The Shimmering Cosmos
I slowly regain consciousness amidst the shimmering cosmos. The silence that follows my confrontation with the pitch-black darkness is unlike any I have ever experienced before—it is filled with a profound sense of peace. The harp rests warmly on my lap, still trembling. I can feel the energy of the cosmos dwelling within its strings.
My next destination is the deep sea. I must fulfill my promise to the Guardian of the Sea and obtain a special type of deep-sea clay—essential for refining the “Deep Sea Pearls” and “Starlight Iron” needed to craft an instrument that resonates with the World Tree.
My spacecraft—though it feels far too small to be called a spacecraft now—begins its quiet descent into the deep sea. Outside the window, countless bioluminescent creatures emit a fantastical glow, as if reflecting the starry sky of the cosmos. The quiet, oppressive pressure unique to the deep sea transmits through the hull.
Upon reaching a certain depth, the craft slowly comes to a stop. The surroundings are shrouded in deep darkness, but I can barely make out my surroundings thanks to the light of the bioluminescent creatures and my magical lamp. Amid the silence unique to the deep sea, I hear a faint sound. It’s almost like… a singing voice.
I extend the periscope outside the vessel and observe my surroundings. In the darkness, I can see a gigantic shadow drifting. That shadow is slowly, yet surely, approaching me.
“...Is this... the Guardian of the Sea?”
The Guardian’s voice resonates directly within my heart.
“Mitamu. We meet again. The Deep Sea Pearl, Star-Shadow Iron, and clay are all ready.”
The Guardian’s voice is gentle yet powerful. It possesses an overwhelming presence, as if it embodies both the silence of the deep sea and the vastness of the cosmos.
“Yes, Guardian of the Sea. I have come to obtain the pearl of the deep sea, the iron of the starlight, and the clay. However… the darkness of this deep sea seems far deeper than I had imagined.”
I honestly convey my current situation. The Guardian’s presence reassures me, but I know that the darkness of the deep sea is filled with unknown dangers.
“There is no need to worry. I will guide you. However, there are those who lurk in the darkness of this deep sea. Do not let your guard down.”
The Guardian’s shadow begins to move slowly, as if to stay close to my ship. Though its massive shadow blends into the darkness of the deep sea, it will surely protect my ship.
“I understand, Guardian of the Sea. I ask for your guiding light.”
I pick up my lyre. In the darkness of the deep sea, the melody I play will become a light of hope. And then, the pearls of the deep sea, the iron of starlight, and the clay. To obtain these, I will journey through the darkness of the deep sea—guided by the Guardian.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
