MINDAZA

7. 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."