Whispering

"I promise!" he replied, even though he was unsure. At least he never gave up on achieving it.

[Objective: Cultivate Alissa's abilities! (Completed)]

[Congratulations! You are now level 16!]

[New Objective: Acquire the Whispering Tree Heart!]

Gorian felt the weight of granting what was needed, but at the same time, it was too desperate and lacking in solutions to fix what was already broken. It wanted to trust and believe that there was still hope remaining in the God before it.

"Move aside from the middle," ordered the Orbivian colossus, and Alissa and Aldebaran obeyed. "This artifact contains immense energy from nature. Even though it has been used as a medium to connect with the Goddess, its usage goes beyond that. Use it well."

Aldebaran tilted his head upward. "It's not destroyed after the ritual?"

"No, indeed not," it responded, glancing at the small beings. "All three materials are much more than that. They are derived from the essence of the Goddess herself, and she imbued her power into these objects."

Aldebaran fell into deep thought, questioning the possibility. "Can I somehow absorb them?"

[You can. But remember to speak with her first. Once they are devoured, they will vanish forever, and access to her will be lost.]

"I see. Well, it must have a solid effect, right?"

[As it should.]

Gorian stomped, its strength producing an earthquake that could be felt not only in Hilver Town but also in Oakspire Village. The Orbivians lost their balance, the surrounding trees threatened to collapse, and both Alissa and Aldebaran clung to each other's hands while bracing against a dead trunk.

"What is it doing?" Aldebaran asked.

"Summoning the Whispering Tree Heart, I assume?" she shouted back, her voice straining to rise above the thunderous sound of the impact.

The cracks where the creature stomped began to lit up, forming complicated motifs at the center of the area. Beneath the surface, something stirred, slowly pushing outward.

Massive roots emerged, twisting in circles as if alive. When they finally stopped, the center opened like a blossoming flower, revealing a bright, blue crystal-like object that shimmered with a majestic radiance. Alissa and Aldebaran stood in silent awe, their mouths agape, unable to speak.

Gorian turned its head, fixing its gaze on the man. "Go for it. That is the Whispering Tree Heart."

Aldebaran nodded, forcing his feet to move closer to the roots that had scarred the surrounding terrain. The artifact's light drew him in, urging him forward until he stood before it.

"Magnificent..." he murmured almost inaudibly, reaching out to take the second material. "With this, I only need to wait for Moon Blossom Dew."

As he lifted the artifact, the atmosphere shifted. The once-vivid flora around him seemed to lose its color, some withering instantly. Even the Orbivians appeared to feel the impact, visibly weakening, and Gorian was no exception. Noticing the change, Alissa hurried to her old friend.

"Are you okay?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.

"The Whispering Tree Heart is like our life force—it sustains the forest's vitality. Without it, we may still live as we always have, but the forest will be less fertile. Its absence is a massive loss to us and the land."

Gorian's eyes locked onto Aldebaran. "So, we don't ask much of God. To be a decent one, you know what to do, don't you?"

This heavy burden shook Aldebaran to his core. Throughout his life, he had never been this nervous. So many had placed their trust in him, and he had failed to uphold it. He swallowed hard and closed his eyes, steadying his racing heart. He had to change; he had to be better.

"Believe in me. I am the God who will bring about change!" he declared. "That is why I was created in this world. That is why I accept this life."

As he spoke, rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the area where he stood. A gentle breeze swept through, bringing an unexpected sense of comfort. The scene was so captivating that every living being seemed drawn to him, their eyes fixated on the reflection of the Heart in his hand as he raised it high, its light accentuating his divination.

"One more material, and it will be complete," he continued. "Tell me, how long until the full moon?"

"Full moon..." Alissa murmured, her fingers brushing her chin as she thought. "Ah, well. We're lucky to witness it without having to wait another ten years. I estimate it will be here in a week."

Gorian added, "It will also be the largest Crimson Full Moon. Go to the Altar of the Moon at Greville Mountain when it rises. The moonlight will reveal the way for you."

"We take our leave then," Aldebaran said, approaching Gorian. "Your service will not be forgotten. Thank you."

Alissa, sensing this was a farewell, stroked Gorian's massive hand. "It's been nice meeting you again, Gorian. But I'm afraid this is where we part ways."

"Your mission is far more important than idle conversation," the leader of the Orbivians replied. "You are the best Prophet I have ever known. Take care, Alissa."

With a final embrace, Alissa turned and ran after Aldebaran, waving goodbye as their figure disappeared behind the lush trees. Their adventure was far from over—Greville Mountain, one of the highest peaks in Devana, lay a long distance ahead. To make matters worse, Aldebaran was notoriously bad at climbing.

"Nice speech, Master!" Alissa chimed, her voice full of enthusiasm.

Aldebaran replied, "Do you think so? It came out of nowhere."

"Seriously? No way words that are polished just randomly come out!" she countered, matching his stride as she turned to face him. "You're a God—of course, you're wise!"

"I'm dumb. Much dumber than you think," he said casually, chuckling at his own self-deprecation.

"What? No! You're better than that," she insisted, her brows knitting together as she closed the space between them. "Don't put yourself down, Master! I'll always support you!"

Aldebaran glanced at her, catching her smile. It felt different this time—more genuine, more mesmerizing. There was something about her presence that felt like home. He couldn't help but linger on her expression, realizing that she was, without a doubt, the most interesting woman he had ever seen.

Was this love at first sight? He never thought he'd feel this way again, especially in an entirely different world. Yet here he was, unable to deny the growing attraction.

[Objective: Acquire the Whispering Tree Heart! (Completed.)]

[Congratulations! You are now level 17!]

[New Objective: Take a Rest with Alissa.]