Aquilino sailed for about twenty minutes until he reached the true realm of Nimbrok, the world submerged in the swamp. A realm outside of Yggdrasil, following a small leaf of the world tree that lay beneath Alvheim.

  As much as Theo doubted the existence of this tree and its branches, its existence is undeniable.

  Yggdrasil is the world tree, its trunk holding three realms: Asgard, Midgard, and Helheim. There are seven branches, where the other seven main realms are located. However, just like all trees, Yggdrasil also has leaves.

  These leaves are used by gods and some spiritual beings as branched dimensions of space. Some lesser gods created their own realms after being banished from the human realms. Meanwhile, some higher spirits also used the branches to create their own worlds. Nimbrok is one of these branches.

  Right at the entrance, the climate changed drastically. Before, the forest covered by trees became a resplendent kingdom. The arch of polished stones reflected the sunlight directly into Aryna's eyes, forcing her to close them reflexively, avoiding momentary blindness.

  The dark waters of the swamp merged with a transparent water that ran throughout the city. The air was clean and humid, mana was present in every corner, both in the atmosphere and in the personifications: the beings present there, many of them similar to the elimirions, creatures generated by aqualithium, which, for the ancients, just like water, is what brings life. Elinomae were everywhere, after all, Nimbrok is the home of the swamp nymphs.

  The streets of the capital were replaced by hydraulic canals, since most of the inhabitants were sea creatures. As Aquilino is the only human living in Nimbrok, the canals help the boatman's movement, being a great help in his life.

  Still at the gate of Nimbrok, a square surrounded three corners, dividing the hydraulic canals into a larger circle further ahead. In the larger square, in a circular shape, a group of nymphs waved at the boat. All dressed in fine white dresses, wet from the waters of the canals. Seated at the back of the boat, Luanne nodded back at them.

  "Akíe." Luanne called for Aquilino. "I won't go to the royal castle this time. Instead, take me to the great lake."

  Aquilino raised his eyebrows, but still remained attentive in guiding the boat through the right canals.

  "Are you sure, lady?" the boatman reinforced.

  "Yes."

  "Bringing a human who just learned about this world to the sacred place… Don't you think you're going too far, milady?"

  "I have the permission of the great spirit for this. Don't worry, you won't have problems with the queen."

  The boatman exhaled, but continued rowing. As they navigated the canals of Nimbrok, the Serafleto tried to calm Aryna even more, releasing a mist of mana into the environment. At a certain moment, still in the kingdom's canals, Aryna leaned on Luanne's shoulder, drowsy and unaware of where she was lying down. The Darkmoon lieutenant simply made room and held her with her left arm.

  ??

  Aquilino continued rowing, but this time in an immense sea. A sea of calm and still waters, expressing no movement. The sun reflected on the water, transforming the vision into something almost divine. The kingdom and swamp of Nimbrok had already been left behind for kilometers, leaving only the wooden boat in the middle of an immense blue sea. In front of them, there was only a mountain range that surrounded that entire spiritual realm.

  "Wake up," Luanne ordered, nudging Aryna. "You need to see this view."

  Still resisting Luanne's calls, the girl yawned and sat up. Looking at the sky, she saw a clear blue sky with few white clouds. Straining her vision a little more, Aryna saw the Atlas mountain range right in front of them, preventing the sea from crossing the border of the realm.

  In the center of the mountain range originates the source of life. The source that generates the water of the entire kingdom of Nimbrok, the Dione Cascade. A waterfall that flows for thousands of meters until it touches the ocean and causes one of the most beautiful spectacles that Nimbrok can offer.

  "This…" Aryna murmured, rubbing one eye and impressed by the view.

  "It is the creator of life," Aquilino completed. "Inside there is your destination. However, I am not allowed to go there."

  The Serafleto flew from Aryna's lap to Aquilino's shoulder, moving its head from side to side to protect the boat from marine creatures.

  "Therefore, Lady Luanne, it's up to you. See you later, young lady."

