"I have an idea."
I raised an eyebrow, already expecting something excessive.
"Go on."
Vivi turned mid-air and looked down toward the vast ocean surrounding Gladiara, her small form suddenly radiating a much sharper intent than before.
"We won't just make the continent difficult," she said. "We'll make reaching it a trial."
Before I could respond, her wings flared with violet essence.
The ocean below us reacted instantly. At first it was subtle. The surface rippled unnaturally, as if something deep beneath had begun to stir. Then the water started rising in multiple places at once, forming towering pillars that twisted and bent against gravity.
I watched closely.
"What are you doing?"
"Creating guardians," she replied calmly.
The pillars of water began to take shape.
