Mugi darted through the mushroom forest, weaving between the massive, glowing fungi. Suddenly, a low, guttural cooing sound echoed through the air, freezing him in his tracks. His heart pounding, he spun around to find a monstrous creature flapping its enormous wings, diving straight for him.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Mugi screamed, his voice cracking as he bolted.
"What the hell is that? It's way too big!" he shouted, panic-stricken. Yet even as he ran, Mugi couldn't quite tell what this creature was. A giant chicken? Something far worse?
As he sprinted, a hidden branch caught his foot, sending him sprawling to the ground. He looked up helplessly as the monster closed in, his breath coming in short, frantic gasps.
"Lym! I told you not to eat random things! What are you doing?" A clear, sharp voice rang out from the distance.
The monstrous creature halted mid-charge at the sound and turned toward the source of the voice, bounding off.
Mugi lay in the dirt, trembling and filthy, tears pricking the corners of his eyes. "That scared the hell out of me… I thought I was about to be eaten alive."
A young figure emerged from the shadows, approaching the enormous creature with a calming hand. "Who are you? I haven't seen you around the village."
Mugi struggled to his feet, brushing the mud from his clothes. "I'm Mugi. I came from Delrias. What village? All I see here is a forest full of mushrooms."
"Beyond the forest lies the village of Letharald," the figure said, gazing at the night sky. "Delrias… Dr. Petro's book mentioned that. Isn't that the lowest starworld? So… the tower isn't just a myth?"
"Huh?" Mugi frowned, clutching his head. "Wait… I'm feeling dizzy. You're saying too much…" Before he could finish, his legs buckled, and he collapsed unconscious.
Ninir stared at him, stunned for a moment. "Hey! Hey! You're not faking this, are you?" He turned to the massive creature beside him. "Lym, carry him! We're taking him to Dr. Petro!"
Lym bent down, gently picking up Mugi with its beak and placing him on its back. Together, they headed for the village.
The clinic door swung open with a loud crash as Ninir shouted, "Dr. Petro!"
The doctor looked up from his desk, his expression shifting to one of confusion as he took in the sight of Mugi slumped on Lym's back. "Ninir, what's going on? Who's this?"
"Lym found him in the mushroom forest," Ninir explained, his voice tense. "He says he's from Delrias…"
"Delrias?" Dr. Petro's eyes widened in disbelief. "That starworld? But isn't that just a legend?"
"Maybe," Ninir replied, his brow furrowing. "But he passed out before I could ask more. Can you check on him?"
Dr. Petro examined Mugi carefully, eventually exhaling in relief. "He's just fainted from hunger and shock. Rest will fix him."
The doctor hesitated, his gaze growing serious. "But if Delrias is real… then so might be the Tower of Moonlight. This could be our chance."
Ninir shook his head, his voice firm. "Doctor, we can't jump to conclusions. Let's wait until he wakes up and confirm his story before we report to the king."
"You're right," Dr. Petro conceded, though his expression remained heavy with thought. "If this is false, the king's wrath could destroy us all. Don't worry, Ninir. He can rest here tonight. I'll watch over him."
Ninir nodded slightly, his face unreadable as he turned to leave, Lym following close behind.
Night had fully fallen, and moonlight bathed the village streets. Ninir walked in silence, his head bowed in thought. Lym nudged his arm gently, as if to ask, "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Lym," Ninir murmured, his eyes distant. "It's just… if the tower isn't a myth, how are we supposed to find it? And… Mother still needs treatment. I'm worried."
He glanced up at the moon, its pale light seeming to pull at his thoughts. When he arrived home, his mother was waiting at the door.
"Child, where have you been? It's so late," she asked weakly, trying to sit upright.
"Don't worry, Mother. I'm fine. You should rest now," Ninir replied, his tone soft.
His mother sighed, offering a faint smile. "Don't overwork yourself. Rest early."
"I will, Mother," Ninir assured her, picking up a thick book and flipping it open. Moonlight poured through the window, illuminating his focused expression. It felt as though fate was drawing ever closer, unseen but undeniable.