Alric and others are engrossed in an intriguing book. The environment is notably windy, causing their laundry, hung outdoors, to sway vigorously.
Trees are visibly waving, and the sun shines brightly overhead, casting light as clouds drift past, creating moving shadows on the ground and across some of the trees.
The book they are reading recounts a fantasy tale about a naval officer who discovers something entirely new to him.
Garff, a naval officer, dedicated himself to protecting individuals from injustice. Throughout his years of service, he encountered numerous pirates, yet none matched his formidable strength.
One day, Garff inexplicably found himself on a mysterious island where the inhabitants lived with a freedom he had never before witnessed.
The circumstances of his arrival remain unknown, as he was alone, without any of his naval companions. It was just Garff, the island, and its joyfully living people.
Garff embarked on an exploration of a specific island. His journey began with a visit to a local restaurant, where he enjoyed a substantial meal, before proceeding to wander through the adjacent streets.
Ultimately, Garff ascended to a meadow situated at the island's summit. There, he came upon a house, seemingly occupied solely by a woman named Helan.
Garff had not initially anticipated encountering any habitation at such an elevated location.
As he drew nearer, he observed Helan seated outside her dwelling, her gaze directed towards the sea.
Under normal weather conditions, Garff and Helan stood together, gazing at the sea. Helan remarked, "You are not an inhabitant of this island." Garff responded, "I am a tourist." Helan then offered to assist Garff in departing the island and returning home.
Garff, however, asserted that he would leave the island independently, even without her assistance.
Helan countered, stating, "Once you have entered this island, you cannot leave; you are not permitted to depart." Garff questioned, "Who says?" Helan simply smiled and challenged Garff to attempt leaving the island.
Garff stated, "I may not appear to be one, but I am a navy marine, and sailing the sea is integral to my duties. I will depart from this island tomorrow." Following this, Garff left Helan and began searching for any ships scheduled to depart from the island.
However, no ships were available, as none were visible. Garff then recalled Helan and promptly returned to inquire why no ships were present on the island. He questioned, "What is amiss with these people? Do they not leave the island, at least for goods?"
Helan informed Garff that they were on a cursed island. She explained that once a month, powerful monsters and creatures inexplicably appear on the island. The inhabitants collectively defeat these creatures, whose remains then transform into magical nutrients for the soil.
This unique phenomenon enables the land to cultivate all varieties of crops and vegetables where the creatures perished. The islanders have consumed these foods without adverse effects, eliminating the need to import provisions by ship.
Upon hearing the explanation, Garff inquired of Helan how she intended to facilitate his departure from the island. She responded that in one year and six months, a ship exclusively dedicated to transporting crops and vegetables from the island to various global destinations would arrive, at which point Garff could leave.
Garff resolved to reside on the Island for the foreseeable future. Helan proposed they find a place to stay, but Garff insisted on building his house adjacent to hers. Helan expressed no objection, and Garff articulated his desire for a tranquil space where he could relax undisturbed, deeming the location ideal.
Helan felt a sense of contentment at the prospect of having a neighbor. Garff inquired whether Helan's family would object to him constructing his house next to hers. Helan responded that she lived alone and had no family, so Garff was welcome to proceed with his construction without issue. Garff then suggested, "If you don't have family, perhaps I could live with you in your house!"
Helan found no contention with Garff's statements, leading them to cohabitate in the same residence. After one month, the day arrived when monsters and creatures manifested on the island. These included giant beasts and shadowy figures resembling ancient warriors.
These creatures were notably distinct from those typically observed. The island's inhabitants attempted to engage them, but their attacks proved ineffective.
The creatures effortlessly dispatched people, instigating widespread panic.
Garff immediately intervened, engaging the creatures. His attacks landed and inflicted damage, yet the creatures continuously regenerated.
Garff found himself in a precarious situation, defending the inhabitants of the island who were fearful of confronting the new creatures. Despite taking numerous hits, Garff was largely ineffective against these adversaries, as they continuously regenerated after sustaining damage.
At that critical moment, Helan entered the battlefield and, within minutes, utterly annihilated the creatures. A surprised Garff remarked, "You should have intervened earlier; we have already suffered losses." Helan offered an apology, yet the islanders were relieved by her arrival, noting her unusual presence in such a low-lying area.
Garff questioned why the creatures remained alive and how Helan achieved their demise. Helan subsequently demonstrated a technique for mastering energy and applying it in combat. Garff trained under Helan to master this technique, though Helan emphasized by training Garff is not Guarantee to master it.