Mina noticed her companions immobilized as she spoke Dyn's name. She flicked her hair back as she neared the statue once again.
"Is this supposed to be a monument for you?"
Dyn chuckled, a deep boom reverberating through the cave.
"By my name, no it isn't. This is a statue connected to a font. The system spoke of them, correct? I do recommend absorbing the power. While you can't take it all, you'll at least grow stronger."
Mina placed her hand against the statue, noticing that her fingers slipped through.
"Which element is it? Which font? I don't want to touch the humans font unless they beg me to take it."
Mina could practically feel a hand on her shoulder.
"The humans of this world, while more primal and savage then yours were, are not wholly bad. Nor are they evil. I will not condone their actions, knowing full well too many are horrid, but I believe you can do something about it. Yes, make them beg to give you the font. I'll enjoy that, but I want you to find sympathy for those that are not evil. Do not ravage an entire race when you've only met two humans."
Mina bowed her head.
"I've never even killed a human. I don't plan on destroying an entire race. I'll take this fonts power, as much as I can store. You're guiding me for a reason, and these other gods are trying to hitch a ride on my coattails to find favor with you. Let's give this world a hell of a ride!"
Dyn seemed to smile down at Mina as they continued to speak.
"After you absorb this, you may become hated or revered by other races. You've already shocked me by finding this place as its been hidden for so long, but I'm prepared to watch your journey until you finally feel safe and happy with this life. Another thing... it'll become more difficult to gain experience with your Astral Body! Plus... some other effects that you may not want. Hehe."
Dyn faded, leaving Mina bewildered as she fell forward inside of the statue. Her eyes fell upon a beautiful spring of magic. It's bright light ravaged her eyes as she drew closer. Mina peered into its depths, noticing swirling energy being drawn towards her.
"You've come."
A soft voice came from behind Mina. She looked back, her eyes falling on a beautiful woman. She was over two meters tall with massive glowing white wings. Her body was covered with powerful golden armor, with white silk flowing down her legs. Her eyes were hidden within a hood, but her thin pale lips smiled at Mina.
"Who are you?"
The being sat in a chair that appeared from dust, almost like it had always been there. The woman placed her hands in her lap before she spoke.
"I am a guardian. The six of us guard the six fonts. As you should know, four fonts are in the world you currently stay in. Two of them... well they are far removed. One of which sits before you. The six of us know of your birth. Some rejoice, others scoff. I, in particular, find you curious. You resent, yet love humans. It's wondrous, yet confusing. It makes my head ache, but that is besides the point. I've taken a liking to you. This font, while it can't be fully given to you, I shall allow you to harness one piece of its power. You may use [Absorb] to take it in, but if you wish to take it all... then I ask that you grow strong enough to come here for it."
Her face lifted, a deep scowl suddenly crossing her lips.
"Be quick, choose and leave. There is danger within the forest."
Without thinking, Mina fell into the spring. As she wasn't using [Absorb], none of it fused within her. She swam for a moment, searching for the tug she had felt. Unknown to her, the guardian smiled as Mina activated her ability.
"Dyna chose well."
Mina's eyes opened back in the cave, the last remnants of energy flowing through her Astral Body.
[You have successfully absorbed:
1 Large piece of the Font of Light.
Astral Body> Level Up. 10/10 0/--]
'So it WAS the Font of Light? This next set of evolutions might be a dangerous combination.'
Mina was about to attempt her evolutions when she sat bolt upright. Her eyes fell onto her companions, all three of which were sleeping. She got to her feet, her limp returning as she nudged them all and called out to them.
"Hey! Wake up! There is something dangerous in the forest!"
Their eyes flashed open, narrowing with instinct as they got to their feet. Inferna's daughter glared at Mina.
"Where?"
'They believe me without even asking how I know?'
"No idea. I was warned when I was inside of the statue. We need to check our homes!"
The War Wolf and the Lightning Meteor Bird both darted from the cave. They called back farewells as they headed for their homes, ready to destroy any danger.
Mina sighed as she made sure they were gone.
"You're faster then me. Head home first and I'll catch up. I need to walk, or I'll be forced to evolve. That could take hours that we don't have."
The Hellcat didn't look happy as she bolted from the cave. For the first time since Inferna found her, Mina was alone. She began to limp from the cave, knowing the danger wouldn't be good to ignore.
-
Three hours had passed as Mina continued to limp. She was exhausted, feeling her body ache in a way she had almost forgotten. The sound of wings brought her back to reality, her eyes locking on the Lightning Meteor Bird. She descended, hopping to keep pace with Mina.
"My family and home are safe. I took a quick look around the nearby villages. A couple seem to be ready to invade the forest! My father is preparing everyone to aid those in most danger. I was told to go where I believe I should be, and that's beside you. Ah!"
Heavy thumps came from behind them, drawing close quickly. Turning around, the War Wolf skidded to a halt beside Mina.
"My home is safe. My father is preparing defenses, offering shelter to those in need. He wanted me to stay, but wouldn't stop me from leaving. I'm putting my faith in you, Mina. Let's save our home!"
Mina could practically see the toothy grin of a beautiful girl within the wolf as they continued on their way towards the Hellcat den.
-
Another couple of hours passed, Mina's pace quickly slowing as the pain began to erupt in a wider wave if force. She buckled over, her eyes nearly closing as she clutched her chest. She could feel her heart tearing from the pain.
[Durability is low. Consuming ore is dangerous. Evolution is recommended. Forced return will activate if you from below 10 durability.]
Mina slammed her fist into the soil, leaving no mark behind.
"I'm about to be forced to evolve. This pain, it's killing me fast. Can the two of you carry my swords for me? At least get them to the Hellcat den."
Her vision began to blur slightly. In her talons, the Lightning Meteor Bird clutched the longsword while Mina's Sword Body was loosely held within the War Wolf's teeth. A small smile flashed on Mina's face before her body finally faded.
"Her smile... it's practically soul stealing. Heh."
"I want to see it again..."
The wolf's tail was wagging happily as the bird tried to keep airborne. They were smitten.
-
Mina's eyes were blurry as she opened them inside of the strange dimension once more. They locked on her durability, but the numbers weren't clear. Her mind slowly faded, her pain increasing as she felt with her Sword Body once more.
"Am I really going to die right now? I wanted to be there with them. I want to help them."
Her voice began to fade as she lost hold of the last wisps of her mind.