The first ethereal figure, with eyes that glowed like twin stars, floated around Chaos with a playful energy that contrasted with his ancient aura.
His gaze was fixed on Amelia, his curiosity sparking to life after centuries of dormancy. He moved with the lightness of a child discovering a new game, his misty form swirling around her in an almost joyful dance.
"So, what's your name?" he asked eagerly, drifting closer as if being pulled by an invisible force. His voice, though soft and ethereal, carried a tone of genuine excitement. It was as if he couldn't wait to uncover the mystery she represented.
"Amelia," she replied, a bit startled by his enthusiasm but maintaining her composure.
"And at what age did you first awaken?" he pressed on, his eyes bright with interest. He hovered so near, examining her with an intensity that made it seem like she was the rarest gem he had ever encountered.
"I was five," she answered, her voice calm despite his intense scrutiny.
"Five? Such potential at such a young age," he mused aloud, his voice filled with admiration. "And what is your talent? What element do you command?"
"I wield ice," Amelia said, "but I also have a minor affinity with wind."
His translucent face lit up with sheer delight. "Ice and wind? A rare and powerful combination! You must have a unique connection to the elements, child. Tell me, What else have you mastered?"
He bombarded her with question after question, each one flowing from him with a kind of insatiable, almost childlike curiosity.
His energy was infectious, yet Amelia found herself struggling to keep up with the rapid-fire pace of his inquiries.
As this enthusiastic exchange continued, the female figure remained in the background, watching with a quiet intensity.
Her presence was a stark contrast to the male's boundless energy. She stood still, her gaze steady as she observed both Amelia and the other two with a depth that suggested she was assessing far more than just their physical forms.
Finally, the female figure spoke, her voice calm cutting through the male's excitement. "Have you observed enough?"
The male figure halted mid-air, suddenly aware that he might have overstepped in his eagerness.
He floated back towards the female, his demeanor shifting from playful to slightly subdued. "Don't be like this, Mira. It's been so long since we've met anyone; I couldn't help myself."
Concern etched her face as she thought of Spark, who sat calmly on Chaos's back, observing the scene with his usual calm detachment.
"And what about him?" she asked, her voice steady as she gestured toward Spark.
The two figures exchanged another glance, their expressions growing more solemn.
After a brief pause, the male figure spoke first, his voice tinged with regret. "He is only a mortal; he cannot inherit our teachings."
Using their divine senses, they had already assessed everyone when they arrived here and had discovered that only Amelia possessed a true core and aura.
In contrast, Spark appeared to be an ordinary mortal, and the large mount, chaos, was merely a mutated beast in their eyes.
Amelia's heart sank at their words. She had relied on Spark's strength and presence, and it felt wrong to leave him behind.
"Is there a way to help him awaken?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
The figures shared another look, this time with a hint of sympathy. The male figure sighed. "If he were younger, perhaps we could have helped. But now, it is too late. His body and soul are set on their path, and no amount of external aid can change that."
Amelia's shoulders slumped slightly as she absorbed their words. Spark had brought her here safely, facing countless dangers without hesitation. It felt unfair for her to receive all the opportunities while he was left with nothing. The thought weighed heavily on her.
Sensing her distress, the ethereal figures softened their tone. Mira spoke gently, "Do not worry, child. Seeing that he also made it here, we cannot in good conscience let him leave empty-handed."
The male figure nodded in agreement. "We may not be able to help awaken him, but there are other ways we can aid him. Perhaps treasure and artifact to guard his life."
Amelia's mood lifted slightly at their words, but she still hesitated to enter the pagoda alone. She glanced back at Spark, her eyes filled with concern.
Before she could speak, Spark waved her off with a casual hand. "Don't worry about me," he said, his voice as calm as ever. "Go on. I'll wait here."
His words, simple and unwavering, reassured Amelia.
"Thank you," she said softly before turning once more to face the open doors of the pagoda, her resolve hardening.