During the following days, we continued traversing zone 4. This area was notably quieter than the others. Titans typically remained within their respective zones, seldom venturing beyond their lairs. Fortunately, this trend worked in our favor, as it meant we could advance with relative safety, as long as we maintained a safe distance from these imposing creatures.

We found a steady rhythm in our journey, taking advantage of the relative tranquility of the area to progress unhindered. As we moved forward, we marveled at the natural beauty surrounding us, with the forest shrouded in an eerie aura, the feeling that the woods were watching us intently still present.

The whisper of leaves and the chilly air brushing against our faces, though the chirping of some birds could be heard, I have not seen any so far.

****

Several more days passed, precisely 4 days, and we arrived at a completely different scene ahead of us. Before us lay a slightly different area of the forest, with the trees indeed smaller.

In the center was a lake nestled amidst a lush forest, where the trees rose majestically towards the sky, forming a green canopy that filtered the sunlight and created a play of shadows on the tranquil surface of the water. The lake, with its crystalline waters, reflected the clear sky and the intense greens of the surrounding trees.

At first glance, the lake's waters appeared to be a clear and serene blue. However, as the gaze deepened, it became evident that there was no visible life within it. No fish swam in its waters, no aquatic plants swayed to the rhythm of the current. It was as if the lake were suspended in time, trapped in a state of perpetual calm.

As one ventured further towards the center of the lake, the darkness beneath the surface became more pronounced. The crystal-clear waters gave way to a mysterious depth, where light barely reached. There, in the depths, an impenetrable darkness reigned.

Despite the serene beauty of the lake and its natural surroundings, the absence of life within it created a sense of melancholy. An enigma hidden in the depths of its waters. Although the surface might reflect the tranquility of the surroundings, the heart of the lake seemed shrouded in a deep shadow of mystery and solitude.

Looking around, observing the imposing mountains rising in all directions, an involuntary frown crept onto my face as I contemplated the mountainous landscape surrounding our location. Behind those mountains lay the border of zone 4, and beyond, zone 5 stretched as far as the eye could see.

We were in the final stages of our journey through the zone, which meant our objective could be closer than we had imagined.

I directed my gaze towards the lake stretching out before us, a tranquil mass of water reflecting the cloudless sky above us. A question arose in my mind and escaped my lips with some confusion: "Is it inside the lake?"

Despite a layer of darkness looming in the depths of the lake, I couldn't discern any signs of life within it. However, I was aware that I couldn't fully trust my senses in a place like this. Uncertainty hung in the air as we awaited answers to our questions.

Lysandra's gaze landed directly on the lake, and I noticed how she pursed her lips in a thoughtful grimace. Her words resonated in the air with palpable seriousness as she continued: "I don't sense any danger around the lake. Nor can I perceive any living beings within it, but there's something strange about this lake."

She crouched down and extended her slender fingers to touch the water's surface. I watched attentively as her fingers gently submerged into the liquid, creating ripples on the lake's tranquil surface. A tense silence gripped the surroundings as we all waited with anticipation for the words that would follow.

The reflection of sunlight danced on the waves forming on the water, creating a play of light and shadow on Lysandra's face. From her fingers emerged small twigs, which began to submerge. After a few more minutes, she managed to reach the layer of darkness deep down. Several more seconds passed before Lysandra broke the silence.

"Behind the layer of darkness, there is indeed an empty space," she announced, her tone revealing a mixture of surprise and fascination. However, her expression remained undisturbed, as if she were assessing the situation with a clear and calculating mind.

"Although I still can't perceive any type of life throughout the area," she added, emphasizing the absence of any hint of living presence in the depths of the lake.

Upon hearing Lysandra's words, my eyes widened with astonishment. A fleeting idea crossed my mind like lightning: "Could the flower be inside the lake?"

The possibility that the flower might be hidden in the depths of the lake resonated in my mind, triggering a wave of excitement and anticipation. If that were the case, it would mean that our objective was closer than we had anticipated.

My countenance darkened at the prospect of having to traverse the layer of darkness without the slightest idea of what awaited us on the other side.

"Then let's go in," Elsa's words pulled me out of my thoughts, bringing me back to the present moment. As I looked at her, I could perceive a small spark of hope in her eyes, but I also noticed the slight trembling of her body. It was evident that she was experiencing a mix of excitement and anxiety at the prospect of what lay beyond the layer of darkness.

For Elsa, this moment meant much more than just exploration. It was the opportunity to discover the flower that had been the subject of her research for so many years, and also the key to unlocking a bloodline that resonated with her soul. The possibility of reaching her deepest dreams and desires was within reach, but it also carried the weight of the unknown and the risks involved.