Hero Stories: The Chosen Shaman

You are amazing! Did you know that you're the first one to take the exam at our age?!

Haha, of course. It's only possible because I'm the greatest shaman, Luluca!

H-Haha... Alright. So, are you ready for this?

Hmm? Is there anything to prepare?

I mean, a lot of shamans fail to commune with the Spirits, and that's why they fail the exam.

So usually they study old documents and ask for advice from those who have already passed the exam...

Hahaha! Oh, that's what you meant? Don't worry. I can easily pass the exam!

You seem to be very confident, Luluca.

Y-You're here. How long were you standing there?

I arrived just a moment ago and heard, "I can easily pass the exam."

Haha! I was just joking, you know.

The time has come. Follow me.

Yes!

I'll tell you everything when I get back! I'll see you soon!

Hmm...

You seem anxious again. Why? Are you worried that Luluca might fail the exam?

Honestly, I feel like... N-Nevermind.

It's weird. I just have this feeling I'll never be able to see her again...

So this is Rekos's World Tree. It's as huge as they say...

Luluca, are you ready to begin your exam?

Haha, of course. I can start whenever!

Good. The gate to the Spirits' Dimension will open very soon.

You will arrive in the Spirits' Dimension without any problems if you follow the path beyond the gate.

So I need to meet the Spirits there and carry out something called Spiritual Communion?

Yes, but now that our planet, Rekos, is losing its balance...things may be a little different.

I've read about that. Once balance is lost, it starts to affect the Spirits' Dimension and weakens the Spirits...

It appears that you've heard of it. So, no matter how great you are...

...you may be unable to meet the Spirits. Even so, don't be too upset.

Oh, don't worry! After all, I'm Luluca, the greatest shaman!

Everything's going to be just fine. So don't worry about me!

PIIIING!

Okay then! I'll be back!

Come to think of it, Roana didn't come. I'm a little worried that I pushed her too much.

She's not here yet... Hmm, everything should be fine, right? I guess I'll hear what happened after I come back.

PIIIING!

I know that you're a special one, Luluca.

And that's why I'm even more worried about you. I hope the fact that you're special doesn't end up causing more problems for you...

May the blessings of Rekos be with you...

*panting* D-Did Luluca leave already?

Yes, she just left. You just missed her.

I see...

Did you have something to tell her?

I just wanted to say be careful. When will she be back?

Well, it's hard to say. Time passes differently there.

Whoa... What a beautiful place. I'm glad I'm taking this exam.

So as long as I keep following this shiny path, I'll arrive in the Spirits' Dimension safely, right?

*rumbling*

Hmm? What was that sound?

*booming*

H-Huh?! Everything is starting to collapse!

*roaring*

N-No, I can't die in a place like this!

Ugh... Okay, I opened my eyes, and I can feel this horrible pain, so that must mean...

Phew, I'm still alive! I knew it, I can't die that easily!

But where am I? I can't feel or hear any Spirits...

So this can't be the Spirits' Dimension.

...!

I can feel something ominous... And it's getting closer.

What are those ugly, gross-looking creatures...!? I've never seen those in Rekos!

...!

Somehow, for just a moment, I felt some kind of warm energy. And it felt...frightened.

So it's running away from them. Alright, then...

I'll get rid of those filthy monsters first!

Go away! Get out of here! Disappear already!

Haha! Such weaklings!

Now it's time to look for whatever held that energy! It's feeble, but I can still feel it nearby...

That...is...a monster...

I heard something! It was faint, but I heard it!

Alright, just like I learned. Let's concentrate...

Ah...!

Whoa! What an adorable tiny little Spirit! I knew it would be easy to commune with it!

I can't die here!

Hmm? W-What was that?

Is it running away from me?

That little Spirit really knows how to run. Phew, shouldn't it be tired by now? But more than anything else...

Why are you running away!?

*rumbling*

Come on, not again! Where will I end up this time?

Huh? Nothing happened? No, wait...

I can't feel the path to Rekos. Am I...trapped here?

...Okay. This means the only thing I can do now is go to the Spirits' Dimension.

The Spirits there will know how to get back.

Now it's time to be serious and find how to get through this weird place.

...!

Alright. I can feel the energy of the Spirits coming from over there...

...

You! You've decided to show yourself, finally!

Are you heading to the Spirits' Dimension...?

So... You thought I was a monster pretending to be a shaman?

Yes, I thought you were a monster, seeing how cruelly you beat up all the other monsters... I mean, all the monsters.

Well, I'm a little offended...but I guess I was being merciless.

Anyway, don't get the wrong idea. I'm an official shaman appointed by Rekos!

I know. Shamans are the only Humans that can detect how to get to the Spirits' Dimension.

