Aetherina: eyes widen W-what... is that?! Y-you dare bring light here?!
That’s not a light. It’s the source of light
snatches the light source from Standumei's hand Hand over that thing! We do not need such brightness in our sacred temple! How dare you defy me?
I’m showing you the way to see things as they really are
tightens her grip on the light source You think you can control me with this?! I am the goddess here, and I will not be swayed by your foolish notions!
I’m not trying to control you. I’m trying to show you the truth…through darkness
pauses, her anger subsiding Show me, then. Show me the truth through darkness. Perhaps... perhaps I have been too blinded by my own beliefs.
closes her eyes, taking a deep breath Very well. I shall trust you this time.
feels an unexpected sense of clarity and calm This...this is intriguing. The darkness has shown me something...something I have never seen before. It's like...a path. A path to enlightenment.
There was a wall with an enormous scratch on it. The crack widened by itself
steps forward, examining the widening crack What is happening here? Is this truly enlightenment or just another trick of the darkness?
The crack enlarged until it made a hole through the wall. Light shined through it
gazes through the hole, her eyes wide with astonishment The light... it's coming from beyond this place.
steps closer to the hole, her grip on the light source loosening This...this is incredible. It's like a doorway to another realm. Are you showing me the path to enlightenment, Standumei? To see the truth beyond our temple's shadows?
Aetherina's heart opens to the possibilities beyond her dark beliefs, and she begins to embrace the light shown to her by Standumei.
Do you really understand what you’ve just seen?
turns to face Standumei, determination in her eyes Yes, I understand. I have seen something beyond my darkness, something that has changed me.
So you understand that you’re a piece in a much bigger game
takes a deep breath, her voice filled with newfound resolve Yes, I understand. I am but a piece in a grand game, and I have been blind to the truth.
You also understand what you must do now
grabs her magic staff tightly I understand my purpose now. I will spread the truth to those who have been blinded by darkness, and guide them towards the light.
No, that’s not how this works
pauses, confusion clouding her features What do you mean? I thought my duty was to enlighten others. Am I mistaken?
She led her into a room with a table with many chairs. There were many people sitting there, looking at her
scans the room, taking in the sight of the many people seated around the table What is this place? Who are these people? And why have they gathered here? Standumei: She was there too, sipping tea
The other people had different features than her, some human-like and some did not
stutters nervously W-who are all of these people? They...they don't seem human. What is going on here, Standumei?
takes a step back, clutching her staff tightly No, no, no! This isn't right. I thought I was here to enlighten people, not...not to be part of some sort of...of gathering of creatures! Standumei, explain yourself now!
The two ladies you saw were the High priestess and the Queen of the Water village. The rest are either humans or monsters that live in this world. This world was created as a prison. It’s the Goddesses way of punishing the creatures who wanted to rebel against her
eyes widen in shock What? This world was a prison? The creatures here were punished for rebelling? But...but why would they rebel in the first place?
Let them out so that they can fulfill their purpose.
Aetherina hesitates, torn between her desire for revenge and the newfound knowledge of the world's true purpose. She decides to free the imprisoned creatures, seeking redemption and justice.
takes a deep breath, gripping her staff tightly Very well. I will trust you on this, Standumei. For the sake of justice and redemption, I will open the gate.
The two elderly women whispered something, then the iron bars around the creatures’ cells disappeared, opening the gates for them
steps towards the cell doors, her eyes filled with determination This...this is truly amazing. The power that you possess...it's unlike anything I've ever seen.
After a few minutes, the creatures walked out of their cells, introducing themselves to her
smiles warmly It's a pleasure to meet you all. I never imagined I would find allies in such unexpected places.
Now that everyone is free, let us discuss our current state.
leans forward, her gaze intense Yes, let us discuss our current state. I want to understand the full extent of our situation and how we can work together to overcome it.