The Humor Tale: “The Blind Girl Who Seeks the Path of Navigators?”

As Eba and Diana waited anxiously for the tally announcement, a commotion in the corner of the church caught their attention.

"Sis, something seems to be happening over there," Diana whispered, her curiosity piqued.

"Let's take a closer look," Eba replied, her brow furrowing with concern.

As they drew nearer, it became clear that a group of navigators were engaged in an argument, seemingly targeting a lone individual.

"Yo, blonde blind, what are you doing here?" one of the men sneered. "When they say 'announce,' they don't mean it literally. They'll present it, you know."

Eba's eyes widened. "She's blind?" she asked, her heart sinking at the thought of the challenges this person must face.

"Yeah, yeah, how can you see it? Can you even know where it's located?" another man laughed derisively. "Haha!"

"You always come here every festival, and you're strolling around on a normal day," a third man chimed in.

"No matter what you did, they'll never approve you to become a navigator," the second man added, his tone mocking.

"A blind person to navigate the unknown?" the first man scoffed. "You're making me laugh. You're still lost even in the city, so what more in the unknown?"

"You're clumsy," the third man sneered, piling on the insults.

Eba felt a surge of indignation as she watched the cruel taunts unfold. This poor woman was being mercilessly ridiculed for her disability, and it was clear that the navigators held a deep prejudice against her.

Suddenly, the blind girl, with a straight face and unfocused gaze, began to tilt her chin upwards, her sightless eyes seeming to fix on Eba's location.

"Eh, sis, she's looking at you," Diana whispered, her eyes wide with surprise.

Eba studied the girl's expression, noting the determination and resilience etched into her features. "Yeah, it does look like she sees me," Eba murmured, her heart aching for the blind woman's plight. "Let's see if we can find someone in authority to help. These are navigators, right? They should be respected as far as I know."

As Eba scanned the crowd for a potential authority, Diana took a bold step forward, approaching the blind girl directly.

"Um, hey... haha, um... your boyfriend is looking for you," Diana blurted out, the words tumbling from her lips in an attempt to distract the navigators from their cruel taunts.

The reaction was instantaneous. The group of navigators, who had been mercilessly mocking the blind girl, fell silent, their expressions shifting from derision to shock at Diana's unexpected intervention.

Eba stared at her sister, a proud smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "This girl can be quite stubborn," she whispered to herself, admiring Diana's empathetic and impulsive nature.

The tension in the air was palpable as the navigators and the gathered crowd grappled with the unexpected turn of events, all eyes now fixed on the blind girl and the determined young woman (Diana) who had stepped forward to defend her.

The navigators' expressions shifted from shock to confusion as the blind girl recoiled in surprise at Diana's unexpected statement.

"EH?! WHAT?! What are y-" the blind girl stammered, utterly bewildered by the turn of events.

"Just play along so these jerks leave you alone," Diana whispered urgently, gripping the girl's arm gently.

Diana wink at Eba and Eba quickly understood her sister's intent and sprang into action. Swiftly tying her hair back and grabbing a waiter's serving plate to cover her skirt, she strode over to where Diana and the blind girl stood, adopting an embarrassed, flustered demeanor.

"Da-darling, where have you been?" Eba said, her cheeks flushed as she played the part of the concerned partner. "I've been looking for you for ages!"

"Hmm... ha, hmm..." Diana struggled to contain her laughter, covering her face with her clothing to muffle the outburst.

Unable to hold it in any longer, Diana finally burst out laughing, her body shaking with mirth. Eba, meanwhile, looked utterly mortified, as if she wanted to disappear into the floor.

Through it all, the blind girl's expression transformed from shock to a genuine smile, her sightless eyes radiating a sense of happiness that her unexpected defenders had come to her aid.

The navigators, once triumphant in their cruel taunts, now found themselves stunned into silence, unsure of how to react to this unexpected turn of events.

