749. The Promise

Three terrifying attacks in a single night... This village really had terrible luck...

Sulu silently shook his head as he looked at the enormous block of ice ahead.

Although he knew this was far from the only human settlement attacked tonight, the people of this village truly had been exceptionally unfortunate.

"Dad, Mom..."

Lodi, Ed, and Molly arrived outside the ice crystal, wanting to rush into the village, but a thick layer of ice blocked their way.

"It's useless. They were struck by the curse of the 'Ice Fairies'... This is a state that even they themselves cannot undo... Every person and every object has been completely sealed away, waiting for the day of destruction to arrive..."

Sulu spoke in a mournful tone.

"Mister... please save them, please..."

The three children's voices were choked with tears.

"I can't do that..."

Sulu looked at the expressions on the children's faces and shook his head. "But... it isn't entirely hopeless. Have you heard the story of the magic box? Its owner can make three wishes upon it, though the price paid afterward is severe..."

"If you can find the magic box, or something similar, you can save everything."

"I've heard of it..." Tears hung on Molly's face. "Mister, do you mean... the Seven-Colored Flower? They say that if you pluck one of its petals and hum softly, it can grant a wish. And the Seven-Colored Flower is in the 'Kingdom of Heaven.' It is their treasure, taken by the Crow Witch..."

"Yes. If you wish to go to the 'Kingdom of Heaven,' you must venture into the forest and trade with the little fairy for a way to get there... Then defeat the Crow Witch and seize the Seven-Colored Flower... It won't be easy." Sulu sighed.

"Mister... will you help us?" Ed