The next day.
As agreed, we head to the waterfall Livia showed us before, to go to the underwater temple.
We were thinking about bringing gifts, but the surface and the ocean might have different sensibilities.
And more importantly, we don’t know if they eat cooked meat underwater.
And so, we’re following Elga’s advice to prepare it when they eventually visit us on the surface.
“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes, thank you for taking us.”
“Then line up… You too, kids! Stop fooling around and line up!”
The kids are running around, and then do as Merlin says.
She’s gotten strong.
She was really scared of Tiltue when she first got here, but doesn’t look it at all now.
As I think that’s impressive, she casts the same magic as yesterday.
“Yes, I think it’s okay. Tell me right away if something happens.”
She can handle this many people alone, but if necessary, Reina and I can cast it again.
But of course, she probably feels safer doing it herself.
This magic could cost one’s life if mishandled, so I understand not wanting to leave it to others.
Conversely, I feel better if she does it. I guess people are just different that way.
After it’s cast on everyone, we warm up to loosen up.
“Okay. Let’s go.”
“Elga, can Snow get on your back?”
I guess Snow really likes Elga’s wolf form. It’s rare for her to start pestering people like this, other than me.
“…Fine.”
“““Yes!”””
Luna and Tiltue also get on his back like yesterday, like that was their intention all along.
Actually, considering what happened before, I feel better if someone takes them.
From that angle, having Elga take them on his back is perfect.
“I’m kind of jealous…”
“You can ask him later, Arata. Be cute like Snow.”
“That’d be embarrassing.”
Still, riding a wolf through the sea is something straight out of a fantasy movie. I’d really like it.
Should I actually ask? As I ponder that, I see I’m the only one left here. Everyone’s gone down the waterfall already.
“Don’t go without me!”
I don’t remember the path, so I’d get lost.
I rush after them, and follow them.
Apparently Merlin’s magic is perfect now, as we easily reach the tunnel from before.
“So? Anyone struggling to breathe?”
“I’m okay.”
“I don’t think it matters to you, Arata. Everyone else?”
Ouch… Treating me like I’m not a person so casually.
I’d feel a little down before, but I’ve been accepting it as a matter of fact recently.
This body is made of this island. It’s not a normal human’s.
“I am fine!”
“Luna’s okay.”
“Snow too!”
They raise their hands on Elga’s back.
Merlin is happy to see it, and nods to Livia.
“Can we drop the pace a little?”
“Yes. Beyond this tunnel… No, wait for it. Take your time enjoying the sights.”
Says Livia before heading down the tunnel.
We’re truly at the heart of the island, so I guess it connects to the bottom.
We’re in this cave like tunnel for a while, but it gets darker and darker, until it looks like we’re in a darkness prison.
Even in Earth’s oceans, if you go down far enough, light won’t reach you…
Can we really advance like this?
I think, but I can sense Livia’s presence going further down.
Everyone looks a little nervous, except Elga. But as I’m about to ask… We leave the vertical tunnel.
“…!?”
The sea suddenly opens up.
I see many fish swimming. Is there no threat of monsters here?
Going a bit deeper, I finally see the ocean floor. And coral lined up.
“Uwah…”
I feel like I keep being impressed over and over again on this island.
When I first looked at the starry sky, when Suzaku put me on her back and I got a look at the whole island, when I saw the clouds from Yggdrasil…
This sight is just as wonderful.
Thanks for the treat.