In the heart of a city surrounding an imposing mountain, the nightlife unfolded in all its splendor.
Narrow streets were illuminated by lanterns that cast golden glimmers upon worn cobblestones, creating a magical path of light.
The hustle and bustle filled the air as the crowd hurried in its frantic comings and goings, creating a chaotic and thrilling symphony.
Night markets came to life, showcasing a wide variety of products: vibrant fabrics, artisanal crafts, and exquisite delicacies.
Intoxicating aromas of culinary delights tempted curious passersby, inviting them to explore the exotic flavors emanating from each stall.
As the ego-swords candidates roamed the bustling streets, they could feel the electricity in the air, vibrant anticipation that hung like an invisible veil.
Rumors and whispers about the upcoming gathering at the Sacred Temple spread throughout the city, generating an aura of expectation and excitement.
The reaction of the inhabitants, who could witness the transformation of some of the swords with their own eyes, was one of awe and admiration. They were living legends, safeguarding the city.
The buildings lining the streets were adorned with symbols and emblems that reminded me of the presence and power of the sacred swords' lineage.
Walls covered in blooming vines and balconies adorned with elegant fabrics stood as a testament to a subtle yet undeniable opulence.
The architectural design, with its elaborate arches and intricate details, bestowed upon the city an air of ancient charm and mystery.
However, in the distance, the imposing peak of the mountain rose, shrouded in mist.
It was in that sacred place where the ego-swords, assuming human form, ascended to the highest point, leaving their candidates behind in the city.
The mountain, guarded by ancient trees and seemingly harmless creatures, formed part of the upward path to the Sacred Temple.
As the ego-swords ascended the steep trail toward the Sacred Temple, several of their candidates chose to stay in bars or wander the streets, avoiding recognition by the people.
The city pulsed with a special energy that night as if it were imbued with the gathered presence of all the ego-swords.
"Damn, they should make the stairs lower," whispered one of the ego-swords as she leaned against a tree to rest.
"What? Are you tired?" asked the ego-sword ahead of her, looking at her curiously.
It was strange for her sister to feel tired from something like this.
"No! But carrying this barrel is... bothersome," frustratedly responded the ego-sword.
Among the walking ego-swords, one of them carried a large barrel on her shoulders. The object appeared cumbersome, but the ego-sword struggled to maintain her balance.
"Need any help?" asked the ego-sword walking ahead, her smile filled with pride.
"I'm fine," responded the other ego-sword without hesitation.
"Are you sure?" she asked again, maintaining her smile.
"Of course, it's not the first time I've carried something like this," she confidently affirmed.
Despite the strange atmosphere between them, they continued walking together.
"And why do you look so tired?" one of the ego-swords curiously questioned.
"Could you stop asking so many questions!?" snapped the other ego-sword, annoyed.
"They say that while you converse, time passes faster. Let's keep going."
As they progressed, they drew closer to the entrance of the Sacred Temple.
"How's everything going with your candidate?"
"Good, he's a good guy. We haven't failed a single mission. And you, are you still bossy?"
"I don't understand what you're saying."
"Come on, Rhiannon. You're bitter and always like to give orders to others. Are you still the one taking charge of your candidate's decisions?"
Rhiannon was surprised by the way her younger sister was speaking to her now.
Had it only been 10 years since they last saw each other at the reunion, and she had changed so much?
Rhiannon tried to recollect her memories and remembered certain hints of the disrespectful vocabulary her sister now used without any fear.
"Nion, each of us decides how to assist our candidates. My candidate has no complaints," Rhiannon responded in a dry tone.
Nion noticed Rhiannon's superior gaze for a few seconds, which annoyed her even more.
Why is it so difficult for her to pronounce my name correctly? Nion thought, irritated, as she said, "My name is Fion, not Nion! Do you seriously confuse me with Niam?"
Fion pointed back, gesturing toward the place where Niam and Cerys were.
Unlike Rhiannon and Fion, who were smoothly progressing on the steep terrain, their counterparts Niam and Cerys were several meters behind due to the difficulties they encountered while climbing. In fact, their faces were covered in sweat.
"You're going to drop it if you keep fooling around," warned Rhiannon.
The ego-sword carrying the barrel focused on maintaining balance as she successfully maneuvered the obstacles in her path. It wasn't an easy task, as the barrel she carried was special.
"Aren't you leading the way, War Queen?"
Fion deliberately used one of the nicknames they called Rhiannon.
Before they knew it, both of them stood before the white stairs leading upward.
The stairs weren't in perfect condition, but it was more comfortable to ascend the mountain using them.
"That was fast," Fion said incredulously, as she swore that just a few seconds ago those stairs weren't there.
"I told you. It's a good method," Rhiannon replied.
Both of them began ascending the stairs as they continued their conversation.
"How many lineages have you encountered this time?" Rhiannon asked curiously, based on certain assumptions she had in her head.
"I don't know... I usually don't pay attention to them," Fion responded as she moved to stand right next to Rhiannon.
As always, Fion had shattered all of Rhiannon's hopes of getting useful information from her.
"But do you have an approximate idea?"
"Why do you want to know that? Aren't we going to discuss it soon at the reunion?" Fion questioned reluctantly.
"It's about the method."
"Oh, come on, Rhiannon, I think you take the words of..." Fion stopped before finishing her sentence, as calling her 'that' would also be an attack on herself. So, she decided to counter with a question!
"And you, how many lineages have you encountered?"
"It's hard to answer that..."
"Then why are you asking me that!?"
"I thought you were intelligent."
That counterattack was deadly for Fion.
As Fion struggled to find words to respond, she fell silent.
Fortunately, in a few minutes, both of them reached the entrance of the Sacred Temple.
They were met with a breathtaking view. In the center of the temple stood a majestic stone fountain, whose crystal-clear waters flowed with a hypnotic gentleness. The fountain radiated a mystical glow and whispered ancient melodies.
"Did Eirlys modify this?" Fion asked, surprised, as she placed the barrel on the ground.
"I don't know," Rhiannon replied.
Although Rhiannon appeared impassive on the outside, she was amazed that Fion had noticed that small detail instantly.
Fion began washing her face with the fountain water, and soon the footsteps of the lagging ego swords could be heard.
Upon stepping onto the final step, Niam and Cerys were exhausted.
"You've improved," Rhiannon commented as she applauded them.
"A pleasure to see you again, elder sister," Niam greeted courteously with a gesture of her hand.
"Thank you for your kind words, elder sister!" Cerys said cheerfully, smiling.
"It's still some time until midnight. Take the opportunity to wash your faces in the fountain and..." Rhiannon was left speechless as she saw Fion sitting near the fountain and drinking water from it as if there was no tomorrow.
"Fion!" Niam exclaimed, annoyed.
"What?" Fion responded as she continued drinking water, using her hands.
"You're hogging all the purity of the fountain!"
"So what?"
"That's unfair!"
"I don't hear any whining. Become stronger, and then we can discuss it."
Niam clenched her fist and approached the fountain to start drinking water almost in the same manner as Fion.
Some scratches on Niam's forearm disappeared as she drank the water from the fountain.
"Aren't you going?" Rhiannon asked, turning her gaze to Cerys.
"Yes!"
They all began drinking from the fountain, except for Rhiannon, who ventured further into the temple.
The temple walls were adorned with golden symbols and bas-relief engravings that depicted stories lost in time.
The atmosphere in the temple was serene and filled with ancient power.