  "See you soon, Aquilino," Luanne said goodbye, holding Aryna's shoulder.

  In the blink of an eye, the two appeared under the waterfall. Luanne stood on the sea, without sinking into the water or causing any turbulence. Beside her, Aryna grabbed the lieutenant's arm tightly, trying to avoid drowning. Smiling at the girl's effort, Luanne began to walk towards the waterfall.

  Every moment, Aryna held her breath and closed her eyes, fearing falling into the sea and drowning. Even more with a violent waterfall falling in front of her, she was afraid of being crushed by the pressure. However, if Luanne was guiding her through there, it was okay. The girl had that in mind.

  As they walked towards the waterfall, the Dione Cascade parted its waters into an entrance tunnel. It was a beautiful sensation. The ambient sound was distant, but, at the same time, beside them. The waters of the cascade emanated a beautiful and pure feeling, like a strong and comforting maternal embrace.

  The water tunnel connected with an opening behind the waterfall, where green particles came out of the water in a lake and floated to the top. It was not a cave in the mountains, but rather a huge half-moon crater, leaving only the horizon free of the mountain range.

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  In the center of a huge lake stood a female statue on a stone. An altar that held a tree accompanied by a woman with long hair and a fine dress, clinging to her body and perfectly outlining the body of the nymph goddess, Dione. Her left hand, stretched diagonally upwards, held a cyan sphere by vine chains. Below Dione's feet, two smaller statues of nymphs also leaned against the tree.

  Forgetting for a moment the fear of drowning, Aryna was impressed by the purity of the place. The feeling that she might fall into the lake was replaced, as if she were now stepping on solid ground. For a moment, she was interrupted by the particles that entered her nostrils and made her cough.

  "This is pure mana," said Luanne. "Just like the ether present in the cosmos, places with the presence of gods are where we find mana in its purest form… Did you know that the nymph forest is so protected by humans and the beings that inhabit it because it is the only place with natural mana?"

  "How so natural mana? There is mana everywhere…"

  "Yes and no. There is natural mana and just mana. Natural mana has always been in the environment, being provided by the planet itself. While mana is left by the remnants of deviants. It's like breathing, where we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon. However, in the case of deviants, mana is exhaled when we cast spells. Some particles of our mana are left in the air halfway through."

  "So, in the nymph forest is where there are no these 'unnatural' mana particles?" Aryna asked.

  "Exactly. And this, as you can see, is another territory of the nymphs. No, beyond that. This is the realm where the goddess Dione commands… Congratulations, Aryna. You were able to stand in the domain of a divinity."

  "But, for how long?" said a voice, without any direction. Echoing throughout the lake, so imposing that it relaxed all of Aryna's muscles.

  The girl was almost thrown against the lake.

  A brilliant blue glow came from the sphere that the statue held, illuminating the environment like a small star. The pure mana that overflowed throughout the place was slowly sucked into a small singularity formed in the statue. Until a hand came out of it, and, subsequently, an entire body gradually materialized.

  The goddess Dione, the same as the statue, physically manifested in the realm of Nimbrok, shaking that entire world and forcing all inhabitants—from nymphs to monsters—to bow down wherever they were.

  "Come, both of you," Dione ordered, sitting on the altar below her own statue.

  With a quick step, Luanne carried Aryna to Dione's feet, where the girl was forced to kneel due to the divine presence. Sweating coldly, Aryna rested her forehead on the waters of the lake. However, Luanne remained standing, showing no arrogance towards the goddess, but also not bowing.

  "Goddess Dione! What a pleasure to finally meet you!" exclaimed Luanne, demonstrating false happiness.

  "Chosen by Alunne. It's no use…" Dione interrupted. "There's no reason to pretend to worship me."

  "Goddess?! Who is this woman?" Aryna mentally sweated coldly. Her body wanted to tremble, but Dione wouldn't even allow that.

