The Four Spirits were journeying back to the Spirit Tree, embarking on a new quest towards the Valley of Winds. Their next objective was clear: to Restore the Element of Wind. "Sein, are you feeling alright?" Fil inquired, concern lacing his voice as he noticed her sluggish demeanor, which seemed far from alert.
"Huh… I'm okay, I suppose…" Sein muttered, barely managing to rub the sleep from her eyes, garnering worried looks from the trio accompanying her. "Sein, I'm aware you stood watch last night, but… did you manage to get even a few hours of rest?" Fil probed, his eyes searching hers for the truth, as her eyes drifted to the side.
Fil let out a heavy sigh. "It's crucial, standing guard, but I can't shake the feeling you're using it as a guise to reflect on the events that happened within the Ginso Tree," he gently accused, aiming his words carefully at Sein, who couldn't help but feel a sting at his observation.
It was an undeniable truth, yet Sein couldn't mask her irritation when Fil pointed it out. Silently, her gaze drifted away, and she subtly tilted her head, a clear sign of her annoyance. She caught Fil's eye again as he added softly, "You're aware, a weary Spirit's judgment is clouded, and their temper, shorter than usual," reminding her of the importance of self-care amidst their trials.
"... yeah…" Sein murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she absentmindedly rubbed one arm. Fil let out a sigh of relief, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing. "Good, we'll take some time to rest at the Spirit Tree before we decide our next steps," Fil announced, a tone of gentle leadership in his voice as the four spirits resumed their journey with renewed purpose.
After a time, their journey led them to the Spirit Tree. "Sein, please, take your rest by the Spirit Tree. The rest of us will head to the Spirit Well," Fil instructed, his voice carrying a mix of authority and concern. Sein offered a weary nod, her steps slow as she approached one of the tree's massive roots, leaning against it to find solace and rest in its ancient embrace.
The remaining three spirits made their way to the nearby Spirit Well, the mood amongst them somber. "I can't really fault Sein for feeling so overwhelmed," Reem finally broke the silence, his words drawing understanding nods from the others. "After all, she is the guardian eye of the forest, tasked with the protection of Nibel's spirits. Yet, facing the Dark Owl, she found herself at a loss," he continued, his voice a mixture of sympathy and respect for Sein's burdens.
"heh… hearing you express sympathy is quite the novelty…" Fil teased, a light chuckle escaping him as he observed Reem's reaction. However, Fil's amusement was short-lived as he received a sharp glare from Reem, the air between them charged with a sudden tension. "Ah… eh, s-sorry," Fil swiftly altered his tone, his voice softening as he lowered his gaze, attempting to dodge the intensity of Reem's stare.
"Thinking about it, I've encountered rumors that you, Reem, could single-handedly fend off a legion," Leru suddenly interjected, her eyes locked on Reem with a mix of awe and curiosity. "If you possess such formidable power, why then did you hold back during our skirmish with the Ghouls?" Leru probed, her question hanging in the air, laden with intrigue and unspoken questions.
Reem exhaled deeply, the weight of the conversation settling on his shoulders. "There is wisdom in concealing your true strength, unleashing it upon the enemy when they least anticipate," Reem began, his tone carrying a note of solemnity. "This is the very reason Sein didn't fully exert her powers initially, a tactic I presumed was evident to all of you," Reem pointed out, his words meant to enlighten as much as to chide gently.
"Though I possessed the capability to unleash my full might, I misjudged the necessity of such action… and, well, we all know the consequences," Reem admitted, his voice tinged with regret as he took a moment to collect his thoughts. "You're not alone in bearing the weight of what transpired. I, too, recognize that I could have contributed more," Leru conceded, her sigh mirroring Reem's, in a shared moment of introspection and mutual understanding.
"Okay, that's enough, you two. Let's not dwell on the negativity; it's crucial we maintain a more positive stance," Fil asserted, trying to diffuse the lingering tension among the group. As his words hung in the air, the narrative focus subtly shifted towards a seemingly innocuous bush, hinting that something—or someone—was covertly observing the trio's every move.
Reem cast a wary glance at the bush, his instincts momentarily flaring with suspicion. Despite the recent restoration of peace suggesting it could merely be an animal, he couldn't shake off a feeling of unease. From within the shadows of the foliage, a whispered incantation, "Shadow Serpent," barely audible, was followed by the sudden appearance of a snake, springing forth.
