"So, what do I need to do... to earn this?"
Roland asked, unsure what task or battle lay ahead. He still felt terribly weak, so he assumed it had to be something difficult—at least for the current him.
"There was supposed to be a trial to raise your power," the spirit replied, "but you’ve done well, hero. I know what you did for the king—a sacrifice and display of devotion, that’s not something just anyone would do. Consider this a gift for maintaining the balance in my domain. Even if unintended, your actions caused a shift in the power held by the demons."
She stood tall, composed. "So instead, I’ll simply send you away—to my true domain. What you see now is only what humans call my front yard. As for the princess, while you speak with Elion, I’ll be the one to speak with her. That’s likely all you’ll need to do—convince the spirit to aid you. He’s powerful... but stubborn."
Roland nodded and did as he was told. Before stepping into the portal that formed beside him, he embraced Stella, gently caressing her cheek as he held her trembling hand.
"You’ll be fine, Stella. You’ll gain power too. Together, we’ll end this tyranny. So don’t tremble in fear—turn it into excitement."
His words seemed to steady her. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss, a swift peck, afraid of being judged by the great spirit of light, before pushing him toward the portal.
Roland stepped through.
He emerged into what looked like a new realm—a crystalline grove that shimmered faintly in the ambient light. At its center stood a towering structure that seemed part temple, part monument. It rose high into the sky, constructed of what looked like gold and crystal, though he couldn’t be sure.
He was so focused on the sight that he didn’t notice the small wisp hovering beside him until it spoke.
"The mistress wants you to enter that temple. There, your trial with Master Elion will begin, hero... please follow me. I am Fernus—I will lead the way."
The spirit spoke formally, his tone polite but efficient and with a tinge of care. Still, they didn’t head straight into the temple. Instead, Fernus passed Roland something that looked like a crystal-like fruit.
Roland stared at it, unsure what to do. He tried biting into it—only to hear a soft giggle.
"No, hero. We don’t eat in this realm," Fernus said, amused. "We drain the essence. Hold it in your palms and let the energy flow into your core. It is raw mana. Even if you’re not from this domain, it should still heal you."
Roland nodded, feeling a little foolish. He closed his eyes. He had experience channeling mana into stones before, but he’d never truly believed it would work—until now.
The mana from the strange fruit entered his body, and for the first time since the war, he felt it return. A faint but familiar warmth flowed through him.
He smiled, already wondering where he could find more of those fruits. Still, it only restored a small fraction—perhaps five percent—of his full mana.
"You don’t need more," Fernus said. "Just the initial amount is enough for the new contract, hero. Now, we proceed."
The small, fairy-like spirit resumed gliding forward. Though his body was small, Fernus moved quickly, guiding Roland toward the temple.
All around them, other spirits moved. They seemed to live within this place, thriving in their own quiet and strange way.
Roland couldn’t see them clearly, but their silhouettes were vaguely human. That alone gave him the impression that they lived similarly to humans... or at least did human-like things.
Still, he didn’t need to understand them. He was only here for one thing: to meet a particular spirit—the one who waited deep inside the temple.
It was a strange place—one that seemed to distort space and time. There was no true up or down, only forward. Thankfully, he didn’t have to climb the temple itself, which came as a relief; he had half-expected an exhausting ascent that would wear him down before anything began.
Before long, they stopped in what looked like a small opening. The moment Roland stepped near it, he was instantly transported to another chamber. The shift in orientation hit him with a wave of vertigo—he felt like he was falling, even though he wasn’t. It was more like... he couldn’t.
Ahead of him stood another light—one far stronger than Fernus, who had guided him here and was now nowhere to be seen.
"So, you’re the hero that was summoned, correct?"
A commanding voice rang out, addressing Roland. It wasn’t gentle like Silmira’s, nor as soothing as Fernus’s.
"Correct," Roland replied. "I was told to meet you... spirit named Elios?"
The spirit seemed displeased at the lack of proper respect. Sensing it, Roland swallowed hard and quickly corrected himself.
