Episode 6: Interlude (A Certain Deep-Sea Fisherman)
The air was unusually clear that day, a clear sky that made the horizon sharply visible.
“It’s a fine day. I can spot a jumping fish from anywhere.”
They were deep-sea fishermen using large magical vessels, only a few of which had been built in their home country. They were traveling north as a fleet. The fishing grounds were a little further north, but if they were lucky, they might encounter schools of migratory fish. There were also some changes in the tidal currents, so that day, three men were on the mast, each checking a different direction.
“…Hey, what’s that? Can you see it?”
“Hm?”
One of them, who was looking in the direction the ship was heading, spotted something.
“….Isn’t that a thundercloud?”
A white cloud stretched slightly from the horizon.
“No, it’s too thin to be that… and the tip is glowing. …Yeah, it’s getting longer…”
“Hey, hey, it’s not some new kind of magical beast, is it?”
“How should I know…? Hey, contact the deck! They have good telescopes!”
The crew member who received the message jumped to the telescope fixed to the top of the bridge.
“I see it! …What is that?”
What he could see in his field of vision was a white cloud stretching upwards, and something shining at the tip. It continued to rise for a while, and then the light disappeared. As he watched, the straight white cloud was blown by the wind, changing its shape.
“…Call the captain!”
And so, each captain and the fleet commander had a heated discussion about the white cloud and the shining light they had discovered. Some argued for approaching to investigate the cause, while others advised to turn back immediately, fearing an unknown magical beast. However, in the end, they decided to continue their voyage as planned, because the distance was too great and the direction was off from their target fishing grounds.
They also had confidence in the capabilities of the flagship large magical vessel, and judged that they could handle even an unknown magical beast.
However, it was also considered that this unknown phenomenon might occur again, so the number of surveillance personnel was increased.
In the end, this vigilance was in vain, and even after finishing fishing and returning home, the same phenomenon did not occur.
For the crew members who were added to the surveillance personnel, it was a very unpopular measure, as they were confined to the harsh environment at the tip of the mast for long periods of time. However, the fishing itself was the most bountiful in recent years, and the legend that a pillar of shining clouds meant a great catch would be passed down for a long time.