Reacting to the faintest rustle, Reem's reflexes took over, spinning towards the source of the disturbance without a moment's hesitation. A snake, now fully revealed from its hiding place within the bush, darted towards Fil with alarming speed. Unprepared for such an assault, Fil found himself quickly ensnared by the snake, its coils wrapping around him with a swiftness that left no room for escape.
Reem observed the snake as it ensnared Fil, his eyes narrowing in discernment. "That's not a dark serpent…" he deduced, scrutinizing the creature that had just entangled his companion. "That's a technique—" His train of thought was abruptly cut off as a panther burst forth from the underbrush.
Reem skillfully capitalized on the panther's momentum to execute a defensive roll onto his back. With practiced ease, he used his position to force the panther downward, propelling himself back to his feet in one fluid motion. Without a moment's delay, he seized the beast by the tail, swinging it forcefully and hurling it directly towards the bush with a resounding thud that echoed through the air. Reem surmised that his counterattack had likely sent the panther crashing into a tree.
Reem watched as the snake entangling Fil dissolved into shadows, melting away into the ground without a trace. "You good?" he inquired, his voice laced with concern yet firm. Fil responded with a nod, signaling his readiness. "Let's find out who's orchestrating this," Reem declared, his determination clear as he approached the bush, ready to confront the hidden adversary.
As the trio ventured through the thick foliage, they witnessed the panther dissolve into a shimmering liquid light, which then vanished into the earth, unveiling a Spirit who was gingerly rubbing his head. Upon looking up, the Spirit's eyes widened, his hand frozen in the midst of forming another sign, as he realized the figures before him were not foes but fellow spirits.
"Huh- you're not..." the Spirit began, confusion evident in his voice before being abruptly interrupted. "No, you fool, we are spirits," Reem snapped, his irritation palpable. "You could have discerned that from our energy signature; it's inherently light," he added, exhaling a deep, exasperated sigh.
"S-sorry..." The Spirit stammered, his apology hanging in the air, cut short by his inability to articulate further. "It's alright; these are hardly the brightest of days in Nibel," Fil interjected with a soothing tone, seeking to ease the tension. "Would you mind sharing your name? It's rare to encounter another survivor amongst us," he continued, extending an olive branch of sorts in an effort to foster a connection.
Reem eyeballs the other spirit intently for a moment. "You're an Eight Beast user, aren't you?" he deduced, arms crossed over his chest in a posture of relaxed authority. The other spirit glanced towards Reem, then averted his eyes, a hint of acknowledgment in his hesitant voice. "Y-yeah… I am," he confessed, confirming Reem's suspicion.
"How many have you managed to tame so far?" Reem inquired, only to be promptly nudged aside by an exuberant Leru. "You can summon friendly creatures?!" Leru exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she vibrated with anticipation, fists clenched and shaking in sheer awe.
"E-eh… yes," the Spirit stammered, then proceeded to position his hands to cast a shadow with a distinctly bushy tail shape. "Tailed foxes," he announced, as he swiped his hands to the side. In response, the air shimmered, and two foxes materialized from the light— one snow white and the other void black.
"Oh my days, they're absolutely adorable!" Leru exclaims, her voice brimming with delight as she dives in to embrace them, showering the foxes with cuddles. Remarkably, the foxes remain serene, indulging Leru's affectionate display. Meanwhile, Reem picks himself up, dusting off his clothes with a nonchalant brush of his hands.
"I've managed to tame four," the Spirit reveals, his voice tinged with a mix of pride and humility. Reem pauses, contemplating this information. "Let me guess... foxes, a snake, a panther, and... owls, perhaps?" he speculates. The Spirit's nod in confirmation brings a moment of understanding. "Impressive," Reem comments, stretching and cracking his back, signaling his intention to head to the Spirit Well to take a rest.
"So, may we have the pleasure of knowing your name?" Fil inquires, his tone gentle and inviting. The Spirit turns, a hint of hesitancy in his movement, before responding, "Oh, right... I'm Zaldun." Fil smiles warmly. "A pleasure to meet you, Zaldun. I'm Fil. The fox-cuddling enthusiast over there is Leru, and the sturdy spirit you've already met is Reem" Fil says, offering a brief but comprehensive introduction to their small band of spirits.
Zaldun - *no title*
Age: 17
Sex: Male
Inherited Technique: Eight Beasts
Eight Beasts stands as a powerful Light Art, notable for its power and relative scarcity. Acquiring mastery over all eight beasts presents a significant challenge. The journey begins in a meditative trance, where users are transported to the depths of their own minds. This inner realm acts as a virtual battleground where users face the beasts they seek to tame. Victory requires the user to defeat these formidable Beasts with the aid of beasts they've already subdued, a feat that is much harder than it appears. Initially, every practitioner of this art starts their journey with the guidance of the two Tailed Foxes.
