Life Trade

Layla reached out toward the star in front of her, and a tattoo started crawling over her arm. This astral being was living atop a planet, and it was the closest one to her location. However, the blessing it granted her was befitting of her.

"I am the Steel Giant, Hadin," said the voice in her mind. "Your unbreakable will is enough to make you a friend of mine. I will watch over you and grant you my blessing when needed."

"Thank you, great one," said Layla before her consciousness started gravitating toward earth again. It felt like she was falling from a great height, and it lasted a moment and countless years. In the end, she snapped her eyes open to the blue sky of Ilios.

"This one woke up," said a voice above her. Layla turned around to see a man looking at her with apathy. He wore shining armor and had the sun mark engraved on his chest. "Are you still sane?"

"As far as sanity goes," replied Layla while pushing the ground. "I passed the trial?"