Chapter 794 Shaman
The Shaman's house, which seemed to have been built centuries ago, was a visual marvel that blended harmoniously with the dense, green forest around it. The structure, built from sturdy trunks and curiously twisted branches, seemed to have sprung straight from the ground, merging with the nature of the Forest of the Forgotten in such a way that it resembled a large tree. This imaginary tree stretched up to the tops of the neighboring trees, although it wasn't as tall as a small building.
The entrance to the house was marked by a low, wide door made of dark, sturdy wood. This door was decorated with mysterious symbols and complex carvings, so strange that even Kaizen, with the title Master of Languages, could only decipher about ten percent of them.
Surrounding the entrance, a series of stones and crystals were arranged in neat, precise semi-circles along the walls. These stones and crystals emitted a soft, enigmatic bluish glow, creating a mystical atmosphere that enveloped the entire Shaman's house.
Andrew, Alina and the others stared at this place. It was different from what they were used to and very different from what they were expecting. It was a house taken over by the forest in the middle of nowhere, and if it hadn't been for Kaizen having marked it on his map, they would probably have walked right past it.
Kaizen, in front of everyone, stepped forward and at that moment the door suddenly opened with overwhelming force. In an instant, there was a man of very short stature standing in front of Kaizen. This man had curly brown hair, and although there weren't many strands, they were long. He looked older than most halflings could reach, with his wrinkled complexion and slightly white irises.
Everyone was startled by the sudden appearance and prepared for battle, but when Alina raised her hands to cast a spell, Kaizen raised his right hand with his fingers spread wide, as if asking them to stop. Everyone obeyed and stopped their attacks.
"Hmm... Psyker, you've come a long way since your last one," murmured the old Shaman, one hand on his wrinkled chin.
The old Shaman studied Kaizen with scrutinizing eyes, as if reading the essence of his soul. Silence hung in the air as the group of adventurers waited anxiously for any movement or word that might indicate the mysterious man's next move.
Finally, the Shaman broke the silence once again. His voice was deep and reverberating, charged with the wisdom of many years. "Kaizen, the Psyker who has finally ascended, but is not fully blossomed. You have yet to dive into the deep waters of your being. Your journey is long and your roots are beginning to penetrate the fertile soil of understanding. However, the path is steep, and many challenges await you."
Kaizen bowed his head in respect, recognizing the truth in the Shaman's words. "I am willing to learn and grow. My journey may have started out lonely, but now I'm surrounded by loyal friends." He looked back over his shoulder.
The Shaman smiled slightly, his eyes shining with an inner light. "Friends are like the branches of a tree, strengthening each other as they grow. Your journey is healthier now, you no longer carry the world on your back, and that's a blessing. Learn from them, and they will learn from you."
As Kaizen took in the Shaman's words, Andrew, Alina and the others began to feel a strange sensation. It was as if they were being watched by an invisible presence. Xisrith, the descendragon, felt a shiver run down her spine as Og'tharoz, the demon, instinctively tightened his grip on his dagger. This Shaman was no ordinary person.
The Shaman then turned his gaze to Andrew, the group's paladin. "Human, strong and resilient, but carrying the weight of difficult choices. Your path is intertwined with the fate of your companions, so you must trust in yourself, so that you can evolve your faith in everything else. The burden you carry can be shared, if you allow it."
Andrew kept his gaze steady, showing determination, and didn't answer anything. He knew that, somehow, the Shaman was right.
The Shaman walked to the front of the path and began to look at them one by one.
Jayaa, the bard, and Xisrith felt the intensity of the Shaman's gaze. He studied every movement, every expression, as if reading their stories in the lines of their faces. Jaya fidgeted a little, uncomfortable with the exposure of her essence.
"Human with the lute... you are the weakest here, but also one of the strongest. Your heart is pure and although you're always afraid, you're still here out of consideration for your friend. Your heart is a labyrinth, a storm on the high seas, but I believe you can control it if you want to. Find calm, and the shadows will dissipate. Remember: your destiny is woven into the fabrics of time, and you are the weaver of your own story."
Xisrith was the next to be confronted by the Shaman, and she felt disconcerted by the halfling's unusual ability.
"You're a descendragon... Interesting. I think you're the first I've seen in my life. Your race is very rare, even more so than mine or the elves', and you feel you can change that. Very well, be the echo that guides the footsteps of those who follow you and be an example to those of your race, young girl."
Og'tharoz, the demon who once served Surtr, felt the Shaman's wisdom run through his being.
"A fierce warrior whose roots sink deep into the red earth of courage. You are not of this world and you didn't want to be here, at least not right now. Yet you want to be the wall that protects others. Out of guilt? Perhaps remorse? In any case, know that even walls can move, don't just be a target."
Alina, the Library of the Magi, was the last to be analyzed by the Shaman's discerning eye.
"Oh, I know that one very well. The bearer of hope for some and for others, a thief. People worship you and hate you these days. Of course, what happened a few months ago wouldn't go unnoticed. However, not everyone knows about the weakness you desperately try to hide, or at least you hope they don't. Elder of the Sylly Language, master your inner fire before it consumes you."
The Shaman took a dozen steps back, allowing the words to settle in the air. "You are a symphony of intertwined destinies, but you are still at the beginning of your journey. The challenge you face is a shadow that extends over all nine realms and what you face today will only be the starting point. To dispel this shadow, they must seek the light within and unite as one. Become stronger and take care of each other."
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