A notable limitation of this technique is its resilience to defeat; should any of the tamed beasts be vanquished in battle, they become inaccessible for a recuperation period ranging from three to nine months. Additionally, each beast, once tamed, grants the user a unique ability, enhancing their arsenal for combat engagements.
~~~~~~
"How long have you been honing your technique?" Fil inquires, leaning in with genuine curiosity. Zaldun pauses, pondering for a considerable moment before responding with a noncommittal shrug. "Well, I suppose for the better part of my life?" he offers, his answer wrapped in uncertainty.
"And how old might you be?" Fil probes further, his interest piqued. In the backdrop, Leru is visibly absorbed in joy, her laughter mingling with the playful antics of the foxes. "Hmm... I'm seventeen," Zaldun discloses, prompting Fil's eyes to widen in mild astonishment. "Oh, wow... that's quite young," Fil remarks, his surprise evident.
"Yeah... I suppose so..." Zaldun mutters, his gaze drifting downwards as he scratches the back of his head, a gesture of unease. "My gramps advised against attending the Light Ceremony. He had a premonition it wouldn't end well..." he trails off, his voice tinged with regret. Realizing he's divulged more than intended, Zaldun hastily adds, "Eh... sorry for the ramble," his hands fluttering in a gesture of mild distress.
"It's fine, don't fret over it," Fil reassured, placing a comforting hand on Zaldun's shoulder. "Besides, it's good to have another spirit join our ranks. Venturing solo would undoubtedly be a difficult challenge..." Fil reflects, emphasizing the value of companionship and collective strength.
"Yeah… I suppose so- Wait—were you trio the ones who cleansed the Water element?" Zaldun asks, a mix of surprise and admiration in his voice. Fil nods in confirmation. "Indeed, we were. Along with the wisp, Sein, who's currently resting by the Spirit Tree," he adds, gesturing over his shoulder towards the majestic tree that loomed behind them.
"Sein is still among us! Oh, thank the stars... I had almost resigned myself to the thought that they might have been lost forever," Zaldun shares, his voice laden with a profound sense of relief and joy. "So, what's the next leg of your journey? Where are you all headed?" he inquired.
"Hey, Fil!" Reem calls out, making his way back from the Spirit Well, cradling something damp within his grasp. "Thought you might find a use for this," he remarks, tossing the mysterious object toward Fil with a hint of intrigue in his voice.
Fil catches the object deftly and scrutinizes it closely. It appears to be a knife, securely nestled within its holster. "Is this... a knife?" Fil queries, holding the enigmatic item aloft, the holster still encasing the blade. "Unsheathe it," Reem suggests, his voice laced with a knowing undertone, prompting Fil to give the knife another, more thoughtful look.
Fil complies, drawing the blade from its sheath, and immediately, an extraordinary amount of Light Energy oozes from the blade. "...Could this be...?" Fil trails off, his astonishment growing as he inspects the blade more closely.
"Yes, this is an Energy-Inbued Hunting Knife. It was likely left behind by someone during the chaos of the ambush a few months back," Reem elucidates, his tone mixing knowledge with a hint of speculation. "I've yet to fully unravel the specific trait bound to this weapon, but it's undoubtedly something of rare value," he adds, pondering the knife's potential powers.
"A what now?" Zaldun interjects, his expression a blend of confusion and curiosity. Fil opens his mouth to respond, but Reem quickly takes the lead. "Energy-Inbued Weapons are weapons that have been naturally infused with a specific type of energy. This can be achieved through the incorporation of a special metal, mineral, or even a unique material," he clarifies, hoping to shed light on the intricate process.
"I see," Zaldun acknowledges, his interest piqued. "Could there be more out there?" he inquires. Reem pauses lost in thought for a moment. "Actually, there might be" he muses, a spark of realization in his eyes. "The Forlorn Ruins are a place where we could potentially find more of these imbued weapons," he suggests.
"Which is precisely where the Wind Element resides... However, to access it, we must first retrieve the key, concealed within... the Misty Woods," Fil interjects, a noticeable shudder coursing through him at the mention of the Misty Woods, underscoring the daunting nature of their next endeavor.
"...I hate that place…" Reem adds, his voice laden with discomfort. "The Misty Woods?" Zaldun inquires, a puzzled tilt to his head, unacquainted with the foreboding locale.
