Chapter 49. Three.
After the incident with Unagi, people began to recall the spirits that once felt so close. Many fairy tales and legends took on a completely new meaning. For several weeks, there was nothing but excitement over this topic. Every evening, the villagers gathered in the center of the village around the bonfire and shared everything they had ever heard from their parents or grandparents.
The stories ran out quickly... After all, the few inhabitants of Kiyoshi Island grew up in a small community, but this didn't stop them—it only added to their enthusiasm. They started making up stories on the spot. I also love to spin a yarn, especially since I've seen many spirits with my own eyes. These gatherings reminded me of summer camps, where, among ancient trees and fresh air, the entire squad—or even several—would come together. It was the most carefree time.
The situation with the eggs added a touch of comedy. The future rulers of the waters required a constant flow of energy, and I never left them for a moment. By the next day, I realized how hard it is for all creatures—animals that spend days, even weeks, hatching their offspring. I had to make a backpack so I could go about my business without worrying about forgetting the little Unagi.
But these small worries were more than offset by the benefits they brought me through their simple development. At first, I thought they could only enhance my energy channels and source, but I was deeply mistaken—it was more like a pleasant bonus. The main advantage is understanding the processes that nature or the world embeds in these amazing creatures. I had never seen or felt how the element of water behaves when creating life. It was this understanding of the birth of magical creatures that gave me a qualitative leap in my mastery of water magic.
I already know that with the activation of my energy, a natural transition to a higher rank in the water element will follow. So, it's time to think about new elements. It's a serious matter, so I should read Van Shi Tong's records about the inhabitants of the Spirit Realm. The library awaits me in its embrace, but I should warn Driya not to read books of questionable content.
Driya may not realize it, but with her sunny personality, she naturally draws people to her. I was afraid her attractive appearance would create a rift among the women and girls, but it seems I worried for nothing. The Kiyoshi warriors warmly welcomed my companion, and now she can be seen among the other island residents. I hope they don't spoil her, though... knowing the kind of books she's read, I wonder who will end up spoiling whom...
"Where am I standing?" I asked Suyuki, who stood with a bandage over her eyes.
For a whole week, Suyuki has been walking barefoot and with her eyes closed. I think the sooner she learns seismicsensitivity, the faster her control over the element will develop—though there are no complaints about that yet. The girl has been accustomed to discipline and hard work since childhood. Where others rely on talent, she relies on her perseverance.
"Here," she pointed at me with her finger. Let's complicate the task.
"Correct!" I sent her my approval through our connection. "Now, I'll start moving. Ready?" Seeing her determined nod, I began walking in a random direction. As the exercise progressed, I gradually picked up the pace, and by the end, I was jogging lightly. I could have gone at full speed, but only at a gentle pace do I avoid making noise that she could use to determine my location.
"So? How did it go?" Suyuki asked impatiently, practically dancing in place.