Around 12:07 pm, the wind drifted calmly across the open fields. Far to the north, hidden among the rocks, lay a cave. Within its hollowed depths stood a modest offering place—simple, sacred, and silent.
Before it, an ancient katana was driven into the earth, its weathered blade standing upright like a sentinel of forgotten times.
One by one, people began to gather before the offering place, dressed in formal attire—traditional robes flowing in muted tones. Their quiet steps echoed faintly through the cavern, carrying with them an air of reverence.
The old man—Ella's grandfather—stepped forward, his presence steady yet commanding. Taking his place before the offering site, he lowered his head in solemn respect.
The gathered crowd followed his lead, bowing as one. In the stillness of the cave, only the faint rustle of robes and the soft sigh of the wind above could be heard, as if the world itself paused to honor the ancient place.
Here's that scene shaped with a calm, cinematic tone while keeping it grounded in the ceremony's atmosphere:
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Behind the offering site stood the younger group—Salazar, Divy, Oiki, Niko, Ella, and Eve. They remained in quiet composure, their usual energy subdued by the weight of the moment.
At the front, the adults began the ritual offerings. The sound of cloth shifting, the soft placing of fruits, flowers, and incense echoed gently within the cave. The air grew heavy with a sense of reverence, every movement deliberate, every breath measured.
Salazar's eyes lingered on the sword, half-buried before the offering place.
"I wonder why they placed the blade here… what's its true significance?" he thought, curiosity stirring.
A memory surfaced, soft as a whisper.
He was only seven, sitting cross-legged with the others, their little faces wide with wonder. Ella's grandfather knelt before the sword, his voice gentle but full of reverence. "This blade carries the weight of history… the blade of the greatest warrior ever," he said, letting the words hang in the air like a story meant to ignite imagination.
Sunlight filtered through the cave's opening, glinting softly on the ancient metal, while the faint aroma of incense drifted around them. The children's eyes sparkled, hanging on every syllable as if the sword itself could speak.
Slowly, the warmth of the memory receded, the golden sunlight fading, the scent of incense dissipating. Salazar's gaze sharpened as he blinked, returning to the present moment—the quiet, solemn cave, the ceremonial murmurs, and the sword still standing silently before the offering place.
"Who was that warrior?" he wondered again, the weight of history pressing gently around him as he stood behind the ceremony with the group.
Ella flickered her gaze toward Salazar, her eyes silently asking what he was thinking.
Salazar met her look with a calm, reassuring smile. "Don't worry… just some past thoughts," he said softly.
Ella's expression lingered with a hint of concern, but after a moment, she let it go, trusting his words and turning her attention back to the ceremony.
Around 1:39 pm, the ceremony drew to a close. People slowly dispersed, heading back to their homes, their footsteps echoing softly in the cave.
Meanwhile, the group settled on a small cliff inside the cave, chatting and laughing quietly among themselves. The cool shadowed air was a welcome respite from the sun outside.
The old man approached, his presence calm and unhurried, a soft chuckle escaping him. "Oh my my… don't you kids want to go home?"
Niko shot back with a sly smile, "It's just… this place is a little cooler than outside, so we're having some chatter. I hope you won't mind, old man."
The old man's eyes twinkled as he replied with a light chuckle, "Rest assured, I won't mind at all. You kids used to hang out here when you were young, after all."
Oiki nodded gratefully. "Oh, we also have a request for you."
The old man arched an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "What is it?"
Ella spoke up earnestly, "Grandpa… can you please accompany us to the district championship in Myran City?"
The old man paused, considering for a moment, before a genuine smile spread across his face. "Sure… why not."
The group visibly relaxed, a wave of reassurance washing over them.
"Thanks, old man," Niko said, gratitude clear in his voice.
The old man merely smiled warmly and, with a calm nod, turned and made his way home, leaving the group in the quiet comfort of the cave.
Chapter 5 Ends