The Old Man
I mull over the old man’s words: “What kind of world do you wish to create using the ‘Words of Creation’?” That was a question I had always avoided. Whenever I gained power, I focused solely on overcoming the immediate challenges before me and had never given serious thought to what I wanted to achieve with that power.
The old man’s eyes seem to see right through to the depths of my heart. I cannot utter words of pretense. I have no choice but to speak honestly about the wish within me.
“I… want to create a world of harmony,” I reply. “A world without conflict, where all life is respected and can coexist.”
The old man nods quietly. “Harmony, eh? That is a beautiful wish. However, harmony is not a static thing. It is a living current that is constantly changing and growing.”
The old man taps his cane lightly on the ground. Immediately, the scene in the library begins to change. The bookshelves vanish, and a vast garden appears before my eyes. There, various kinds of plants bloom in profusion, and animals play freely.
“Look,” says the old man. “This garden is a symbol of harmony. But if you observe it closely, you’ll see that change and conflict are always present here. Stronger plants overshadow weaker ones, and carnivores prey on herbivores. That is the order of nature, and it is part of harmony.”
I carefully observe the garden. Indeed, while beautiful harmony exists there, so does the harsh reality of the survival of the fittest. Yet these are by no means contradictory; they complement one another and maintain the overall balance.
“True harmony is born when all elements fulfill their respective roles and support one another,” the old man continues. “Those who possess power should use it for the benefit of others. Those who possess knowledge should share it. By doing so, the world becomes a richer place.”
The old man turns to face me, his gaze gentle. “You possess the power of the Words of Creation. It is up to you to decide what kind of world you will create with that power. But please do not forget: with power comes responsibility. Your choices will shape the future.”
The old man’s words resonate deeply within my heart. I realize anew the weight of my power. And I renew my resolve. I vow to make the best use of my power to create a world of harmony.
“Thank you,” I say, bowing my head to the old man. “I will never forget your words.”
The old man smiles and taps his staff on the ground once more. Instantly, the view of the garden vanishes, and we return to the library. The old man hands me a book. “This is a map showing the way to the Altar of Creation. It will aid you on your journey.”
I take the book and express my gratitude to the old man. He nods quietly and disappears into the depths of the bookshelves. Holding the book in my hands, I steel my resolve to face the next trial: the “Altar of Creation.”
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