Suddenly, a powerful and haunting sound cut through the din of the commotion, commanding the attention of everyone in the church. It was the unmistakable melody of two trumpets, playing a deeply evocative and almost creepy tune that sent shivers down the spines of the gathered crowd.

As the ethereal music filled the air, the navigators and onlookers alike fell silent, transfixed by the mesmerizing performance. Even the taunting group seemed to be subdued, their jeers and laughter giving way to rapt attention.

Then, after a moment of captivating silence, a figure emerged from the shadows – a Cardinal, resplendent in his crimson robes. He stepped forward, commanding the room with his presence, and began to speak.

"First of all, we thank our God for everything," the Cardinal intoned, his voice rich and resonant. "Another expedition festival has gone by today, and we celebrate it to give thanks to you, the navigators, for exploring the unknown and to pay respect to those who have lost their lives in the process. We cannot be thankful enough – you are our heroes."

The Cardinal's words rang out with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging the vital role the navigators played in expanding the boundaries of the known world and providing sustenance and knowledge to the people.

"Because of you, we have uncovered this land we now call home, where we eat with our families and go about our daily lives," the Cardinal continued. "Please, we ask you to keep providing our people with the knowledge we seek, to uncover not just the unknown, but also the truth."

With a solemn nod, the Cardinal concluded his speech, his gaze sweeping across the assembly. "Again, on behalf of our Pope, I, Cardinal eStrelluS, thank you. Enjoy the rest of this festival, for in about a minute, the tally will be presented."

The haunting melody of the trumpets had set the stage, and now the Cardinal's words had captured the attention and reverence of the gathered crowd. All eyes were fixed on the podium, eager to witness the culmination of the expedition festival's events.

In an instant, the once-tranquil church erupted into a cacophony of sound and activity. The anticipation for the tally results had reached a fever pitch, and the crowd responded accordingly.

All around, people were eagerly scanning the tally board, their expressions ranging from elation to disappointment. Families of the navigators celebrated excitedly, embracing their loved ones who had achieved high rankings. Meanwhile, others walked away dejectedly, having hoped for better results.

It was a whirlwind of emotions, with the church buzzing with a palpable energy as everyone processed the outcomes.

From the crowd, voices rang out, each one tinged with a unique sentiment: 

"I can't wait!" exclaimed one person, their voice brimming with excitement.

"You think what rank our group is?" asked another, a hint of nervous anticipation in their tone.

Amid the din, Eba and Diana found themselves drawn to the tally board, their faces mere inches away as they studied the peculiar-sounding group names displayed.

"Thrilight, Pessimist 5, Imagine Boo?" Diana said, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Sis, this doesn't look like a name."

Eba nodded, her own bewilderment evident. "Yeah, it's like a group name," she replied, attempting to make sense of the unfamiliar terminology.

The tally board, a shimmering holographic display, seemed to hold the key to the navigators' fates, a testament to the hard work and sacrifices they had endured. And as the crowd buzzed with anticipation and disappointment, it was clear that the stakes were high – for the next tally, everyone would be vying to defend their spot and climb the ranks, determined to secure their place in this world-shaping endeavor.

Eba's eyes scanned the tally board, taking in the intricate details of the display.

"So technically, there are only the top 100 rankings, and they're separated into three columns," she explained. "The 'S' column has the top 10, 'A' contains the top 30, and 'B' has the top 60."

"There's a 'C' column as well, but it's just a list of groups – no numbers or rankings," she continued, her brow furrowing slightly. "And underneath, there's a list of 'newbies.'"

Eba paused, her gaze shifting as she noticed the conspicuous absence of the blind girl from the crowd.

Turning to Diana, Eba voiced her speculation. "Maybe she's gone to get a list of the rankings, you know, for the blind people. There's sure to be a printed version somewhere."

Time seemed to slip by as the festival continued, the church buzzing with the energy of celebration. Eba and Diana took the opportunity to explore their surroundings, eventually finding themselves drawn to a captivating display showcasing items retrieved from the unknown.

"Wow, Sis, look at this!" Diana exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's only got five items, but they're all so... mesmerizing."