"Yeah... a place where time itself seems to be merely an illusion," Reem elaborates, massaging the bridge of his nose as if trying to ward off a headache at the mere thought. "Oh... so, not fun?" Zaldun surmises to which both Fil and Reem offer a solemn nod in unison. "And... we need to venture there?" Zaldun seeks further affirmation Fil and Reem exchange a glance before nodding once more.
"Well… that's just great, isn't it?" Zaldun sighs, letting his back fall to the ground in an exaggerated slump. "So, what's the plan while we wait?" he inquires, turning his gaze towards the other two spirits, seeking guidance or perhaps a distraction from the looming challenge.
"Why don't we have a sparring match?" Reem suggests, raising his hand. "A sparring match?..." Zaldun echoes, his posture straightening as interest piques his curiosity. "How about it, you and I? What do you say?" Reem challenges, with Fil humorously peeking over Reem's shoulder, adding, "His name is Zaldun, by the way."
"S-sure… I suppose," Zaldun agrees, a tinge of nervousness in his voice as he rises to his feet, steeling himself for the challenge. "Alright then, let's see what tricks you have up your sleeve" Reem declares, stretching his arms and loosening his muscles in anticipation of the friendly bout.
Fil strides to the sideline, assuming the role of an informal referee. "Alright then, the first one to land on their back and fail to rise within three seconds will be deemed the loser," Fil declares, ensuring he's positioned at a safe distance to maintain a clear view of the two spirits about to spar.
Facing one another, both spirits were mentally devising their strategies, Reem exuding a visible aura of confidence. Fil lifts his hand in readiness, while Zaldun forms a preparatory hand sign, causing his foxes to vanish. This elicited a noticeable look of disappointment from Leru, who observed from the sidelines with a crestfallen expression.
"Begin!" Fil announces, his hand slicing through the air to signal the commencement of the sparring match. Zaldun, focusing intently, clenches his handsign tighter. "Tailed Foxes," he intones, swiping his hands to the side. From his palms, two blurs dart forth, each materializing into a fox, ready for the fray.
The two foxes dart towards Reem with deliberate speed, aiming directly for his head. Reem, appearing momentarily unphased, raises his arms in a defensive stance, only to find the foxes vanishing into a dazzling display of light and shadow, momentarily obscuring his vision with their illusionary tactic.
Suddenly, a serpent materializes right before Reem, coiling to ensnare him. Anticipating the move, Reem skillfully catches the serpent by its gaping maw, swiftly redirecting its momentum and hurling it aside. With the serpent dispatched, Zaldun seizes the opportunity to close the distance, unleashing a flurry of punches. Reem, with ease, parries each strike, his focus unwavering.
However, before Reem can fully assess Zaldun's strategy, he's blindsided by a forceful blow to the back. The impact propels him forward, but he swiftly regains his balance, using his hands to cushion his stumble. Wincing from the hit, Reem steadies himself, only to notice two owls circling above. "...Wind owls..." he mutters under his breath.
"His response was barely noticeable," Zaldun reflects inwardly, his worry casting a shadow over his determination. Reem, meanwhile, begins to rotate his shoulder, loosening his arms in preparation. "Impressive effort. It's not every day I'm taken by surprise, especially considering you're limited to summoning just two types of beasts simultaneously," Reem acknowledges, his voice carrying a mix of commendation and surprise towards Zaldun.
Zaldun's gaze hardens as he watches Reem, one side of his face contorted in frustration as he grinds his teeth. "Impressive my ass... I exerted nearly everything into that maneuver, and yet, it barely did anything," he berates himself silently, gathering his resolve as he forms the hand sign for the Tailed Foxes once more.
Reem pauses to rub his neck, audibly cracking it as he shifts his stance. "Alright then, let's see how you handle this," he challenges Zaldun, adopting a stance with his arms spread wide. In a moment, he blurs into motion, reappearing before Zaldun with his arms poised to execute a powerful lariat.
Zaldun's face contorted in surprise, barely managing to raise his arms in a defensive posture just in time to fend off Reem's assault. As Reem's Light Energy grinds against Zaldun's hastily positioned arms, Zaldun finds himself propelled backward, tumbling across the ground before finally managing to steady himself.
"Egh- damn…" Zaldun muttered, his voice laced with pain as he turned his trembling arms to inspect the inflicted damage. Both forearms bore light scratches, resembling the aftermath of a harsh encounter with a thorn bush. "Tha felt like being hurled into a thicket of thorns!" Zaldun exclaimed, struggling to regain control over his quivering limbs.
