A biting cold filled the entire area. Gradually, the fierce wind generated by Mirra's iktas transformed into an icy tornado that engulfed the band of bandits. Unable to withstand the powerful storm, they were all blown off their feet.
"Boss! This is no ordinary iktas! What should we do?!" shouted the second young man loudly as he struggled to get back on his feet.
"If that's the case, we have no other choice… use the ultimate technique!" replied the leader, who was also forcing himself to stand.
"ALRIGHT!" they answered in unison.
The bandits each drew their knives and assumed a neat formation, ready to attack. All they needed was the command from their leader. Meanwhile, Isfar stepped forward, positioning himself in front of Mirra, who was calmly observing the enemy's movements.
"This time, it's my turn," Isfar said to Mirra as he walked toward the bandits.
"BEGIN!"
The bandits moved at incredible speed, just like the first and second youths previously faced by Rihisna and Noriala. With calm steps, enjoying the icy wind, just as they were about to reach him, Isfar made his move attacking with a sinister smile. Suddenly, all the bandits stopped, as if bound and immobilized. The binding was none other than Isfar's doing, his arms spread as though signaling them to stop.
"What, not just once, all of us?!" shouted the second young man in disbelief.
"So it's true… someone really is following them," said the leader.
"It seems I didn't let you go for nothing," Isfar said to the bandit leader.
"Oi, he can't hear what you're saying!" Mirra interrupted.
"Oh, right, right," Isfar replied.
"Rihisna, tell them what I want to say," Isfar ordered.
"Huh?" Rihisna replied, confused.
"Ah, stop pretending already… just repeat what I say," Isfar insisted.
"Alright!" Rihisna answered confidently.
Isfar: Listen carefully, all you bandits!
Rihisna: Listen carefully, all you bandits!
Isfar: It's better for you to leave now, unless you want to be devoured by an iktas even greater than this!
Rihisna: You'd better get lost, unless you want to be beaten even worse!
Isfar: We are the first heirs, protecting the next heirs.
Rihisna: We are… the First Heirs! Protecting the… Second Heirs!
For a moment, all the bandits were stunned by what Rihisna had said.
"Hmph… I suspected it—they're spirits. Very well, we'll retreat," replied the bandit leader.
Thus, the bandits were released and gradually vanished, swallowed by the icy mist. After a long silence, nearly five minutes at last.
"You already knew from the beginning, didn't you, Rihisna?" Isfar asked.
"Yup," Rihisna replied with a smile.
"I knew it—you're really bad at acting, Isfar," Mirra teased.
"Hey, you're no better!" Isfar shot back.
"So it's true… both of you are spirits?" Noriala asked loudly.
They both simply smiled and nodded.
"It was fun getting to know both of you, even if only for a short while," Mirra said as she gently touched Noriala's shoulder.
"Listen carefully, Rihisna, this is only the beginning. There will be many more trials ahead. Most importantly, you must protect that treasure," Isfar advised, tapping Rihisna on the head.
"Yes! I understand. We, Rihisna Irsina and Noriala Irmina, accept the treasure and officially become the second heirs!" Rihisna declared, standing straight and pledging his oath.
"Hmmm… it seems you truly possess a great deal of ancient knowledge," Isfar praised.
The four of them fell silent once more. Slowly, Isfar's and Mirra's figures began to fade, disappearing little by little.
"It looks like it's time, Mirra," Isfar said.
"Yeah…" Mirra replied lazily.
"One last thing, no matter what happens, the two of you must always trust each other," Mirra said before leaving.
"Yes, we will trust one another!" Before Rihisna could reply, Noriala suddenly cut in, answering with a sweet smile.
A cold gust of wind swept through, and the two spirits vanished completely from the world.
"Alright, don't be sad, we've arrived anyway," Rihisna said as he ran to the edge of a cliff and looked down.
Noriala followed. Below them lay a vast area filled with magnificent structures made of ice and reinforced concrete.
"Welcome to the Kingdom of Eses!" Rihisna shouted as he introduced it to Noriala.
And thus began, and was sealed, the pact between Two Souls.
Who will become the sacrifice? Or who will sacrifice everything?