Awakening #1
In the moonlit forest, a large crystal was firmly rooted in the ground.
Inside the softly glowing blue crystal, a figure of a girl could be seen. Her straight, silver hair fell to her shoulders, and she wore black clothing with a black cloak. Her name was Liti.
Liti’s body, sealed within the crystal, remained still, as if she were a preserved specimen, locked in a deep slumber.
Some distance away, there was another crystal. Inside it was a girl with thick, red hair. Her name was Meina. She was slightly taller than Liti but had a youthful face. Her body was wrapped in a loose, cream-colored robe.
Both girls had studied under the same master and were protected by the same power. These crystals had shielded them from the catastrophe.
A crack had appeared in the crystal encasing the silver-haired girl, Liti. It was a small crack at first, but it spread quickly, as though it sensed the moment had arrived.
The crack gradually widened until, with a sharp sound, the crystal shattered. Liti collapsed to the ground.
Liti had been dreaming for so long that she couldn’t quite grasp that she was now back in reality.Her body felt heavy, and a dull ache throbbed in her head, bringing an uncomfortable sense of disorientation.
A piercing pain, like nails driven into her temples.
She sighed, clutching her head.
The faint sound of insects humming reached her ears.
The rich scent of earth and trees filled her nose.
A warm, clinging wind brushed against her skin.
It was then that Liti understood-she had awakened.
A long, harsh winter is coming. This forest will be swallowed by ice, and most of the creatures here will perish. That’s why I must seal you both...
That’s what their master, Azunai, had said as he sealed them in the crystals.
So, it’s the two of us now.
Liti raised her head and looked around.
The sky held a moon with a missing piece, and stars sparkled faintly. Below them lay the dark, sprawling forest.
There were no sounds of owls or other animals. Perhaps it was mere chance, or, as Azunai had predicted, maybe all the creatures were gone. Only the hum of insects remained.
Liti turned and saw another crystal-the one with the red-haired girl inside.
“Meina...”
Instinctively, she murmured her name and tried to stand, but her body wouldn’t respond. A sharp pain shot through her limbs.
Her muscles and joints resisted her efforts.
Liti looked up at the crystal encasing Meina, rubbing her aching body.
She sneezed, sending a fresh wave of pain rippling through her. It was likely autumn by now.It wasn’t cold, but the darkness felt oppressive. Depending solely on moonlight for guidance made her uneasy. If their master, Azunai, were here, he would surely have said:
“Meina, bring the light.”
Yes-that was it. She should ask Meina for help. With that thought, Liti desperately massaged her legs and waist.
Can I even use Ash Magic in this condition?
As she worked to loosen her body, Liti pondered.
Everyone was born with gifts or talents bestowed by the great goddess Mute.
Some were fast runners, others had sharp minds or beautiful singing voices.
Among them, a few were blessed with the gift of magic.
Liti couldn’t tell if it was Mute’s blessing or a curse.
Compared to her own burdensome gift, Meina’s seemed so wonderful.