Oh, is that so? Haha, I didn't know that.

So you don't know where we are right now?

No, I don't. Well, I couldn't really pay attention to my surroundings while running from monsters, but I've never been here before.

Whatever. It doesn't really matter. Let's just focus on finding the way to the Spirits' Dimension!

...Okay.

What's with that voice? You don't trust me, do you?

O-Of course I do!

Hmph, alright. I will bring you back to the Spirits' Dimension no matter what!

This is the greatest shaman Luluca's very first promise with a Spirit! You should be honored!

O-Okay.

Alright then. Follow me!

I'm a Spirit and even I couldn't feel the Spirits' energy. How was she able to?

Maybe she's special. Could she be the one that I...?

What are you doing over there!?

I-I'm coming!

Stop hissing, I don't want to see your gross tongue!

*groaning*...

There are different monsters in this area! Although, they look less gross than before, so they should be easier to deal with...

...Weird.

You're right, they look so weird, don't they?

No, I mean... I can't feel any signs of life from these monsters. I think...

Krrrrr...

Ugh! What's with that monster!? I don't understand what you're saying, but let's talk about it later!

We need to beat them first!

Phew, it's finally over. Hmm, what's this?

This looks like a glittery seed. How pretty!

That's a Rekos World Tree Fragment. We're in the World Tree's consciousness.

What do you mean we're in its consciousness?

I told you that I can't pick up any signs of life from the monsters, right?

Yes, you did. But what's the matter?

Don't you think it's weird that these monsters just disappear like smoke when they're defeated?

Well, I just thought that's the way they disappear in a different world. I guess not...?

...The World Tree's pain and hostility are contained in this fragment.

And the memory of those feelings got mixed together with data of other worlds' monsters, causing them to become monsters too.

Oh right, I think I read about that. The World Tree is a concentration of knowledge with roots that stretch into the farthest reaches of the universe.

I thought it was just exaggeration, but apparently, it really does possess the information of other planets.

So what you're saying now is that they attacked us because of the feelings in that World Tree fragment?

I assume so. But the real problem here is why the fragment exists in the first place.

I think the World Tree is seriously hurt. And we're trapped in its consciousness.

What...? That's absurd! The World Tree is in the center of the Spirit Shrine.

And that's one of the safest places in Rekos!

I know you don't want to believe it, but considering our current situation...I'm certain.

If you're right, I don't have time for this. I need to go back right now!

But how? We're trapped in here. As long as the World Tree is unstable, we can't go back to Rekos...

Unstable... Fragments... That's it! We should collect the fragments and put them back to make it stable!

...Do you think that'll work?

The simplest solution to a difficult problem is usually the correct one. Do you have a better idea?

Okay. If we collect enough fragments, then I'll deal with the rest.

Hmm, do all Spirits know these kinds of things, or...?

Ahaha, o-of course! It's like the most basic knowledge for us Spirits!

Well, okay. We don't have time for this. Let's...

Grrrrrrr!

Good, they're here. Stay where you are, monsters!

I'll get the fragments from all of you!

The world is already losing its balance. And it's going to start affecting the Spirits' Dimension any minute.

This shaman... Is she really our only hope?

Why are you just standing there!? Stop fooling around, come and help!

Oh, alright! I'm coming!

Die, you filthy monster!

Grrrrr...

What? It barely had any fragments. Oh, by the way, how many of these do we need?

Well, I'm not sure exactly how many we need, but the more the better.

Really? Well, in that case we don't have time to waste...

Uh oh. I'm getting a bad feeling.

I guess I'll have to take care of all of them at once!

All of them...? Luluca, that's too many, even for you!

I can do this! Because I'm the greatest shaman Luluca!

...I hope not every shaman in Rekos is like her...

Something feels different about this place.

This is an area that is connected to the deepest depths of the World Tree's Consciousness. Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't even be able to get close to this area...

But considering how easy it was, it's possible that the World Tree is asleep.

I collected all the fragments we need. Now what?

I'm going to use them to make a path to the depths of the World Tree's consciousness. Please step back for a moment.

...!

Luckily, it worked.

Oh, wow! Spirits are amazing! Look at how easy that was for you.

...That wasn't easy at all.

So we just go into this gleaming door?

Yes, but we must be more careful from now on. There are even more dangerous monsters in...

You sure worry a lot, don't you? Don't worry, I'll keep you safe!

Okay! Let's go!

*sighing* ...I hope she doesn't run straight for the monsters like before.

*rumbling*...

Honestly, I was a little worried, but I guess we made it! But nothing's really changed...

W-Wait, what's wrong with this place? It's filled with horrible energy!

