Kristen's Pov
Kristen left the building without uttering another word. His next destination was already determined. "I should have probably asked Versia to come along with me," He muttered with a sigh.
Just then, a black car pulled up behind him, it was supposed to take him to Yggdrasil, the sacred home of the nine voices.
The Nine Voices were oracles who sat at the pinnacle of divine authority and rarely descended outside the divine grace of Yggdrasil. Each one had a unique title which portrayed one of the Nine core emotions in humans—Wrath, Sorrow, Joy, Love, Terror, Courage, Envy, Tranquility, Revulsion and Curiosity.
"What makes you think you will be granted an audience with the Nine voices? I have heard they haven't interacted with anyone for half a decade." Suddenly a voice said from behind, It was Versia.
"I thought you didn't want to come with me?"
"If you are so confident that The Nine Voices will grant you an audience, I can't miss such a precious opportunity" She replied with a smirk.
"You sure you don't just want to ask them when you will find a suitable finance for yourself?"
"O-of course not," She stammered, ears flushed with a hint of red "We are getting late. Hurry up and get in the damn car"
The journey to yggdrasil took them nearly two hours, winding through tall skyscrapers before the divine tree revealed itself. Its bark shimmering faintly, its branches stretching like arms towards heaven.
"No matter how many times I gaze at her, I can't help but be amazed." Versia muttered in awe, glazing at the vast tree towering in front of them.
Nestled at the root of the tree was an enormous, ancient temple, swallowed by the vines and moss. Its marble pillars etched with countless intricate runes gleamed in a faint golden radiance, and its walls covered in fading murals and paintings.
Normal people were strictly forbidden from entering the temple. Of course Versia and Kirsten being high ranking military personnel had no issues entering as they passed through the gates leading to the temple.
At the far end of the vast chamber stood a statue of an angel, holding a vial in one hand and a spear in the other. Its six wings dripped with water forming a pool of water around it.
Before the statue stood a figure clad in golden robes. It was the Priestess of the temple, her face veiled, her presence divine.
"Kristen Velmire and Versia stormborn" the priestess muttered, her voice calm and mysterious.
"We greet the priestess of Yggdrasil"
The priestess smiled faintly "What pleasure do I have to be granted audience with distinguished visitors"
Kristen raised his head, his voice humble "We are merely warriors priestess, your knowledge and wisdom precedes way above ours"
"Every being has a role to play in this life, Yours is to stand as the guardian of the mortal flame. Mine is to guide the wandering who are lost."
"Then might we ask your grace to guide these wandering souls who seek your wisdom?"
"Is it me you seek ? or is it the Nine Voices?" The priestess replied in amusement.
Kristen met her gaze, the crimson glow of her eyes flickering behind the veil.
"Is there a difference?, The flame and its light are not separate— only seen from different angles."
A knowing smile curved her lips"As sly as ever," She murmured before turning her head towards Versia. "What brings you here little Versia".
Versia simply rolled her eyes "You already know everything don't you? Priestess Eurelia"
Eurelia chuckled "Huhu indeed but its more amusing hearing directly from you"
She waved her hand "Let's leave that silver tongued fox alone to his own troubles while we chat for a while" With that she and Versia disappeared leaving Kirsten all alone in the enormous chamber.
"Alright Let's do this" He sighed, stepping forward.
Bringing his hand forward he channeled the Ember, runes flared to life in the entire chamber. All of a sudden a door manifested itself in front of the mural painted on the wall.
He stepped inside the door, on the other side there were nine enormous pillars each of them carved with an intricate rune on them. Suddenly one of the pillars lit up, illuminating the entire space.
The scenery changed, flames surrounded Kristen, the blazing embers reflected in his eyes as he gazed at a figure in the distance.
Amidst the raging flames stood a figure, clad in black robes, its face veiled and held a bloodied sword in its hand.
The presence was suffocating, the heat was agonizing yet the figure remained motionless.
It was one of the Nine Voices, The Voice of Wrath. The strongest of all the Nine voices.
"I seek answers," he said.
An eerie smile crept onto the figure's face.