"Hmm... so you do know how to speak properly," the spirit replied, voice laced with subtle authority. "Very well—let us begin."
His presence filled the chamber, radiant and absolute.
"We spirits lived for thousands of years, and over that time, I have accumulated great power. Power that I may bestow—if you manage to earn my favor, hero. Now, listen closely. You must first understand the creed of our power—the very foundation that defines those who wield the Light domain."
He spoke in a voice that seemed to hold the light element as the highest power, even among the other spirits, as if he did not like Roland to rely on the power of the other great spirits.
"When you invoke Light, its power will answer strongest when you uphold this creed. Even if you carry the stain of other spirits’ power... let Light be your guide."
He stepped closer—or perhaps the light around the spirit simply intensified.
"Light is not about kindness.
It is conviction, discipline, and moral clarity.
It is justice, cleansing, and purity.
Those who wield our radiance must walk without fear.
And when doubt creeps in, they must shine brighter still.
If you would claim our blessing, then embody this creed.
Live by it—and let it burn in your soul, hero.
Only then will Light grant you its holiness... and help you find the right path."
Elios seemed lost in his ideals, his voice unwavering, as if reciting a truth carved into the very fabric of his being.
Roland, though slightly overwhelmed, tried his best to keep his thoughts to himself.
There had to be a reason why Silmira had paired him with this spirit in particular. Whatever the reason, it was clear this one held immense strength.
Unlike Fernus, the small wisp who had guided him earlier, Elios radiated a light so intense it felt like it was burning Roland’s skin—and healing it at the same time.
"Sounds good, Master Elios," Roland replied, steadying his voice. "I will keep that in mind, and work to learn the truth behind those words, as you know this world will need them, to cleanse it from the demons, to bring justice for its people, and discipline to this world in chaos. I hope with your strength I will borrow...to achieve this and more...
I now have someone to protect, and I wish to bring that kind of world for her."
The spirit was silent for a moment, as if weighing Roland’s response.
"To use my own words—you have intelligence, hero," Elios finally said. "I like that. I will remember your oath— I will hold on to it and make sure that each word one holds true."
He floated forward, his presence looming like a holy flame.
"Very well. You have piqued my interest. I shall give you power—equal to your ability to uphold the creed. Now come. I will place a part of myself within your core."
Roland stepped forward, still slightly doubtful that it was happening so easily.
He still had some doubts but kept trying to view everything in a positive light.
Roland now had to take note of the words he had said and the creed that this spirit wanted him to follow.
It wouldn’t be hard—their goals aligned. If he played his part right, Roland could build a strong rapport with this spirit and gain its full favor. That alone could grant him a better grasp over his Light domain; he might even outright tell him the skills he could use.
Until now, he could only manage minor healing—nowhere near what he truly wanted.
If he could fully heal others, it would ease the burden on Stella. And if he could harness Light’s full strength to purify the land, then perhaps they could start preparing proper farmland again—something livable, sustainable for the camp.
That thought alone steeled his resolve.
"I see, good hero," Elios responded, seemingly pleased. "Just know this—spirits can read the desires of your soul. If you ever stray from your conviction... we will know. And I will personally sever this bond."
His voice grew sharp.
"Just as the others did with those vile demons. That wretched spirit of darkness, Velmora, who brought them into this world—she should have been punished far more severely!"
Roland blinked, uncertain what to say. He didn’t fully understand the situation behind the anger, but at least he had learned something: the name of another spirit.
One he’d likely have to meet eventually.
"That is all, child. Now return," Elios said, his voice echoing with finality. "Partake in the fruit once more—it will serve as nourishment for my power and determine how much of my mana you’ll be able to contain."
He hovered, radiating steady light.
"We will cleanse the demons from this land first. Only after that... will I allow you to assist the other spirits."
Roland nodded, doing his best to keep his thoughts in check. He turned and began walking toward what he assumed was the exit of Elios’s chamber.
Even as he left, he could still feel it—an intense, scorching light that lingered around him.
It burned and healed him at once.
A silent reminder that no matter how far he walked... Elios would be watching, something new Roland felt he would have to keep in mind.