Saka landed on one of the floating islands and stroked the mane of the lion beside him. Its eyes scanned the surroundings. Across the wide valley, a river flowed peacefully, with small rocks glimmering gently beneath the clear water's surface. Among the towering trees, flowers bloomed in vibrant colors.
Saka savored the tranquility of the moment, free from pollution, vehicles, and skyscrapers. The sound of an eagle echoed again, and when he looked up, he saw Jerry riding the creature.
"I'm quite surprised you managed to get here without us," Jerry said as Saka approached. "It seems Mada gave you the sword."
Saka examined the sword. "Yes. With this sword, I can access this place. But what is this place? And where is Tom? You two are usually always together."
"There he is."
From the front, Tom rode a gray wolf that also had wings. "Ohoo, look who came here alone." Tom was happy to see Saka. "Yes, this will definitely make our job easier. Are you ready for your first mission?"
"Wait a minute. I have a question I need you to answer." Saka had been holding back questions for a while; now was the time to ask.
"Go ahead. What do you want to know?"
"What is this place? Why are there so many unique and amazing animals? I'm sure this isn't a human dimension."
"It's not. This place is called the 6th dimension. Spirit animals mostly live here."
Saka suddenly remembered that the lions and wolves he had seen before were the same ones he encountered in front of the house a few months ago.
'So these animals are called spirit animals. I've read about them on the internet; a spirit animal is a companion that each individual has. Each animal has its own symbolism, like the eagle, which symbolizes sharp vision."
"Not entirely wrong. Spirit animals are spiritual entities mostly from the 6th dimension that take on the basic form of an animal. Not all humans have them; only those with certain soul missions do. Sometimes, spirit animals are drawn to humans who don't have a specific mission simply because they are attracted to the human's energy," Tom explained.
"Then how does Jerry know the name of this lion-shaped spirit animal beside me?"
"Mada told him. Spirit animals can talk; it's just rare."
Saka nodded in understanding. This was new knowledge for him, considering he knew nothing about this world. "I see. So, what is my mission?"
"Come with us."
Jerry, Tom, and Saka walked side by side, their three spirit animals following behind. Along the way, Saka couldn't get enough of the crystal-clear water. He thought about staying here forever. 'But that's impossible.' Shaking his head, he dismissed the ridiculous thought.
Saka saw a barrier ahead. They entered and were immediately confronted by two giant, towering trees. A portal stood between them.
Both trees had large roots that extended down to the ground, and their branches intertwined above the portal, forming a natural arch. The portal glowed with a soft blue light, swirling like a whirlpool, with ripples of light spreading out into the surroundings.
"We can only take you this far. Go inside and meditate. Mada will join you."
"How long do I have to meditate?" Saka was reminded of a movie where the main character meditated for months.
"It's not about how long you meditate, but how focused you are. The key is focus."
Saka nodded. "I see."
Tom patted Saka's shoulder. "Don't worry. This place is safe. Rutha or any other demon won't be able to reach you here. We will monitor your meditation from this side."
Despite his fears, he trusts Jerry and Tom. Saka steps inside, followed by Mada. Within the portal is a large flat stone resembling an ancient altar.
Saka positions himself as comfortably as possible and begins to close his eyes. Abstract images scatter in his mind. He tries to stay relaxed and go with the flow until the abstract images fade away.
His breathing starts to slow down. A cool breeze brushes against his body, followed by a tingling sensation in his palms. Gradually, Saka begins to feel a growing energy. Although his focus is momentarily disturbed, he manages to regain it.
The energy generated from his meditation begins to radiate. That's when Saka feels something scratching his arm. The scratch forms a mark in the shape of a lion's head. The mark glows for a moment before disappearing.
Saka opens his eyes and stares at his arm. The lion symbol has vanished. In front of him lies a sleeping Mada. "How long have I been meditating?" Saka mutters. He stands up. "Mada, let's get up. We need to get out of here."
Jerry and Tom are seated in front of the portal. They rise as soon as they see Saka emerge. "Did you finish?" Jerry asks. Not all humans who meditate receive the symbol of their spirit animal immediately, which is why he asks.
"Yes, there was a lion's head symbol on my arm earlier."
"Good. That means you've successfully bonded with Mada. Now that the contract is in place, you'll be connected to each other. One more thing, never ask him to do anything negative. You're partners, not a superior and subordinate. Spirit animals don't like being treated as underlings."