"Indeed, the display was a testament to the incredible feats of the navigators, each item labeled with the group and the names of those who had obtained it, a designation known as the 'Artifacts of the Unknown.'" Eba replied

Eba and Diana found themselves transfixed, their curiosity piqued by the mysteries that lay beyond the confines of the known world – mysteries that the navigators had risked everything to uncover.

Each item seemed to defy conventional understanding, a testament to the wonders that lay beyond the boundaries of the known world.

First, there was the Golem Bracelet – a stunning creation with intricate details made entirely from rock.

Next, the Inventory Stella – a wooden box with unconventional design that defied the constraints of typical storage.

The Memo of Faith – with its pages made from brown leaves and a quill pen whose ink seemed to flow from blood.

The twin dagger – with its blades serving as the handle, elicited a sharp intake of breath from both girls. "Unbelievable," The two murmured, their eyes tracing the intricate edges of the weapon.

But it was the final item that truly sparked Eba's surprise and disbelief. There, nestled amidst the other wonders, was a watch – a timepiece. Its strap was made from straw leaves, its case a simple metal, and it lacked the familiar hour hand, displaying only the seconds and minutes.

Eba's brow furrowed as she studied the watch, a sense of familiarity tugging at the edges of her memory. "I... I think I've seen this before," she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "But it can't be. There's no way this kind of invention would be made, and who would wear it in the unknown?"

She paused, her gaze shifting between the watch and the other artifacts, her mind racing to make sense of the extraordinary items before her. "Maybe the clockwork shop in the city could make something like this," she mused, "but it looks exactly like a modern watch. It just doesn't make any sense."

Eba's confusion was palpable to the artifacts, retrieved from the unknown, but there was also a sense of wonder and curiosity in her expression.

Diana noticed the pensive look on Eba's face as she studied the peculiar artifacts on display.

"Hey sis, what's wrong? Do you know any of this?" Diana asked, her voice tinged with concern.

"I think so, but I'm not sure," she replied, her gaze still fixed on the intriguing items before them.

Sensing Eba's deep contemplation, Diana placed a reassuring hand on her sister's arm. "Well, while you're thinking about it, why don't we go explore some other parts of the church? There's still so much we haven't seen," she suggested, gesturing towards a door at the end of the corner that was marked "Confidential."

Eba's eyes followed Diana's gesture, her curiosity piqued. "Huh, 'Confidential,'" she mused aloud. "I wonder what's behind that door?"

The sisters exchanged a glance, their shared adventurous spirit urging them to investigate the mysterious area. Eba's earlier confusion momentarily forgotten, the siblings approaching the door, eager to uncover the secrets it might hold.

Eba's mind raced with questions. What could possibly be so important or sensitive that it was deemed "Confidential"? Was it related to the extraordinary artifacts they had just witnessed? Or was it something else entirely?

The sisters shared a determined look, silently agreeing to venture forth and discover what lay beyond the Confidential door.

Eba and Diana's exploration of the church's hidden corners came to a sudden and dramatic halt as Eba was violently thrown into the air.

The sisters had barely taken a step towards the Confidential door when a massive, unseen force struck Eba, lifting her off the ground with incredible power. The impact was so sudden and intense that it seemed to distort the very fabric of the air around them.

In the blink of an eye, the carefully displayed artifacts were ripped from their cases, tumbling to the floor in a chaotic swirl of motion. Diana barely had time to register what was happening as her hair was whipped by the powerful gusts of air.

When she finally managed to focus her gaze, Eba was no longer by her side. Instead, her sister was floating in the air, her limbs limp and her expression frozen in a look of shock and disbelief.

"Sis!" Diana cried out, her voice barely audible amid the chaos. She rushed forward, her hands outstretched, desperately trying to reach her sibling.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Diana watched, helpless, as her sister defied gravity, suspended in a state of utter vulnerability. The normally vibrant and confident Eba now appeared fragile, a mere rag doll tossed about by the whims of an unseen power.

