[Sanctuary of Bonds — Pre-Mission Briefing]
The high-domed room was filled with a distinct metallic aroma, as if intermingled with a rising energy. Sparkling crystals hung gracefully above, dripping golden light that created a magical effect, forming an illusion of tiny stars around a fifteen-meter diameter rune circle. "This place," Lyria's voice resonated softly, "is more than just sacred—it is the origin point of life itself."
She stepped slowly across the circle, her bright eyes focused on Fitran standing on the opposite edge. "Deus wants you to grasp this concept before we move on to Spiral Gate #2. Without a strong Affinity foundation, we will be vulnerable when the Codex attempts to Invert from afar."
Fitran stood tall at the edge of the rune circle, feeling the warm energy begin to spread as his fingers touched the intricate carvings along the edge. "So, this is what is referred to as the Spiral Bond Ritual?" he asked, his curiosity bursting through the hopeful tone of his voice.
"Exactly," Lyria replied as she called forth the rotating holographic panels that surrounded her with a mesmerizing glow. "However, this is not just an ordinary ritual. This is a contract that binds our existence." She emphasized the profound meaning of the moment. "Only when this bond achieves resonance completely can a Spiralborn come into being. Every Spiralborn that emerges represents a point of significance that the Codex cannot easily erase."
Fitran raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile spreading across his lips. "So, you mean a romantic dinner is enough to achieve it? Just like that?" he asked, trying to ease the tension in the air, his eyes sparkling with newfound enthusiasm.
"If that were enough," Lyria sighed while looking at Fitran with seriously glimmering eyes, "then the Nexus would not be working on the construction of this Sanctuary." Swiftly, she transformed the panel in front of her into a holographic simulation displaying two silhouettes—a man and a woman—connected by shimmering threads of soft light. "This ritual is divided into three stages," she added, her voice hoarse yet firm, "and each stage holds strategic importance on the Warboard Deus."
"Elaborate further," Fitran commanded, tension hung in the air between them as if a weight of responsibility tied them together. His expression reflected a mix of curiosity and anxiety, creating a charged atmosphere in the silent room.
Ritual Spiral Bond — System UI
Stage 1 — Affinity Threshold
Required: ≥ 70%
Current (Ritual Queue): 0% — No active partner assigned
Note: Partner Affinity tracked individually in Partner Selection.
Stage 2 — Soul Synchronization
Unlocked after Stage 1.
Risk: High — Codex may attempt Overwrite during sync.
Stage 3 — Physical Seal
Initiates Pregnancy State (9-month real-time)
Linked Protocol: RHYTHM Checkpoints
Effect: Spiralborn inherit combined traits + Codex resistance imprint.
"First, the Affinity Threshold—this value grows from interaction, trust, and the willingness of a partner to stake their future on you," Lyria explained, her voice firm yet gentle, floating within the mystique of the Sanctuary's silence. Her eyes were fixed on Fitran, studying his facial reactions to ensure he understood the weight of this statement.
"And the second?" Fitran asked, his gaze never leaving Lyria, as if he were digging for the depth of an answer that had yet to fully reveal itself.
"Soul Synchronization—it's the process of merging the essence of existence. This is where the Codex often tries to intervene. Just one small disruption, and one of you could lose a fragment of your soul," Lyria elaborated, her warning tone clear and deep. She took a breath, feeling the tension envelop the room as if everything had paused for a moment.
Fitran tilted his head, appearing thoughtful. "Sounds like a tough sell," he remarked, a challenge lurking beneath his voice, as if he were trying to conquer his own fears.
"That's why the third stage usually feels the most… human," Lyria continued, adjusting the panel in front of her. She displayed a circle of runes that began to glow with a soft red light, catching Fitran's attention. "Physical Seal. This is the final contact that locks the bond and triggers Spiralborn pregnancy. Nexus binds this process to a nine-month protocol, not for romanticism… but to maintain the Public Record that Codex despises." Her voice quivered slightly, emphasizing how crucial this stage was for them.
Fitran stared at the panel, his curiosity mixed with the lingering worry in his mind. "If I fail at stage one, will stages two and three then also be locked?" he asked, his expression of doubt evident, a layer of anxiety cloaking his voice.
"Correct," Lyria replied with a nod, her eyes meeting Fitran's, displaying the depth of responsibility that couldn't be ignored. "And remember—Affinity is measured by the honesty of actions, not by gifts or words. Nexus can read your intent vector," she continued, her tone firm yet gentle.
"Honesty is very relative," Fitran said with a wry smile, though inside, waves of uncertainty kept crashing against him.
Lyria did not respond to the smile; she remained serious. "For Nexus, relativity is just a number that can be calculated."
Fitran stepped into the center of the rune circle, the magical light illuminating his face. He gazed at Lyria, who seemed far away, as if carrying a heavy burden. "What happens after the Spiralborn is born?"
Lyria hesitated for a moment, trying to string together the right words. "We will discuss that later. For now, focus on this mission."
Fitran looked at her intently, his expression signaling doubt. "You sound like you're holding something back, Lyria."
"I'm just postponing," Lyria replied softly, her tone carrying emphasis. "If you truly understood the real consequences now, you might choose a safer mission—and that would lead to Nexus's defeat."
Fitran let the silence hang, feeling the tension enveloping the room, then he smiled faintly. "Now I'm even more curious. What are you hiding from us?"
Partner Selection
[Locked] — Requires World Quest Completion.
Example: Makima (Chainsaw World)
Affinity: 12% (current progress)
Others: Unknown — Not yet visited
Fitran pressed the Makima icon with hope, and suddenly the hologram lit up, displaying a snippet of their last interaction. The Affinity Bar slowly rose, as if emitting a faint signal of hope. "So, all the dates, every interaction, or even arguments we've had... they're all recorded, right?"
"Yes," Lyria replied with a firm nod, her eyes shining as she emphasized the essence of her statement. "Every moment contributes, whether it increases or decreases Affinity. Interestingly, even an argument can raise its value if it helps build trust."
Fitran let out a heavy sigh, as if the weight of her words lifted something deep within him. He stepped out of the center of the circle, the sound of his footsteps solid on the glowing surface. "In that case, once Makima crosses the 70% mark, make sure the Sanctuary is ready," he said, his tone resolute. "I want everything to go smoothly."
"The Sanctuary is always ready," Lyria replied, her eyes never leaving Fitran's steady steps. "But the question is—are you really prepared to bind someone's soul for eternity? There are many consequences that come with that decision, and I hope you realize it."
Fitran fell silent for a moment, feeling the weight of the question hanging between anxiety and hope. He glanced at Lyria once, gauging her feelings subtly, before continuing his steps toward the gently spinning crystal light. The atmosphere around them seemed to fill the space with unspoken tension, as if nature was also waiting for the answer that was gathering in Fitran's heart.