Spirit

[I see this as an absolute win.]

"You! How did you even come up with this idea?"

Alissa raised an eyebrow at Aldebaran's strange behavior. "Is something wrong?"

He laughed it off, shaking his head. "What? No, nothing at all. Forget it." He changed the subject. "So, what were you saying? Something about solidifying God status?"

"Yes. The water here reacts to whoever steps in," she explained. "Back then, you emitted the light of a God, didn't you? I think you might be able to make a difference in this Goddess Pond."

Aldebaran barely hid his disinterest but knew he couldn't brush it off. "Maybe. Let's find out."

He stepped onto the first level of the waterhole, climbing over the uneven, stacked rocks beside it. The moment he neared the water, a wave of relief washed over him. His nerves calmed, his fears dissipated, and every worry melted like ice under the sun.

As soon as his foot touched the surface, the water beneath him shimmered, shifting to a brilliant gold. He waded further and the radiance around him intensified.

Alissa stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. The entire river began to transform, the light rippling outward like a pulse, illuminating the entire Goddess Pond until it resembled a divine path to heaven.

"Unbelievable," Alissa whispered, her voice trembling. "This… this is like the Goddess Thalendra herself."

The water's sensation coursed through Aldebaran's, a deep relaxation and warmth spreading to every fiber of him. It was indulgent, intoxicating even, making it almost impossible to think about leaving.

"The feeling… it's too much," he murmured, his eyes fluttering shut as he surrendered to the overwhelming peace.

[Objective: Take a bath in the Goddess Pond. (Completed)]

[Congratulations! You are now Level 11!]

[New Objective: Talk to the Forest Spirit.]

The notifications startled Aldebaran, breaking his tranquil state. He opened his eyes, frowning as he became aware of something beyond the forest's edge. At first, it was faint—a blur of movement, transparent figures flickering like a mirage. But soon, the beings stepped forward, their forms came to materialize.

They were not human, though they shared a passing resemblance. Some had animal-like heads, others more abstract forms, but most bore striking deer antlers. Dressed in elegant white robes that flowed down to their feet.

Aldebaran stepped forward, climbing back onto the rocks. The moment his feet left the water, the radiance faded, and the water returned to its natural state. As he steadied himself, he realized he were surrounded.

But something drew his attention—someone behind him. It was a man atop the second-floor waterfall, though unlike any he had ever seen. A crown rested upon his head, and his long white hair cascaded down his back, framing sharp, tilted ears that exuded mystical elegance.

"I thought the Goddess herself had returned," the man said. "But what we've found is someone… else."

Aldebaran froze under the man's cold eyes, the kind born from centuries of wisdom and countless trials. 

"So this is the Forest Spirit," he murmured, his voice low with astonishment. He had expected something ethereal, something intangible, but the being before him seemed as real and alive as himself.

The man's gaze didn't waver. "Tell me," he commanded, "who are you? And what is your connection to the Goddess?"

Aldebaran clenched his fists, knowing there was no room for hesitation. This was a moment he couldn't retreat from. "I… I am a divine equal to the Goddess. I am a God that has been sent to make life in Devana better!"

The spirits around them didn't move, the silence stretching as the man studied him. The atmosphere becomes colder, more suffocating.

"What God?" the man asked, his tone sharp. On the other hand, Aldebaran faltered. He didn't have an answer. 

Aldebaran knew the truth about the Goddesses in Devana. Each had a specific role, their domains intertwined to maintain balance in the realm. But he had no such role. His role wasn't to complement the others but to unite them under his control—a goal he could never reveal.

Choosing his words, he spoke. "I'm here to ensure that Goddess Thalendra fulfills her duties. To lead her toward a better path. Right now, I need to speak with her and gather the materials to communicate with her."

The male spirit above narrowed his eyes, something unreadable flickering within them. "Are you certain of that?"

Aldebaran hesitated. "What do you mean?"

The spirit stepped forward and leaped down, descending as if the air itself cradled him. His flowing white hair fanned out around him as he drifted toward the surface of the waterhole, landing as if it were a solid floor beneath his feet.

"Goddess Thalendra hasn't spoken to us in ages," the spirit said, his voice calm but cutting. "What makes you think you can change that?"

Aldebaran's muscles tensed. He didn't like the doubt laced in the spirit's tone. Still, he straightened, meeting the spirit's sight head-on.

"We'll never know," Aldebaran replied, "if we don't try."

The male spirit halted, a smile spreading across his face as he observed Aldebaran's uncovered features. "So, you're the one the rabbit elder spoke of. The one who appeared under the Tree of Life in Oakspire? A God's origin doesn't get much more auspicious than that."

Aldebaran felt a pang of surprise but kept his composure as the spirit continued. "I want to see what you can do—what we failed to maintain. Borrow our voice to reach the Goddess. Tell her what must be done to resolve this conflict. If she remains silent…" His eyes darkened. "We will act as we see fit."

Despite their serene appearance, Aldebaran knew the Forest Spirits had formidable strength. Yet they still followed the supreme order, their actions bound by the Goddess's will.

The leader raised his hand, spreading his fingers wide. A surge of energy rippled through the air, and Aldebaran watched as something wondrous began to take form.

A fluid materialized in the air, swirling and condensing until it became a luminous bead. The orb glimmered like sunlight on the ocean, its translucent surface radiating purity. Around it, an ornament coiled, securing it like a jewel in a divine setting.

"I assume this is what you're after," the spirit said. "Take it, and deliver the Goddess's words to us."

"Spirit Springs," Aldebaran murmured, recognizing the artifact. He hesitated briefly, then stepped forward cautiously.

"So, do we have a deal?" the spirit asked, extending the shimmering orb toward him.

Aldebaran met the spirit's gaze, knowing there was no other choice. "We have a deal," he said, nodding solemnly.

As soon as he accepted the artifact, the spirits around them began to dissolve into thin air, their forms evaporating like mist in the morning sun. Within moments, the grove was silent, leaving only Aldebaran and Alissa standing by the tranquil waters of the Goddess Pond.