As I stood amidst the silence of the white mountains, a vast, intricately carved dome rose before me—an ancient sacred sanctuary of the monks. Its towering presence exuded both reverence and mystery, etched with symbols that whispered of forgotten times.
Beside me stood the man who had saved me from the giant's wrath—Sage Guain. His presence was calm, powerful, and grounded like the very earth beneath our feet. I turned my head slightly to seek his silent approval to step into the hallowed place. With a gentle nod, he gave his consent.
I took a hesitant step forward, the wind stilling around us as if holding its breath. And then, with Sage Guain following close behind, I crossed the threshold into the sacred dome.
I knew, deep in my soul, that this place wasn't meant for the eyes of the ordinary. It was hidden—wrapped in an ancient veil, untouched by time or the outside world. Somehow, by fate or grace, I had been brought here. There was a strange humming inside me, like stars murmuring through my veins, awakening something I never knew I carried.
Sage Guain stepped forward, his voice low and reverent.
"Dear Princess," he said, his eyes reflecting the glow of the sacred dome, "this palace has stood here since the birth of the earth itself. It watches over those rare souls who are chosen—kind, pure-hearted ones with great purposes still to come. Here, they're protected… and nourished with the spiritual energy they'll one day need."
I looked at Sage Guain, slightly startled. It wasn't like him to speak so openly—especially in front of someone not of this world, not fully initiated into its truths. But he seemed calm, almost amused by my reaction. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he raised a hand and pointed toward the towering sculptures carved into the palace wall.
"They're not just statues," he said quietly.
"These are the gods worshipped across the earth. Each one… born not from heaven, but from belief. They were manifested—shaped into being—by the collective prayers of humankind. That is the power of faith. Even the divine can be born from it."
I turned my gaze to the wall, letting my eyes wander across the golden carvings of the gods. Each one was unique—some held musical instruments, their expressions serene and soulful. Others were depicted in poses of blessing, hands extended as if granting silent wishes. A few stood tall beside majestic beasts—creatures of fire, wind, or shadow—symbols of their dominion and power.
And then… I saw one that made me pause.
There was something about that figure—its stance, its eyes, the subtle curve of the lips—that felt achingly familiar. I couldn't place it at first, but my heart recognized it before my mind could catch up.
Sage Guain bowed before the statue, his movements slow and reverent. I hesitated, unsure, but followed awkwardly, mirroring his gesture.
"She is the one foretold in the old prophecies," he said quietly, his voice echoing softly against the sacred walls. "The one who will manifest… to grant us monks the salvation we've awaited for centuries. Her coming has been long foretold. And now… now, we believe the time is near."
I stared at the statue again—at the face that looked so strangely familiar, so eerily close to mine. My voice trembled as I whispered, "Is she… our Goddess Araiana?"
There was a long, almost sacred silence.
Then, finally, Sage Guain answered, a single word falling like a stone into still water:
"Yes."
He turned to me, eyes solemn.
"Princess…"
It was then that the realization hit me—he had been calling me Princess from the very beginning.
I turned to him, my voice hesitant.
"Respected Sage… may I ask—do you know me?"
He gave a soft, knowing smile.
"Of course," he said, his tone as calm as still water. "Our sacred place here on Earth is connected to all the dimensions of this universe… and the ones beyond it. We received a message long ago—from Ken Gayu—guiding us to assist you on your path. It is time… for the awakening of the Goddess."
At the mention of that name—Ken Gayu—a familiar warmth bloomed in my chest. The face of my master flashed vividly before my eyes, blurring my vision with misty tears.
"Princess," Sage Guain said gently, "we are monks. Many believe that we are distant—that because we renounce worldly ties, we are strangers to emotion. But the truth is… no one understands or feels emotions more deeply than we do."
He looked at me with quiet compassion.
"Your master cares for you more than you know. Your safety has always been his greatest concern."
My eyes, already red and glistening with tears, lifted slowly to meet his. I nodded silently, the ache in my chest both comforting and overwhelming.
"So remember," he continued softly, "your master is always with you—in spirit, in purpose. Standing beside you, ready to guide you whenever you call."
There was a pause. Then, with a small smile, he stepped back.
"Now rest, Princess. Tomorrow… your journey begins. We will start preparing for your mission at first light."