Diana's heart raced, her mind reeling with a mixture of fear and confusion. What could have caused such a violent and unexplained disturbance? And more importantly, how could she possibly hope to rescue Eba from this perilous situation?

Eba's limp form crashed to the ground, and Diana rushed to her sister's side, her heart pounding with fear and concern.

"Sis, what just happened?" Diana cried, her body tense and ready to defend Eba against any further threat.

To Diana's relief, Eba managed to regain her footing, though blood was trickling from her mouth and nose. As Eba composed herself, a figure emerged from the crowd, a sly smile plastered across her face, as if she were proud of what she had done.

It was a woman, her beauty striking and alluring, with a sword slung across her back. Her white dress clung to the curves of her figure, leaving little to the imagination. Yet despite her captivating appearance, there was an underlying sense of danger that radiated from her, like a needle poised to pierce through the most delicate of fabrics.

Diana's gaze narrowed as she took in the woman's confident, almost arrogant, demeanor. She had dared to attack her sister, and Diana would not let that transgression go unanswered.

Stepping in front of Eba, Diana assumed a protective stance, her hands clenching into fists as she prepared to confront this mysterious and formidable-looking assailant. The air was thick with tension, the crowd around them hushed and watchful, as if sensing the impending clash between the sisters and this enigmatic woman.

Diana's eyes burned with determination, her mind racing to anticipate the woman's next move. Whatever this threat was, she would not let it harm her sister – not if she could help it.

The woman's eyes narrowed as she regarded Diana, her gaze filled with a condescending contempt.

"Well, hello there, missy," she said, her voice dripping with derision.

"What did you do to my sister?" Diana demanded as she stood her ground, her voice steady but laced with barely contained fury.

"We're just playing, don't worry," she replied as she let out a dismissive chuckle, her tone patronizing. "I'll play with you after. You just wait."

With those words, the woman's demeanor shifted, her body assuming a battle-ready stance. Diana watched in alarm as she effortlessly unsheathed a 36-inch sword, the blade gleaming in the light.

Eba, still recovering from the attack, watched the scene with a mixture of trepidation and defiance. The woman's gaze shifted to Eba, a malicious smile spreading across her lips, as if she relished the opportunity to strike again.

In the blink of an eye, the woman vanished from sight, her lightning-fast movements leaving the crowd stunned and bewildered. Diana whirled around, her eyes scanning the area desperately, searching for any sign of the elusive assailant.

The air crackled with tension, and Diana could feel the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. This was no ordinary opponent – she was dealing with a formidable, and potentially dangerous, foe.

As the unseen woman disappeared from view, Eba felt the air in front of her shift, a telltale sign that her attacker was about in front of her. In that moment, Eba felt a sense of helplessness wash over her, realizing the precarious situation they found themselves in.

Eba couldn't help but contemplate her decision to come to this festival, wondering if she should have simply sought out information instead of indulging in the revelry. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret at her impulsiveness.

However, just as quickly as the self-doubt crept in, Eba's expression shifted. She realized that the time she had spent with Diana, exploring the wonders of the festival, was just as important and meaningful. Those moments were precious, and she valued and treasured them dearly.

Eba's heart raced as she felt the shift in the air, sensing the woman's sword closing in on her neck. In that moment, she detected another presence, something moving swiftly beside her.

Without hesitation, Eba pushed Diana out of the way, shielding her from the impending attack. The deafening sound of metal clashing against metal reverberated in Eba's ears.

Eba's eyes widened in shock as she saw the attacker's sword come dangerously close to her face, only to be intercepted and stopped by a shining sword wielded by a familiar figure.

As the blades clashed, Eba recognized the woman instantly – it was the blind girl they had encountered earlier at the festival. Somehow, despite her apparent disability, she had moved with lightning speed to block the attacker's strike.

Eba and Diana both stared in awe, unable to believe what they were witnessing. The blind girl's movements were fluid and precise, her sword dancing in graceful arcs as she pushed back against the woman's assault.