"Ethiron? As in—"
"Yes, I am the Drowned God of Wind."
"But aren't you supposed to be sealed away in an eternal slumber?"
"There are many things you do not know, Leonardo."
"How do you know my name?"
The Drowned God smiled from her chair, tilting her head slightly, clearly amused by the anxiety flickering across Leonardo's face.
"I know many things. Now then, let us rid ourselves of these mortal things," she said, flicking her wrist lazily.
The realm around them began to dissolve. First, the farthest reaches of the landscape faded, then the grass, the table, the chair—until everything was gone.
"Besides, the only requirement for dialogue is for both of us to exist. All we need are our words. Let me affirm all the desires, the curiosities, the greed, that you seek to satisfy with answers."
The world around them twisted, shifting into a swirling nebula. The stars pulsed dimly, an ominous energy seeping through the air.
"Now, what would you like to ask me?" Ethiron's voice was as smooth as silk, but something about it carried a quiet amusement, as if she were toying with him.
"Perhaps about the Drowned God of Hearts, Yun'shul, who created beasts with the will of God to save the world from starvation? About the Drowned God of Tides, Raekon, who granted emotions to the fundamental forces of the world in an attempt to fill it with love? About the Drowned God of Famine, Korilfiend, who devoured the anxiety of the people as she lamented the state of her war-torn world? About the Drowned God of the Unknown, Hydur, who fought the Edenkite God for a chance at the unknown? About the Drowned God of War, Vhulgash, who waged the greatest war to save the world from collapse? About the Drowned God of Knowledge, Ethiron—the embodiment of the thirst for knowledge—who has done things she regrets, even in the realm of death, all in pursuit of every kind of knowledge? Or perhaps about the Drowned God of Shadows, who slaughtered the other Drowned Gods and used them as sustenance while he made the whole world his enemy—the most detestable of them all?"
Leonardo stiffened, his fingers twitching at his sides. He took an uneasy step back.
Ethiron sighed dramatically, resting her chin against her palm. "Oh dear, it looks like I've frightened you too much. Such is the nature of a Drowned God... It's quite bothersome," she said, lifting a cup of tea to her lips. Leonardo hadn't even noticed her summoning it.
"So, where are we?" Leonardo asked, trying to collect his thoughts.
"We are in my Castle of Dreams—a realm outside reality, where my soul rests."
"Your soul?"
"Since I'm an immortal being, I cannot truly die. That means that every time my physical body is destroyed, my soul is transported into this reality. This realm is, in fact, connected to the trials and the Summer Isles."
Leonardo's eyes widened. He suddenly rushed forward, grabbing Ethiron by the shoulders.
"So you know where the Summer Isles are?!"
Ethiron blinked, unimpressed. Then she reached up and effortlessly pried his hands off her, her grip strangely strong despite her relaxed demeanor.
"I don't have the experience to determine whether you're brave or just bold."
"Don't make fun of me! So this place is inside the trial temple?" Leonardo snapped, irritation lacing his voice.
"That's right. So, what else would you like to as—"
"And if I ask you, you'll let me leave, right?" Leonardo interrupted.
Ethiron held his gaze for a long moment before shrugging. "Sure... I can guarantee that."
Hearing her answer, Leonardo turned away and began walking.
"Hey, isn't there anything you want to ask me?"
"Sorry, but I'd rather meet up with the others outside than talk to you."
Ethiron's lips parted slightly, as if caught off guard.
"Huh? Y-You're kidding, right?!"
"I'm the Drowned God of Knowledge! Powerful people from all over the world have come to me in search of my wisdom! So, um... relax, right? We can just relax and talk! I have knowledge about the truth of this world that nobody—"
"Not interested," Leonardo interrupted.
Ethiron flinched, her entire body going still. Then, slowly, she slumped forward, resting her forehead against the table in exaggerated defeat.
"What?!" she exclaimed, voice muffled against the surface.
Leonardo turned back slightly, smirking. "I'll make time to chat over drinks with you later, okay?"
Ethiron lifted her head just enough to peer at him with narrowed eyes.
"You'd ask a dead woman... a Drowned God, at that... to agree to something so casually?" she muttered. Then, with a slow wave of her hand, a swirling portal opened behind him. "I've never had a meeting like this."
"If you're really going back, I'll just take my compensation first."
Leonardo tensed. "J-Just so you know, I'm broke beyond compare..."
Ethiron let out a quiet laugh. "Compensation for a Drowned God doesn't mean money. What I desire from you is a vow. You will tell no one of what has transpired at this meeting. That is my condition."
She tapped a finger against the table. "And, since you're here, I'll send you away with a souvenir. I will grant you the right to face the trial of the Summer Isles."
Leonardo narrowed his eyes. "This isn't part of the trials?"
Ethiron's lips curled into a sharp, knowing smile.
"You may not understand now, but once you learn the true nature of these trials, you will realize its worth. What feelings will you have toward me when that happens?"
Her eyes glimmered with a twisted amusement.
"The mere thought gives me such beautiful expectations."
Leonardo exhaled, shaking his head. "You... really are a Drowned God, aren't you?"
"Yes, that's right."
"I'm a very, very evil magic user."
Ethiron stepped closer, reaching out with one hand. Her fingertip pressed lightly against Leonardo's forehead.
Leonardo barely had time to react before a force pushed him backward—straight into the portal.
The last thing he saw before the world swallowed him whole was Ethiron's finger, still lingering in the air