The Flower Is Finished

After saying that, I immediately rushed out to search for the pink or purple gems hidden in the sea. The air felt different now—thicker, heavier—as if the world itself understood the urgency of my mission. According to the healer, the gem rested inside a shell deep beneath the ocean floor. Some claimed it was only a myth told by fishermen to frighten their children, yet the healer insisted it was the most valuable medicine known to their people—a remedy capable of saving lives on the brink of death.

Coincidentally, a vast stretch of deep ocean lay not far from where we stood. The wind sweeping through the trees seemed to whisper warnings, but also guidance, as though urging me forward. I believed this had to be the place the healer meant.

"As far as I know, the medicine can be found at the bottom of the ocean," he said.

His voice trembled, not from fear of the journey itself, but from the knowledge of how dangerous it would be.

I had never heard of such a thing, but I listened carefully, allowing every word to imprint on my mind.

"What does it look like? And how am I supposed to get it?" I asked, my heart pounding with desperation. The healer glanced at Farel—his breaths shallow, labored, each one sounding harsher than the last. The poison coursing through him felt like a ticking clock I couldn't escape.

"It's round. Sometimes purple, pink, or even rainbow-colored. It lives in a large shell beneath the seabed. You must split the shell open to obtain the small colorful beads inside."

His words echoed faintly as memories surfaced—Farel and I once searching in the dark waters years ago. We had wandered through eerie blue currents and endless shadows, but found nothing. Even the Elven people spoke of this gem with reverence, treating it as both legend and treasure.

"Where can I find it?" I asked again.

This time, the healer hesitated longer. The sky above seemed to dim, clouds shifting as if listening.

He turned and pointed toward the east. "I believe… it should be somewhere there."

"You wretched healer! How dare you mess with us?!"

George grabbed him by the collar, rage radiating from every fiber of his body. The healer's knees nearly buckled from fear.

"George! You must not do that!"

"So I have to go there?" I asked, ignoring the chaos. The healer nodded weakly.

"You're from the Elf race, aren't you?" George asked, scrutinizing him before letting go.

"Yes… I am an Elf."

George finally stepped back. The tension in the air was sharp, like invisible blades hovering between us.

"Are you sure you're going to dive into the ocean?" he asked, his voice strained—not out of doubt, but worry.

"How many should I take?" I backed away, hand already reaching for my sword.

"Two or three is enough, my lord."

His voice trembled. Wind rustled the leaves, carrying a sense of unease.

"Isn't that too few?"

He dropped to his knees. "My apologies, my lord… but to obtain even one requires several people and weeks of effort."

I did not respond. My thoughts raced while silence grew between us.

"The gem hides itself when sought. Sea creatures guard it fiercely. That is why it is so rare—why fishermen speak of it in whispers."

The healer bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the ground.

"So you're saying the gem is guarded by dangerous creatures?" George's voice darkened.

"Yes, my lord… guarded strictly by sea beasts."

I cut George off before he could react.

"That's enough. Thank you. I'm leaving now—take care of them."

But George looked torn, as though fighting an internal battle. The injuries across his arms and torso throbbed beneath bruised skin.

"Are you truly going to leave us to search for that gem?" he asked quietly.

"There is no other way," I answered softly. "I must save the soldiers… and those bitten by demons."

I grasped my sword and turned away. The air seemed to shift around me, carrying the scent of salt and distant storms.

"My lord! You need leaves that help you hold your breath underwater!" the healer shouted.

I stopped, recalling Farel's old notes—handwritten scribbles from years ago detailing obscure herbs used by ancient divers.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

I set off toward the ocean. The world around me felt simultaneously vast and suffocating. The path was damp, as though the earth itself had exhaled moisture from its depths. Shadows of passing clouds drifted across the ground, dancing like spirits guiding my steps.

The further I walked, the louder the rhythmic crashing of waves became. Soon, the dense forest thinned, revealing the stunning yet haunting sight of a sprawling shoreline.

The sand was pale—so pale it almost glowed beneath the sunlight. The ocean stretched endlessly, a deep sapphire blanket rippling with hidden mysteries. A chilling breeze brushed against my face, carrying whispers of forgotten tales.

I chewed the herbal leaf, its sharp taste biting my tongue. I approached the shoreline, feeling the water lap gently against my ankles. For a brief second, the sea felt welcoming—tranquil even. But beneath that tranquility lurked an ancient, predatory silence.

I inhaled deeply… then dove.

The world above disappeared instantly. Light fractured into shimmering patterns as I swam deeper. Schools of fish moved in synchronized waves, their colors swirling like living ribbons. The deeper I descended, the dimmer the surroundings grew, until the world became a twilight realm.

Still no shell. No gem.

"Did I come to the wrong place?" I wondered.

Then—currents surged violently. A horde of fish darted past me in panic. The water trembled. A monstrous roar reverberated through the depths.

"Run, you foolish human!"

The voice struck through the water like lightning.

"You idiot! Run! There's a fish that eats everything!"

A purple fish shot toward me, grabbing me with surprising strength.

"W–what…?"

"No time! Move!"

We dashed into a cave just as a massive shadow swept past. The creature outside devoured everything in its path with terrifying speed, its suction nearly dragging the purple fish away.

"H-help…!"

I grabbed its tail and pulled with all my strength until the beast drifted away.

"Thank you," the fish panted. "I owe you."

"Are you… a sorcerer?"

It glared.

"Are you Lord Xanders?"

"Wait—you're talking? Are you a spirit? A demon?"

"Answer my question first!"

"Yes, I'm Xanders."

It blinked in disbelief.

"So… who are you?"

"Have you met a bird that speaks?"

I nodded.

"Then so can I."

I exhaled deeply, the tension easing—if only slightly.

"So, why did you come to me?" I asked.

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