Alex had a dream, no it was more like flashbacks; in these flashbacks, he saw the girl's childhood memories resembling the mysterious woman they were fighting against.
She was born with a frail body, which made her unable to have a normal childhood. She was always stuck inside her room; her mother died giving birth to her, so she lacked motherly love; however, her father was present, always looking for her until that fateful day. Maybe it was because usually, she doesn't go out; they thought it was safe to talk in the room next to her room. That day she just wanted to head to the garden and surprise her father because today happened to be his birthday.
However, just as she dragged her frail body out of her room after dismissing her maids, she overhead a conversation between her father and the old men from the council.
''This is one last chance, if we miss it, then we will fall into oblivion, disappear and replaced by a new floor, we are stuck in this level for far too long, and you know that every floor must climb up at least once every hundred years, but we haven't been able to accomplish this, this is the 100th year we must succeed. Why not use your daughter-"
''I dare you to finish what you were saying.'' Eliard, the frail girl father shouted, he was so angry that he released half of his strength crushing the stone table before them; normally, he would be respectful as those old geezers from the council are several years older than him; however, today, Eliard who was known as someone never to lose his composure and get easily angry was beyond furious, they say that everyone has a reverse scale. Eliard's reverse scale happened to be his daughter, which he cherished more than anything.
As Eileen, his daughter, she had never seen her father this angry; he was so angry that unconsciously she was afraid of him; however she soon berated herself; he was angry because of her, instead of being afraid, she must stand firm and support him no matter what, therefore she leaned against the wall and held her breath for fear of getting caught.
Finally, the atmosphere became peaceful again, and Eliard sat back, and in a heavy tone, he refuted the old man's suggestion.
''Please, Old Four, don't joke like that again; it makes me lose my composure. We will find a better solution, no, I'll find one, I'm sure of it.''
Eliard's words lacked so much confidence that the three old men felt pity, to think that the strongest of all would become like this become of his only daughter, it was truly a pity, but there's no other alternative, this was the only one.
''Eliard, I understand how you feel, but the Great Baba divined that it must be your daughter and you must help her. It's the only way.'' The second-ranked among the old men of the council.
''Ugh!" Eliard groaned as if one of his weaknesses was revealed; he had hard dealing with this old woman; she was the oldest of Sigurd city, the most knowledgeable person and the most respected if Eliard's words were the law, Great Baba's words were absolute, but she rarely talk or suggest something, therefore once she does it must be respected.
Eileen closed her mouth, and her eyes widened in shock. She might be stuck most of the time inside her room. Still, she knew well this old woman, she was great-great-aunt after all, she often pay her a visit when her father was away busy with his works, for her to suggest this it must be the only way, strangely Eileen was relived, she did not resent her great-great Aunt, but on the contrary, she was glad because it meant that she could help her father. Who can know your body better than yourself? So, Eileen knew that she didn't have too much time left; she could feel her life force draining way day by day; if this goes on, she would have one year and a half left, so better use this dying body for something great such as saving their floor (continent) from disappearing. Secretly Eileen had already decided what she would do next.
Inside the meeting room, the conversation continued; the same old man who told Eliard about Great Baba's divination continued and explained more.
''Listen to me until the end; Eileen is like our daughter; we won't offer her so easily. In fact, this can be considered as a blessing for Eileen because if the ritual succeeds, she can control the sealed spirit and help us ascend if this were to happen, she would become our greatest force, our deity guardian, and all her health problems would be resolved. Just think about it.''
Like a snake luring its prey before swallowing it, the old man who goes by the name of Old Trek explained.
''I see, but I still think that it's dangerous to-"
Before Eliard could finish his words, he was interrupted by an angry voice; it was the voice of the first elder, the one who had not spoken a word since the beginning of this meeting.
''Man up, will you. Since when did you become such a coward. Have you forgotten what we sacrificed for you to be where you are right now?"
Silence!
''You are the most exceptional, the smartest of all, yet now you disregard the bigger picture just because it was a question of sacrificing your daughter. Have you forgotten that I sacrificed my sole child for this? I never regretted it because it was for the greater cause; Eileen would not die; instead, she would live on; if you keep hesitating, it will only worsen. Besides, the concerned party is already here; why not hear her opinion?" Old Trek finished speaking with a crafty smile; his crooked yellow teeth were on full display.
''What?"
The others three were surprised because they hadn't noticed Eileen's presence at all.
Having been discovered, Eileen was forced to show up, and immediately after she entered, she lifted her head, and with a burning gaze, she said.
''I'll do it.''