End of the Arc: Awakening at the Altar
Horizon Small.
Simple.
But, at that moment…
It seemed like the only place capable of saving a life.
The wagon crossed the entrance to Miura, kicking up dust. The sound of the wheels drew attention.
People began to come out of their homes. Curious.
— What happened?
— Who are they?
All eyes turned to the wagon.
Daichi was still holding Himawari’s frail body.
Aira pulled hard on the reins, coming to a stop in the center of the village.
— Get out of the way!
The murmur grew louder.
Then—
The tavern door swung open.
Erza stepped out.
Her gaze was steady… until it landed on the wagon.
Silence.
The world seemed to freeze for a moment.
Her eyes widened.
— …
Her lips trembled.
— Rin…?
Her voice came out weak.
Almost a whisper.
But then—
— RIN!
The scream cut through the entire village.
Erza ran.
She pushed aside whoever was in front of her.
She climbed onto the wagon without hesitation.
Her arms wrapped around the girl’s body.
— My daughter…!
Her voice broke.
— You… you’re alive…
Her hands trembled as she held her face.
Dirty. Thin.
Almost lifeless.
But… familiar.
— Rin… wake up… please…
Daichi’s eyes were fixed on the scene.
Confusion.
Shock.
Rin…?
Aira was watching too, in silence.
Something didn’t make sense.
But no one said a word.
Erza was already running.
With the girl in her arms.
— Make way!
— Someone bring water! Cloths! Now!
The village sprang into action.
Doors opening.
Hurried footsteps.
Despair.
Hope.
Daichi slowly climbed down from the wagon.
His body still heavy.
But his mind…
Was somewhere else.
— Himawari…
He looked toward the tavern, where Erza had taken the girl.
— Or… Rin…
The wind swept through the village.
And, at that moment…
A new question arose.
Who… was she really?
End of Arc 1: Awakening at the Altar
Arc 2: When You Called My Name
