The Guardian
The words of the Guardian of the Sea still echo in my ears. Responsibility… something that will determine the future of the world. It’s a heavy burden, but I cannot run away from it. I will use this Star-Shadow Iron to craft an instrument that resonates with the World Tree. I feel that this is my mission.
The bonfire on the shore is dying down, and the cold night breeze stings my skin. The Star-Shadow Iron glows quietly on my lap. That light is a deep blue reminiscent of the darkness of the deep sea, as if it were trapping the stars of the universe within it.
“Well, where shall I begin…?” I mutter, and the Guardian of the Sea from earlier appears. She had come to stand beside me without my noticing. Quietly and swiftly, just like a ghost.
“The journey to the World Tree will not be an easy one,” she says quietly. “Various trials await you on the way to the World Tree. Are you prepared to overcome them?”
“Trials…?” I replied, feeling a little nervous. “No matter what trials lie ahead, I will overcome them. To play the melody of the World Tree and save the future of this world.”
She nodded. “That is a wonderful resolve. However, there is not just one path to the World Tree. Which path will you choose? One is the ‘Path of the Wind,’ said to have been traveled by the sages of old. It is a perilous and rugged path, but it will likely lead you to the World Tree the fastest. Another is the ‘Path of Water.’ This is a gentle and safe path, but it takes time. And finally, the ‘Path of Earth.’ It is a labyrinthine and complex path where you must unravel many mysteries.”
Her words bring a map to mind. The Path of the Wind is a route that crosses rugged mountain ranges. The Path of the Water is a route that sails across the endless ocean. And the Path of the Earth is a route that winds through a labyrinth stretching deep beneath the ground. Which one should I choose…? I’m torn.
After a moment’s thought, I reply. “I… will choose the Path of the Wind. Time is of the essence. The fate of the World Tree may be changing with every passing moment. I believe that acting swiftly is the key to saving the future of this world.”
The Guardian of the Sea gazes quietly at my resolve. “The Path of the Wind will test your courage. You must be prepared to battle the mighty Wind Demons and the spirits that rule their domain. However, if you overcome that trial, the path to the World Tree will open.”
She places a small seashell before me. “This will serve as a guide from the Wind Spirits. If you proceed in the direction this shell points, the path to the World Tree will open. However, the guidance of this shell is not always correct. You will need to use your own judgment as well.”
As I take the shell in my hand, I feel a faint warmth. It was a warmth like a ray of hope.
“Thank you,” I said, bowing to the Guardian of the Sea. “I will definitely play the melody of the World Tree and save the future of this world.”
A full moon shone brightly in the night sky. Its light illuminated my resolve. I took a deep breath and, relying on the seashell, stepped onto the Path of the Wind. My journey to the World Tree had begun.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