"Oh... yeah, sorry about that, I was told my Light Energy has a rough edge" Reem offered, his apology coming off a bit sluggish as he rubbed the back of his neck "I wasn't born with an inherited art like most. Instead, I was gifted with both a Light trait and a Light Energy trait," Reem disclosed, his tone casual as he shrugged, revealing a unique aspect of his powers.
"Zaldun, would you like to concede the match?" Fil calls out from his position as the adjudicator, his voice carrying across the field. Zaldun gives a slight nod, "Yeah..." In response, Fil raises his arm high, making the official declaration. "In that case, Reem is the victor of this short exchange," Fil announces, beginning his approach towards Zaldun to offer his support.
Leru descends from her vantage point, where she had been observing the match. "Seems he wasn't exaggerating about his capability to face down an entire army single-handedly..." she muses.
"Are you alright?" Fil inquires, closing the distance to Zaldun, concern evident in his voice. "Somewhat..." Zaldun replies, a faint grimace crossing his face as his arms continue to tremble, "But my arms are in absolute agony" Reem and Leru join the pair, converging around Zaldun. "Oh dear, that looks rather painful," Leru observes sympathetically, her gaze fixed on the visible marks on Zaldun's arms.
Light Trait - Light Traits represent an extension of inherited Light Arts, adding an extra layer to a Spirit's innate capabilities. Spirits may be born without any Light Arts or with both Light Arts and Light Traits, or in some cases, with only a Light Trait. These traits are subtle mutations in a Spirit's Light, bestowing them with unique properties.
Light Energy Trait - A unique specialization within one's Light Energy, either intricately linked to their Light Art, inherent, or natural trait. Typically, Light Energy Traits are predominantly associated with Guardians, given their pronounced effectiveness in battle. For instance, if a Spirit's Light Art centers around flames, there's a considerable likelihood that their Light Energy Trait is Heat. This means that when enveloped in Light Energy, their body naturally emits warmth and heat. Consequently, if a Spirit with the Heat trait were to deliver a punch, it would pack a more powerful punch, akin to striking the opponent with a blazing, red-hot metal bat.
~~~~~~
Currently seated within the tranquil confines of the Spirit Well, Zaldun immerses his arms in the water below. "Ugh... you could've mentioned your ability to take down an entire army," Zaldun half-jokingly groans, feeling the dual sensation of healing and searing from the spirit water enveloping his arms.
"Eh, that was about five years ago," Reem responds with a nonchalant shrug, dismissing the significance of his past feats. "Truth be told, I haven't found myself in a real battle for quite some time, not until these past few weeks," Reem admits, his hand idly rubbing the back of his neck as he contemplates his recent return to action.
Leru, intrigued, leans in. "Speaking of which, what kind of army did you confront?" she inquires, her curiosity piqued. Reem exhales a heavy sigh, the weight of the memory pressing on him. "It was an army of serpents—around thirty. I'm not entirely sure of their origins or history, but they're an enigmatic and perplexing bunch," Reem shares, a hint of confusion lacing his words as he recalls the peculiar encounter.
"I do..." a feminine voice softly interjects from behind. As the group turns, they find Sein approaching, lazily rubbing an eye. "Sein, you're up," Leru exclaims, her voice bubbling with joy at the sight of her friend, yet she couldn't help but notice, "You still seem quite exhausted, though."
"Yeah," Sein replies, her voice husky with fatigue. "I'll catch up on rest later," she dismisses, trying to downplay her evident tiredness. "Nibel's history with serpents spans centuries, marking numerous encounters. The last significant one, about five years ago, saw Reem confronting an entire army by himself," Sein recounts, delving into the lore.
"Why didn't you participate in that battle?" Leru inquires, her head tilting in curiosity. Sein responds with a measured tone, "The wisps have forged a treaty to intervene only in moments of absolute necessity. However, the serpentines are not a monolith; they are split into factions. Some align with the Spirit Tree's vision, while others stand in opposition," Sein clarifies, shedding light on the nuanced divide among the serpents.
"...And why is this the first time we're hearing about this?" Fil probes, his curiosity piqued. Sein exhales deeply, a mix of resignation and necessity in her voice. "The Spirit Tree, along with the serpent faction that stands with it, entered into a treaty, forming a clandestine alliance—a fact unbeknownst to most spirits," Sein elucidates, shedding light on the concealed machinations behind their world's apparent tranquility.
"Should anything go awry, a contingency plan has been securely stored within the Serpent Lair," Sein elaborates, emphasizing the strategic importance of their next moves. "After we address the restoration of the wind element, I had intentions of making my way to the serpents... alone," Sein confesses, revealing her initial, solitary plan with a hint of solemnity.
