We climbed to the fourth floor, entering a chamber that immediately evoked maritime themes. Tide patterns were carved intricately into the stone walls, creating flowing designs. Faint salt crystals clung around a shallow stone bowl positioned at the room's center, and I could detect the subtle scent of ocean air despite being deep inland.
The academy had really worked hard on these shrines, they were very creative and unique. I wondered how the other shrines looked like.
The pedestal here was carved to resemble weathered driftwood, complete with rope-like patterns spiraling around its base. The inscription was etched in flowing script that mimicked the movement of waves:
"Where water forgets the weight of ships, I keep the knot of logs and nets. I speak in gulls' grammar and remember every dragged rope. Say my name: the long shore that keeps the sea's gossip."
I read the riddle aloud, and my team members immediately began analysing the maritime imagery.
