The Second Truth (2)

"Orul Noltur, of those present, you have the most powerful physical body, making you one of the most formidable opponents for anyone aside from a powerful mage or a master of shield combat. You also have an abnormally powerful level of endurance and life force. Aside from the legendary general I mentioned earlier, there isn't anyone who can teach you more about axe combat. However, you can still maximize your prowess to its extremes using one old method that is both a blessing a curse. Find an item that you deem to be worth using your life for and follow Lihra to Arboria. While she will undergo the Theurgist's Rite, you will instead tell the chief priest that you wish to walk the Bridge of Eternal Anguish. You will understand the reason for its name when you begin your trial. When you make it to the end, you'll know what to do with your item. Do not lose it." Elensell counselled the Orc sovereign solemnly even though she had little she could do to aid him.

She then faced the Fallen sovereign, "Curt Mathesius, in terms of pure potential, you have currently reached the pinnacle of your talent. However, you can still go one step further to reach the true peak of your abilities. You must simply choose which path would give you the most benefit to your prowess: focusing on being an Assassin or a Wind Mage. If you choose the former, follow the two Dark Elves to the Abyssal Bore. In the case of the latter, my adoptive son should be able to give you a fair bit of guidance. Either way, you will develop new strength."

Elensell did not waste any time between people as she now turned to the first Light Faction sovereign, "Arthur Valar, your swordsmanship and command abilities have already developed to a point where it is unnecessary for me to give you guidance. However, your talent is being held back, not by yourself but by your choice of equipment. A swordsman is only a true swordsman when his sword becomes more than just an extension of the body. The Blade of Kings was not made for your hands, it was made for your ancestor's. You need a weapon made for you. Leave the Blade of Kings to your children. Instead, someone will bring you to the blacksmiths. One of them will forge a true sword for you." The human king's fists tightened at the thought of a glorious sword made only for himself. Though he'd used his family's heirloom sword for decades now, his great mastery of swordsmanship made him instinctively aware that the Blade of Kings did indeed not fit him.

"Gethras Graythius, you are one of the two remaining beings who have been chosen by Haoma, but you are not the better. Compared to the second individual, you are lacking in capabilities. This is not in relation to your talent, as you are undoubtedly the strongest archer alive. Instead, it is because you are better for personal combat, even if from a distance. You are also willing to do anything for your people, but that is as far as it extends. I say this now: you will not be able to surpass the second one chosen by Haoma, and I believe you know who that is." She paused for naught but a second for the Wood Elf Sovereign to process her words before continuing, "I cannot teach you what you need, but Haoma can. When you return to your homeland, send your spirit into Haoma and speak your mind. She will guide you better than I could. After all, the Wood Elves were born through her guidance."

Elensell's galactic eyes then looked towards the leonine Beastman, "Rhonin Aslan, I believe that you can grow stronger just like all those present. However, you have one enormous flaw keeping you from growing. In truth, you should have grown further already, but your pride keeps you from allowing your potential to shine." Her eyes narrowed in a very pointed glare as she stated flatly, "Rid yourself of your attachments to your equipment. You only serve to shackle yourself to the past, never accepting that you cannot experience that moment of prideful joy again. You must accept that you must move forward. If you choose to tie yourself to your equipment, then your people shall experience how it will be to have a leader whose strength lags behind others due to their own hubris."

As the lionman's eyes rippled with rage, anguish, and sorrow, he bit his lip hard enough to draw blood to keep from speaking. No one spoke to comfort him either, especially those of the Light Faction. As the sovereign most familiar with Rhonin, Arthur also knew of this flaw, but he could not bring himself to speak of it. After all, a moment of careless speech between rulers could ruin a relationship between countries.

The Ancient Elf moved on to the High Elf Sovereign, "Nesine Atheys, you are a brilliant Druid, though not to the extent of your mother or Norani's late husband. You can, however, surpass them in your own way. Your mother is special in that she is good at all three Druid types at once, while the late Fennar Darai was a Weredruid master. In fact, he was the only Weredruid who the Dragon Clan allowed to take the form of one of their kind due to his great mastery of their abilities. If not for his ability to match an adult Green Dragon in the shape as them in single combat, they would not have allowed such a thing. However, you have the potential to be the best Spiritual Druid. For you to do so, you must seek out the blessings of Mother Nature herself. To do that, I cannot give you proper guidance, but I can give you a starting point. Take nothing with you except a common robe and live among nature. You must experience how nature works for yourself. Only someone who achieves enlightenment in the ways of nature may receive her blessings."