The Sky
I look up at the sky. “I haven’t decided for sure yet. It’s just that I found a passage in an ancient book I acquired in the City of Winds that caught my attention.”
The old hunter asks with interest, “What kind of passage is that?”
“The book states that in a land far to the east, there exists a place called the ‘Tower of Star-Readers.’ It is said to be a gathering place for those who observe the movements of the celestial bodies and possess the power to foretell the future.”
The old hunter strokes his beard as he ponders. “The Tower of Star-Readers, huh… I feel like I’ve heard of it, but maybe not…”
I continued, “The texts also suggest that fragments of the ‘Words of Creation’ may be hidden within that tower. If that’s true, I’d very much like to visit it.”
The old hunter sensed my resolve and nodded firmly. “I understand. If that’s what you’ve decided, Mitamu, I’ll gladly accompany you. Much of the eastern land remains unexplored. There will likely be dangers, but if I can be of help to you, I’d be more than happy.”
I express my gratitude for the old hunter’s offer. “Thank you, old hunter. Your experience and knowledge will surely be of great help.”
We set out on foot toward the eastern lands. The desolate landscape stretches on and on, seemingly endless. Yet, a light of hope burns within our hearts.
A few days later, we arrive at a vast forest that seems to blanket the land. Even in broad daylight, the forest is dim and shrouded in an eerie atmosphere.
The old hunter, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings, warns me. “This forest is likely home to monsters. Don’t let your guard down.”
I take the lyre of the Atlantis civilization in my hands and listen intently to the sounds around us. Suddenly, I hear a faint, discordant melody.
“I sense a monster. And it seems to be a very powerful one.”
We proceed cautiously through the forest. Then, suddenly, a massive shadow appears before us. It was a giant spider monster. Baring its sharp fangs, the spider monster lunges at us.
The old hunter draws his bow and fires an arrow at the spider monster. However, its body is too hard, and the arrow bounces off.
I play my harp, beginning to perform a sacred melody. The melody echoes through the forest, slowing the spider monster’s movements.
While continuing to play, I approach the spider monster and hold up the jewel. A light bursts forth from the jewel, enveloping the spider monster.
The spider monster lets out a cry of agony and convulses. Eventually, it stops moving.
We defeat the spider monster and continue on through the forest. Then, from deep within the forest, we hear a beautiful singing voice.
“That singing voice…” As if guided by the song, I venture deeper into the forest. There, in a clearing, a beautiful spring appears. Sitting by the spring’s edge, a fairy is singing.
The fairy notices us and smiles gently. “Well done on making it this far. You must be the chosen ones.”
I ask the fairy, “Who are you? And where is this place?”
The fairy replies, “I am Sylphide, the guardian of this forest. This is a place called the ‘Fountain of Spirits.’”
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
