Adam kept both knees to the ground, his legs tucked beneath him in a proper kneeling posture. His hands rested on his thighs, palms flat, unmoving. His head bowed low, his gaze never rising to meet the burning figure seated before him. In the face of a Great Spirit—no, the Great Spirit of Fire—it was the only proper response.
The very air vibrated with heat. It wasn't oppressive, not yet. It was like sitting too close to a forge, the warmth curling over his skin, the scent of ash and cinder slipping into his lungs with every breath. The only reason he hadn't been incinerated was because she willed it. Ignis. The First Flame. The living embodiment of fire in this world. She had made it so her flames would not harm him—for now.
But that could change in an instant.
Adam remembered from the game how temperamental she could be, how even Laylee, her chosen contractor, had been scorched and burned countless times when her attitude displeased her. Spirits did not abide disobedience. Especially not this one.
He bowed deeper. "Forgive me for my insolence, Lady Ignis," he began, voice low and respectful. "I simply recalled that spirits often enjoy playing tricks on those who seek them. How could the Great Spirit of Fire not know a boy searching so desperately for her warmth?"
There was a pause.
Then, laughter. Boisterous, smoky laughter that crackled like logs in a bonfire.
"Good! Good!" she exclaimed, slapping her fiery thigh with open delight. The flames licked the edges of her molten dress, coiling upward like serpents in heat. "I like you, little one!"
She leaned forward, elbows resting on her blazing knees, a smile tugging at the corners of her magma-colored lips. "Tell me then, child of Sodom. What is your name? And why do you come before me?"
Adam remained kneeling, his gaze on the darkened floor. "I am Adam Blake, Lady Ignis. The youngest son of the Blake Family. And the younger brother of Laylee Blake, who I'm sure you have sensed the blessing of fire within."
Ignis hummed, her flame-wrapped fingers curling beneath her chin. "That girl," she mused. "Yes. The one with the roar of a phoenix in her blood. She has the greatest fire affinity I've seen in a thousand years." Her eyes narrowed, then sparkled. "You come to plead her case, then? You seek me... for her?"
Adam offered the faintest smile. "Yes. I do. My sister needs power. Enough to stand against what's to come. She will face trials—trials even a genius may not survive without aid."
The flames flickered oddly behind her. Her gaze sharpened. "So you do have the gift of foresight."
He stiffened. "No, Lady Ignis. Nothing so grand."
"Hoh?" Her voice was amused, but her expression was unreadable. "Curious. That one still lives... the seer. No two bear the same gift, and yet... here you are."
Adam slowly lifted his head—just slightly—and met her molten gaze. "It's not prophecy. It's belief. I believe my sister will grow. She'll be stronger than anything this world has to offer. And it's my job, my honor, as her brother... to help her shine."
Silence.
Then Ignis howled with laughter, flames erupting behind her in a wreath of joy. "Good! Good! The bond of fire and blood still lives in this broken age! You are an entertaining little ember indeed!"
She stood—graceful, terrifying—and pointed down at him with a burning nail. "Very well, Child of Sodom. Bring her here. One night from now. This same place. I will test her myself."
Adam exhaled softly. "Thank you, Lady Ignis."
"And you..." She grinned, stepping down from the stump, the ground hissing where her bare foot touched it. "You are quite the beauty, aren't you? Soft eyes. Sweet mouth. If you ever tire of mortal women, I have room for another husband. Perhaps even a concubine?"
His eyes widened slightly, but he didn't flinch. "I would never dream of dishonoring you, Lady Ignis. I am... unworthy of your flame."
Ignis barked out a sharp laugh, her expression one of clear delight. "Such a silver tongue! It's been too long since I was flattered this sweetly."
Then her expression shifted. The mirth drained from her lips, replaced by something ancient and unreadable.
"Is that all you seek, little ember?"
Adam nodded. "Yes. That is all, Lady Ignis."
She stared at him for a long moment, then gave a slow, thoughtful nod. "Then consider it done. But before you go..."
She leaned in, her body radiating divine heat. Her gaze pierced through him—through his skin, his soul, to something deeper.
"A gift, for amusing me so."
She smiled. A slow, knowing smile.
"Child of Sodom... You are but the second man to wield mana in the history of this realm.
Instead of challenges of the flesh, you should be more wary of challenges of the heart.
This is my prophecy to you."
Before he could respond, she snapped her fingers.
The world burned away.
Adam gasped as he jolted upright—only to find himself back in his room, the warmth of a single lamp flickering on the table. Not even at the stream. She had sent him home directly. A small mercy. A considerate act.
He sat there for a while in silence, his hands gripping the sheets. He could still feel the warmth on his skin. Her gaze in his soul.
Challenges of the heart...
His brow furrowed as he leaned back on his bed, staring at the ceiling above.
"...That can't be good."
And yet, as he turned over and pulled the blanket over his head, he couldn't help the small smile curling at his lips.
Laylee would get her contract.
He was sure of it.
And for the first time since arriving in this world...
Adam felt like he was beginning to move the world in ways the game never had.