As Naraka and Nujah climbed higher up the mountain, Nujah observed his surroundings intently. The view was both terrifying and sorrowful. At one point, he felt multiple eyes watching them, yet nothing was visible.
In a calm voice, Naraka explained:
"They are dark spirits. But some still carry a faint trace of light within. As long as I am here, they wouldn't dare harm you—do not fear."
They continued upward with slow, steady steps until they finally reached the summit. At the center stood Vercurius, playing her violin. Around her, countless spirits danced gracefully in harmony with her melody.
"Let's wait a moment," Naraka said, moving to the side. Her eyes never left Vercurius. As the lost souls danced, the light within them grew brighter, while the darkness seemed to dissolve away. Under the power of her music, the spirits embraced one another, then slowly faded into nothingness. All that remained were countless whispers of gratitude. When the song ended, silence fell across the peak.
Nujah clapped with all his strength.
"That was amazing, Vercurius sister!" he shouted.
Naraka then gently set him down on the ground, allowing him to walk on his own. Nujah took small, determined steps toward Vercurius, his eyes shining with awe.
Then he added with admiration:
"So this is how you cleanse the lost souls? Such a noble duty… You're truly incredible, Shinrei."
A faint blush touched Vercurius's cheeks. "Thank you, little brother," she replied modestly. Then she formally introduced herself:
"Ah, I almost forgot… My name is Vercurius. Among our siblings, I am the strongest Shinrei. My purpose is to guide the lost souls—those who still carry our Mother's light—show them the right path, and free them from their chains. And if you're curious… my strongest abilities lie in soul manipulation and life energy."
Nujah's eyes lit up as if seeing stars for the first time. "This… is wonderful," was all he could say.
Just then, a raven descended from the sky. It perched by Naraka and whispered into her ear:
"Vekhir Tolen has finally returned from the Void, my Queen. He awaits you."
Then the bird soared back into the air and disappeared.
Naraka stepped closer to Nujah. "This time, you'll stay with your sister Vercurius. An important guest has arrived, and I must speak with him."
Nujah protested softly, "But… I thought we were going to spend more time together?"
Naraka smiled, gently brushing his hair. "As soon as I'm finished, I'll be right back. Until then, you can enjoy yourself with your sister—train and learn something fun."
Nujah turned to Vercurius with bright eyes. "Can you show me how to heal a soul?"
Vercurius shook her head gently. "I'm sorry… in your current state, that's impossible. But I can show you how to heal wounds instead."
Nujah beamed. "That's wonderful too! I accept!"
Naraka gave them both a final look. "Good. Then I'll return once my task is done. Enjoy yourselves." With a snap of her fingers, she vanished in a wave of radiant light, leaving the two siblings alone.