Sera approached Sephir with a grace that matched her divine presence, extending her hands to hold Sephir's. "Welcome," she began, her voice carrying the soothing gentleness of a gentle breeze. "I am Sera, the goddess of the wind. Now that you stand here, you face a momentous decision. You can choose to remain here in the heavenly realm, or you can embark on a journey to take my place as the goddess of the wind. However, should you opt for the latter, you must confront two trials. The first is the Trial of Death, and the second is a choice, once more. To ascend to godhood, you must relinquish your memories of the mortal realm. This decision must be made before facing the Trial of Death, although your memories will be cleansed upon its conclusion."
Sephir's astonishment was palpable as she contemplated how a mere mortal like herself could ascend to the status of a goddess. Did she truly merit such an extraordinary privilege?
Sera, sensing Sephir's inner turmoil, offered words of encouragement. "Do not let doubt deter you, my dear," she implored. "You have already conquered the most formidable trial during your mortal existence—the very essence of life itself. The Trial of Death shall test your prowess as a goddess. The erasure of your mortal memories serves only to prevent you from intervening in the lives and fates of your loved ones. You have one day to make your decision, and you may dwell within the palace during this time."
Sephir, recognizing her earlier lapse, bowed respectfully and replied, "I shall not keep you waiting, my goddess. I have already forsaken the mortal realm, and perhaps leaving behind those memories is the path forward, though it pains my heart. As for taking your place, goddess, I am uncertain if I am worthy. I have only known mortality, and I dare not compare myself to a deity."
A warm smile graced Sera's lips. "You have my blessing, and I shall instruct you in the art of controlling the power of the wind. This blessing will enable you to wield that power during the Trial, hopefully easing your doubts."
With newfound resolve, Sephir responded, "Goddess, if you deem me suitable, then I shall face the Trial."
Sera turned her attention to Sraptor and issued her command, "Sraptor, you shall accompany Sephir during the Trial. Prepare yourselves, and leave now to make the necessary arrangements. There are matters I must discuss with Sephir before the Trial commences."
Sraptor bowed before the goddess and exited the chamber. As the doors closed behind him, a gentle breeze filled the room.
The Trial of Death was a grand tournament involving the gods and their chosen champions. Each competitor was assigned a guide whose role was to help them navigate the trial's intricate stages and provide essential knowledge. Guides were also allowed to partake in battles, albeit with strict limitations: their powers were reduced by half within the Trial Domain, they could carry only one weapon from their arsenal, and they were strictly forbidden from providing answers to the trial's riddles. Champions had to find their own way through the challenges.
In preparation for the tournament, the champions were provided with one weapon from their respective gods and received a month of training from the gods themselves on how to wield these divine armaments. They were also required to select a weapon for their guides to use during the tournament. Only one victor would emerge, taking the place of the incumbent god or goddess and assuming their divine role. Surviving champions could participate in future tournaments, though there were no additional rewards beyond the experience gained from their initial trial. Repeat challengers would advance directly to the second phase of the trial to maintain fairness.
Sraptor returned to the inner chamber after making the necessary arrangements, ready to escort Sephir to her chambers. However, he couldn't help but be taken aback by a surprising and perplexing sight. As Sephir emerged from the inner chambers, tears streamed down her cheeks, her eyes reflecting profound sadness. Even the goddess herself appeared touched by a certain melancholy. This unexpected display of emotion left Sraptor bewildered, as he had anticipated a straightforward explanation of the Trial's rules and nothing more. What had transpired within the chamber of the wind goddess to evoke such sadness in both of them? He pushed aside these thoughts and led Sephir to her chambers, his heart heavy as he left her alone with her emotions.
As Sephir settled into her chambers, a whirlwind of emotions swirled within her. The weight of her decision, the impending Trial of Death, and the mysteries hidden within the inner chambers of the wind goddess weighed heavily on her mind. Outside, the wind whispered secrets, and the palace seemed to hold its breath in anticipation. Little did Sephir know that her journey was only just beginning, and the trials ahead would test not only her power but also her very essence. In the shadow of the goddess's blessing and with Sraptor as her steadfast companion, Sephir steeled herself for the challenges to come, determined to prove herself worthy of the destiny that awaited her.