The Spirit
Turning to the Spirit of the Wind, I reply quietly, “The wind exists within an eternal cycle that has neither beginning nor end. It is the breath of the earth and the whisper of the heavens. The wind is born from every place and returns to every place.”
The Spirit listens to my words and nods contentedly. “You have seen through it well. The wind is an ever-changing, fluid energy. Now, what about the second riddle? Why is the wind sometimes gentle and sometimes fierce?”
I ponder once more. The wind’s gentleness and fierceness… it is just like human emotions. Joy, sorrow, anger, and love. Does the wind, too, harbor various emotions?
“The wind shows different expressions depending on the situation. When the sun beats down and the earth is parched, it becomes a gentle wind that brings a blessing of rain. But when the balance of nature is disrupted and the earth cries out in pain, it becomes a fierce wind that destroys everything.”
The spirit seemed deeply moved by my words. “Wonderful. You truly understand the emotions of the wind. Now, for the final mystery. What does the wind bring to people?”
I reflected on my journey so far. The people I met in the City of Winds, the energy I felt at the Temple of Wind, and the whispers of the wind spirits. The wind has brought me so much.
“The wind gives people hope and courage. It guides them to new places and hints at new possibilities. And it heals people’s hearts, giving them vitality for tomorrow.”
Upon hearing my answer, the spirit breaks into a broad smile. “You have answered all three riddles correctly. I offer my deepest respect for your wisdom and courage.”
The spirit extends a hand toward me. “Come now, Mitamu. You have been granted an audience with the King of the Wind Spirits. Let us go together to the King of the Wind’s presence.”
I took the spirit’s hand, and we began to walk together. The space among the clouds gradually grew brighter, and soon, a massive palace appeared before our eyes. The palace was made of clouds and shone brilliantly in the sunlight.
Upon entering the palace, we found ourselves in a space so beautiful it felt like another world. Wind spirits danced across the ceiling, and the walls were adorned with depictions of the history of the City of Winds. And in the center of the palace, the King of the Winds sat upon his throne.
The King of the Winds looked down at me with an expression full of dignity. “Mitamu, welcome. Your courage and wisdom have filled the wind spirits with awe. I shall bestow a reward upon you.”
The Wind King handed me a scroll. “This scroll contains the secret teachings of wind magic. I pray that you will use the power of the wind wisely and bring peace to the world.”
I accepted the scroll from the Wind King and bowed deeply. “Thank you, Wind King. I swear to use this power for the benefit of the people.”
The King of the Wind nods and smiles at me. “Mitamu, your journey has only just begun. Difficult paths will surely lie ahead. But I believe that you will surely overcome them.”
The King of the Wind’s words give me courage. I renew my resolve to set out on my adventure once more. Having completed my trials at the Temple of the Wind, I return to the City of the Wind. The people of the city warmly welcome my return. I present the scroll bestowed upon me by the King of the Wind to Eldrich, the elder of the City of the Wind.
“Elder, this scroll contains the secrets of wind magic. I wish to use this scroll for the benefit of the City of Wind.”
The Elder took the scroll and examined it carefully. “This is a precious text. Lord Mitamu, you are an irreplaceable asset to the City of Wind.”
I thanked the Elder for his words. I vowed to study wind magic alongside the people of the City of Wind and contribute to the city’s development.
I returned to my inn and decided to take a breather in my room.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
