Turning Misfortune into Blessing (2)
One thing was clear from that heavenly punishment just moments ago. Gulrak cherished Kara deeply. It was fine to look, but getting any closer than that would earn you a lightning bolt. In a way, he was even more of a fool than Hector when it came to doting on his shaman. His love overflowed.
But how am I supposed to hold back seeing her like that...?
Still, it was unfair. Kara's current appearance was more than enough to ignite a fire in any man's heart. Good thing he'd suppressed his urges as best he could—otherwise, blood might've rushed south.
Thank goodness everyone else here is a woman except me.
I stared blankly at Kara's back as she placed the debris on the altar. Even from behind, her figure hinted at something extraordinary, but the real show began with the dance. Once she started moving, those clothes would flutter softly, especially the bottom half flapping refreshingly wide. If that happened, the fire in my chest would blaze even hotter than before.
Really lucky.
Wait. Doesn't the fire burn brighter when the shaman dances? Is that why?
The shaman's dance was an essential part of any sacrifice to Gulrak. If the god approved, the flames on the altar would intensify, and the ritual would grow more fervent. Of course, reaching that point took time.
That's why shamans performing these rites were usually tough and enduring.
They say it's about effort and sincerity, so that makes sense...
I had no idea. How could a mere mortal grasp a god's intentions?
Kara was Gulrak's favorite shaman, so she was just dressed extra prettily. And if anyone harbored impure thoughts like I had—zap, heavenly punishment.
"All preparations are complete. Let's first ask Gulrak."
"Now we just bow in prayer, right?"
"Yes. In that form?"
"As a saintess, the mindset matters, so I'll do it like this."
Everything seemed ready. I listened to their conversation and sidled up next to Kara. She gave a small smile when I approached, then turned to face the altar. I followed her gaze.
On the altar lay the shattered Usk axe that Lize had smashed, along with Ragnarok's fragments. No offerings were visible at first glance, but up close, something glistened on the debris.
"What's that?"
"Oil made from starcluster palm seeds. A rare oil that only grows in Tatar."
The name rang a bell, but I couldn't place it. As I tilted my head in confusion, Lize, standing to Kara's left, spoke up.
"Starcluster palm seed oil is quite expensive. It's used in cosmetics and as a spice. And since it's cultivated only in Tatar, its value is immense."
"Exactly. My father even uses it for diplomatic gifts."
In this era, oil—especially edible oil—was incredibly valuable. Most was treated as a luxury spice rather than cooking oil. Smearing such a precious substance on the debris meant they were dead serious.
"Not sure if this will get a response from Gulrak, but we have to try."
"He'll definitely respond."
While Kara sounded worried, Lize brimmed with confidence. I didn't know why, but her determination felt like she'd force a reply if needed.
"Alright, let's start with the bows. Sivar, you too."
"Yeah."
Did I really need to? This god made no secret of hating me. But for Kara's sake, fixing Ragnarok was necessary. Grumbling inwardly, I went through the motions.
Whoosh!
The moment we bowed, flames erupted from the altar with a roar. Lifting my head, I saw fire surging just as expected—bigger than I'd thought, probably thanks to the oil.
"Looks like Gulrak's pleased."
"Y-Yeah? He responded quick. I figured he'd be mad we broke the weapon he bestowed."
Lize was nonchalant, but Kara seemed genuinely surprised. Last time, a simple response had sufficed, making it easy. Now, though, they wanted Ragnarok repaired—essentially, a fresh blessing. Even if Gulrak favored Kara, this could've offended him, so she'd expected it to take ages.
"What next?"
"Saintess, Sivar—step back for now. It's my turn."
"The dance?"
"Yes."
Finally, time to see Kara's beautiful dance. I was honestly excited. Even in Soul World, her dances were rare. During the Tatar storyline, too—they only appeared in specific rituals or banquets. And never in an outfit this bold.
This was going to be good.
Rumble—
No. I could look forward to it, right? Why the warning now?
As thunder rumbled overhead and I grumbled internally, Lize glanced skyward at the sound, then turned to Kara.
"How long do I dance?"
"Until storm clouds gather. Then, lightning means yes; rain means no."
Ragnarok had started as a ritual axe. Lightning had struck during a sacrifice, transforming it—while Hector held it, no less, yet it hit precisely. So, a bolt on the altar equaled permission.
"My guess? If it hits the debris, Ragnarok should reform. Only Gulrak can re-bless what he originally empowered."
"Correct. But the process is grueling, you know."
"It's fine. Even if it takes days, I'll keep at it. Rain or shine."
