Chapter 388 Travelers Of A Distant Time
The group watched, their eyes wide with wonder, unable to find words to capture the majesty of what they were witnessing. Siora's mastery over her magic transcended mere spells and incantations. It was an innate connection to the elements themselves, a profound understanding that surpassed the limitations of language.
"I guess voiceless magic was really a big deal back then," Aion thought. "I feel a bit embarrassed for taking it for granted… Anyway, Mother and her people didn't need it either; I wonder if the grandma shrimp was the one who passed that ability down the family tree."
"If you do something like that again… you will start to fear me more than my father," Siora declared.
"Sorry, sorry… drastic situations require drastic solutions," Vaeral said after he returned. Still, he made sure to keep a distance from Siora.
"Let's get going; after the Vaeral display of wind arts, they know that we are here and are gathering the spirits," Ervan said after he took a deep breath. "What are you going to do, Siora? I am repeating myself, but you don't have to fight alongside us. Still, your father's lackeys know about it, and they don't think that your presence is good for them. You don't have to fight him, but you can fight others and protect yourself while you remain with us."
"You really do like to make good use of the situation, huh," Siora said while massaging her forehead. "Fine, I didn't want to get involved with you all, but I think I will find satisfaction in seeing you all failing at the end."
Years of isolation and the revelation that her father was a villain had a profound impact on Siora, shaping her into a jaded woman. The weight of her past experiences and the knowledge of her father's dark deeds cast a shadow over her worldview and colored her interactions with others.
The isolation Siora endured during her formative years left her feeling detached and mistrustful. Cut off from the world, she became accustomed to relying solely on herself, fostering a sense of self-reliance and independence. The absence of social connections and the limited exposure to different perspectives contributed to her growing cynicism.
As a result, Siora developed a guarded demeanor, constantly evaluating the intentions of those she encountered. Her experiences had taught her to be cautious, and she struggled to let her guard down and truly trust others. The fear of being deceived or hurt again fueled her jaded outlook on life.
Her interactions with others often bore traces of skepticism and a tendency to question motives. Siora became adept at detecting ulterior motives and hidden agendas, sometimes jumping to conclusions or assuming the worst. The layers of mistrust she had built over the years shielded her from potential harm but also prevented her from fully opening herself to genuine connections.
"Cliched," Aion thought.
In any case, the group began their journey together. At first, the atmosphere was a bit weird, thanks to Siora, but she wasn't unpleasant all of the time. She would often argue with Ailen since he was sharp-tongued and with Vaeral since he was naturally annoying.
Aside from that, she worked as a part of the group and helped with the tasks. She could do a lot with her magic, so making fire, Water, and chairs using the ground was as easy as breathing for her.
With a team that large, the group didn't find many problems reaching the temple of the fire spirit. At least when it came to facing monsters…
After days of traversing through treacherous terrain and following the guidance of ancient maps and cryptic clues, the group finally stumbled upon the hidden location of the Temple of the Fire Spirit. As they approached the designated coordinates, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation.
Nestled within a vast, rocky valley, the temple stood tall and majestic, its presence commanding respect and awe. The rugged cliffs that surrounded the temple seemed to embrace it protectively, creating an air of mystery and secrecy.
The entrance to the temple was guarded by two imposing stone statues, intricately carved in the likeness of fire-breathing dragons. Their eyes, crafted with meticulous detail, appeared to flicker and glow, imbuing an eerie sense of life into the statues.
The doors of the temple, forged from ancient, weathered wood, were adorned with ornate carvings depicting fiery scenes of legends and mythologies. As the group pushed the doors open, a rush of warm air greeted them, carrying the faint scent of smoldering embers.
Inside, the temple unfolded like a labyrinth of corridors and chambers. The walls were embellished with vibrant murals depicting fiery landscapes, swirling flames, and mythical creatures associated with the element of fire. The colors danced with intensity, evoking a sense of the primal power contained within the temple's sacred halls.
As they ventured deeper, the sound of crackling flames grew louder, accompanied by a subtle, comforting warmth that permeated the air. The light in the temple emanated from strategically placed braziers, casting flickering shadows across the stone floors and illuminating the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls.
The central chamber of the temple was a sight to behold. A massive, circular room with a domed ceiling painted with celestial representations of stars and comets. In the center, an enormous fire pit blazed, sending waves of heat and light cascading throughout the chamber. The flames danced and roared, their intense hues ranging from deep oranges to vibrant reds, captivating the eye and mesmerizing the soul.
Surrounding the fire pit were altars adorned with intricate carvings and offering plates, where devout followers would pay homage to the Fire Spirit. The energy within the chamber was palpable, pulsating with the essence of fire and passion.
Before they could do or say anything, the group saw the same thing that happened with the wind spirit. The fire spirit made the heat around concentrate on a single spot before it became a living fireball that talked with them.
"Travelers of a distant time… you have the blessings of the spirits to fight for the world."