"Go? Without us?!" Fil presses, his tone laced with concern and disbelief. "Yes... the existence of our alliance was meant to remain a secret, which is why I had planned to undertake this journey by myself. However, considering the circumstances, it seems wiser now to bring you all along," Sein concedes, acknowledging the value of facing upcoming challenges together.
"Also, who might this newcomer be?" Sein inquires, her gaze shifting to Zaldun, who finds himself the sudden center of attention and struggles to articulate a response. "This is Zaldun, a survivor of the attack," Fil provides the introduction, simultaneously offering a reassuring hand on Zaldun's shoulder, acknowledging his discomfort.
"Zaldun, allow me to introduce Sein. For if you weren't aware, but she has a physical form," Fil continues, bridging the gap between Zaldun and the Wisp of Nibel. Overwhelmed, Zaldun finds himself grappling for words.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Sein offers warmly, extending her hand in a gesture of welcome. Zaldun, hesitantly at first, accepts the handshake, his voice tinged with respect and a hint of nervous admiration. "The honor is all mine, ma'am," Zaldun manages to reply, his manners surfacing despite the overwhelming situation.
"Eh, you can drop that, just call me Sein" Sein tells him, before turning towards a direction "... but back to the main mission, we need to head into the misty woods to retrieve the Gumon seal so that we can enter the forlorn ruins"
"Yeah, we had a feeling," Fil releases a heavy sigh, his sentiment echoed by Leru and Reem with their own signs of resignation. "Honestly, I wish we could avoid that place altogether," he laments, voicing a sentiment that seems to be shared by the group. Meanwhile, Zaldun, still seated within the comforting embrace of the Spirit Well, remains blissfully unaware of the full extent of the dread that the Misty Woods invokes.
"Is it genuinely as dreadful as you imply?" Zaldun inquires, stressing the word 'that' to underline his skepticism. Fil places a reassuring hand on his shoulder, a gesture laden with empathy. "...Oh, you poor soul," he murmurs, shaking his head in a mixture of pity and concern. Zaldun, now visibly puzzled by the grave tone of the conversation, presses for clarity, "Really, is it that dire?"
"Even the mere thought of that place sends shivers down my spine," Reem confides to Zaldun, attempting to convey the seriousness of their situation. "Does that convince you?" he probes, seeking to ensure Zaldun grasps the gravity of their predicament. Zaldun, finally acknowledging the weight of their words, concedes, "Well, if the prospect alone is enough to unsettle you... then, yeah, I guess it must be that bad."
The five spirits traverse the forest, now teeming with blossoming trees. Although vibrant and picturesque, the atmosphere is far from comforting. It feels eerily unsettling, almost as if every gently falling leaf symbolizes a spirit lost to time.
"...So..." Sein begins, attempting to infuse some lightness into the heavy air, but her efforts falter. "Uh... Fil, do we have a way to measure the time we spend within the Misty Woods?" she inquires, prompting Fil to ponder a solution. "Hmm... perhaps an apple might serve our purpose," he suggests thoughtfully.
"An apple?" Leru interjects, her voice laced with confusion. "Indeed, an apple," Fil affirms. "The external layer, along with the fungi and bacteria, will gradually consume the apple, causing it to lose its vibrant colors. It's a simple yet effective way to track time," he elaborates, sharing his logic.
"I was half-expecting something along the lines of the moon's phases," Reem remarks, half in jest, about Fil's unconventional method. Caught off guard, Fil momentarily loses his train of thought, his expression freezing before he thoughtfully strokes his chin. "...Right... that does sound more in line with something I'd normally propose," he admits, acknowledging the oversight with a hint of amusement.
"Well, if we're considering using the moon to gauge time, does anyone actually know the moon cycle?" Reem probes, prompting Fil to pause and mentally sift through the pages of his journal. "Uh... if I had to hazard a guess, I'd say the moon cycle takes about forty-four days?" Fil offers somewhat uncertainly, his response more a guess than a statement of fact.
"Speaking of days, has anyone kept track of today's date?" Leru interjects, her query casting a thoughtful pall over the group, resulting in a prolonged silence. "... Typically, the Spirit Tree serves as our calendar," Sein adds quietly, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation.
"If only we had a calendar at hand," Leru sighs, expressing a common yearning for a more straightforward method of tracking the passage of time. Breaking the contemplative silence, Zaldun cautiously ventures, "Actually, my foxes seem to always be aware of the current day." Surprised, everyone's attention shifts toward him. "... They're quite intelligent beings," he adds with a nonchalant shrug.
