As the swarm dissipated, Rio found himself transported to a new and stunning location.
He stood in awe in the heart of a captivating grassland, encircled by majestic trees that seemed to glow with translucent white light. Their crowns stretched high above him, their branches intertwining in a mesmerizing dance.
The lush foliage around him boasted a stunning array of vivid hues, each leaf dancing in harmony with the gentle caress of the breeze.
Not far away, a serene river meandered through the landscape, its crystal-clear waters glistening under the sun's rays. As it flowed, the soothing melody it produced evoked the tinkling of delicate bells, echoing through the air and filling the atmosphere with a sense of tranquility and wonder.
Yet it was the mesmerizing white light that enveloped the entire landscape, making it truly extraordinary. This luminous glow radiated and shimmered, casting a celestial aura upon everything it touched.
High above, Rio noticed birds gliding gracefully through the sky, their ethereal silhouettes composed of translucent white light, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of this remarkable domain. The fusion of these elements created a dreamlike world that transcended the boundaries of ordinary reality, leaving Rio utterly captivated by its beauty.
Contrary to Rio's expectations of a dark and haunting place, he discovered himself in a realm that resembled a spiritual haven, teeming with these transparent beings and the entrancing, glistening light.
The ambiance was both mystical and tranquil, a stark contrast to the ominous death realm he had anticipated. This extraordinary sanctuary captured Rio's attention, leaving him in awe of the serene beauty that unfolded before him.
While Rio was engrossed in taking in his surroundings, he suddenly heard two anxious voices filled with distress in his mind.
"What happened, Husband???"
"Can you hear me, Sweetie???"
The boy realized it was Lia and Nyla who had attempted to contact him simultaneously. He responded, "Is something wrong? Why do you both sound worried?"
"That's because I can not sense Husband's location anymore, as if you've disappeared from existence," Lia replied, her voice tinged with concern, her earlier anger seemingly forgotten.
"I'm experiencing the same, where are you, Rio???..." Nyla added, her voice filled with fear as she expressed her deep worry for his safety.
Rio took a deep breath before he started narrating, "That's weird but let me explain what happened... The Emperor asked me to rescue Helia, who went to meet her brother Leon's spirit at the Island of Dead Souls. When we arrived, we were teleported into the island's inner sanctum. I found myself lost in the fog until a mysterious force pulled me into a rift, where I discovered Helia. We then heard an announcement about the beginning of the death trial.
Eve mentioned a treasure hidden here that could help save Lia in the future, so I chose to continue. I did ask you earlier, Wifey, if you'd be worried about Helia, so I decided not to bring her along and left her behind. As I'm in a place of death realm, this might be why you both can't detect my location now."
As they listened to the boy's story, they realized that they had no idea that Helia was missing or that Rio had left to find her.
Lia's eyebrows shot in surprise and she spoke, "Helia was missing and you went to find her, but you didn't tell me?!"
Rio said in an apologetic tone, "I didn't want to worry you, Wifey. And I knew that if I told you, you might want to come with me, and I couldn't risk putting your life in danger."
Lia sighed, understanding his concern, "You should have told me, Husband."
Rio remained silent, knowing that even if a similar situation were to occur, he wouldn't divulge it to Lia or Nyla. He refused to risk their safety and would do whatever it takes to keep them out of harm's way.
Understanding his silence, The white-haired beauty asked, "When will you be coming back, Husband?"
Rio's voice carried a hint of uncertainty as he replied, "I'm not sure, but this task is crucial, as it will help me ensure your safety in the future. I have to see it through."
Lia grasped what Rio had explained, but Nyla's voice came in a cheerful tone full of love, "Of course, Sweetie! We understand how important this quest is for you and we fully support you. Just make sure to keep in touch with us, okay? We'll miss you too much if you don't!"
Hearing Nyla's cheerful words, Lia couldn't help but add with a loving tone, "Yes, please keep in touch with us whenever you have the time, and don't forget to take care of yourself. We'll be waiting for your return. Stay safe, Husband."
Their unconditional support and affection towards him filled Rio's heart with a tickling warmth. He nodded, with a soft smile flashing across his face, "I'll talk to my beautiful wives every day and come back to you both soon. I love you both more than words can express."
After saying goodbye to his beloved wives, the boy continued his journey into the mysterious realm. However, he had barely taken much distance when he heard Eve's voice echoing in his mind. Her tone was grave as she cautioned him about the dangers that lay ahead.
"Rio, be careful. This place is filled with dangers you need to watch out for. There are toxic plants that release poisonous spores if you touch them, and illusionary landscapes that can disorient you, leading to fatal falls."
As Eve spoke of the dangers that lurked in the death realm, Rio's brows furrowed with concern. He listened intently, not wanting to miss a single word, and waited patiently for her to finish.
====////====
[SnowNote]
Both of Rio's wives were aware that he was alive. If you revisit the previous chapters, you will notice that they didn't display any reactions that suggested he was dead.
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Edited By: TheWhiteSnow
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