The Chronicles of Lumina: A Journey Beyond the Glitch

On two legs the bear would be a giant. In the trees, it is an almighty titan. The animal walks on all fours, but it isn't a bear. It's much more powerful than anything I've ever seen, so I prefer to call it a demon.

The bear moves with incredible speed through the forest, each stride covering many meters. In the time it takes me to blink, it is already far away from my sight. I can hear its heavy breathing and the rustling of leaves under its paws.

I stop for a moment and catch my breath. My knife is still in my hand and I am ready to fight for my life if needed.

Almost an hour ago I had left my village to explore this new land that has been created by God when He flooded the earth. I was looking for food, but all I found were strange animals never seen before. When I saw this creature of monstrous strength, I decided to follow it, hoping that eventually it would leave something behind or show me where it lived so that I could steal its food and belongings.

I follow quickly after the beast, trying not to lose sight of it again. It moves towards a large hill in the distance, climbing up and down terraces as if they were stairs made for humans instead of bears.

Finally I reach the top of the hill and see what lies beneath it: a great valley filled with water to the brim of its banks. The surface of the water is flat and smooth like glass, without a ripple or wave disturbing its surface. Dozens of islands dot the surface like little green specks on blue-grey canvas. Some seem to rise from the depths while others are small enough to be waves of water splashing against each other on their journey to some unknown destination far away from here.

The white sun shines brightly in a clear sky above me and black rock towers over me like sentinels guarding their domain from intruders like myself. The smell of brine hangs heavy in the air, making my eyes water and cracking my lips in painful fissures which sting like fire whenever they touch together.

I don't know how long I stand there, staring at this hidden world that is still new to us all--new even to God himself--but after a while I notice movement in one part of the lake. A boat is approaching one such island and lands on soft sand near where water meets land. Two people step out carefully onto the sand and walk towards higher ground, where they disappear into bushes at the base of steep slope covered in grasses that glow in gentle shades of green under golden light of sunset that paints everything around me with intense colors worthy of God's own brush strokes.

A man carrying an armful of wood steps out from behind another bush nearby and begins collecting twigs from fallen trees scattered around him as he walks towards his companions waiting for him on higher ground with gathering baskets hanging from their arms. They are all dressed alike and wear cloaks made from leaves; their faces are covered by simple masks made from branches and leaves woven together into protective cages against harmful rays of sun shining above us today as if inviting us all to greet her warmly for her return after her long absence during last days when we were mostly drowned under oceans that covered our homes before this great flood ended and brought us back onto dry land once more so that we could begin anew our lives anew with new hopes full of bright memories of what was lost forever beneath deep waters poured across whole world by our loving Creator who wished us back on land again so that He could continue His work creating new wonders His hands alone could create so beautifully without any help from those clumsy hands we used before He sent us back onto land once more when we tried stealing His power by building tower reaching heavens because we thought ourselves strong enough to bring glory unto our own names rather than His own name alone!

The man with the armful of wood moves with purpose, guided by a familiarity with the land that I envy. His companions follow him closely, their movements fluid and graceful. I watch as they make their way up the steep slope, disappearing into the lush greenery. Curiosity takes hold of me, urging my tired legs to follow.

As I climb, the air grows thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant sound of trickling water. The foliage becomes denser, enveloping me in a shroud of mystery. Rays of sunlight filter through the canopy, illuminating the path before me.

Soon, I emerge into a clearing, a hidden oasis nestled among the rolling hills. The dappled sunlight dances upon the surface of a small pond, embellishing its tranquil beauty. Colorful petals fall gently, dotting the water with vibrant hues. It is a sight that fills my heart with both wonder and longing.

The man and his companions gather around a large rock, arranging the wood in a neat pile at its base. They light a fire, and the crackling flames cast flickering shadows that dance across their masked faces. The aroma of roasted meat wafts through the air, causing my stomach to grumble hungrily.

My presence goes unnoticed as I watch them share a meal, their laughter filling the air. A sense of belonging resonates within me, a longing to be part of this community that has found solace and unity amidst the chaos of the flooded world. But before I can gather the courage to approach them, an unexpected sight catches my attention.

A figure emerges from the depths of the pond, rising gracefully like a nymph from the lore of old. She is beautiful, with long flowing hair that shimmers in hues of gold and emerald. Her eyes hold a timeless wisdom, and her voice floats on the breeze in a haunting melody.

The woman approaches the fire, her bare feet leaving wet footprints on the ground. The man and his companions welcome her with open arms, their faces filled with admiration and reverence. She joins them, her presence adding a serene grace to the already magical atmosphere.

I watch them in awe, unable to tear my gaze away from the enchanting scene before me. It is as though I have stumbled upon a secret haven, where the ordinary laws of the world are suspended, and a new reality unfolds.

In that moment, I make a silent vow to become part of this hidden community, to bask in the warmth of their companionship and learn the secrets of their existence. With newfound determination, I step out of my hiding place and approach the fire, ready to greet the unknown with an open heart.