Trails in The Sea of Souls

Volume I - Chapter I

The crystalline objects in his hand hummed with a soft resonance, their multicolored glow casting vibrant hues onto his face as he observed the group of monstrous beasts succumbing to their demise; their bodies disintegrating into fine particles, reminiscent of ashes dancing in the morning light. These sparkling gems, these… sepith — said to be born from the very essence of the earth itself — possessed an otherworldly energy that granted remarkable abilities to those who knew how to harness them.
 
Carnelia — the fiery red crystals — shimmered with a warmth akin to the scorching flames of a roaring bonfire, their radiance pulsating with an intensity that matched the ferocity of an inferno. Resembling fragments of solidified earth, the pieces of Amberl exuded an earthly fragrance, reminiscent of freshly turned soil after a gentle rain; Sapphirl — in contrast — possessed a tranquil azure glow, akin to the serene surface of a tranquil lake on a clear summer day, and carried the faint scent of the ocean breeze. Shimmering with an ethereal brilliance, Esmelas, the shards of verdant green, shone with a brilliance reminiscent of the dappled sunlight filtering through a dense canopy of leaves in a secluded forest.
 
Nohval, Goldia, Argem…
 
Each and every single one of them held within their crystalline mass a small fraction of the power that permeated this new world — a power that could potentially reshaped the very fabric of reality itself…
 
“Messiah…”
 
He turned and watched as the feminine figure before him bowed her head in deference, her sandy locks of hair cascaded down her back like a golden waterfall; the Saint Banner in her grip fluttered gently in the morning breeze as if whispering an  ancient hymn — a solemn tribute symbolizing a gesture of respect and devotion.
 
Jeanne d’Arc…
 
Also known as ‘The Maid of Orleans’ and a legendary figure from the annals of history, she was one of the few Personas that graced him with their presence the instant he had called upon them; her ethereal form shone with a divine glow, illuminating the surrounding forest with a soft, yet brilliant light — her presence, a beacon of hope and unwavering resolve. The glorious hues of the young woman’s immaculate armor shimmered with an otherworldly radiance, each intricate detail carved with precision, as if imbued with the spirit of the heroine herself.
 
Ever since he had obtained the power of the Universe, his Personas had undergone a massive transformation, their appearances and mannerisms now mirroring the essence of living beings; no longer mere abstract concepts, they possessed a tangible vitality that breathed life into their very existence. Each of his Personas now embodied unique traits and carried an air of authenticity that surpassed their previous incarnations; they  interacted with him as if sharing a tangible existence, their expressions mirroring a range of emotions that were once elusive — they spoke and responded with subtlety and nuance, their gazes filled with wisdom and understanding, their presence no longer confined to the realm of imagination.
 
“Thank you…” He murmured, his voice barely audible, a whisper that blended with the rustling of leaves and the gentle melody of a nearby stream; his words of appreciation — sincere and heartfelt — resonated through the air like a delicate melody, carrying with it a sense of profound appreciation for the unspoken bond they shared.
 
A moment of silence ensued, broken only by the symphony of nature surrounding them… and in that stillness, the maiden’s azure eyes met with his own, their depths reflecting a myriad of emotions — admiration, camaraderie, and a mutual understanding that transcended the barriers of time and space. The corners of her lips curled upwards, a smile that radiated warmth and reassurance, her unwavering gaze like a lighthouse guiding lost souls in the midst of a storm. With a graceful motion, the young woman inclined her head, her golden tresses glimmering in the dappled sunlight; her nod — a wordless response — echoed through the forest like a silent symphony, a gesture that spoke volumes, carrying with it a message of acceptance and gratitude.
 
As the sunlight filtered through the canopy of trees, casting enchanting dappled patterns on the forest floor, the holy maiden slowly dematerialized before his eyes, her ethereal form dissipating into faint blue motes of light — the particles danced and swirled in the air, creating a mesmerizing spectacle before gradually fading into the ethereal embrace of the forest; it was a departure that held both grace and melancholy, leaving behind a fleeting sense of reverence and nostalgia.
 
He watched as the last remnants of the young woman's presence fade away with a forlorn sigh, his gaze lingering on the faint trail that dispersed into the morning air like fragments of a vanishing dream. The man who had sacrificed everything now stood alone the tranquil forest, surrounded by towering trees that whispered secrets of the past, their rustling leaves adding a gentle melody to the atmosphere; his cerulean eyes glistened with a mixture of weariness and determination as they turned and settled upon the evoker in his hand, a weapon that had long since accompany him on his journey — the metal gleamed softly in the morning light, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen, reflecting the verdant hues of the forest like a pool of shimmering memories.
 
With a deft and practiced motion, he twirled the evoker around his finger, the smooth, cool metal spinning with a mesmerizing grace; it was a motion born from familiarity, a ritualistic dance of reassurance and readiness — the weapon a conduit through which he called forth the power hidden within his soul.
 
After a brief moment of contemplation, his hand stilled, and with a solemn reverence, he holstered the evoker at his side; it nestled snugly against his hip, its presence accompanied by the gleaming blade that his attendant had left for him as a gift upon his arrival onto this new world. They both serve as a constant reminder of the burden he carried, the weight of his responsibilities, and the sacrifices he had yet to made.
 
Putting the shards of sepith into one of his pocket, he retraced his path through the verdant forest with resolute steps — the ground beneath his feet felt firm and alive, offering a reassuring connection to the earth itself. Rays of sunlight pierced through the dense foliage, casting ephemeral spotlights on the forest floor, painting a mosaic of warmth and tranquility; the air carried with it a faint scent of pine, its aroma intermingling with the delicate fragrance of blooming wildflowers, creating an olfactory tapestry that invigorated his senses as he embarked upon his next endeavor.