[So that's your mighty plan? To limit me to the rules set forth by the Goddess?]

Soren wanted to smirk, but the fear creeping up his throat held him back.

[Have you considered whether those limits will even be enough?]

He nodded. "Yes, I thought about it. And now that I am face to face against you, those thoughts are ringing even louder…"

[You're lying.]

Soren flinched.

[Not only are you thinking this, you are also doubting your entire plan. If you even had one. Is regret that hard to admit?]

Soren remained silent. He saw Myrin glance at him worryingly, but he paid him no attention. At that moment, his eyes were filled with the fluttering of golden butterflies—gazing up at the bright heavens above.

Analyzing. Calculating. Plotting…

Eventually, [Eyes of the Fairy] deactivated on its own as he stood there, eyes weeping crimson ichor. The result of his investigation concluded one thing:

She was unbeatable.

They simply stood no chance. And more than that, his initial assumptions were also proven wrong. Unlike Tazzith's claim, The Blossom Sword Flower was not Tier 6 at all.

She was still a Tier 7. A Mythral level spirit. Yes, a downgrade from her status as a Sovereign, but Her powers were still akin to a Phantasm in the Ascended Grade.

They had completely underestimated Her…

It seems She never suffered the same consequences Tazzith did in that battle… So much for being a Sovereign. He thought.

What was even more troubling, however, was just how powerful Her mind reading abilities were. Despite having the Fairy Bind spell active within his Three Layers, it was still not enough to stop Her probing…

He wanted to curse, but really, there was no point in venting either… The only thing he was now focused on was restructuring their plan… Whatever that even meant at this point. Would thinking of something else even matter? After all, everything he could ever plan for was within her reach.

"Messanger of Beauty, the one they call the 'Sword of the Maiden.' I am honored by your visit to this humble village."

A husky voice echoed from behind. In that moment, a strange feeling washed over them all, like a blanket in the harshness of winter. Soren turned to see Elder Kaalan walking up to the plaza—scepter in hand. His expression remained calm, but also somewhat burdened… As if he was up all night brooding Her arrival.

The graceful flower glanced at him briefly. Her honey colored eyes seemed distant this time.

[A barrier… Interesting.]

Her voice echoed for all to hear. This time, Soren watched the villagers awkwardly stumble upon their steps, as if they had just awoken from a nightmare. A few fell over, unable to fully control their bodies like before.

Seeing this, Soren squinted his eyes. "This is…"

"The tribe's protective barrier." A cheerful and childish voice came from the left. One that was very familiar to him. Glancing in that direction, Soren saw Cassia approaching as well. Her candid smile seemed strangely distant, as if she had been mulling over a decision…

"Protective barrier," he repeated. Soren had heard about it a few times by now. From his understanding, it was powered by the Beacon of Guidance located under the Serpent Statue and somehow, granted them immunity from Spirit Beast attacks and other common threats… According to Elder Kaalan, it was proof that the Serpent of Untruths remains in existence. The magecraft formation powering it was done through prayer to Him… though, he didn't know how much of that was true. Only the Elders were allowed to observe the formation.

In fact, it was due to this that Uruk and Isha were largely responsible for bringing back food. The youngsters were the only ones allowed to leave—village Elder and the other adults were tasked with jobs around the tribe itself.

Now, however, it seems that the barrier also had another function he was unaware of… One that seemed eerily similar to Cassia's Soul Weapon ability.

Are they obfuscating everything within the barrier's reach through deception of the Beyond? That was really the only theory he could think of. Not that he cared all that much—advantages are advantages, regardless of where they come from.

Cassia seemed to confirm his thoughts with a nod. "The Beacon of Guidance is an ancient relic, left behind by the Beast of Knowledge Himself. I doubt She will be able to read our thoughts now…"

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And more than that, Her ability to charm lesser beings was also being questioned.

Still, Soren didn't allow himself to underestimate Her. Even if some of Her powers were limited inside the barrier, did not mean that would remain the case once She accepted the Runic Acquisition Festival challenge.

The Blossom Sword Flower glanced at the Elder in cold silence. As if to read his expression. However, in the end, She sighed and returned her gaze back to Soren:

[Child. I offer you but one final mercy. From what I've seen and heard, your Runic Existence bears the likeness of the Maiden Herself. Know that I harbor no desire to bring you or your companions harm.

[Relinquish your challenge, and surrender the Heartdrinker Sigil to me. Do this, and you shall depart unscathed.

[Speak now—what is your answer?]

Soren stayed silent for a moment. He closed his eyes, as if to contemplate every decision he had made so far up to this point. Indeed, what the Blossom Sword Flower suggested was true. She was unlike Tazzith—She was not a liar. Nor did She harbor hatred for humanity. Dishonoring Her words would be akin to dishonoring the Maiden Herself.

