|Delcan Mountains| 24.03.1178|
Naomi:
"Ding-dong-ding-ding."
After walking for a while toward the mountains, I hear the faint sounds of the tower bell in the village, sixteen kilometers away from my current position.
Even though it's still March, the gentle breeze that caresses my face and causes my nightgown to flutter is neither chilly nor warm—a perfect condition for walking through the mountains in only a nightgown and bare feet, as I am.
As I get close to the base of one of the mountains, I notice a protruding rocky outcropping. I crouch down to gather all my energy in my legs, then use my full strength to jump at least ten meters into the air. I reach out as fast as I can and manage to grip the ledge with one hand, still holding the book in the other.
That's no problem—I only need one hand.
I swiftly pull myself up and land elegantly on the ledge before jumping up to the next one. I repeat the process of jumping and climbing until I reach the top of the mountain.
It's relatively small compared to the others around it and has no layer of mist on it. However, it offers a marvelous view of the moon—just like a painting.
Thud!
The book lands on the ground as I approach the edge.
I stretch my arms from my torso, cracking the joints as if it would make it easier to cast the spell. My tail wags slightly, and my ears twitch as another breeze caresses over them. This time, however, it is slightly chillier.
After lingering in my stance for a while, I head back to the book and pick it up again.
I take another glance at the Required Handsigns. They really are easy, yet the real importance lies in using the right amount of mana for the spell.
I set the book on the ground again and get in position. I form the handsigns and focus on my mana flow.
"Leine des Wanderers," I shout, even though it isn't needed for a gestic spell… Nothing happens.
"Huh?" I look back at the page, checking if I did the correct handsigns. I did.
>> Why didn't it work? <<
I try it again, this time without shouting the name of the spell… Still nothing happens.
I get in a more upright posture, thinking that this would increase the mana flow for some reason.
Then I form the handsigns again, trying to breathe as calmly as possible. Mischa told me that calmness and focus are essential for using mana. But again, it doesn't work. Slowly, frustration builds up.
"Calm down, Naomi. It's your first time; it can't work perfectly the first time," I talk to myself.
But even though I repeatedly perform it, I'm not getting any closer to creating even the hint of a chain.
"Fuck," I shout out loud, my voice loud enough to echo a bit through the mountain chain.
I pick up the book again, only to throw it on the ground again.
"Stupid book. Fuck you, Wilhelm Karador!" I shout even louder, my blood boiling with anger and frustration.
I try it again and again and again, noticing how my movements grow impatient and lose precision.
"Oh, what? Can't demi-humans use mana now? Are we too much animal for that, huh? Is nature racist or what?" I shout as loud as I can.
The earth rumbles.
I cover my mouth. "Did I just—?" But no, the rumbling continues. Dust and small stones start to move as the rumbling intensifies.
"What the—"
As I carefully look over the edge into the deep abyss, the sight my mere and unworthy eyes witness causes them to widen in shock.
"A-…A Lindworm!"
A snake-like creature with black and brown scales is bursting through the mountains as if they were mere paper walls. The loud noises of crashing stones and bursting trees sting my ears.
Tom always told me the mountains were dangerous—but not this dangerous.
How could anyone possibly live or even walk here when this monster lives here?
My legs go weak, even though I'm not in danger yet. The mere thought of what could happen if this creature were to attack me causes me to tremble.
The rumbling continues as the Lindworm passes my position. My sensitive ears hurt like crazy, forcing me to close one eye in pain.
However, a wave of relief spreads through my gut.
Though I, for some reason, didn't know they lived in this mountain region, I do know a few things about Lindworms.
They do not turn around or make curves when they're on the surface. And as this one is heading toward the small forest on my left, the farm is safe.
I regain my composure as the Lindworm moves out of reach. I've had enough action for today.
I wait until the Lindworm is fully out of sight and prepare for my return to the farm.
It's quite possible that the path I previously took to get up is no longer accessible due to the Lindworm.
So I decide to take the longer but safer route and hike quietly and leisurely down the mountain.
After a few minutes, I'm walking along a narrow path downward. My panic, stirred up from the sudden event, has subdued and is now replaced by frustration.
>> Why didn't it work? Why couldn't I cast the spell? Did Mischa lie? Do I not possess Anima? <<
I possess mana, so it must be that.
"How wonderful," I mutter to myself. "A book full of Anima-spells and I can't use any of them."
>> And the old geezer probably doesn't know any more sayings to teach me because of his dementia, << I think, as I finally leave the path and reach a more level surface.
I even catch a glimpse of the forest—well, at least what's left of it after the Lindworm destroyed it.
I pause for a moment. Not because I'm fascinated by the destroyed surroundings, but because I think I hear a sound—a growl.
I squint my eyes to increase my field of vision, and sure enough, I can make out a slight rustling coming from one of the remaining intact areas of the forest.
Actually, I don't think there's anything in this wooded area that could truly harm me. Due to my demi-human genes and my timber wolf ancestry, I'm far superior to most humans—and even animals—in terms of physical abilities.
Since I've also been practicing acrobatics and parkour since I was twelve, I can certainly come to such a conclusion.
Yet—until recently, whether because I wasn't listening to Tom or because the old man simply forgot to tell me—I didn't even know a Lindworm existed in these mountains.
So I'd rather not take any risks.
I shrug slightly and turn back toward the farm, continuing my way home.
"Help!"