RUN

Mindaza realized that something had changed.

As Mindaza carefully extracted the sword's hilt, a remarkable transformation occurred within the stone it had been wedged into. The colossal boulder responded to her actions by shifting and splitting, unveiling a hidden realm concealed within its core. The upper portion of the boulder gracefully opened up, while the lower fragment remained steadfastly connected to the stack, creating a captivating display of strength and mystery.

Mindaza moved forward, drawing near to the object that held her destiny. The solid rock stood before her, measuring five feet in length, adorned with a gleaming steel blade that had been meticulously polished. As she gazed at her reflection on the blade, it felt as though she was peering into a mirror, seeing her own eyes staring back at her with a sense of determination and resolve.

Resting upon a cushion of interlocking metal rings, the sword lay motionless. As she gingerly lifted it, a sense of wonder washed over her, captivated by its perfect equilibrium. The hilt felt as though it was molded specifically for her hand, as if it was meant to be an extension of her very being. With a gentle release, she opened her palm and whispered to herself, her voice barely audible, "Should this blade be fated for my possession, I solemnly vow to wield it with righteousness and virtue."

"I am Mindaza, the daughter of the Spiral hunter and this sword is mine!"

Proudly, she said it in a loud voice, lifted the sword high, testing it for weight as the blade shined on the whole island, yet it thrilled her with a new sensation. The surge of power that ran up her arm infused her entire body, so she smiled and laughed at this new feeling.

While far from that island, Sulaya smiled. As she saw the one that shined on the island, that was a sign that her daughter had succeeded.

"Like what I believe, she was is really smart," Granny Juana said as she was standing behind Sulaya.

"I have faith in her," Sulaya answered.

"Long live, Spiral hunters!" All the people on the ship roared at those words. For them, Mindaza is the ruler of new generations as a spiral hunter.

Mindaza effortlessly swung and thrust on the Island, displaying a level of skill that seemed innate to her. As she glanced back at the box, she effortlessly lifted the mailship and swiftly donned it, feeling its weightlessness against her body. Testing her newfound agility, she twisted her body from left to right, marveling at how effortlessly she moved. Additionally, she discovered a helmet made of plain steel that snugly fit her head, providing protection, and a long-bladed dirk that she discreetly concealed under her left arm.

"I live in the sea like a fisherman, but now I look like a warrior" Mindaza said to herself.

"But, I don't know how to fight, I don't have any skill for that thing." She said and looked around.

Out of nowhere, Mindaza's ears picked up the noise of rocks splitting and a single footstep echoing through the air. As she turned her gaze towards the source of the disturbance, she witnessed the hooks desperately clawing at the rough surface before finally finding purchase. Slowly but surely, a hand emerged from the abyss below, followed by the appearance of Khallel's head as he hoisted himself up over the edge with a look of determination in his eyes.

"Here you are then, Mindaza." A grin spread across his grizzled face.

"Sulaya said you would choose the sword, but now that I have failed to tell you, I am too late."

"Maybe you're right, it's OK, it's good, and you got here safe. I'm sad being alone."

"Oh really, a little help?" Khallel asked, raising his hands. It was difficult to pull him from the cliff.

"No, you can do it, trust yourself." Mindaza smiled and turned around. That's a little test for him though.

As the sun begins to set, Mindaza and Khallel seek refuge in a cave for the night. Prior to returning to the shore, they indulge in a satisfying meal. Khallel thoughtfully brings along a generous supply of dried fish and corn, ensuring that they have enough to satiate their hunger and enjoy a fulfilling dinner.

"Tell me something, what do you know about all of these?" Mindaza asked as she picked up the dried fish and took it to her mouth. Khallel looked at her as he brought out food from the basket, he placed it in front of the two of them.

"All the Spiral hunters have been through it," Khallel looked at her in a serious face.

"I chose the sword to save lives, but.. What would have happened if I had chosen the harp?"

"You'd be dead by now," Khallel said cheerfully.

"Who would kill me? By how?" Mindaza asked seriously. Suddenly, Khallel chuckled.

"Your mother will beat you until your death. Ahahahahaha..."

"Funny ever!" Mindaza said. Never attempt to ask anymore. This Khallel man had never been so serious about her. Then the two continued to eat. Resting a second after their early dinner. Khallel fixes everything and cleans the area. While Mindaza is watching him.

"Are you ready?"

"Yes," Mindaza replied. She began to stand as she picked up the sword behind her. Unfortunately, she heard a voice, a sound that was new to her.

"Roooooohhh.."

"What's that noise?" Mindaza asked in confusion.

"A wolf, it's a wild animal here. We have to go back to the shore before they eat us." Khallel said. And he swiftly grasped Mindaza's right hand and urgently guided her to flee. The menacing sound of wolves reverberated through the air, sending shivers down their spines as they raced towards the safety of the shore.

The urgency in Khallel's actions was palpable, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of the approaching predators. Mindaza's heart pounded in her chest, the fear of being devoured by the wild animals urging her to move faster.

"Do they really eat humans?" Mindaza asked as they run faster.

"Yes, they are one of the guardians here on the island, that's what the elders says," Khallel said. As they neared the shore, the crashing waves provided a sense of relief, a barrier between them and the hungry wolves. Khallel's grip on Mindaza's hand tightened, a silent promise to protect her from any harm as they finally reached the safety of the shoreline.

Mindaza and Khallel arrived at the edge of the cliff, where Khallel had previously left the rope. In a display of courtesy, Khallel allowed Mindaza to descend first, ensuring her safety before following suit. Khallel urgently instructed to act swiftly and cautiously as he spotted three wolves approaching their direction. Fortunately, the two managed to descend before the wolves could reach them. Mindaza skillfully descended using a sturdy rope, with Khallel closely following behind.

"Yes, yes! We're still alive. We did it!"

Mindaza joyfully exclaimed those words as Khallel leaped onto the ground. Overwhelmed with a mix of emotions and excitement, she approached Khallel and embraced him warmly.

Khallel was taken aback when Mindaza unexpectedly embraced him, causing him to feel a chill run down his spine. His cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he tried to process the sudden display of affection. However, his attention was soon diverted when he noticed the ship nearing the shore, bringing a sense of urgency to the moment.

"Hey! Hey! Stop it.. it's ok.."

"What?" Mindaza asked. As she removes herself from Khallel.

"Your mother would slap me and throw me in the ocean if they saw us... Ahh.. Like.. That.. You know?" Khallel said shyly.

"Ahh. Ok. Let's go."