The "Sea Serpent" glided over the revitalized waters towards the pure, whitish light emitted by the Eye of Water. As they approached, they began to see the source: a massive, translucent crystal sphere rising from the ocean floor. It was like the Spine of the Earth, but this one rested within the water, like a giant pearl. Around it was a vortex of dancing water and light, but this whirlpool was not destructive; it was vibrant and orderly.
This was the uncorrupted, pure Eye of Water.
Anya stopped the ship a stone's throw from the crystal sphere. "We can't get any closer," she said, her voice filled with awe. "These waters... are sacred."
She was right. Around the water was a non-physical, yet palpable energy barrier. A boundary demanding respect.
Moaito and Sere boarded a small boat and rowed towards the crystal. The water was so clear they could see kilometers down—coral reefs, colorful schools of fish, and the mesmerizing play of light filtering through the crystal underwater. This was life itself.
Their boat stopped just outside the energy barrier. From here, they could see a core of liquid light gently shifting within the crystal.
"Here it is," Moaito whispered, as if at the end of a thousand-year journey. "We have repaired three of the four pillars. Fire, Wind, Earth... and now Water."
"But how?" Sere asked. "We already healed it. Do we need to touch it?"
At that moment, the core of light within the crystal condensed and began to take shape. A figure of light appeared. It resembled neither Moaito nor Sere. It was more of a genderless being, reflecting traits of both, but also embodying the fluidity and clarity of water. The Spirit of Water.
The being "walked" towards their boat, its feet seeming to tread on the water's surface. Its voice was a mixture of a waterfall's whisper and the ocean's deep hum.
"Guardian. And his brave companion. I have been expecting you."
Moaito bowed his head respectfully. "Spirit of Water. The world suffers. The Balance is broken. We have come to repair it."
"I know," the being replied. "Thanks to you, my eye has cleared again. But your coming is not solely for my sake. It was not just your desire to repair that brought you here."
The being's "eyes" turned to Sere. "You. The stone-bearer. The one who holds the mirror of past and future. I have a message for you."
Sere's heart began to race. Lyrian's words came back to her. "For me?"
"Yes. You are the Guardian's complementary part, yet you also transcend his destiny. Your path leads to a fate different from his."
Moaito showed no reaction, only listened. It was as if he knew this.
"When the four pillars are restored, the Focus of Balance will open," the Spirit of Water continued. "But the path to that Focus is not illuminated by the Guardian's light and shadow alone. It must also be crossed with a bridge of humanity's pure intent. You are that bridge, Sere. The Guardian is the world's skeleton. But you... you are its heart."
Sere felt her breath catch. This was the explanation of Lyrian's prophecy. She wasn't just an assistant. She had a role as crucial as Moaito's, albeit different, in restoring the Balance.
"Kael and his masters fight to reach the Focus," the Spirit warned. "But their path is destruction. Your path is connection. Remember: the greatest power is not the sharpest sword, but the deepest understanding."
Then, the being turned back to Moaito. "And you, Ancient One. You have borne the burden of solitude. But you are no longer alone. Trust her. Just as your balance empowers her, her humanity will guide you."
The Spirit of Water extended its hands. In its palms, it formed a sphere made of water, containing tiny, glowing bubbles. This was the essence of the Eye of Water.
"Take this. It is the essence of purified water. Bring it to the Focus of Balance. When it merges with the essences of the other three elements, the path will open."
Moaito reached out respectfully and took the water sphere. It vibrated in his hands, feeling fresh and alive.
Their task was complete. But their burden was now even heavier. They not only had to save the world but also understand Sere's new and uncertain role.
The Spirit of Water withdrew to bid them farewell, its form beginning to blend back into the crystal.
"May your path be clear. And remember: The path to the Focus lies not without, but within."
With these final words, the being fully transformed back into the crystal and vanished.
Sere and Moaito were left alone in their boat, with their victory and the heavy message they had received.
"Moaito," Sere whispered. "This... this role... am I ready?"
Moaito looked at her, no doubt in his eyes. "There is no such thing as being ready, Sere. There is only choice. And with every choice you've made so far, you have shown you are ready for this role."
Together, they rowed back towards the "Sea Serpent." They now possessed the essences of the four elements – the Spark of Fire (from the Heart of Fire), the Breath of Wind (from the Pinnacle of Wind), the Core of the Earth (from the Spine of the Earth), and now the Essence of Water.
Next was the place where everything would end or begin anew: the Focus of Balance. And the path to it was not marked on any map. Only the union of the four elements and the combined will of a Guardian and a Human could reveal it.