Full Moon
When I broke the surface, the full moon was reflected in the water, creating a surreal scene. A sense of relief washed over me as I emerged from the darkness of the deep sea, but at the same time, a new excitement welled up within me as I felt the weight of the Star-Shadowed Iron I had obtained. Determined to fulfill my promise to the historian, I hurried back to the surface.
Upon reaching the shore, I rested near a nearby bonfire to warm my chilled body. Shaking my still-damp hair, I picked up the Star-Shadow Iron. Its surface retained the same brilliance I had seen in the deep sea, reflecting the moonlight and shimmering beautifully.
“Still… I wonder what that deep-sea creature really was…” I muttered, when I heard a voice from behind me.
Turning around, I saw a woman with an unfamiliar appearance standing there. Her long silver hair fluttered in the wind, and her deep red eyes shone sharply. Her skin was as white as moonlight, and the clothes she wore were woven with intricate patterns reminiscent of deep-sea creatures.
“Who are you…?” I asked, and she smiled quietly.
“Let’s just say I am the guardian of this sea,” she said, slowly approaching me. “It seems you have obtained the treasure of the deep sea. What wonderful courage.”
“The guardian of the sea…?” I couldn’t hide my surprise. “Starlight Iron… was that something important to you?”
“Rather than precious… it is indispensable,” she replied. “This Star-Shadow Iron is the power necessary to maintain the balance of this sea—and of this world. By obtaining that power, you have taken on a great responsibility.”
Her words sent a chill down my spine. Perhaps Star-Shadow Iron is not merely an ore. It might be a vital force that determines the fate of this world.
“Responsibility…?”
“That’s right. The instrument crafted from this Star Shadow Iron will determine the future of the World Tree—and the future of this world. Whoever plays that instrument holds the power to save the world, and the power to destroy it. Are you prepared to accept that power?”
Her words were heavy and powerful. I have a premonition that I will be closely involved with this guardian of the sea for a long time to come. Crafting this instrument will not be a mere task, but a grand battle in which the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
“…Yes. I will shoulder that responsibility.” I answered firmly. The weight of the Star Shadow Iron was deeply etched into the palms of my hands and into my heart. My adventure has entered a new phase.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
