Melody
The melody emanating from the harp grew increasingly fierce. It was no longer mere defensive music. It had transformed into an aggressive melody powerful enough to overwhelm Mandragora Forest. The melody concentrated, thrusting like blades of sound toward the swirling center of the green light. Then, something astonishing occurred. The green light began to writhe and shift shape, as if it were a living creature. Then, from within the light, the King of the Mandragora Forest emerged, a colossal form resembling a giant tree. This tree stood tens of meters tall, covered in countless vines and sharp thorns, radiating an intimidating aura. “...Fools... To challenge this sanctuary...” the King declared in a low, resonant voice. The sound reverberated throughout the entire sanctuary, its power strong enough to make my eardrums vibrate. “We have come seeking the blood of the Sage!” the Guildmaster shouted, sword drawn. “If you stand in our way, we will fight!” The King slowly shook his head. “...The blood of the Sage... is it? That is the will of this sanctuary... it is not something easily given...” “Then show us your will!” I replied, holding my harp. “Give us a trial! Grant the Sage's blood only to those who overcome it!” The King remained silent for a moment. Then, slowly, he swayed his vine. “...Then... accept the trial...” With the King's words, the entire sanctuary was enveloped in an even more eerie atmosphere. The green light swirled more violently than ever before, continuously spawning new Mandragora Forests. Yet these were far more powerful and ferocious than before. Simultaneously, countless thorns shot forth from the King's trunk like missiles, hurtling toward us. This was no mere battle. It was a clash of souls—between the will of the sanctuary and the king of this colossal tree, Mandragora Forest. The guildmaster's swordplay and the melody of my harp heralded the beginning of a fierce battle, one powerful enough to shake the sanctuary itself. What awaited beyond this fight? And would we truly obtain the blood of the sage?
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
