Trial of Death – Part II

Sera led Sephir to a serene garden within the heavenly palace. Morning sunlight filtered through the lush foliage, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was here, amidst this natural beauty, that Sephir's training as the goddess of wind would commence.

Sephir's morning routine began with a form of meditation unique to the heavenly realm. In this ethereal world, meditation was more about channeling one's soul power than the typical mortal practice. Every being in heaven possessed soul power, which was essentially their life energy. Mortals had it too, but their inability to replenish it often led to their limited time on Earth. As soul power diminished, mortal bodies grew weaker, eventually succumbing to death, while the soul endured.

But Sephir was no longer bound by mortal constraints. She had been granted the Blessings of the Goddess, allowing her to harness and regenerate her soul power for a higher purpose—wielding the sacred weapons of the goddess of wind.

Sephir's primary task was to learn how to channel and expand her soul power efficiently. The blessings accelerated the process, allowing her to deplete her soul power completely and replenish it without the usual fatigue that came with depletion. Thus, her capacity expanded quickly.

Sera, the goddess, presented Sephir with her formidable arsenal:

The "Tempest Vase," a verdant vessel, appeared as if it were plucked from an enchanted forest. Its surface was adorned with intricate patterns, and it seemed to pulse with a natural energy. This vessel held within it the power to conjure elemental tempests of unparalleled might. Among the four varieties at Sephir's disposal, the "Soul Shredding Tempest" was a whirlwind of malevolence, capable of tearing apart souls with a relentless vortex. The "Soul Burning Tempest" ignited the very essence of those caught in its fury, incinerating their spiritual essence. The "Soul Drowning Tempest" wielded water and wind in tandem, exerting an overwhelming pressure that crushed souls to insignificance. Lastly, the "Soul-Filling Tempest" expanded souls beyond their limits until they reached a volatile breaking point, causing them to explode in a cataclysmic release of energy. Each of these tempests devoured varying amounts of soul power, and the vase possessed the unique ability to reclaim them at Sephir's will, a testament to its inherent connection with the goddess of wind herself.

The second weapon, the "Wind Blades," concealed their true nature behind an illusion of simplicity. At first glance, these weapons were unassuming grips, devoid of any visible blades. However, once infused with Sephir's soul power, they transformed into formidable, shape-shifting blades of wind. These ethereal weapons could take on various forms, shifting from daggers to swords or even manifesting as raging tempests. Their edges were razor-sharp, capable of slicing through the very fabric of existence, making them a devastating choice for combat in the heavenly realm.

The third weapon, the "Zephyr Harp," appeared as a seemingly ordinary musical instrument with an otherworldly aura. Crafted from the most precious materials in the divine realm, its strings and frame seemed to shimmer with a timeless elegance. Yet, beneath its harmonious facade lay the power to command the very winds themselves. Sephir could use this enchanted harp to manipulate the atmosphere and elements with grace and precision. The melodies she played resonated with the wind, allowing her to either calm the tempestuous gales or whip them into a furious storm. Remarkably, this remarkable instrument required only a minimal expenditure of soul power, making it a versatile tool for controlling the winds of heaven.

For the upcoming Trial of Death, Sephir had chosen the most challenging weapon to master—the Tempest Vase. Now, surrounded by swirling tempests in the training grounds, Sephir struggled to control even one. Sera had suggested she opt for the harp or blades, but Sephir remained resolute in her choice.

Apart from weapon mastery, Sephir adhered to a rigorous training regimen. Mornings began with meditation, while evenings were devoted to combat training with Sraptor. Initially, Sephir sparred with him using conventional blades, but she soon incorporated the wind blades. This dual training allowed her to continuously channel energy into her chosen weapon while honing her combat skills.

The routines were both grueling and demanding. The Blessings mitigated exhaustion resulting from soul power depletion, but Sephir still felt some fatigue from expending it throughout the day. The blessing expedited soul power recovery, sparing her the years of waiting typically required for such restoration. It was a substantial advantage for those who had triumphed in the Trial of Life.

As the days passed in relentless training, Sephir's resolve only grew stronger. She could feel the power of the Tempest Vase, the grace of the Wind Blades, and the harmonious mastery of the Zephyr Harp becoming extensions of herself. The lush garden where her journey had started was now a testament to her dedication, strewn with the echoes of her efforts. The Trial of Death loomed ever closer, casting its shadow over her preparations.

In the heavenly palace, Sephir had forged an unbreakable bond with Sera, the goddess of wind, who had imparted not only her formidable arsenal but also her wisdom. Sephir had become a vessel for the legacy of the wind, and her responsibility weighed heavy on her shoulders. But she was determined, for the privilege of becoming a goddess came with a price, a price she was willing to pay with unwavering courage and unyielding spirit.

With only ten days remaining until the Trial of Death, Sephir's heart beat in sync with the winds of heaven. She had come to understand that this trial was not just about power, but also about the strength of her will, her determination to protect the celestial realm. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sephir looked to the starlit sky, her soul intertwined with the very essence of the wind itself. She knew that the true test awaited her, and she would face it with the strength of a goddess, the guidance of Sera, and the echoes of her unyielding training. The stage was set for the next chapter of her destiny.