The process of merging Sylvia, Stacia, and Alicia's bodies moved slowly far too slowly. The silver-purple light glowing around the three figures pulsed gently, as if hesitant to fully fuse. This was the first time they had performed this ritual since Goddess Persephone had separated their souls and bodies. Every strand of merging energy felt like ice needles piercing into the bone marrow, causing Sylvia's body to tremble slightly even though her face remained cold and full of determination. Stacia's grimoire shook violently in her hands, its ancient pages rustling like living paper, while Alicia's spirit body grew increasingly transparent, melting into thick black mist that slowly seeped into Sylvia's chest.
"Hold on… just a little longer…" Sylvia muttered through gritted teeth. Cold sweat trickled down her temples. The aura of their combined power was rising dramatically, but at a snail's pace, like crawling across lava. It needed time. Precious time.
