The rift itself appeared like a majestic, undulating tapestry of colors, swirling and blending in a mesmerizing dance. Its surface glowed with a thousand hues, like a radiant painting brought to life, pulsating with otherworldly energy that seemed to whisper untold secrets.
As the floating platform glided toward the massive, shimmering rift, a myriad of sensations swirled around me. The air crackled with an energy that felt both electric and comforting, radiating a warm luminescence that enveloped the surroundings.
Entering the rift, the very fabric of space and time appeared to twist and meld, creating a cosmic kaleidoscope of blended pigments. It was a disorienting amalgamation that blurred the lines between what was real and what wasn't.
Emerging on the other side, I found myself suspended above a vast expanse of blue sea.
"I need a break," I grumbled, the overwhelming experience taking its toll.
Calming my breath, I chuckled, "Hell, I'm becoming an expert at soothing my nerves."
Gliding over the tranquil blue sea, the floating platform slowed its movement, navigating smoothly. "Who are you?" I asked, curiosity and confusion interwoven in my voice.
"Ah, my apologies for the oversight. I'm Adair, a human like you, and a devoted servant of Lady Elsa. I've been entrusted to guide you through celestial realm. And what should I call you?" Adair offered with a warm smile, finally introducing himself and awaiting my name.
Taking a deep breath, I said, "My name is Adam," a temporary alias until my true identity returned.
Observing Adair's appearance—the slim build, beard, and black hair—I was intrigued by the peculiarity of his eyes, grey and devoid of light, yet shrouded in mystery.
"Your eyes?" I inquired, captivated by their uniqueness.
"Yes, I'm blind," Adair confessed.
"What!? How can you guide us?" I questioned, stunned.
Laughing, he explained, "Haha, that's my unique gift, Pathfinder."
"A unique gift?" Astonishment gripped me as I recalled my conversation with Elsa where she referenced my healing factor as a unique gift. "So you also have a gift?"
"Indeed. Each of us is bestowed with unique gifts. We humans are special; we are born with these gifts, yet only a few are fortunate enough to awaken them, like you and me," he said, excitedly assuming I had a gift too.
"I possess a healing gift. What about yours?" I asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Healing?" Adair was bemused, wondering why someone with a healing gift might need healing. "Mine is Pathguider. I haven't completely mastered it. Initially, I considered it worthless as it merely allowed me to see and navigate my path. But after encountering Lady Elsa, I discovered the extent of my gifts, enabling me to perceive and guide through the future paths and their densities."
Intrigued, I inquired, "Could you use it to uncover the density of the path?" I hoped it might provide a clue about my past and future.
"Regrettably, I require Lady Elsa's permission, and the cost is my life force," Adair regretfully declined.
"I understand," I said with a tinge of sadness.
"Consider yourself lucky to meet the remarkable Lady Elsa and explore the celestial realm as an outsider. Few citizens of Esclave, those with the highest talent, have had that privilege once or twice," Adair disclosed, revealing his talkative nature.
"Outsider?" I inquired, perplexed by Adair's remark.
"Yes! Unlike us, born and raised under the divine of light's watchful eye, you came from beyond the realm," Adair clarified.
Soon, an enclosed land came into view, and as Adair tapped his wrist, I hesitated to ask.
The gate swung open into the land. Adair gestured with a smile, "Welcome to the land of the mortal or mortal realm."