Chapter 393: Fast and Frightening
“How surreal…” Dinoss said, gazing upward.
The Haniwa stood atop a pedestal so high and wide that it was nearly impossible to see. It was crafted with the Spirit’s Branch of Naruadeid, designed with wheat in mind.
Well, even wheat would be invisible if just left there, right? Originally, there was another sculpture on this pedestal, one that seemed to be held aloft with both hands. My request for a branch was the downfall here. That sculpture is now placed near the wall behind the Haniwa.
The pedestal where the Haniwa is situated has been lowered. It’s just a bit above my waist.
Why did it end up like this? Well, a little while ago, we had this conversation on the island.
“If it falls, it’s just wood, so it shouldn’t break, right?”
“Probably? But the white and black branches are delicate, so they might shatter?”
I responded to Soleil’s inquiry.
The branch of Shahira that I received from Karn is a Spirit’s Branch inspired by mistletoe. Its finely branched, delicate structure has a metallic sheen, reminiscent of coral, giving it a fragile impression. I’ve seen it crack and crumble before.
“This strange branch seems sturdy, but if it moves, won’t the other two branches fall as well?”
“If it moves vigorously, wouldn’t this thick branch be in danger too?” Kiel and Auro chimed in.
Strange branches and thick branches… Are we assuming movement here?
“Shall we change it to a height where it would be safe even if it falls?”
“That sounds good.”
I agreed with Soleil.
Yeah, we’re definitely assuming movement.
Renovation complete. No, wait, memory complete.
So, the pedestal for the whale ended up floating, and it was destined to lead a second life in the Desert Underground Temple.
Originally, the place for the branches was about the height of my head. Now, a tall pillar sits there, and the face of Asas is looking at me.
“Depending on the angle, I can’t see the lower half…”
I instinctively averted my gaze.
Asas rattled and shook.
“Well, it does look like a half-finished statue.”
Retze made a clever remark!
“Exactly! The face is beautiful, and the line from the shoulders is magnificent.”
Haulon added his support!
“Um, how big should the doghouse be, and where should we place it?”
“Don’t call it a doghouse! A doghouse!” Haulon protested.
“It’s traditional for the God of War to guard the front.”
Karn said gravely.
“I see. Then, to ensure it can pounce on any intruders, let’s place it right next to the entrance here.”
I glanced toward the entrance of the hall.
“Stop treating it like a watchdog!”
Haulon had a lot of demands.
“In this desert, thick trees suitable for building materials are rare. Especially ebony, which is transported from faraway, dangerous lands of dragons through many hands. It’s a symbol of power.”
“Ah, in the heat, they look like long, spindly trees, like palm trees.”
I listened to Karn’s explanation.
Ebony should grow in hot places, but it definitely doesn’t exist in the desert. After Wanwan expressed a desire for ebony, I consulted the Spirit at the Es River. The locations were still a mystery—beyond the Es River, far to the south, or materials from the dragon’s nest.
“Where does ebony come from?”
It seems the former king knows where to find it.
“From here, all the way south, to a place where grass and slender trees flourish, and further beyond, we buy it from those who serve the dragons. However, that was long before the Es River began to swell. Trade has already ceased.”
Karn explained.
“Hey, don’t provoke him too much. All I see is him wandering off to that place.”
Dinoss stopped Karn.
Well, I am going, but I have to pass through that terrifying jungle-like area to get south.
“Wait, there’s more. In my time, the throne of the ruler was made of ebony. If we uncover the many lost cities, we could create a seat for the God of Storms and War.”
“Gathering many rulers’ thrones to create a seat… fitting for the wild God of Storms and War…”
Haulon said dreamily.
Asas continued to rattle above. His face looked distorted…
“Will we be able to gather enough timber to build a doghouse?”
“We won’t know until we search.”
“I feel like Es will arrive first—oh, here she comes!”
Before I knew it, water was trickling in from the entrance.
“What!?”
“That’s impossible! This place is designed to only allow a certain amount of water to flow in, even when it overflows outside!”
Ah, right, I had descended a staircase that resembled a square well, and the passage I entered was sloping upward.
“But it seems to be defying the laws of physics?”
The water flowed gently like waves on a sandy beach. Yet, in some places, it rose as if lifting its head, creating an unnatural scene where it appeared like a dolphin, suddenly surfacing and then being swallowed by the thin water.
“—My wife, Es! I will not obey, I will not obey! Beautiful flowers, butterflies, and playing freely!”
The water climbed up, entwining itself around the pedestal of the rattling Asas.
“Scary…”
“Hehe. My beloved…”
The water that had risen fully took the shape of Es and smiled brightly.