Something's wrong. Why...?

Grrrrrrr...

Ugh... Are those disgusting-looking monsters also from a different world?

No, they don't belong anywhere.

What? Then why are there so many here?

I don't...

That means they don't belong here either.

Yes, maybe it has something to do with the reason why the World Tree is asleep.

Alright then! Let's see if the World Tree wakes up when we take these guys out!

Krrrrrrr...

I've been fighting for so long, but more just keep coming.

This is starting to get dangerous... Wait, the fragment is reacting to something!

PIIIING...!

What is that huge tree? Where did it come from?

The sleeping World Tree's consciousness resonated with the fragments we collected and materialized into a physical object!

Oh! Looking at the rift in the tree, I think you're right!

W-Wait, they're still coming!

Luluca, watch out!

*hissing*

I didn't even see it coming! It seems like that rift is part of the problem.

Meaning we won't have to deal with these filthy creatures anymore if we close that rift.

And the World Tree will also wake up.

Then there's no time to hesitate! Hey, little Spirit, just follow me!

Get out of my way, you monsters! Stop bothering me!

Krrrrrrr...!

Ha, I made it. Now, little Spirit. I'll deal with the monsters, you concentrate on closing...

Wait, the place beyond the rift... It feels familiar!

Ugh! This light...!

This is...the Spirit Shrine? Wait, why is everyone fighting against those things?

Grrrrrrr...

Everything is done for... The monsters are trying to enter the passage connected to the World Tree.

And there's only two of us. Maybe we'll end up like the other shamans...

Don't say that! I have no intention of dying here.

And if the World Tree falls into their hands, Luluca will never be able to come back!

Grrrrrrr...!

What a relief you two are unharmed. I'm so sorry I'm late.

H-High Shaman!

I know we're in a desperate situation. But both of you need to pull yourselves together.

If they seize the World Tree, then not only the Spirit Shrine but all of Rekos will fall into chaos.

We absolutely must stop that from happening, no matter what it takes.

B-But...there's no way we can stop them alone!

Roana will bring the Sacred Knights. If we can just hold out until then...

No...! The Spirit Shrine... I have to go back right now. If I don't...

Luluca, what's wrong? Come on!

I saw it. I saw it with my own eyes. That was Rekos beyond the rift. And everyone was in danger!

I think what you just saw was...what happened in the past.

What do you mean?

Time here is different from that of Rekos. You didn't know that?

What...? Does that mean everyone is already...?

We can't be sure about that, but one thing is clear.

If we don't close this rift and wake the World Tree, the world will lose its balance completely, and that will bring chaos to Rekos.

The high shaman also said something like that before I got here. But if not right now, when can I go back...?

We can't keep standing here. More monsters are coming!

Alright. I'll stop them, you make sure you close the rift!

Krrrrrrrrr!

They're coming through the rift. Does that mean... No, that can't be right.

Please, be safe, everyone... Until I get back...

I can't...hold out any longer! Are you done yet?

Almost...!

...

They all turned to ash...?

As the World Tree wakes, all creatures that aren't allowed to be here disappear.

You two brought me back from a painful sleep. You must be a shaman from Rekos and the Spirit King's envoy.

The Spirit King's envoy?

Yes, we had to wake you to maintain the balance of the world. And we must head to the Spirits'

More importantly, what happened to Rekos? What happened to the Spirit Shrine!?

They're all safe, right? Tell me the Sacred Knights saved them all!

The reason my consciousness could not be awakened for a time is that one of my roots remains connected to the Spirits' Dimension.

What...? Then...what happened to the one in the Spirit Shrine...

It was destroyed by beings from the Dimensional Rift. However, the last thing I remember is that the shamans were trying to protect me.

Yes, then they must be alive. Of course they are.

Wait, then the path to Rekos is also gone?

I think so. If we can get help from everyone in the Spirits' Dimension...

...we may be able to go back.

Are you sure?

Yes, it may be possible, as the balance between the two dimensions has not been completely broken.

So please, open the path to the Spirits' Dimension.

Very well. It will open just once and only for a moment...

...

And behind that gleaming door is where I was supposed to go... The Spirits' Dimension.

Since balance has been lost, I will soon fall into an eternal sleep.

Before that, I will pass on the message that Rekos's high shaman left for you long ago.

The high shaman...? For me?

Luluca. You were brought into this world with a special duty and power. The one fated to behold the beginning and the end.

A great ordeal awaits you. But please, do not give up, and continue with your head held high.

A special duty...? The one fated to behold the beginning and the end...? What does that mean? Hey, answer me!

The World Tree already fell into its sleep.

...And you're the Spirit King's envoy? It wasn't an accident that we met, was it?

