttering incantations. A powerful magical light dispelled the Shadow Mist. Elise only felt a blackness before her eyes and then lost consciousness.When Elise woke up again, she found herself lying in a warm room. The sunlight shone on her face through the window. She sat up and noticed that her magic robe had been changed, and her wounds had been properly treated. At this moment, the door of the room was gently pushed open, and a white - haired old man walked in."You're awake, child." The old man smiled."Who... are you?" Elise asked in confusion."I'm the guardian of this forest. My name is Moren." The old man said, "You just encountered the Shadow Mist, an extremely dangerous force. Fortunately, I arrived in time."Elise was filled with gratitude. After thanking Moren, she told him about the runes she saw in the mist. Moren's face became very solemn after hearing this."Child, do you know what you've discovered?" Moren said, "These runes are the key to unlocking the secret of the Shadow Mist and also the hope for saving the Arocia Continent."Elise was shocked. She never expected that her accidental discovery would be closely related to the fate of the entire continent."Grandpa Moren, what should I do?" Elise asked."You must search for the Star Tears that can purify the Shadow Mist. Only they can resist this evil force." Moren said, "The Star Tears are said to be hidden on the floating Star - Whisper Island. It's full of dangers and unknowns, but it also conceals powerful magical powers."Elise clenched her fists. She knew she was shouldering a heavy responsibility. Although filled with fear, she still nodded firmly."I'll go, Grandpa Moren." Elise said, "I will definitely find the Star Tears and save the Arocia Continent."Moren smiled gratifyingly. He took out a delicate magical compass from his bosom and handed it to Elise."This compass will guide you to the direction of Star - Whisper Island." Moren said, "Be careful, child. May magic be with you."Elise took the compass, her heart filled with courage. She bid farewell to Moren and embarked on the adventure to Star - Whisper Island.