An unexpected phenomenon began to unfold. A gentle light started to emanate from one of the soldiers standing in the crowd. At first, it was faint, like the flicker of a candle, but it quickly grew brighter, casting a warm, golden hue across the clearing.
The crowd murmured in awe as more of the Harmonisation Stage practitioners began to glow. One by one, the light spread among them, until nearly all of them were surrounded by the same, soft radiance. Even Lord Darion, a seasoned warrior who had witnessed countless battles, was taken aback. He muttered under his breath, his voice filled with astonishment, "Soul Resonance."
Soul Resonance was a rare and extraordinary event. It occurred only when there was a profound harmony between a practitioner's soul and the Luminis. It was said to happen only when emotions ran so deep that the soul could resonate with their emotions .
Lord Darion realized what was happening. "This is no ordinary Soul Resonance," he thought.
The injured soldier, still kneeling at his friend's grave, was at the centre of it all. He had touched the hearts of everyone there. It was his deep love for his fallen comrade that had sparked the resonance, and now it was rippling outward, uniting the souls of those present.
The golden light continued to spread, like the first rays of dawn breaking over a world long trapped in darkness. The corruption on the land retreated as the light washed over it, the once-tainted soil turning rich and vibrant.
Lord Darion watched closely, his eyes catching every detail. The purity of the light was undeniable; it was even stronger than when he had cleansed the corruption himself.
While the crowd marvelled at the sight, some of the peak Essence Flow stage practitioners began to feel subtle shifts within their bodies. It was as if a veil had been lifted, though they could sense it only faintly. Yet even this vague awareness stirred hope within them. They knew this experience could help them take the next step toward the Harmonisation Stage in the future.
Luca was in a mysterious state. Though not yet at the peak of Essence Flow stage, he was experiencing something far more mysterious. His mind had entered a calm, focused state, deeper than any meditation he had ever achieved. For so long, he had struggled to sense his soul, as if it were hidden beyond his reach. Instructor Aaron had told him that feeling the soul was key to reaching the Harmonisation Stage, but Luca had never succeeded before.
For the first time, he could feel it. It was a presence woven through every part of his being. His soul wasn't in his heart or mind alone. It was everywhere, in every cell of his body. He felt its gentle pulse, like a quiet flame, separated only by a thin barrier he had never noticed before.
So this is the barrier... Luca thought, focusing intently. He realized that with a single effort, he could push through it, break past the wall keeping his body and soul apart. If he did, he would reach the Harmonisation Stage right now.
But Luca held back.
No... not yet. He understood now. The barrier was revealed, and he could break it whenever he chose. But he wasn't ready. He had not reached the peak of the essence flow stage. If he advanced too soon, he risked stunting his true potential.
I will reach the peak of Essence Flow first, he decided. Then, I will break through, thought Luca.
The golden light slowly dimmed, leaving the clearing peaceful yet forever changed. The air felt lighter, the soil richer, and even the towering Eterna tree shimmered with a deeper golden light, as though it had absorbed the warmth of the resonance itself.
At the centre of it all, the soldier named Thomas lay unconscious, his breathing faintly. His face, once twisted with grief, now seemed calm, almost serene. His comrades, still shaken by the overwhelming experience, gently lifted him and carried him back to the camp.
Whispers filled the crowd. Many had never heard of Soul Resonance before, let alone witnessed it with their own eyes. Some murmured prayers of thanks, while others stood in silent awe, trying to comprehend what they had just experienced.
A soft, soothing energy lingered in the air, seeping into their bodies. The lightly wounded felt their injuries closing faster, as if they had just consumed a healing potion. Fatigue melted away, refreshing both mind and body.
The Harmonisation Stage practitioners who had resonated with the light felt especially moved. They could feel the difference within themselves. They had advanced a small step in the harmonisation stage. Though it was only a small increase, they knew what it meant. Gaining even a slight improvement in this stage often required years of relentless training. Yet here, in mere moments, they had advanced more than they had in a year.
Lord Darion scanned the crowd, his eyes noticing every change. Though this gathering had begun with sorrow and pain, something extraordinary had occurred. He nodded to himself, a rare smile softening his usually stern face.
"Even in the heart of grief, great strength can be found," he thought.
Raising his voice so all could hear, he declared, "This was no ordinary event. You have all felt it. This is the blessing of Soul Resonance. Return to your camps, reflect, and train. What you have gained today may help you reach even greater heights in the future. Do not waste it."
The soldiers bowed in respect, remaining silent as they began to disperse, their hearts still filled with wonder.
As they left, Luca started leaving with his group, his hand pressed lightly over his chest. He could still feel it. The barrier was clearer now,
I have to take on more missions," Luca thought, "to earn enough military merits to visit the library and buy potions that will help me reach the peak of the Essence Flow Stage.