The air crackled. Ivel, sprawled amidst the devastation of the battlefield, felt a tremor run not through the earth, but through him. It originated in Zelfur, the sword in his hands, a surge of energy so potent it resonated deep within his very bones. A vibrant, pulsating aura emanated from the weapon, a power unlike anything he'd ever known, both terrifying and exhilarating. It felt ancient, primordial, a whisper from a forgotten age
Time fractured. The world slowed, the sounds of battle fading into a dull, distant hum. Ivel's senses sharpened, amplifying the hum into a deafening roar. His body trembled, not from fear, but from the sheer magnitude of the power coursing through him, a force that threatened to shatter his very being. He closed his eyes, his hands instinctively clamping around the hilt of Zelfur, the cold steel a grounding force against the overwhelming energy. He felt it – a colossal surge, a tidal wave of arcane might crashing over him, washing away the pain, the exhaustion, the fear
When he opened his eyes, the battlefield was gone. The scorched earth, the wreckage of war, the very smell of smoke and death, were replaced by an almost ethereal beauty. He stood on the edge of a tranquil lake, its still surface reflecting the delicate pink blossoms of hundreds of sakura trees. A gentle breeze rustled the branches, a soft pink rain of petals drifting down around him. He was surrounded by a breathtaking scene of tranquility, a stark contrast to the horrors he'd just witnessed
Disorientation washed over him. He blinked, his mind struggling to reconcile the brutal reality he'd just escaped with the serene beauty of his new surroundings
"Where… where am I?" he whispered, his voice rough with disuse. "How… how did I get here? What happened to…"
His sentence trailed off, unfinished, interrupted by a melodic voice, as soft and clear as the chime of distant bells
"Quite impatient, aren't you?"
He turned, his gaze drawn to the lake. Sitting on a weathered bench, overlooking the tranquil water, was a young woman. She was a vision of ethereal beauty, her long, dark hair cascading down her back, framing a face of delicate features and luminous skin. She was dressed in a flowing pink kimono, the skirt falling gracefully to her knees. In her hand, she held a delicate pink lace parasol, its intricate design a work of art. Her smile was gentle, her eyes holding a wisdom that belied her youthful appearance
"Who… who are you?" Ivel asked, his voice still laced with confusion. "And where am I?"
The woman's smile widened, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "I am of no harm," she responded, her voice a soothing balm to his frayed nerves. "You are safe here. Come, sit beside me."
Hesitantly, Ivel approached the bench and sat down. The woman offered him a delicate porcelain teacup, the steam rising from its surface carrying the scent of sweet blossoms and subtle spices
"Want some tea?" she asked
Ivel politely declined. "No, thank you. But… my friends… where are they?"
"Patience, young one," the woman said, her voice tinged with a gentle amusement. "Patience is a virtue, and it will aid you on your journey. Drink the tea. It will help with your mana recovery."
Ivel hesitantly took the cup, sipping the fragrant liquid. It was unlike anything he'd ever tasted, soothing his aching body and replenishing his depleted mana with a speed that astonished him
"So… who are you?" he asked, his curiosity finally outweighing his apprehension. "And what is this place?"
The woman laughed, a melodious sound that echoed softly across the still waters of the lake. "This place… this is a spiritual realm, created by me. A safe haven, a sanctuary you can visit when you are in need of help, or in grave danger. Similar to how you met that old man Caelum, wouldn't you say?" she added with a self-deprecating chuckle
"Old man?" Ivel echoed, his brow furrowing in thought. "Did you… did you know Grandpa Caelum?"
"Oh yes," the woman replied, her eyes twinkling. "He was an old friend."
"Then… who are you?" Ivel pressed, his voice filled with a growing sense of wonder
The woman's smile softened, a hint of sadness clouding her eyes. "My name is Amisu," she said softly. "And I am a soul… trapped within your bonded sword, Zelfur."
A searing pain lanced through Ivel's head, so intense he gasped and instinctively clutched his temples. Darkness flickered at the edges of his vision
Amisu's eyes widened in concern. "I… I have said too much," she whispered, her voice laced with regret. "You will find out more… as you grow stronger."
A wave of warmth, potent and exhilarating, washed over Ivel. It felt as if a conduit of pure energy had opened within him, connecting him to a source of power far beyond anything he'd ever imagined. A small portion of Amisu's power, her very essence, flowed into him, strengthening him, empowering him
"Good luck with your fight against the ancient dragon," Amisu said, her voice filled with a surprising confidence. "I know you will win. I'm lending you my power. And once you slay the beast… cut open its stomach and take out the dragon egg."
Her words hung in the air, imbued with a sense of urgency and finality. The serene beauty of the sakura grove began to fade, the colors blurring, the gentle breeze turning into a rushing wind
"It is time for you to return," Amisu murmured, her form shimmering, becoming translucent
Then, as swiftly as it had appeared, the spiritual realm vanished. Ivel found himself back on the battlefield, the acrid smell of smoke heavy in the air. But something had changed. His eyes burned with a golden light, a vibrant, almost incandescent yellow. A golden aura, shimmering with untold power, pulsed from Zelfur, humming with a strength that mirrored the newfound energy coursing through his veins. He felt stronger, faster, more alive than ever before. He would slay this beast. He would win.