  "A goddess, duh," Luanne replied, reading Aryna's mind. "As I said, this is Dione, the goddess of the nymphs. I believe Alunne has already given you the information…"

  "Yes, she contacted me. You have infinite energy, is that it?" she inquired of Aryna.

  "Yes…" Aryna sighed.

  "Alright… Stand up."

  Dione jumped from the altar, strolling to Aryna. Her feet didn't seem to even touch the lake, at the same time that she wasn't floating. Aryna remained on her knees, but with her body upright.

  "Infinite energy… This girl has what only that snobbish trinity possesses. But… how does it work? Can she at least control the stupid amount of energy in her core? Or does it slip away like water?" Dione pondered.

  "What is water to you?" the goddess questioned.

  Aryna quickly remembered the same question Luanne had once asked her. Looking at Luanne from the corner of her eye, Aryna saw the moon priestess smile at her.

  "The beginning and end of everything… Life," she murmured.

  "What?" she grumbled, trying to get a clearer answer.

  Aryna trembled before finding words to explain.

  "Water is the beginning, bringing life and purifying impurities… Solid is the state in which we find ourselves. Living. A state of evolution that is melted by time. And finally, death. Ice melts and becomes vapor. But, in turn, it reaches the clouds and becomes water again. Water is our soul in an eternal cycle of… Life and death. Damn it. I can't find the words to…"

  "It's alright. I already understand the basis of your knowledge. It's enough," commented the goddess of lakes and nymphs.

  Luanne was astonished.

  "What? Already?" Luanne inquired. Aryna also showed perplexity.

  The lieutenant had taken months before convincing Alunne.

  "Do other gods have different ways?"

  "Yes. She has something I want, I have what she wants. Even among the gods, one hand washes the other. I just have to think a little about…"

  "What are you talking about?" Aryna was nervous.

  Dione stared at Luanne for a moment, judging the priestess for not explaining to Aryna.

  "Above all, this woman is the goddess of water. The only one who can really help you reach the maximum of your core. What I did was just pull a few strings for the two of you to meet," Luanne explained. "Can you help her in two months?"

  "Two months? If you're talking about manipulation, then yes. In two months she will be manipulating the water of the environment effortlessly. Now… to reach a high level? At least nine months."

  "You're a goddess and you can't force a potential in a mere human?" Luanne ironized.

  "The problem isn't me, but your student. If you were enough, you could teach without the help of other divinities."

  The two women exchanged fierce and strong glances, creating a tense atmosphere that suffocated Aryna.

  "But, anyway. The agreements are as follows: for nine months, I will train you. I will not give you strength, much less assist in combat. I will only teach you to master your element. In return… You will spend your energy purifying the lakes of Nimbrok and all the nymph forests that exist in your world."

  Luanne cleared her throat, forcing a muffled laugh.

  "A goddess depending on a teenager to purify her domains…" Luanne commented, looking for another reason to mock Dione.

  "She has enough energy to sustain the entire world! Do you think I'm going to be stupid and let this opportunity slip away? Besides, just the fact that a human managed to enter the nymph forest with PERMISSION is a reason to die smiling."

  "Yes, I see your point." Luanne concluded, looking at Aryna. "Are you willing? There will be no way to finalize after accepting."

  "She's a goddess, right? So can I trust her?…" Aryna pondered.

  "As long as they're not human, you can trust them. Even more if it's a god? They may not be saints, but they're not demons either… Turn to them whenever you're in a dead end, daughter." Aryna's mother's voice filled her mind, forcing a quick reasoning.

  "I accept. On the condition that you will really fulfill what you promised," Aryna agreed, extending her hand to Dione.

  Strongly shaking Aryna's hand, Dione let a mana potion leak through her arm and enter the girl's skin. The energy gradually began to form an inverted triangle on Aryna's right arm, facing her shoulder. The same symbol appeared on Dione's arm, and the goddess made sure to display the rune to conclude the trust contract.

  "Excellent," said the goddess. "Now, let's get to work."