During our brief flight, I couldn't help but observe the intricate workings of the celestial realm and the lifestyles of the deities that resided within it. From what I gathered, the numerous palaces we passed by appeared to be smaller domains belonging to the lesser deities. The fluctuations in their divine auras were noticeable, and if I were to make an estimation, their power seemed comparably weak.
I couldn't help but feel a tinge of pity for them. As I shifted my attention to Tharla, the Goddess leading us, I couldn't help but inwardly wonder at the stark contrast. Her divine aura radiated with an intensity that dwarfed the feeble candlelights emitted by the countless palaces we had witnessed. It was a stark reminder of the immense disparity in power and influence between her and the lesser deities.
Tharla skillfully guided us towards a temple that stood in a spacious clearing devoid of other structures. A sense of intrigue enveloped us as we followed her lead.
However, as we drew nearer, I was taken aback by a startling revelation. A faint, yet unmistakable cosmic shield enveloped the temple, emanating an energy reminiscent of teleportation. It was as if the very essence of mana within the shield possessed the power to transport beings instantaneously from one location to another.
'A gate?' I inwardly wondered.
"This is Lumina's domain. She is the Goddess of Radiance," Tharla spoke calmly as she stepped through the shield. Her figure appeared as if she had walked through water before she disappeared.
My siblings threw me cautious gazes, while Breta simply shrugged. "Let's follow, but stay on guard," saying that, I took the lead and stepped forward. For a moment, I was surprised as I felt the familiar sensation of teleportation descends upon me.
As my eyes quickly adjusted, I glanced at my surroundings in curiousity. Nestled within an ethereal realm, shimmering mists danced like veils of enchantment. As we step into this realm, my senses were enveloped by an otherworldly brilliance, as if the very air glowed with luminescence.
A vast expanse stretched before us, adorned with meandering rivers of liquid light that cascaded down crystalline cliffs, forming iridescent waterfalls that seemed to sing harmonies with the wind. Blossoms of radiant hues carpeted the verdant landscape, their petals shimmering like precious gemstones, filling the air with intoxicating fragrances that danced upon the breeze.
The sky above was a masterpiece of celestial artistry, where constellations twinkle with a vibrancy unmatched elsewhere, and I couldn't help but be mesmerized by it. Radiant clouds, like billowing tapestries woven from golden threads, casted shifting shadows upon the iridescent terrain, creating an ever-changing spectacle that appeared to be capable of steering the soul.
A profound serenity pervaded the atmosphere, as if the very essence of tranquility has been distilled and woven into every inch of this breathtaking domain.
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"It's pretty," Breta subconsciously mumbled by my side, and I couldn't help but nod in agreement. Still, however, I kept my guard up. The aura of this place and that of this Lumina was without a doubt similar to Tharla, she was not to he underestimated.
From one of the rivers of liquid light, a figure suddenly materialized, the newcomer possessed a form of unparalleled beauty and luminosity one that even I had to admit to. It seemed to reflect the very essence of her divine powers.
Her flowing hair, was spun gold woven with stardust, cascaded down her back in shimmering waves that seemed to emit a soft, ethereal glow. Each strand carried the hues of dawn and dusk, creating a blend of warm and cool tones that harmonized in perfect balance.
Her eyes, aglow with an inner light. They sparkled with the brilliance of a thousand stars, evoking a sense of wisdom and serenity.
Adorned in a flowing gown of iridescent fabric, Lumina seemed to be draped in pure light. The fabric shimmered with a myriad of colors, as if woven from the hues of sunrise and sunset, reflecting her ever-changing radiance. The gown appears weightless, floating around her as though she herself was a creature born from the luminescence of the cosmos.
Her skin possessed a delicate radiance, reminiscent of moonlit opal. It glowed with an ethereal light, emanating a soft radiance that bathed her surroundings.
Upon her brow rested a delicate crown of intertwined starlight and celestial flora, adorned with shimmering gemstones that twinkled like distant galaxies. Each jewel carries a unique hue to it.
'So that's Lumina,' her appearance was without a doubt divine, and I couldn't help but turn my gaze to my companion.
Breta seemed to sense my gaze and glared back at me, "Don't you dare say anything."
"Like what?" I answered, feigning innocence.
"I don't know, but I had a feeling you'd say something stupid."
"Me? How could I? Still— the difference between you two is a little bit too much, don't you think?" I couldn't help but ask, with a soft grin.
My words caused Breta to click her tongue and ignore me, as she turned to focus on the Goddess of Radiance that just made her appearance.
"Tharla," the Goddess, spoke. Her voice carried with it a charm that was hard to describe.
Tharla's melodic voice resonated through the air in reply:
"Lumina," she greeted the Goddess with familiarity, their rapport hinting at a deep connection. Tharla then gestured towards us, acknowledging our presence and purpose. "These esteemed guests have traveled from afar, ready to lend their aid in resolving our current mana predicament."
At that, Lumina, regarded us with a warm smile. Her radiant presence seemed to illuminate the surroundings, imbuing the atmosphere with a sense of divinity. We exchanged respectful nods.
"Thank you all for coming," she said.
"We are simply doing our duty," I answered briefly.
"Good, now that you are here, Lumina will take care of everything, please follow her," Tharla said and gave us a light nod before continuing, "Well then, I will be seeing you all." Leaving those final words behind, the tree Goddess soared into the ai; her figure flashing before she disappeared.
As Tharla departed, our focus shifted to Lumina, her radiant presence catching our attention. She addressed us with a calm and composed demeanor, outlining the assistance that awaited us on our mission.
"Considering the size of your group, we will assign a team of minor deities to support you in your endeavors," Lumina explained, her eyes briefly lingering on Breta before continuing. "Will you he accompanying one of them?" she asked.
Breta's countenance shifted slightly, revealing a faint frown that was uncommon on her usually stoic face. However, she swiftly regained her composure, turning towards me before responding, "Yes, I will be joining forces with Aether."