The group lingered in silence, each holding a Fruit of Life—smooth, glowing orbs of ethereal light that pulsed faintly in their hands like living hearts.
They stood there, frozen in anticipation, eyes darting from their fruits to one another, waiting for someone to make the first move. It was as if the gravity of what was about to happen needed a spark.
Then—Iris stepped forward.
Without a word, she lifted her fruit and took a bite, the soft flesh of the glowing sphere parting like jelly. As she chewed the radiant morsel, her body began to shimmer. Light engulfed her form, breaking her down into particles that danced like fireflies in the wind before vanishing completely.
Everyone stared, entranced. No one dared to speak.
Then Ayla turned to Vale, her expression calm and resolute.
"Ready?" she asked softly.
Vale hesitated, glancing at Dain and Klein. Their faces mirrored the tension knotted in his chest. He looked back at her and nodded.
