As Seth and Andrea ventured deeper into the Zorvath Ruins, an otherworldly silence enveloped them. Ancient stones whispered secrets of a bygone era, and the air crackled with latent magic. Suddenly, a blinding light erupted before them, casting aside the shadows that had lingered for centuries.
The radiant figure materialized into a projection of Oracle, her ethereal presence illuminating the ruins. Seth stood in awe, captivated by her beauty. She had long, splendid silver hair that flowed like liquid moonlight and blue eyes that seemed to contain entire galaxies.
Time itself felt suspended as he turned to look at Andrea, only to find her frozen in place, caught in the enchantment of Oracle's appearance. Seth recalled the antimagic barrier that enveloped the ruins, rendering most beings powerless. Yet, here stood Oracle, unfettered by its constraints.
With a serene smile, Oracle spoke, her voice resonating through the air like a melodious chime. "Successor of Juan Miguel, my master and creator… from this day, you will experience hard trials."
"Why must I go through that?" Seth questioned, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.
Oracle's gaze held a depth of knowledge. "You must gather the descendants of the seven guardians. Along your journey, you and your future companions must develop your own abilities."
Seth furrowed his brow, puzzled by her words. "Why don't you just bring them here right now? And dragons have been extinct long ago!"
"You need to gather them yourself and form bonds with them," Oracle replied, her voice unwavering. She then turned her gaze to Andrea, who remained frozen in place. "As for Isolde's descendant…"
In an instant, Andrea was unfrozen, but the shock of Oracle's revelation flooded her mind. "Your childhood friend is a dragon," Oracle continued, her voice calm and soothing. "Not an ordinary dragon, but Isolde's descendant."
Andrea's eyes widened in disbelief, and her world spun as the revelation crashed over her. The information was too much; her vision blurred, and she collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Andrea!" Seth exclaimed, rushing to her side, his heart pounding with worry. He checked her pulse and breathed a sigh of relief upon realizing she had merely lost consciousness, overwhelmed by the news.
He turned back to Oracle, desperate for answers. "How can I gather the other descendants?" he asked, his voice tinged with urgency.
Oracle's expression shifted, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes. "I cannot reveal the answers you seek. However, I will send your assistant, Eve, to aid you."
With that, Oracle began to fade, the blinding light retreating into the shadows. As her form dissipated, Seth felt a sense of purpose ignite within him. He would find the descendants and unlock the potential that lay dormant within himself and his companions.
In the stillness of the ruins, Seth gently lifted Andrea's unconscious form, cradling her in his arms. He knew they had much to discover and even more to protect.
As he prepared to leave the ruins, the path ahead seemed daunting, but he was resolute. Together with Andrea and Eve, he would embrace the trials that awaited them and forge a new legacy for Abyssia.
End of Chapter 5