The gate to the Spirits' Dimension will disappear soon. First, let's go.

I'll explain everything on the way.

As the world began losing its balance, many problems started to occur in the Spirits' Dimension.

Young Spirits were unable to hold out for long and were scattered into pieces... Some were even sucked into a different dimension.

The Spirit King put his strength into keeping everyone safe. But in the end, he had used up all of his power.

And then...he was on the verge of death.

If I die, the Dimensional Border will collapse. If that comes to pass, the Spirits will also die out.

Is there any way we can prevent that from happening?

Although we stand helpless in the face of our fate...there remains one way to save everyone.

I would like to entrust you with a task of great importance.

What...should I do?

From this moment, you will be my envoy. Now, go to the Humans' Dimension, and there...

Find our last hope... Find the shaman fated to behold the beginning and the end and bring them here.

So while you were on your way to Rekos, you got trapped in the World Tree's consciousness...

And that's when I crossed paths with you as you headed toward the Spirits' Dimension.

But, "the shaman who's fated to behold the beginning and the end..." That's what the high shaman's message said!

Does that mean that I'm the shaman the Spirit King is looking for?

I think so. I was honestly surprised when I heard that.

Of course, I knew you were special from when we first met, but...

I didn't see this coming... To think that you would be the person I've been looking for...

What is that supposed to mean?

...I-In a good way of course!

Alright, I get it. That's that. But I have a question.

I'm just a shaman who hasn't even passed the exam yet. What do they expect from me?

I can't save the Spirits' Dimension from collapsing.

I wasn't told any details either.

The king just said, "The shaman will realize once they arrive."

Realize... Hmm, I don't think something like that is possible even for me.

Anyway, we'll be arriving at the Spirits' Dimension soon.

Yes, I can feel that. But something feels weird...

This is the Spirits' Dimension? It feels a little different from the World Tree's consciousness, but otherwise, it's almost the same...

N-No... This can't be right. Why can't I feel anything from the king...?

Does that mean the world completely lost its balance? Then...things must be in this state due to the Dimensional Border growing weaker.

...Probably, which means everyone...

No, they're still alive. They're just hiding.

They're frightened. And it's probably...

Trrrrrrr...

...because of them. Stay behind me.

But how are you going to deal with them all by yourself!?

I can't run away, can I? And there's one thing I'm sure about.

If the Spirit King were here, he would have asked me this.

To protect all of you from those monsters.

I can still...hold out...

Watch out!

Trrrrrrrr...!

Ack...!

Luluca! Stay with me! Stay...with...

...

Where am I... Oh right, I passed out after being attacked.

Am I dead...? So that was it for me?

She's the one... The Spirit King...

Who are you? Whose voice is this?

So you can hear us.

You... You are the hiding Spirits.

We weren't hiding. We've been waiting for you.

What do you mean? Waiting for me?

That was the last thing he said. He said that when danger comes to threaten us all, you would come and save us.

...I'm sorry, I'm not that powerful... I can't save you...or this place.

If you were alone, maybe not. But now you have our support.

I-I can feel this. The overflowing power of the Spirits...!

I think I now understand what genuine Spiritual Communion is...

...

Everyone is helping Luluca...

...!

I'm seriously sick of dealing with you monsters. So it's time for you to get out of here.

Leave the Spirits' Dimension, and don't come back.

It's finally over. But now that the Spirit King passed away, this dimension will slowly collapse, and soon...we will die out.

...No, that's not going to happen.

Huh? What do you...

I heard the message he left, and I realized why he called me here...

Because he knew. He knew that this place and everyone in it will disappear when he dies.

That's why he needed me. Someone who can guide you all to the Humans' Dimension.

...I see. You're the savior who'll lead all Spirits, Luluca...

Now then, shall we? Since the Dimensional Border is weak, it'll be easier for us to cross the border to the Humans' Dimension if we work together.

Do you think we can survive there? What if it's like the World Tree's consciousness or our dimension...?

Maybe it is like that, full of weird monsters. But you don't want to die here, do you?

And the Spirit King left a message for you. I think...you can hear it by now.

My little envoy, you have never let me down...

So I believe that you can carry out my final request... I believe that you can lead the rest of the young Spirits.

...Luluca, we owe you a great debt. We'll repay you one day.

Haha, there's nothing to repay... Anyway, listen. Once the border collapses, all Spirits will be scattered all across Rekos.

Some Spirits might even disappear. It's your job to protect them, okay?

Of course.

Alright, then. Let's go to Rekos.

...

I know. I know that Rekos will be different from the way I remember it.

But... But I still want to believe. That the land and all the people I cherish...

...and everyone in the Spirit Shrine... That they're all safe...