Come to think of it, I used to have a junior who I used to scold for watching Korean dramas during office hours. I remember that the facial features of the East actress and the clothes she wore were very similar to Hestia's, even though her name wasn't Eastern enough.
From her manner of speaking, it became increasingly evident that she wasn't of human origin. Intrigued by the possibility of encountering creatures beyond the infamous Lycan, my thoughts wandered into the realm of speculation. What if she was a being with a prominent presence in the human world, perhaps even a famous figure?
The idea of acquiring her photo and autograph, followed by selling them on the internet, crossed my mind, steering me away momentarily. However, my curiosity prevailed, prompting me to inquire about her profession.
"Forgive my directness, but what do you do for a living? Are you perhaps an actress?" I asked spontaneously.
Hestia puffing on her cigar, responded in a stern tone, "It's none of your business."
"Ah, my apologies. I was simply captivated by your captivating aura."
Unfortunately, my attempt at flattery backfired as she laughed heartily in response.
"Oh? I must admit you do have a way with words! So, who do you think I am?"
"Hmm... judging by your appearance, you seem to hail from the East. I'm not certain, but you strike me as a creature often featured in TV dramas."
"I can't recall the name... it's something like a chewy candy."
"Gummy, that's it! Gummy... something...?" I struggled to remember.
"What? There's a creature with a name like that? So ugly!" Hestia expressed her curiosity.
"Hush! Let me think, please!"
I was convinced she had distinctive features, such as pointy ears and a thick tail, coupled with eyes reflecting a certain sensuality and a gaze as sharp as a knife. Taking a bold step, I inquired whether these features matched her true form.
"Yes, that's correct. But I'm unsure about the eyes you mentioned earlier," Hestia replied.
"I remember now! " I said
"You are a fox spirit, aren't you? Gumiho! "
Her fair face turned as red as a peach. Hestia's reaction wasn't positive. Instead, she was furious at my guess.
"Insolent! How dare you liken me to such a lowly creature!"
"Equating me with that lowly temptress is a grave mistake!"
Enraged by my words, Hestia assumed a defensive stance, spreading both hands to the side. The smoke from her cigar thickened and swirled around like a massive vortex as she began to chant, setting the stage for a mysterious turn of events.
I felt a strong pull around me as if a mysterious force was plucking me from a familiar dimension. The air swirled around me, and the colours of my surroundings turned into streaks of light that I couldn't describe in words. Cold sweat dripped from my temples, and my heartbeat surged so fast, it seemed to follow the rhythm of the uncertainty surrounding me.
A portal slowly emerged from the vortex point. The wider the portal opened, the stronger the suction. I was forcibly pulled into the portal.
"No! My noodles!"
The rumbling sound that surrounded me made it sound so small and insignificant. My body felt like it was being thrown into a vortex of energy that vibrated every fibre of my soul. As the blinding light circled my body, I felt as if I was being torn apart into countless particles.
As I tried to make sense of my surroundings, my eyes widened at the sight of several people dressed in white and wearing mysterious masks. They were all lined up, prostrating themselves in front of me, as if I were something highly respected.
The atmosphere of this place was dark, tense, and spooky around every corner. Small fires burned around the place, emitting a dim light that cast shadows on the followers of this sect.
The smell of incense stung my nose, creating an increasingly tense atmosphere. I felt like I was being confronted by something so huge and incomprehensible.
I stood in their midst, confused and terrified. My eyes darted from one face to another prostrate in front of me, trying to figure out what was going on. Their masks masked their identities, leaving me in uncertainty.
Rumbling sounds could be heard, and strange incantations chanted by the followers of this sect filled my ears, making my hair stand on end.
I tried to compose my thoughts, searching for answers amidst this confusion. Was I trapped in their summoning ritual? Was I being realised or was I being regarded as an object of worship?
Those thoughts roared through my mind, but before I could search for answers, the mysterious portal quickly closed, leaving me in silence for a moment.
My gaze returned to the sect followers who were still prostrating themselves. They raised their faces, and I saw their eyes full of honour and fear. Apparently, I had been drawn into something much bigger and more complex than I could have imagined.
One of the white-clad who looked like the leader figures began to speak in a voice that almost touched the edge of sacredness. I couldn't understand what they were saying, but the religious aura that enveloped this space sent chills down my spine. It was as if I was witnessing an ancient ritual that had long been forgotten.
" Holly shit! " I swore in shock
The leader, who had finished reciting the prayer, paused and then walked over to me then he raised my right arm.
" Finally! After years of waiting! the maiden, our saviour has come to help us!"
Everyone in the room became boisterous with excitement after the leader spoke. I think the leader seemed to be a woman sensed by her voice. On the other hand, I was still puzzled and didn't understand what was happening right now.
Just now I was insulted by an annoyed woman and now I was being adored by a strange group of strangers.
" Hold up! Hold up!"
" I never want to save anyone. Okay!"
Everyone went into a riot of disappointment, the leader raised his hand and tried to quell the atmosphere among her followers.
"You are the chosen maiden. Perhaps you lost your memory from your previous life" the leader continued while unmasking her face.
The glow of the surrounding torches illuminated the leader's face. The woman had a very beautiful and loving face, her eyes were small black like basil seeds, her nose was sharp with an oval face and her skin was a pale cream colour.
" What? That's nonsense!"
The girl who led the ritual then asked her followers to form a line, so that she and I could exit the room. While walking, I continued to try to negotiate with the woman leader.
" I have never lost my memory! I am still alive!" I said clearly in front of the leader
"Your arrival was foretold. You are the answer to our prayers"
"The maiden who can save us will come into the chamber, while we do some sacred ritual today. That's why we gathering here to welcome you." She adds
" No, you don't understand!"
"It's okay, maybe you just haven't accepted the reality yet"
" I don't even know what threatens you that you call me the rescuer or whatever. Please, let me go back to my house!" I beg
"We will help you so you can also reincarnated into the world "
The woman and her flock led me to a room full of oriental colours. Aromatic candles lit up the room. I was still confused, staring at everyone in the hallway.
"Prepare yourself, we will give you some tasks and train you tomorrow so that you are ready to meet our master. That's how you're going to save us"
" What? What kind of tasks?" I said confusedly
The woman didn't answer, she just closed the door to the room I was in.
"Dang!"