After the grand performance, the magical creatures—now crumbling away—gently set the little girl down. As they vanished, the crowd of children and adults rushed toward her, forming a circle around her. Though she could not hear them, she could see their mouths moving, speaking words she did not understand. Their overwhelming presence frightened her, their curious gazes pressing against her small frame.

  One man reached out, grabbing her arm in an attempt to pull her away, but before he could do anything further, a sharp slap landed across his face. The girl's mother had arrived. Without hesitation, she scooped her daughter into her arms and rushed toward the uncle’s cart, holding her tightly.

  On the cart ride home, the little girl cried as her mother carefully checked every inch of her, making sure she was unhurt. Silent tears ran down her mother's face as she hugged her daughter protectively. Moments later, exhaustion took over, and the child fell asleep in her mother’s embrace.

  A gentle tap roused her from slumber. As she opened her eyes, she found herself still nestled on her mother’s lap. They had returned home.

  That evening, her mother prepared a feast as if celebrating a special occasion. The child noticed her mother anxiously awaiting someone's arrival. Soon, the door creaked open, and a figure clad in formidable armor stood in the doorway. The girl couldn’t recognize him at first, but as he removed his helmet, realization dawned upon her.

  It was her father.

  With a burst of excitement, she ran forward and hugged him tightly. That night, the family celebrated their reunion. Eventually, drowsiness crept over the little girl, and as she blinked sleepily, she saw her father carrying her to her bedroom. He gently tucked her in, his warm presence lulling her into peaceful slumber.

  In the middle of the night, the girl stirred awake. A strange sensation tickled her ears. Though she had been deaf since birth, unfamiliar sounds echoed in her mind—muffled and distant, like whispers carried by the wind. Confused, she turned toward the attic’s small scuttle, where a dim light flickered through the cracks.

  Curious, she clutched her bunny tightly and crept down the stairs, following the shimmering glow. It led her outside, past the trees, where an ethereal sight awaited her.

  A floating flame hovered in the air, illuminating the darkness. Inside the fire, a tiny figure could be seen—a child, much like herself. The flame giggled playfully before drawing closer. Instinctively, the little girl reached out to touch it. The moment her finger made contact, a sharp pain seared through her skin. She yelped, pulling back and biting her finger to soothe the burn.

  The fire spirit panicked, emitting a strange, worried sound. Another shimmer of light—hiding behind a tree—floated toward her. Unlike the fire, this light was gentle and cool. It extended a tiny hand, touching the girl’s burned finger. A warm, tingling sensation spread through her, and in an instant, the pain was gone.

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  The fire spirit, relieved, twirled excitedly before hugging the light spirit. Though the fire should have burned it, the light remained unscathed. Their auras intertwined, glowing even brighter.

  The little girl watched in awe as both spirits turned to wave goodbye. She clutched her bunny, feeling a tinge of sadness but waved back. As they moved toward the forest, the fire spirit suddenly stopped, turning back to look at her.

  With an eager gesture, it beckoned her to follow.

  Her heart leaped with excitement. Without hesitation, she ran after them.

  The spirits glided swiftly through the dark forest, their glow illuminating the path ahead. However, they were too fast for her small legs to keep up. Determined, she pressed on—until she tripped over a stone and fell to the ground.

  When she looked up, the spirits were gone.

  The forest, now engulfed in darkness, felt vast and eerie. Shadows danced beyond her vision, taking on sinister shapes. Fear gripped her chest. Trembling, she hugged her bunny tightly and shut her eyes, wishing for the frightening figures to disappear.

  Then, from behind her closed lids, a soft green glow emerged. Slowly, she opened her eyes. A breathtaking sight unfolded before her.

  Countless tiny beings surrounded her, their radiant forms shimmering like fireflies. Each one emitted a different hue, painting the air with an enchanting display of colors. At the center of it all, a grand, glowing light hovered, illuminating the area with a comforting warmth.

  For a moment, she forgot her fear. She simply stared in wonder, mesmerized by the beauty before her.

  Behind her, a voice echoed—familiar, yet unfamiliar. Turning her gaze, she saw the fire and light spirits speaking to an elderly woman, draped in robes of nature’s hues.

  The little girl waved at her tiny friends. The fire spirit leaned in and whispered something to the old woman. Suddenly, a strange sensation washed over the child, like something gently brushing against her mind. Then, a deep voice echoed inside her thoughts.

  The elderly woman approached, her presence calm and knowing. She extended her hand, and as she did, the girl’s body gently lifted into the air. A soft, green glow enveloped her, surrounding her like a warm embrace. The magic seeped into her, and with a slow descent, she landed back on the ground.

  She blinked, looking around, wondering if anything had changed.

  Then, the woman spoke.

  “I can sense that these spirits have taken a liking to you,” her voice resonated—not through sound, but within the child's mind. “Will you forgive them?”

  The girl wiped her eyes, overwhelmed by emotion. For the first time, she understood words. A voice had reached her. Though she had been born deaf and mute, something had changed.

  The old woman knelt beside her, gently wiping away her tears.

  “I am sorry, child,” she said softly. “I cannot heal your ears or your voice. You bear a curse beyond my power. But instead, I have gifted you the ability to understand language and speak through the mind.”

  The girl opened her mouth, struggling to form words. It was difficult, but she tried.

  “G... G-grandma...” Her voice trembled, the unfamiliar sensation making her hesitate. Then, with great effort, she whispered, “T-thank you... Grandma... for giving me this gift.” She smiled, hugging her bunny tightly.

  The elderly woman chuckled warmly. “Oh, child... there is much to worry about. But do you know why I tell you this?” She gazed at the girl, her eyes twinkling. “It is because the spirits have chosen you. It is rare for so many to take an interest in a human. You hold the potential to become one of the greatest sages.”

  The little girl tilted her head, curiosity lighting her eyes.

  The old woman extended her hand.

  “And so, I ask you... will you become my disciple?”