"Well..?" Leru asks, Zaldun lets out a soft sigh before pulling up the hand sign for his foxes again "Tailed Foxes" he mutters placing his hands on the ground for a more gentle summon as two Foxes materialize from his light.
The group falls into a hushed silence, observing with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment as Zaldun appears to... communicate with his foxes? Their puzzled gazes linger on the scene, only to widen as the foxes dissolve into luminous puddles of light, merging with the earth. "... Did you just speak to them?" Leru inquires, her voice laced with incredulity and fascination.
"I did, yes. They're the only beings I can communicate with… through telepathy," Zaldun clarifies, shedding light on his unique connection. "That's fascinating," Fil responds, his tone imbued with genuine interest as he nods appreciatively. "And have they told you the current date?" Leru probes further, eager to grasp the extent of this telepathic exchange. "According to them, today is the 33rd of Seraphine," Zaldun reveals, providing the much sought-after information.
"Sein, can you recall the exact date of the attack?" Fil inquires, turning towards Sein for clarification. "It was on the 10th of Gelumbra. That was six months ago from today," Sein provides the precise timeframe, her response imbuing the moment with a sense of historical gravity. "to believe it's been that long," Fil muses, prompting a round of contemplative nods from the group, each lost in their own reflections on the time elapsed.
"How much longer until we arrive at the Misty Woods?" Zaldun inquires, absentmindedly scratching the back of his head. A moment of uncertainty passes over the group as they exchange looks, each equally perplexed before their collective gaze finally settles on Sein.
"...What? Don't stare at me like that," Sein protests, feeling the weight of everyone's expectations. She quickly points towards Fil, passing the proverbial buck with a light chuckle. "Look at him, he's far more familiar with the terrain than I am," she says, prompting everyone to turn their attention to Fil, whose expression quickly turns into a frown.
"Yeah, right... Allow me a moment to consult my mental map and pinpoint our exact position relative to the Misty Woods," Fil remarks, casting a quick glance over the surrounding landscape. "Sorry if that sounded sarcastic, it wasn't. We should continue heading in the ten o'clock direction for about thirty more minutes."
As Fil begins to stride nonchalantly in the designated direction, the rest of the group exchanges glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and mild disbelief. After a moment of silent communication, they hesitantly start to follow Fil.
"Are there particular dangers in the Misty Woods that we should be prepared for?" Zaldun asks, seeking some reassurance or additional details about what they might encounter. The group members exchange wary looks, a silent consensus forming before Fil reluctantly addresses the concern. "Well, not to alarm you, but... let's just say none of us regularly set foot in the Misty Woods," Fil admits, his tone serious yet understated.
"I-I see," Zaldun responds, his voice faltering slightly as he scratches the back of his head, a clear sign of his unease. Attempting to shift the mood and perhaps lighten the atmosphere, he ventures, "Well... uh... could someone remind me of our exact objective again?" His question seems aimed to break the tension.
"We need to retrieve the Gumon Seal, which is hidden somewhere within the Misty Woods," Sein clarifies, her voice trailing off slightly as she continues, "although... we- uh, I don't know its exact location; only the Gumons are privy to that information." As she speaks, she comes to an abrupt halt, reflecting her uncertainty.
Sein freezes mid-step, her gaze fixed intensely on the ground as if caught in a deep reverie. "Uh... Sein?" Leru interjects, trying to capture her attention. Receiving no response, she adds playfully, "Helloooo? Light to Sein?" while waving her hand dramatically in front of Sein's unblinking eyes.
Regaining her composure, Sein suddenly proposes, "Could we possibly ask for guidance from that one Gumon for a clue about its whereabouts?" Her suggestion sparks a murmur of consideration among the group, aside from Reem and Zaldun, who haven't yet met the Gumon.
"We could certainly try to ask, but there's the problem that we have no idea where the Gumon currently is. Even if we did find him, there's no guarantee he would know the location of the Gumon Seal," Fil muses, posing a realistic assessment of their situation.
"It's true that it's a long shot," Sein acknowledges, "but it might be worth the attempt, especially since we're not under immediate pressure to hurry." She continues, "If we do manage to locate the Gumon and he provides us with relevant information, our trek through the Misty Woods could be significantly easier."
"While that might be true, we have to consider the likelihood of actually finding the Gumon and locating the Gumon Seal in the same amount of time it would take to just head straight there and finish this task," Fil counters, weighing the potential delay against the benefits.
