A Certain Terra Tale

Questions and corruption

In the hushed embrace of night, she peers through a minuscule window into an expansive, mysterious world.

Here lies a land that the ocean has yet to caress, where trees murmur secrets to the breeze, branches creak under invisible burdens, and the tundra quivers in a frigid grip that could freeze the very heartbeat of existence. The desert sprawls endlessly, a sun-scorched wasteland where the struggle for survival feels like a cruel joke against the sweltering heat.

The serene sea, while sometimes a source of solace,yet conceals terrors that could engulf both land and water, precariously balanced on the brink of chaos, one misstep could turn everything upside down. So she ran, as far and as fast  her legs could carry her, but the sea is unyielding, and when the chase ends, it always beckons her back. 

Perhaps an endless pursuit is better, who can truly say? Yet, the primal urge to survive, to fight until the bitter end, consumes her, leaving her destiny shrouded in uncertainty.

"It's fine, no one will suffer this way."

The earth fractures, the ocean is torn asunder, and as she cautiously opens the window to the tidal waves of the past, she feels the pull of being swept away alone, with no one to bear witness to her story, drawn toward the dry land.

Skadi has never quite grasped the pride of those who dwell on land. Over the years, she has witnessed chaos and a world thrown into disarray. Her homeland, in many respects, is far superior. The land's inhabitants are a vibrant tapestry of virtues and vices—kindness, folly, greed, bravery. Sometimes, her curiosity is piqued by the most peculiar things. If someone she knew saw her now, they might say she has softened.

Not long ago, her curiosity led her towards the east Rarely did she encounter an Aegir, yet they hailed from the land, not the sea. How could they forget their roots? But that was no longer her concern.

Two weary men, bickering outside a tavern in a quaint village, wearing  strange masks that glimmered in certain spots. All she sought was a drink after a long day work. The Yanese beverages were as cheap as the counterfeit trinkets sold in the shop across from the tavern. But then, the two men halted her, not by mere chance, but because of her appearance.

"You! You resemble this kid!" one exclaimed, brandishing a wanted poster. The second man unveiled a staggering bounty—one million LMD—for a child.

How could a mere child be worth such a fortune? In this city, where crime is a way of life, the slums bore witness to the failures of those above. Yet, some would drunkenly argue about living the Lungmen dream. Skadi was not fooled, this mobile city was like a casino that always came out on top.

The poster depicted a young girl wielding a black dagger, with red eyes, white hair, a black beanie, and a red scarf—a pale figure that ignited a spark of recognition in Skadi. Memories surged forth, even as the years had stretched on.

Was this girl one of her kind? An abyssal hunter? Was she not the only surviving abyssal hunter? Would they cross paths again? Though she had never laid eyes on this girl before, the resemblance was undeniable—no horns, no fluffy ears, no strange halo, or even pointy ears. She had to find her, even if just for a fleeting moment.

Before the men could utter another word, Skadi snatched the wanted poster from one of their hands, her expression steely as she demanded, "Where is she?" The men exchanged glances and nodded. "Follow us, we'll show you."