"System, begin the contract process," Axis commanded.
{ Asking permission to use the skill Spirit Crown }
"Granted."
{ Asking permission to use the item Sleep's Lantern }
"Granted."
The lantern began to glow, drawing mana from Axis at an alarming rate.
{ Connection with the item Sleep's Lantern has been established. }
{ Connecting with the skill Spirit Crown… connection established. }
{ Initiating contract. }
Light emitted from the lantern, transforming into threads that snaked towards the catalyst. The catalyst glowed, its engravings becoming more apparent as it absorbed the mana.
Threads of mana emerged from the engravings and extended towards Caldia and Alnaria, stopping just inches before them.
{ Host, state the terms of the contract. }
"Terms of the contract... System, I didn't think of any."
{ Then say what the system tells you to say. }
Axis took a deep breath and focused on the system's script.
{ Repeat after the system: "By the power vested in me by the Spirit Crown, I hereby form a contract with Caldia and Alnaria. I vow to protect and cherish their spirits, to provide them with the mana they need to sustain themselves outside this altar. In return, they shall lend me their strength and guidance on my journey." }
Axis repeated the words, his voice steady and clear. "By the power vested in me by the Spirit Crown, I hereby form a contract with Caldia and Alnaria. I vow to protect and cherish their spirits, to provide them with the mana they need to sustain themselves outside this altar. In return, they shall lend me their strength and guidance on my journey."
The atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation, the air thick with mana. The threads of light converged, forming a small, ethereal figure. The figure spoke in a voice that echoed with ancient power, "Do you consent?"
Caldia and Alnaria exchanged a glance, their expressions resolute. Caldia stepped forward first, her voice unwavering. "I, Caldia, consent to this contract."
Alnaria followed, her tone equally firm. "I, Alnaria, consent to this contract."
The figure nodded, and the threads of mana surged forward, enveloping Caldia and Alnaria. The contract seal formed in the air, a glowing sigil that represented their bond. The light intensified, then gradually faded, leaving behind a faint but unmistakable connection between them. The catalyst cracked, shattering like glass; its remains indistinguishable from other rocks.
{ Binding the spirits to the azure pendant }
{ Binding successful… }
{ Establishing contract… }
{ 00…12…23…34…45..56…78…89…99… }
{ Contract successful… }
Caldia looked at her hands, marveling at their newfound tangibility. "We... we are free," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder and relief.
Alnaria's coal-black eyes shimmered with tears of joy. "Thank you, Axis. You've given us a chance to truly live again."
Axis felt a surge of triumph and joy. "We did it together. Now, how do we get out of here?"
"Actually, we've been wondering about it too," Caldia spoke, her voice thoughtful. "Usually, the moment the ceremony is over, a teleportation gate appears, and the participants are transported out."
They all looked around, expecting the teleportation gate to materialize. Minutes passed, but nothing happened. The realization that they might have to find another way out began to settle in.
Axis furrowed his brow, considering their options. "Maybe the gate's appearance is delayed because of the contract or something else."
"It's been more than an hour since the ceremony was completed. Or is there something left?" Alnaria spoke, concern evident in her voice.
"Let's look around," Caldia suggested. They began to explore the temple, searching for any signs or mechanisms that might help them. The ancient walls, adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes, seemed to whisper secrets long forgotten.
After searching for an hour without finding anything, Axis felt a growing sense of frustration. "We've been at this for a while now, and we still can't find anything," he said, rubbing his forehead.
"Hey, guys, I'm not sure if it's correct, but is the big orb still on the altar?" Axis asked, a sudden thought striking him.
Caldia and Alnaria looked at each other before quickly moving back to the central altar. The large, black crystal orb that had been the focal point of the ceremony still rested there, its surface dark as if it was devouring light itself.
"I didn't think to check it," Alnaria admitted, keeping a safe distance. "Measure of destiny…."
Caldia nodded. "They usually vanish right after the ceremony. Why is it still here?"
"Come here... come here..." a faint whisper echoed in Axis's mind.
"Do you guys hear anything?" Axis asked.
"No, why?" Alnaria responded, confused.
"It seems to be calling me."
"Who is calling you?" Caldia asked.
"The orb... no, the Measure of Destiny is calling me."
As if in a trance, Axis moved towards the Measure of Destiny. The moment he touched the cold surface of the orb, the space around him shifted, and he found himself in a dark void.
The surroundings grew dark, and he couldn't sense Caldia and Alnaria. It seemed he was alone.
"Ahh, are you the one who has awoken me..." a voice echoed, a mixture of many voices sounding in unison.
"Finally, someone worthy. I will see if you have what it takes to summon me."
"Wait, who are you? You are not making any sense," Axis demanded, but before he could get an answer, he was back at the altar.
"Axis... can you hear me?" Caldia's voice resounded, and he saw her standing just inches from him.
"It's okay, I'm just a little dizzy," Axis assured, moving away from the orb. As if waiting for him to move away, the orb began to crack. More and more cracks appeared until it finally burst like a bubble, its particles floating in the air.
Suddenly, the black particles started to move towards Axis. Alnaria tried to shield him, but they passed right through her as if she didn't exist. The particles circled around Axis, surrounding him completely. A few minutes later, they subsided, condensing into an earring and a bracelet. To his surprise, they were not uncomfortable; instead, they felt as if they weren't even there.
Before Caldia could inquire about what had happened, a space rift opened and sucked all of them in.