But so what? Her goal was still the same—to rob him of his hard-earned Sacred Treasure. But beyond that, he also coveted something from Her. Another Abstract Rune—one that would allow him to extend his lifespan…

Without these things, would he not be as good as dead regardless?

In fact, he had long suspected that the Orbits of Fate were dragging him toward Mount Tolarion simply because of his dwindling lifespan. With barely two months to live, time itself was closing in. Fate had never truly cared about his survival—all it needed was the completion of its desired goal… And he was the vessel to enact that will. What happens to him after reaching the summit of Mount Tolarion was never in its final calculations. Whether he lived or died—the Orbits were indifferent to that conclusion.

But from this, he was able to conclude something else. That was why this moment felt both thrilling and terrifying to him.

The Runic Acquisition Festival… It wasn't a part of Fate's machinations. It wasn't carved into the Orbits. This was a ripple in the path his Epoch Star follows. One that he himself had orchestrated.

No one had forced him to stand here.

No higher will had scripted this choice.

This challenge—this risk… It belonged to him alone.

Opening his eyes once again, he glanced first at Myrin, who also had resolved himself the same. Soren smiled deeply—a part of him felt glad to have brought him along this absurd journey. Time and time again, he has shown just how reliable of a companion he was.

"I refuse your offer."

His voice boomed for all to hear. This was no different from a declaration of war. One that was against an enemy he knew he could not contend against. The villagers all showed different reactions. Some confused, others horrified. A few seemed excited—likely hoping for a good show. But one thing was clear regardless of their expressions:

They all thought it was suicidal.

Soren glanced at the colossal spirit, hoping for a reaction. But all he saw was a blank expression—as if the ways of mortals were beneath Her considerations. All She did was echo a sigh.

[Truly, ignorance blooms the most stubborn arrogance… Very well. I shall accept your challenge. The wager is simple. With the Holy Maiden as my witness, I demand the Heartdrinker Sigil as well as your life as compensation for my victory. Under the sacred rites of the Runic Acquisition Festival, I take it that you demand a portion of my Abstract Rune in return?]

Soren nodded slowly. "Yes. One fragment for me and my companion."

[Very well. Balance must exist to enact the fairness of the challenge. I shall permit multiple contenders. You, and the exiled prince—Myrin Zinrie—shall be granted the right to face me.]

"And me as well." Cassia proclaimed, much to the shock of everyone. Soren heard a few gasps here and there within the crowd.

The Blossom Sword Flower glanced at the young girl, curiosity masking Her eyes.

[Speak child. What is it that you desire?]

"Answers!" Cassia said with her brows furrowed, arms crossed over her chest. "I want answers! You have lived for many millenia, and have seen countless things, no doubt. I want to learn more about the Old Gods…

"Why do the Six Divines view worship of them heretical? Why is their existence so despised?"

The silence festered and grew. Even the howling winds seemed to turn shy at that moment. Soren looked at Cassia once again, this time with awe written over his face. He couldn't believe just how brave she was to even ask that. The spirit before them wasn't just in the Ascended Grade. She was a devout believer and worshipper of the Flower Maiden. To question the very decree that Her god has decided upon was beyond sacrilegious.

[Very well.] The Blossom Sword Flower said solemnly. [I shall permit a third participant.]

Hearing that, Cassia sighed then glanced at Soren and Myrin with a warm smile. "Sorry, you two… I forced my way into something that didn't involve me."

Soren shook his head. "Cassia, why? No, that's not what I meant to ask." He shook his head. "Are you sure about this?"

Without hesitation, she nodded back at him. "Yes. This is an opportunity I cannot waste. But beyond that, I promised to help you obtain your rune, didn't I?" She chuckled.

Soren didn't know what to say. He simply stared up at the Maiden's messenger, awaiting the inevitable.

And the inevitable came…

Out of nowhere, Soren noticed the howling winds disappeared. Then, the world itself shifted. A colossal glass-like dome seemed to have encased them all, as if they had been absorbed inside a different dimensional space. He tried to use [Eyes of the Fairy], but shockingly, the ability failed to even activate.

"This…" He watched in horror as countless fractal-like geometries formed around them. It was as if they were now floating freely in space. Though, rather than darkness, what surrounded the three of them was a glamourized world of colors and things…

It took him a bit to glance beyond his own nausea, and when he did, fear began to creep up his chest. The fractalized objects… They were reflections of themselves. Distorted beyond anything he could ever hope to see.

[Out of fairness,] Her voice echoed in their ears, [I will not allow myself to read your thoughts. Though, I am unsure if that will provide you with any advantage…]

"Where are we?!" Myrin yelled, but the only thing he heard back was a reflection of his own voice, echoing off the walls.

[You will learn soon enough.] She said from beyond the veil. By now, even her visage had disappeared from view, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere.

[Let the Mirror Game begin.]

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