It reminded me of an Indian rain dance. Her resolve to restore Ragnarok was clear. But sincerity felt a bit short. For a direct blessing, more prep was needed—music to amp the mood, more people. Would this suffice?
"Even rain's okay. Thunder without lightning means insufficient. We'd prepare better next time."
"Hm. Insufficient divine power?"
"Usually."
"Got it. Leave that to me."
Kara looked puzzled at Lize's offer to handle divine power. No clue what she meant, but Lize wasn't one for empty words. Her antics were weird like mine, but results were always good.
Except smashing Ragnarok.
"I can play the drum if you want."
"N-No, that's fine."
Kara barely stopped Lize from drumming and stepped forward to the altar. Lize and I retreated to where Luna and Ellie waited. Lingering would just hinder; better to stay back.
"Sivar. How's Kara sis looking?"
Ellie asked right away, curiosity dripping. I glanced at her, then at Kara lightly stretching.
Every angle screamed pretty.
"Pretty."
"How pretty?"
"Super."
No reason to lie, so I answered straight. Ellie nodded like of course, then agreed.
"Yeah, she's definitely pretty. I wanna try something like that too."
You've got killer skins in Soul World that rival hers. You'd own any look.
I wanted to say it but held back. With her figure, Ellie would rock anything.
Flutter—
As we chatted, Kara's dance began. The wing-like fabrics on her hands swirled beautifully. No music, no attendants—just quiet, which suited it perfectly. Like a butterfly flitting through a silent forest.
Hard stone floor, but she moves so smoothly.
Professional dancer smooth. Barefoot, too. She'd learned from her late mother, and this dance alone showed her dedication.
Flutter—
Kara spun, her skirt flaring like wings, exposing most of her embarrassing spots. Good thing she wore underwear—otherwise, I'd have flinched. I watched her entire performance. Even Gulrak held off on zapping me this time. Either focused or the mood spared me.
"...Huh?"
"Clouds..."
How long had I watched in a daze? The sky darkened, filling with storm clouds in a flash—not short, not long, just sudden. Gulrak really cherished her.
Kara kept dancing through it, sweat pouring, focus unbroken.
Rumble—
Faint thunder rolled; altar flames roared higher. But no decisive bolt. Like it wasn't enough yet.
Just as I wondered if sincerity fell short—
Boom!
"S-Saintess?"
"Where are you—"
"Doing my duty."
It was Lize. Not saintess form, but her muscular Kwonseong form, striding to the altar. Kara noticed mid-dance but let her pass—trusting her.
Lize passed even Kara and looked skyward. Altar flames surged fiercer.
"I beseech the god of the heavens."
She spoke calmly, but Kara didn't stop.
"I broke your blessing, so restore it with my power."
Lize spread her arms wide. Violet light shimmered from her—clearly mana, yet laced with an indescribable aura.
"All this is!"
She struck a pose and shouted.
"The will of Chaos!!"
Invoking Chaos, the god she served.
"Grant your blessing as He wills!!"
She poured everything into a punch toward the sky.
Kaboom!!
A violet pillar shot upward, akin to—but unlike—her space-shattering strike. That had broken space outright; this...
"Th-The sky..."
"The sky... split...?"
"..."
Lize's violet energy literally cleaved the heavens. Like that pirate manga scene—a massive force parting the sky in two.
Miracle enough, but not over.
Rumble!
Ominous thunder boomed.
Kraka-boom!!
From the split sky plunged a colossal bolt—stronger, fiercer, more destructive than any before. It struck the altar dead-on.
Per Kara, Gulrak's affirmative response. She halted her dance, staring blankly, drenched in sweat.
Krzzzzzt!!
Lightning didn't stop at one—like a faucet, it poured down. When would I see this again? Dazed, I just watched.
Kzzzt!
Finally, the barrage ended. The parted sky sealed shut. Strangely, storm clouds slithered in to fill the gap, like volunteers patching it. The overcast sky cleared instantly—pristine blue, as if nothing happened.
"Is it... done?"
"D-Dunno?"
As Ellie and Luna exchanged thoughts, I hurried to the altar. Instinct said the ritual ended. Now, check results.
But first, thank Lize. She'd reverted to saintess form, exhausted from full power.
"Lize. You okay—"
I started to ask, then stopped.
Because...
"Haven't used my full strength in ages. I'm beat."
Her appearance had changed—too much. Kara noticed too.
"S-Saintess? Your... uh..."
"Hm? Oh, the chest? I told you last time."
Lize's ample bosom was gone. Smaller than even Luna's now. But she smiled at our shock.
"All my divine power's concentrated in my body."