“Greetings, it's been quite some time since I've had visitors,” said the shaman.
“Hello, my name is Zao and this is my brother Xy. We've come to ask you something,” replied Zao.
The shaman studied Xy from head to toe. He had a reputation for being hostile towards visitors, but this time he remained composed as if something had piqued his interest.
“My name is Ryushi. Please, come in,” he said.
Ryushi led the brothers to the visitor's room, an open space with three small tables and a large table in the center. On top of the large table sat a teapot with a small cup.
“It seems my daughter forgot to clean up after herself. I hope you don't mind,” Ryushi said as he gestured for them to take a seat.
Zao and Xy sat beside each other on the ground while Ryushi sat opposite them.
“Would either of you like something to drink?” he asked.
“No thank you,” replied Zao.
“I would like some water if possible,” said Xy.
“Of course. Emilia,” called Ryushi.
The young girl they had seen earlier entered the room with a shy expression on her face.
“Take the tea with you and bring some water for this young man here,” instructed Ryushi.
Emilia was known for being extremely quiet, only speaking when necessary. When she did speak, her words were brief and to the point.
She returned shortly with a glass of water for Xy.
“Thank you,” he said.
Emilia stared at him for a few seconds before quickly turning around and leaving the room.
“Don't mind her, she doesn't get used to visitors easily,” explained Ryushi.
“So, what brings you both here?” he asked.
“After thinking about it for some time, Zao suggested we visit you. I've been having strange hallucinations for as long as I can remember, but lately, they've been getting even stranger,” replied Xy.
“Stranger?”
“Yes. Recently, I was conversing with something that looked like a human, but Zao couldn't see or hear it at all.”
‘This sounds stupid…’ Xy thought nervously.
“Hm,” said Ryushi.
Five minutes of complete silence followed. Ryushi didn't say a word and the two brothers grew increasingly nervous.
“Follow me,” Ryushi finally said as he stood up.
Zao and Xy followed him to his garden. Ryushi opened a large wooden door that led to a vast expanse of greenery.
“That’s a pretty big garden you have here!” exclaimed Zao, trying to lighten the mood.
“Thank you. This place has been in my family for generations. I grew up here,” replied Ryushi.
“Master Ryushi, I have brought the leaves you requested,” called a woman dressed in a white kimono with red trim. Her blonde hair didn't quite match her outfit, but her striking blue eyes more than made up for it.
“Ah, Suda. Thank you. Please place them on the large table,” said Ryushi.
Suda turned away slowly, her gaze lingering on the two visitors, especially Xy. Her expression made both brothers feel as though she found them suspicious.
Zao and Xy turned back to admire the view of the grassy field. Xy noticed a large building not too far away and his curiosity was piqued.
“You have students?” he asked.
“Yes, I do. Do you see that building over there?” replied Ryushi, pointing with his wooden stick.
“That’s my dormitory where I teach young people the art of the sword.”
“Interesting. Was that lady from earlier one of your students?” asked Xy.
“Yes, she takes good care of me. She’s one of my best students,” replied Ryushi.
Unbeknownst to them, Suda was listening to their conversation from behind a wall in the house, shushing Emilia to keep quiet.
“That’s amazing!” exclaimed Zao.
Ryushi turned to Xy. “You… What was your name again?”
“Xy, sir.”
“Xy… You seem unfamiliar to me. I will take a closer look. But first, are you both seeking the artifacts?” he asked.
Xy and Zao exchanged a glance.
“Yes, we are,” said Zao.
“All right then, follow me,” said Ryushi as he led them back into the house.
“Oh shoot!” whispered Suda as she quickly slipped into another guest room before anyone could see her.
“I have prepared a room for this purpose,” said Ryushi.
They entered a large room with a small shrine on the wall in front of them. The room was comfortable with a window on the right side, the curtains billowing in the breeze and sunlight streaming in.
“So… What are we doing?” asked Zao, scratching his head.
“You see… Not just anyone can go searching for the artifacts. I am one of the nine Sentinels,” explained Ryushi.
*The nine Sentinels are individuals who bestow the Elemental Aura upon those who seek the Artifacts to retrieve the Celestials. The Elemental Aura allows one to discern whether someone else is also a seeker of the Artifacts. This meant that Xy and Zao were now officially able to search for the Artifacts. However, this also made their journey much more dangerous.*
“So the myth was true after all? We never thought you people existed!” exclaimed Zao.
“There is much in this world that you both are not yet aware of,” replied Ryushi.
“What will happen?” asked Xy nervously.
“Don’t worry, there are no negative side effects. I am simply marking you both as Hunters,” said Ryushi.
*Hunters are individuals who search for the Artifacts.*
“I see…” said Xy.
"Did you hear that Xy? This is real!" exclaimed Zao joyfully.
'I guess coming here was a good idea after all,' thought Xy.
“Please lie on your backs,” instructed Ryushi.
Xy and Zao lay down and Ryushi stood between them. He lit a candle and placed it between them, causing both brothers to lose consciousness.
Ryushi walked towards the shrine and knelt before it. He began to chant a spell.
“For Search, Destroy, Liberation, or Love, the two bodies presented to me, are now marked.”
“Al halel, Mertufiem, Nortas!”
*WOOSH!*
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