Axis's heart sank at the revelation. "You can't leave? Why?"
Alnaria stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Because we are dead, Axis. We've been dead for at least a millennium. What you see in front of you are not our bodies but our spirits, and this is the only place where we can sustain."
"Y-you are joking, right? Right?" Axis looked at Alnaria, hoping to see even a slight hint of a lie. She averted her eyes.
"I wish we were Axis. We take one step out of this place, and there won't be anything keeping us here. We will vanish," Caldia's asserted, her voice as gentle as it could be.
" wish we were Axis we take one step out of this place and there wont be anyting keeping us and we will vanish ''
Axis's mind reeled at the revelation. The warmth he felt from them, the guidance they provided—all of it had come from spirits tethered to this sacred place. He struggled to reconcile this truth with the bond he felt with them.
Caldia placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But don't let this burden you, Axis. Our time with you, though brief, has been meaningful. We are proud of what you have achieved and will always be with you in spirit."
Alnaria reached into her robe and pulled out a finely crafted sword, its blade gleaming with an ethereal light. "This is for you, Axis," she said, handing him the weapon. "It's a parting gift, a token of our faith in your journey ahead. May it serve you well."
"Is there really no way you can come with me?" Axis asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
Alnaria shook her head slowly, her eyes filled with sorrow. "I'm afraid not, Axis. Our existence is bound to this altar. It is our sanctuary and our prison. If there was a way for us to leave we would have left a long time ago."
Caldia nodded, her expression softening. "We've made peace with our fate, Axis. Our purpose is to guide and support those who come to this place. You have a great destiny ahead of you, and we are honored to have been a part of your journey."
"Could you give me a moment to myself?"
"Of course, Axis. Take as much time as you need," Caldia signaled to Alnaria, and they both slowly walked away, giving Axis space to collect himself.
"System," Axis called out.
{ Yes, host? }
"Is there any way for me to take them out with me?"
{ … }
{ … }
Axis was about to give up when he finally heard a response from the system.
{ Analyzing… }
{ Calculating possibilities… }
{ Ding… }
{ System has found one way for both targeted individuals to go outside with the host. }
Axis's heart leapt with a mix of hope and trepidation. "What is it, System?" he asked eagerly.
{ Host has obtained Sleep's Lantern, which has the ability to bind spirits to physical objects. }
{ Additionally, with the skill Spirit Crown, the host can form a contract with the spirits to prevent them from dissipating. }
{ The contract will have a greater chance of success if the targeted spirit has given its consent. }
Axis's mind raced as he processed this information. He had the tools he needed, but he would still require the consent of Caldia and Alnaria. "How do I form a contract?"
{ There are two ways to form a contract. }
{ The first is without a catalyst, where you use mana and blood to form the contract. }
{ If done without a catalyst, the host's chances of successfully executing the contract are 10%. }
"What's the second way?"
{ The second way is with a catalyst, where the host also uses mana and blood. }
{ If done with a catalyst, the host's chances of successfully executing the contract are 90%. }
{ Host is recommended to do it by the second way. }
"Good, but what's the catalyst?"
{ A catalyst for a contract is a material that has good mana conductivity and has a way for mana and blood to be engraved on it. }
"I don't think I have anything like that."
{ Host can purchase the catalyst for the contract in the shop function. }
"System, you are really the best… I can't believe I forgot to check the shop function."
Axis quickly accessed the system shop, browsing through the available items until he found the catalyst for spirit contracts. It was a small, intricately designed crystal with engravings that shimmered with latent energy.
{ Current price for the contract catalyst is 15,000 experience points. }
{ Discount for the first purchase has been applied. }
{ Would you like to purchase this item for 150 experience points? }
"Yes," Axis confirmed, and the crystal materialized in his hand. He took a deep breath and called out to Caldia and Alnaria.
"Caldia, Alnaria, could you come back here, please?"
As if waiting for him to call them they came back in a flash.
" Have you calmed down, are you ready to go now ? "
"I think I've found a way to take you with me," Axis said, holding up Sleep's Lantern and the catalyst crystal. "This lantern can bind spirits to physical objects, and with the Spirit Crown skill, I can form a contract with you to prevent you from dissipating. But it can only work if you both agree to it."
" where did u find it ? "
"My sister gave it to me before I came here. It has the effect of soothing the mind and warding off evil spirits."
Caldia's voice trembled slightly. "Are you certain this will work?"
"From what I know, there's a 90% chance I'll succeed, but only if you both agree," Axis explained.
Caldia and Alnaria exchanged a glance. Caldia's eyes softened with hope, and Alnaria's filled with determination.
Alnaria stepped forward first, her coal-black eyes locked onto Axis's. "I trust you, Brat. If this is our chance to leave this damn altar and be a part of your journey, then I agree."
Caldia followed, her garnet eyes filled with resolve. "We've guided you this far, Axis. We believe in your nature, potential and your determination. I consent as well."
" let's get started right away then "