"Yes."
The angel smiled and nodded.
"May I ask, why are you giving me this gift? I am not unwilling to accept your gift, but what is the cost of this gift?"
Shard asked in confusion, as the angel looked at him and the cat in his arms:
"There is no cost, it's just to thank you for sacrificing yourself to save the Earth. You had many choices, yet you chose the most difficult path."
"It's what I should do."
Shard then reached out to take the feather, and the Lake Goddess explained:
"In addition to the Holy trait, its power gives you three opportunities to separate the two bonded souls again. As a Sage who has passed the trial, you came to seek answers from me, and though I know the answer, I cannot tell you. So please take this; it will aid you."
"Please allow me to express my gratitude once more."
Shard bowed in thanks, while the white-robed lady holding the staff shook her head slightly:
