Chapter 6: Anima Awakening Pt 1

"Truth and lies are serpents, forever entwined. One hisses promises, the other whispers doubts. Only the wise can discern the venom in their embrace."

***

Stepping through the entrance.

Asher and Aurora found themselves in a scene that stole their breath away, at least for Aurora.

Sunlight entered through stained glass panels depicting different starry constellations, creating shadows of those constellations and putting together shifting patterns of stars across the polished marble floor.

It felt like stepping into the night sky itself.

Their gazes swept across the vast hallway, taking in the richness of its history.

Statues of Gods and historical figurines adorned the walls.

Asher glanced at these things once, before completely ignoring them.

He only saw musclebound figures in questionable drapery, their expressions conveying a range of emotions from constipation to mild indigestion.

Yet, even then, he couldn't deny the beauty of the place.

These places were created not only by depicting Gods but historical figures and legendary events that had happened throughout history.

Many of the murals depict scenes were withered or missing, and left empty space to complete this history one day.

Yet, those scenes, the sculptures, and the arts, everything within the walls was a masterpiece of their own.

One could almost feel the dedication and passion of the artists who poured their blood, sweat, and very soul to make them colorful, vibrant, and detailed, capturing every essence they could from the story they were told.

But the most captivating sight lay before them.

A path of white marble snaked through the vast hall, bordered by a luminous channel of water, so clear it seemed more like liquid sky.

Delicate white lotuses bloomed beautifully within its depths, their white petals adding an aura of serenity.

Their gentle fragrance, combined with the coolness of the air gives off a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

As they walked forward, guided by Liora. They saw lanterns softly glowing floating high above.

"This place is considered as the home of spirits, there are countless stories of sightseeing these mischievous spirits, they glow in the dark, and laugh in innocent childlike voices…" Her eyes, once warm, now seemed to glow with an unyielding devotion…

'Right~' Asher's lips twitched in a smile.

"Legend speaks of the first Goodness, Nadia, who extended her benevolent hand to humanity."

"It was her, who bestowed her blessings upon the first hero, entrusting them to bring the dawn in the old era, creating a peaceful and prosperous civilization…" She continued to tell the tale of the first hero, his accomplishments, and his journey.

Asher only saw Liora's devotion, while admirable, bordered on the fanatic who is willing to give everything for the said hero.

As they traversed towards the centre part of the temple. When they arrived, in front of them was a vast, circular chamber.

Its centrepiece was a breathtaking sculpture of a woman.

Her peaceful form, sculpted from luminous white marble, stood gracefully with outstretched arms, her gaze fixed upon the clear sky, smiling faintly.

From her hands flowed the very water that coursed through the entrance of the entire temple, cascading into a hidden channel that fed the network of canals throughout the temple.

Surrounding this central figure were two more sculptures, each equally captivating.

One, a woman draped in flowing robes, held an ancient book and a luminous crystal ball, representing wisdom and foresight.

The other, depicted sitting beneath a delicately sculpted tree, exuded an aura of peace and growth.

At the centre lies a captivating singular crystal ball, suspended in mid-air at the very centre of the chamber.

It ticked with a soft, inner light, defying gravity and drawing everyone's attention.

"This is an Animodulus, It is said to be used as a guide to awakening your soul." She explained, looking back at the Agnes family.

'Hm~ Animodulus for Anima Awakening?' Asher stood, looking at the Colourless Sphere with a strange glow.

While he has seen some off-screen scenes of Anima awakening, this was his first time actually watching it in front of his eyes.

Eternal Heroes was an 18+ game, and players typically started with characters already being 16+ and their Animas awakened.

Though which type of Anima it would be? That was randomly decided by the gacha.

Back to Temple Hall, all eyes, including those of Scarlett, Elysia, and Liora, were focused on Asher and Aurora.

Aurora, her shoulders trembled faintly, and she chewed on her lower lip, betraying her nervousness.

The small hand clutching her dress trembled ever so slightly. her heart a hummingbird trapped in her chest.

Aurora's shoulders, barely wider than Asher's, rose and fell with each shallow breath.

Asher, noticing his sister's silent worry, nudged her hand with his own. His touch, warm and familiar like their shared blanket forts, sent a jolt of calm through Aurora. The jolt instantly quiets Aurora's fluttering heart.

She looked up at him, her big, lovely bright eyes brimming with worry.

But in his calm, reassuring gaze, she found a safe haven, a lighthouse in the storm of her nerves.

He squeezed her hands again, his calm eyes gave her the strength she needed.

"Go, little sis," he whispered, his voice carrying an undercurrent of confidence.

"You'll shine." A soft smile touched his lips as he patted her head with his free hand.

His simple touch and comforting words worked like a charm.

This was what Aurora needed. Her brother's encouragement and confidence in her.

Aurora's anxiety was replaced by a sense of courage. A tiny spark of determination flickered in her bright eyes.

Nodding once, she took a deep breath, and let go of Asher's hand with little reluctance.

She walked towards the centre of the chamber, her tiny steps echoing softly in the vast hall.

Though her heart still drummed nervously.

She held her head high, her gaze fixed on the Anomodulus, becoming the centre of attention.

"Aurora…" Scarlett, ever protective of the mother she was, bit her lip nervously.

She watched her daughter slowly take steps towards the Anomodulus.

A knot of worry tightened in her stomach.

The Anima Awakening was a momentous occasion, akin to a wedding or a coming-of-age ceremony.

Her worry for her daughter is obvious.

Asher stood there motionless, yet with a curious expression.

He already knew what her Anima would be, but was more focused on how it works and understanding the true nature of Anima's awakening in this world.

"Go ahead, dear. Place your hand forward." Liora, her voice as calming as a gentle breeze, addressed Aurora.

Her voice echoes in the silence of the hall.