Legacy's Wake

Bloomsque Island is a diverse land, partitioned into three distinct biomes each with its own unique character and challenges.

Firstly, there's the lush Green Area, a verdant expanse adorned with flowing rivers, basked in the warm embrace of the sun. This biome is a haven of natural beauty, boasting expansive forests interspersed with quaint towns and villages where life thrives in harmony with nature. However, despite its idyllic charm, the Green Area is not without its perils; occasionally, its tranquil existence is disrupted by attacks from mysterious creatures, prompting vigilance and resilience from its inhabitants.

Contrastingly, the Cold Area presents a starkly different environment, where temperatures plummet to freezing lows. Here, icy landscapes dominate, with only a few brave souls venturing into its frigid expanses. It's a realm of solitude and introspection, where the harsh conditions shape the character of those who dare to explore its icy depths.

Lastly, the Hot Area stands as a testament to fiery extremes, characterized by rugged mountains, treacherous lava lakes, and an eerie landscape adorned with bone ornaments and remnants of long-dead creatures. This biome exudes an aura of danger, harboring mysterious and perilous entities that deter all but the most daring adventurers.

Despite the geographical and environmental diversity that separates these biomes, the islanders find common ground under the protective gaze of Yipsiv. Known to retreat to the Tree of Heart, Yipsiv remains an enigmatic figure whose motives and influence loom large over the island, ensuring the safety and welfare of his people amidst the ever-present challenges posed by their unique home.

Yumiko shielded her forehead from the sun and squinted into the distance, taking in the lush greenery punctuated by a towering, majestic tree amidst a nearby town.

"Hmm, so this is Bloomsque Hazard? It has an odd name, but it looks charming. That tree reminds me of Sanctum Islands," she remarked, her hands finding their way to her hips as Joker stood beside her.

"Indeed," Joker replied, his gaze following hers towards the impressive sight. "It's truly magnificent. The name 'Bloomsque Hazard' comes from the occasional disturbances caused by the hot and cold areas of the island. The tree itself is named after its previous lord, Bloom. Fortunately, these hazards are not too frequent, and the waters act as a natural barrier separating the three biomes."

As they observed the serene scene before them, Yumiko couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration mixed with caution for the island and its intriguing history.

"Looks expansive, and no desolate zones like Sanctum Islands. I wonder how the residents adapt to these frequent changes in atmosphere," Elliott pondered aloud, scratching the top of his head while Tarot indulged in a peach, teeth sinking into its juicy flesh.

"So many vibrant trees. I wonder if there are any exotic fruits waiting for me to discover. Perhaps I'll find something even better than these peaches," he mused, letting out a giggle before devouring another peach in one gulp.

"Maybe the locals wear unique attire. I might check out the shops and see if anything catches my eye," Kyora chimed in, her eyes already twinkling with interest.

"Hmm..." Yumiko fell silent, lost in thought, as she leaned forward to pick up a half-burned leaf. "I suppose this is what you meant by the occasional havoc," she remarked, turning to show the leaf to Joker, who accepted it and examined it closely.

"Indeed," Joker affirmed. "It seems these disturbances are becoming more frequent lately. I should investigate what's changed in the villages. Perhaps something new has emerged during my absence."

Elliott exchanged a glance with Yumiko, who followed up with another question, "Is Bloomsque Hazard your homeland, Joker? Or were you just visiting before?"

Joker shook his head. "Not exactly. I was born on Clockwork Island, where most robots like me were created. It's quite a distance from Bloomsque Hazard."

As they continued their observation of the island, each member of the group contemplated the mysteries and wonders of Bloomsque Hazard, intrigued by its beauty and the secrets it held within its diverse biomes.

"Joker... You wanted to come here for a reason. Is there somewhere specific you wish to visit?" Kyora asked, stepping forward while observing everyone's reactions.

Joker nodded and quickly explained. "I need to meet someone named Yipsiv. There's something important we need to discuss."

Yumiko joined the conversation, twirling her ponytail. "I thought Yipsiv was a treacherous pirate we needed to confront. Isn't he enslaving people?"

Joker seemed to shift their perspective. "Yipsiv? He's a complex individual. I wouldn't call him a treacherous pirate who enslaves people, but he's not entirely innocent either. In his past, he helped people and fought for his family. However, he was forced to sign a contract after losing a card game..."

Interested in uncovering more about Yipsiv, Kyora began asking questions one after another.

"A contract? Whenever someone signs a contract, I never expect anything good to come of it. What's it about?"

Joker, uncertain as well, exchanged a glance and shared the information he had.

"Yipsiv is somewhat of a gambler, like me. However, the contract..."

"The contract was made with Vesper, the Tree Spirit sealed within the trunk. Yipsiv, once a hunter, accidentally killed an innocent person after being deceived by the missionist. Initially, he believed the victim was his intended prey, only to discover later that the person was merely ill. The missionist had manipulated the situation to eliminate the victim for reasons unknown to me."

Despite its blank origins, the story he presented held a rich lore, and despite the lack of confirmed details, the crew listened intently.

"After discovering the truth, Yipsiv resolved to enter Bloomsque Hazard and strike a deal with Vesper. The contract he agreed upon centered around resurrecting the victim. However, before the resurrection could occur, he must procure blood from someone of a rare bloodline within 365 days. Failure to obtain the required blood would result in Yipsiv forfeiting his own life."

Leaning her elbow on her arm and supporting her jaw, Kyora pondered deeply.

"A contract to obtain blood from someone rarer than an average human? If he fails, he'll pay with his own life... Striking such a deal with a Tree Spirit just to resurrect someone he killed. That man isn't your everyday villain..."

Joker interjected once more, adding another crucial detail.

"That's because Yipsiv hails from the Spirit Flower Agency..."

To be continued...