"Who exactly is this Gumon you're discussing?" Reem interjects, with Zaldun by his side echoing the sentiment, "Yeah, we haven't had the chance to meet this individual yet..." Zaldun adds, highlighting their lack of familiarity with key details of the group's plan.
"We met a Gumon a while ago, he seems to be on our side" Sein explains quickly, but Fil adds in some more detail "The Gumon is on our side and wants to restore the forest to it's original state, he too is doing everything he can in helping us. But we send in on a mission to gather some more intel for us, which also why we don't know where he went" Fil explains.
"Oh, so… how are we going to decide what we should do?" Zaldun questions, prompting an immediate response from both Fil and Sein, who in perfect unison declare, "the one who presents the better reasoning wins." Almost instantly, the air thickens with competition as they then shoot challenging glares at each other.
"How about we put it to a vote instead?" Zaldun tentatively suggests, only to receive intimidating glares from both Sein and Fil. In a comical turn, Zaldun metaphorically shrinks back, appearing to diminish in size while Sein and Fil loom over him, their stares intensifying.
"...It was just a suggestion..." Zaldun mutters in a squeaky voice, trying to defuse the tension. "I mean, considering we're an odd-numbered group, why shouldn't we vote?" Reem jumps in to defend Zaldun's idea, introducing a logical argument. Fil and Sein, after a moment, release their pent-up breath in synchronized sighs. "Yeah... I suppose that makes sense," Fil concedes reluctantly.
"If you agree with Fil's idea to head directly to the Misty Woods, move to the right; and those who side with Sein and prefer searching for the Gumon first, please step to the left," Reem directs, clearly delineating the options. The three other spirits promptly align themselves according to their preferences, moving decisively to their chosen sides.
Reem found himself joined by Leru, while Sein was supported only by Zaldun. Observing the division, Sein releases a deep, resigned sigh, "Alright… I guess we'll proceed with Fil's approach," she concedes defeat gracefully, acknowledging the group's majority decision.
"Alright then, let's proceed," Fil declares, taking the lead towards the Misty Woods. The rest of the group, albeit with varying degrees of enthusiasm, falls in line behind him. Sein, lingering in the rear with Zaldun, probes gently, "Why did you choose to support my suggestion?"
"Uh..." Zaldun begins, momentarily struggling to articulate his thoughts. Sein, noticing his hesitation, offers reassurance, "It's okay, I appreciate your input regardless." Zaldun then finds his voice, explaining, "Honestly, I thought it might be risky, but potentially worthwhile to try locating the Gumon for guidance."
"I see…"
To Be Continued
Hey… I know it's a few days late… but it's finally here! Uh… well, I really hope you all enjoyed the chapter. If you did, feel free to leave a Vote ⭐:D… or not, it's totally your call OO.
Anyway, I've been busy expanding the Lore for future episodes and working on something big, but I'll keep that under wraps for now ?. Plus, it was exam week, which was a bit of a drag, but hey, it's over now! At last…
Fun fact! When I finished writing this chapter, I felt a chill down my spine—a feeling I'm all too familiar with. "I am going to be sick," I thought to myself. It's like the universe decided to punish instead of reward me for finally finishing the chapter... late.
"Good job, Fokuzu, you finished the chapter! Now, here's a heavy cold (or the flu… who knows) as a bonus!" ANYWAYS, I hope you had fun reading, and I can't wait to see you in the next chapter!
( ω ) Spirit Astronomy: Time and Dates! ( ω )
Sein: Hello, everyone! Today, I'm excited to delve into how we track time and dates in our world! You might have noticed we mentioned a couple of months you're not familiar with: Seraphine and Gelumbra. Let me give you some insight into these unique months!
Time Zones
To maintain a sense of familiarity, our world preserves the traditional 24-hour day and night cycle similar to yours. However, the forests of this world function like continents, each with its unique time zone. Kainar is positioned at the zero offset time zone, akin to an equatorial desert, serving as a central reference point for timekeeping across the various forests.
Day/Month/Year
The calendar in our world also presents notable differences. Here, a year comprises 8 months, with each month containing 50 days, resulting in a 400-day year. This adjustment has led to a reimagining of the names of the months, offering a fresh perspective on the passage of time.
The 8 months in order:
1. Nivaris
2. Sakurae
3. Amaniya
4. Humiria
5. Ardentia
6. Seraphine
7. Harvigor
8. Gelumbra
Sein: I hope you enjoyed the lesson! See you next time!