The yellow flash of jujutsu high

Akane illusion {71}

The cool water invigorated Keitaro, and he felt a refreshing surge of energy coursing through him. He noticed that his depleted reserves of cursed energy started to replenish, which was a phenomenon that normally only occurred after spending time near Akane. This was peculiar, and a curious wrinkle formed on his brow. The well water was different; it had a subtle energy to it, a soft hum that resonated within him. It wasn't the sharp, chaotic thrum of cursed energy, but something gentler and almost healing.

Intrigued, he looked towards the girl who had offered him the drink and asked, "May I know where did you get this water?" He was curious about the source of the water.The girl, with bright eyes and a child's innocent wisdom, met his gaze. For a moment, something ancient seemed to shimmer in her depths, a connection to a world beyond the ordinary. Then, in a clear, lilting voice, she replied, "Gokyo Lake," the name rolling off her tongue.

Keitaro's eyes widened in surprise. Gokyo Lake was a legendary location in the Himalayas, a high-altitude lake system revered for its pristine waters and spiritual significance. "Gokyo Lake?" he repeated. "But how? This village isn't anywhere near the Himalayas." The logistics didn't make sense, as there was no way this well, carved from solid rock just hours ago, could be connected to a lake miles away.

No..there more likely option was the fact that they had probably had this water in this village for a while and offer it to him...but why.
"Thank you for helping our village" The chief of the village said to which Keitaro just gave the man a cheap grin before saying.
"Its not big deal really i just help out a bit?" As those words left his mouth he scratched the back of his head a bit and had what seemed to be a goofy smile on his face.

The man looked at Keitaro dumbfounded, this teenage boy who had done so much acting as if he barely had done anything, what kind of foreigner was he.
The man eyes looked at Keitaro before landing on his daughter..........
Though before he could think of anything else, Keitaro stood up and started walking away.

"I have to go or Tenzin might kill me,bye" As those words left Keitaro lips he was seen dashing outside the village at full speed as the people in the village were seen waving the boy goodbye.

A determined glint shone in the eyes of the chief's daughter as she set off on a long journey to the sacred lake, a forty-mile trek to bring back water even more potent than that of the newly discovered well. She shouldered a sturdy backpack and imagined the villagers' faces lighting up with gratitude as she returned, a conquering heroine laden with the purest, most healing water imaginable.

Days passed, and the journey became more demanding. The sun beat down mercilessly, and her once-ample provisions dwindled with alarming rapidity. Fueled by sheer willpower and the image of the grateful village, she pushed on. However, on the second day, exhaustion gnawed at her. Her legs ached with every step, her throat parched, her stomach a hollow cavern. She cursed her forgetfulness of not bringing any water bottle or food, just relying on her foolish confidence of youth and a misplaced sense of urgency.

Just as despair threatened to engulf her, a shimmering mirage materialized in the distance. She saw a pristine lake, its surface reflecting the endless blue sky, and hope surged through her. Stumbling towards the lake, she envisioned a cool, invigorating drink, a respite from her ordeal. Reaching the water's edge, she fell to her knees, cupping her hands to scoop up the life-giving liquid. But as the water touched her lips, a horrifying transformation occurred. The crystal-clear liquid turned to ash, a mocking reminder of her thirst.

The mirage dissolved, replaced by a grotesquely grinning figure. A Rakshasa, a malevolent demon from legend, materialized before her, its eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement. The chief's daughter, caught off guard and weakened by her journey, could only stare in terror as the cruel creature advanced, ready to make her another victim of its twisted games.