Chp 9 Reflection of the Soul

As the group stood before the World Tree, its golden leaves shimmering with an ethereal glow, a spirit emerged from its base. "Move forward, Chosen," it commanded. But as the heroes took a step, Jackson found himself unable to proceed. A powerful force held him back."W-what's happening?" Jackson stammered, eyes wide with panic.The spirit regarded him solemnly. "You have been deemed unworthy. You may not proceed.""No... No, this isn't right!" Jackson's voice wavered. He turned to his companions, desperation in his eyes. "Please... don't leave me behind."The others hesitated. Guilt and sorrow weighed on them, but the path forward was clear. With heavy hearts, they stepped ahead, leaving Jackson behind. His screams echoed through the sacred grove. "Please! Don't leave me behind! Guys!"They did not look back.As they walked, the dense foliage parted, revealing the true World Tree. Majestic and towering, it pulsed with divine energy, its roots stretching infinitely into the ground, its trunk seemingly reaching the heavens. Before them, a spirit with an overwhelming presence materialized. "The trial is over," it declared. "You are the Chosen Ones."A deep, intimidating voice, neither male nor female, resonated from above. "I take it from here."The voice belonged to the unseen god, its presence suffocating yet awe-inspiring. "For completing the trial, I grant you each a blessing."

"You shall have the ability to learn the world's powers. If you work hard and possess talent, you shall master them.""You are granted the Blessing of Protection. It shall save you from death three times. But beware—it does not make you immortal.""You receive the Blessing of Growth. Your evolution shall be swifter than any before you."

As the blessings took hold, the spirits around them stirred. "It is now time for you to choose a spirit," one of them spoke. "Or rather, for the spirits to choose you."Aria stepped forward first. The spirits whispered excitedly, and two powerful presences emerged—a High Water Spirit and a High Fire Spirit. Many medium spirits also gathered around her, drawn to her affinity. However, she shook her head. "I will only accept the two High Spirits," she said. "Taking too many would be troublesome."The High-Water Spirit, a flowing entity resembling a liquid sapphire, swirled around her. "You hold great affinity with water," it whispered. "We will guide you well."The High Fire Spirit burned like a living ember. "Your spirit is fierce. Let us forge strength together."Aria smiled, accepting both of them as they merged with her essence.Anthony was next. A High Earth Spirit appeared before him, a towering figure of rock and soil, along with several lower spirits. The High Spirit studied him for a moment before speaking. "You lack much, but you have potential. I shall form a contract with you."Anthony clenched his fists, determination shining in his eyes. "Then I'll prove my worth."The High Earth Spirit chuckled. "See that you do." The spirit fused with him, and the lower spirits followed, their whispers of encouragement surrounding him.Amy's turn came, and while no High Spirit chose her, many medium and lower spirits gathered eagerly. A warm breeze rustled her hair as they surrounded her. "You are kind and resilient," one of the medium spirits spoke. "We will aid you in your journey."Amy placed a hand on her heart and nodded. "I'll cherish our bond." The spirits swirled around her and merged with her essence.Finally, Grey stepped forward. Numerous lower spirits hovered around him, along with a few medium ones. However, one presence remained distant. A High Wind Spirit observed him with calculating eyes. It was a translucent entity, shifting and moving like a silent storm."You have potential," it murmured. "But potential alone is not enough. Prove yourself, and I shall form a contract with you."Grey met the spirit's gaze, his jaw tightening. "I will prove it."The spirit's form wavered. "Then we shall see." The lower and medium spirits bound themselves to Grey, their presence faint yet supportive, while the High Wind Spirit remained just beyond reach.With the contracts formed, the spirits faded into their chosen's essence, becoming one with them. The god's voice echoed once more. "You have taken your first true step forward. Go forth, Chosen Ones. Your journey is far from over."The air around them shimmered as the World Tree's glow intensified. They had overcome the trials, but their path was only beginning. With new blessings and companions by their side, they steeled themselves for what lay ahead.And with that, the next chapter of their fate began.