"And what's a high summoner?"

The priest nods. "The highest calling of a summoner is the pilgrimage. They travel across Spira and pray at multiple temples to compact with the fayth and receive the blessings of the aeons. Once they feel prepared, they travel all the way to the ruins of Zanarkand, where they learn how to perform the Final Summoning."

...so that's why it's sacred. Also, Azym has literally never heard of this summoning thing. Or any magic, really. This does make it more likely his own Zanarkand is made up, if it's so different from what this place is like. And yet...

"A summoner who successfully completes their pilgrimage in that way can use the Final Aeon to defeat Sin, thus earning the title of High Summoner."

"Wait, defeat it? But—then how is it still around?"

"Summoners give us reprieves, periods of calm during which Sin is gone. But it returns, after a while. As Yevon teaches us, we will only be rid of Sin when we have fully atoned for our sins and attained purity."

Wow that sure sounds like a load of bollocks. "Wakka—uh, he's—"

"I know him. We all know each other, here," says the priest, smiling.

"Right. He mentioned there was someone called Zei who was trying to become a summoner?"

The smile vanishes. "Lord Zei is High Summoner Braska's only child, and he recently decided to follow in his father's footsteps. He's in the chamber of the fayth as we speak, praying to be granted his first aeon."

"But?"

The priest sighs and shakes his head. "Lord Zei is a bit unconventional."

"Unconventional how?"

"It is not my place. He holds some unorthodox views... but then again, so did his father. And none can doubt his devotion; not even Lord Braska had such fire in his heart."

"Buuuuuut?"

He sighs again. "He's been in the chamber for over a day. I... worry... that he may not be sufficiently spiritually aligned with Yevon to become a summoner. Or maybe just not have the ability. It would crush him, if so; it has been his dream and only purpose since he was old enough to understand what it meant."

Zei is totally the protagonist, isn't he? Mysterious purple hoodie ghost child didn't answer Azym, but this dude is giving off mad protagonist vibes and Azym hasn't even met him yet. "I think... he'll be fine."

The priest raises an eyebrow.

"Call it a hunch," he shrugs. "Something tells me it will work out for him."

That gives him some pause. "I pray that you're right, mister, ah..."

"Azym," he provides.

"And I am Kahli. Our meeting may have been willed by Yevon."

Once again, not touching that one with a ten-foot pole. But, hmm... "So, uh, who or what exactly is Yevon?"

"Ah... that one is a deeper question than you realise, and I believe you should instead rest a bit before engaging with such theology."

Ominous. "Alright. You have been very informative, and I thank you. Thank you also for the food."