1. Shamans Instead of Priests
Damian learned that this kingdom had no priests.Instead, shamans served as intermediaries of the divine,conducted sacred ceremonies,and at times, even led in battle.
They were not mere spiritual guides,but wielders of divine power who blended shamanic rites with martial prowess.These shamans didn't just pray—they fought enemies,purified the land,and invoked rituals for the kingdom's prosperity.
"We don't have anything like 'holy power,'"a shaman told him."We are beings who connect directly with the divine.""But the divine doesn't grant blessings freely,"he added."Those who channel the gods must prove worthy of that power."
That was how things worked in this land.
2. Festival of the Sun God
Damian and his companions were invited to the Festival of the Sun God.On the day the sun reached its highest point,the kingdom honored their deityand held rites to mark the turning of the season.
Fires burned in the square before the great temple.Warriors danced in honor of the sun,while the people shared music and food throughout the day.Shamans conducted direct communion rituals with the deity.
It was through these ritesthat Damian came to witness—and feel—the stark cultural differences of this land.
3. A Greeting of Touch
During the festival,Damian and his group were formally introduced to the senior shamans.
But greetings here weren't limited to bows or handshakes.They involved physical touch:gripping forearms,patting shoulders,even briefly pressing foreheads together.
Damian froze for a moment.This was nothing like what he was used to.But he quickly realized—it was just the way things were here.
"…So this is how they greet each other."Awkwardly, he tried to mimic the gesture.Then added, with a faint smile,"I'm not from here, so… I might be a little clumsy. Hope that's alright."
The shamans simply smiled and nodded."That's fine. You'll get used to it.Here, we believe that when people keep their distance,so do their hearts."
4. The Party's Reactions
While Damian stumbled through the unfamiliar greeting,his companions reacted in their own ways:
Ian"Ooh, I like this!"He adapted easily, even enjoying the contact.To him, it felt warm—human.
Lean"…Well, if I must."He hesitated, but went along with it.Physical closeness wasn't his thing,but he made the effort.
KaneHe looked surprised at first,but adapted quicker than Damian."Huh. Just a cultural difference, I guess."Though a bit stiff, he accepted it without resistance.
DamianUncomfortable at first,but he knew—this was how things worked in this new world.And so, he accepted it.
5. Embracing the Difference
As the sun god's festival reached its peak,Damian fully grasped how foreign this kingdom was.
Their beliefs.Their customs.Even how they connected with one another—it was all different.
But it wasn't wrong.Just… different.
And Damian decided,he would accept that difference.
**
Chapter : The Crack, and the Shamans' Disturbance
1. The Peak of the Festival—and a Warning Sign
The sun god's festival surged toward its climax.The square was filled with dancers,and the shamans prepared for their communion rituals.
Damian and his companions stood among them,watching this culture and its faith up close.
But unease flickered across the shamans' faces.Recently, they'd felt something off—a strange interference,as if some unseen force was clouding their connection to the divine.
Still, the festival carried on.The ritual began as planned.
2. Surge of Power, Cracked by the Rift
As the ritual deepened,the shamans sank into full trance.
Then—a sudden flare of violent light burst from the center.
"Gaaaah!"
One of the shamans collapsed,writhing in pain.
Others rushed to help,but the power erupting from himrepelled anyone who came near.
This wasn't a divine blessing—it was chaos.The energy was twisted, unstable.
The shaman, seemingly possessed,extended a trembling hand toward the crowd.
At that moment,a dark aura rose from the temple behind them.
"No! Stop the ritual!"another shaman shouted—but the energy was already spiraling out of control.
3. The Team Takes Action
"We can't just watch this happen,"Kane muttered.
"Right,"Damian said, moving in.
But instead of attacking,he tried to contain the energy surging from the shaman.
Unchecked divine force was dangerous—forcing it down could trigger an even greater explosion.
"Ease up. Breathe. Calm yourself,"Damian said gently.But the shaman didn't respond.
As he raised his hand again,the stone beneath their feet trembled.
"Called it,"Lean growled, drawing his sword.He moved in with swift precision.
The team worked together,using the bare minimum force to subdue the shaman—not to harm him,but to stop the escalation.
In the end,they succeeded.The chaos was contained.
But this was no isolated incident.This was the beginning of something deeper.
4. Totems and Communal Healing
The fallen shaman lay unconscious, clearly injured.But instead of individual healing spells,the other shamans formed a ring around a totem.
"Their healing is collective,"Ian whispered."They don't heal alone.They gather and share power through the totem."
From the totem,a gentle energy radiated outward,passing through the ring of shamans,and flowing into the wounded.
It was a warm, communal kind of healing.A method unique to this land.
5. Power Draws Eyes
Once the incident was under control,all eyes in the square turned to Damian and his group.
There was fear—but also awe.
They had shown strength.And strength,in any land,never goes unnoticed.
Damian felt it deep in his gut.Stepping into this kingdom—meant he could no longer stay in the background.
The real story was just beginning.
***
Chapter : The Gaze Upon the Strong
Recognition, Sooner Than Expected
Damian had always known that one day he would draw attention.In this land, strength was not just a trait—it was a qualification, a right to lead.But he had not wished for it to come so soon.He had hoped to remain merely a traveler, quietly passing through.Yet the incident during the Festival of the Sun made that impossible.Now, the way people looked at him had changed.He was no longer just a guest.
The Shift in the High Shamans' Gaze
At first, the high-ranking shamans regarded Damian as just another outsider.Their invitation had been one of courtesy—a gesture to let him experience their culture.But now, they saw him for what he truly was: a powerful being.To be fair, they had suspected as much.His energy alone had hinted at his strength.But after witnessing his actions during the incident,they could no longer deny it.And that changed everything.
The Meaning of a Tes
tThe high shaman fell into contemplation.Would they treat this outsider simply as a guest,or accept him as part of this land?In the end, they made their decision.They would put him to the test."There is a matter in which we could use your aid,"the high shaman said to Damian and his companions."This land is being affected by the Rift.Its signs are appearing across the realm."He paused, then looked each of them in the eye."If you truly are strong,why not lend that strength to resolve our crisis?"It was not a mere request—it was a challenge.A trial.Damian listened quietly.He had no plans to stay long—but fate, as always, had other ideas.He was already entangled.Now, he had to choose:to vanish into the mist and leave it behind,or step forward and walk alongside the powerful of this land.