Setting Out (Part 1)

Nothing happened through the night.

At dawn, Romon, who had been leaning against the tree, seemed to wake. His eyes slowly opened, and what appeared before them was no longer the incomparably dim light, but surroundings that had grown ever brighter.

The morning grass, trees, and wildflowers were all so clear and lovely that joy welled up at first sight.

On the far edge of the sky, a fish-belly white hue had begun to appear. A breeze blew in from beyond the sea, carrying a soothing ocean scent as it continuously caressed his face.

Above, the moon was gradually sinking. Its once-clear outline now looked so pale and powerless as the sun was about to rise.

A splendid crimson glow slowly spread from beyond the horizon, painting half the sky with breathtaking beauty.

Very soon, the sun leaped out from beyond the sea with the beauty of new life. Then, like a mischievous child, it hopped higher and higher, radiating dazzling light.

Almost at the instant the sun sprang forth, a brilliance as dazzling as sunlight suddenly burst from Romon's body. It flashed only once before vanishing, and Romon quickly returned to normal.

Then Romon stood up.

A gentle breeze began to stir his robes, lifting their hems before letting them fall again.

Looking at the large eagle beside him, still sleeping soundly, Romon smiled. He walked over to Lightning. Seeing it still deeply asleep, he simply patted its head and softly called out.

"Lightning, time to get up."

"Gurgle, gurgle." Lightning opened its eyes. The moment it saw Romon standing before it, its large, imposing bird head immediately burrowed into Romon's arms, rubbing against him several times. Its coquettish manner was unexpectedly rather adorable.

Amused, Romon patted its head again. Seeing that its master seemed to be in a