Episode 10

I am carrying a large brown bag, a flashlight, and a few blunt weapons. Asphalt insisted on making me bring weapons in case something bad happens since I don’t have magic and I have nothing to protect myself. I am good with hand-on-hand combat and can make use of environmental resources but they know this place better than I did so I just accepted it. It would be better if I could find more liquids than minerals so I’d have to go deeper in this forest and possibly near the rock.

Death mentioned that the witch chose this place because the snow that drops goes directly to the ocean which means this place is an island. The border would be a source of water. According to Asphalt's description, the big rock occupies the Sonow Rock from east to west. The north side of the island is the place they call the upper. The black market is built near the rock, the angle where it faces the Gwyn forest is west. If I am going to the ocean, I’d have to take the southwest route. That’s easy, I’d just have to turn since Death’s place is behind me.

I collected everything I could collect, from the colorful leaves to the rocks and the soil. The textures of each leaf in each tree differ in a symphony of tactile sensations. A dazzling array of colors greets my eyes as I explore the flora, each hue accompanied by its distinct touch. Pink leaves, delicate and airy, asking me to stroke their surface. They are just as soft as feathers, with a velvety texture reminiscent of cotton's soothing touch. I run my fingers down their smooth curves, experiencing the sensation of absolute softness. The red leaves, on the other hand, grab attention with their tough surface. When you scratch their surface with your fingers, you notice a roughness that speaks of resolve and strength. The tiny spikes that continue from the very end to the sides lend intrigue to their texture, a reminder of the fine details that nature weaves into its creations.

The blue leaf appears smooth and welcoming at first view, but as I try to grab it, I discover an unexpected slippery nature. Its surface has a delicate sheen that causes your fingers to slip from its clasp as if it is dancing with the very essence of smoothness. I attempted to hold onto this fleeting leaf and it is a lively struggle to do so. The journey to the ocean is smooth. The creatures would look at me now and then when I’m collecting samples but wouldn’t even care less about my presence. I finally heard loud waves crashing to the shore. I took a deep breath as the smell of salt dug deep into my lungs.

I’ve always liked the sea. It always felt peaceful.

As I traveled farther, a breathtaking scene developed in front of me: untamed waves broke against the shore with an aggressive determination, their scale reminiscent of a massive tsunami, but they never ventured beyond the bounds of the shoreline. Each wave ascended with a dominating presence, reaching for the skies before yielding to gravity's pull. The raw force held within these watery giants was astonishing as they unleashed their wrath on the ground, spraying mist and foam into the air. The crashing of the waves resonated through the air like a symphony of nature's grandeur. The thundering climax was followed by a delicate hiss as the water drained, only to be replaced by the next burst of energy. The aroma of salt and the refreshing freshness of the sea filled the air. Despite their size, the waves kept a safe distance from the coast. Their vast strength was tempered by an invisible border, as though the very soul of the land demanded their respect. The beach stood steady against the constant attack, absorbing the force with firm strength.

There are more minerals in the ocean. It would be a lot better if the sea is calm, I’d be able to swim and check deeper. I took some of the sand and the water. As I walk closer to the shore, the waves appear a lot bigger. For a second, I am scared it might eat me. In its never-ending dance with the shore, the ocean demonstrates a great tug as it recedes after each mighty wave crashes upon the land. The force of its withdrawal is so powerful that I had a brief thought: will I be swept away into the great expanse of the sea? Nonetheless, there is little rest amid this erratic show, a mere half-second break between the surges. The turmoil lessens as a clearer perspective of the marine depths emerges during this brief pause. The secrets of the water become apparent during this brief sliver of calm. As the water recedes, an appealing view of the secret world underneath is revealed. The transparency of the water allows me to catch a glimpse of the abundant marine life that flourishes beneath the waves in that brief moment. Colors come to life, bright and captivating. Corals sway softly, their intricate patterns like exquisite works of art, while schools of fish dart and weave, their scales gleaming with dazzling hues. I expected to see minerals but not this easy. Colorful rocks glisten in the water. Without the waves, the water would just be up to my waist. I want to get them but the waves could kill me. I am not that desperate to get a sample. I’d just check again some other time, maybe at the time that the waves start to calm down.

I looked around, scanning the sandy expanse beneath my feet, and saw a rich trove of minerals presenting themselves, buried among the grains of sand. These magnificent shards of the place's abundance glistened in the sunlight, their brilliant hues contrasted against the neutral backdrop of the beach, like hidden diamonds waiting to be discovered. My gaze was pulled immediately to the sparkling quartz crystals, their translucent brilliance capturing and reflecting the light in a magnificent display. Their numerous surfaces appeared to conceal secrets, every aspect a portal into a world of enthralling complexity. As I continued my exploration, my attention was drawn to a cluster of mica flakes that shimmered like thin silver scales. Their tiny, reflecting layers provided a gentle glow that added a touch of magic to the surrounding sand, creating a captivating play of light. I spotted little feldspar particles snuggled amid the grains, their smooth surfaces displaying a variety of colors ranging from delicate pinks to earthy browns. These mineral bits remained of a bigger whole, spoke to the geological forces that sculpted the area, their presence a monument to the ancient history hidden under the grains beneath my feet.

I collected every single one I could find and settled. It would be nice to have acid. I liked playing with those kinds of liquid. I have sodium chloride and it’s not that concentrated. This is at the very least, saline. It doesn’t cause any harm unless I throw it into someone’s eyes. The sun is still high, maybe I’d be able to find some while walking around.

I returned to the forest and the bag suddenly felt heavy. I have taken too many rocks and it's starting to contribute to the weight. I decided to take a short rest and dropped the bag to the ground. The tree's shade envelops me in a soothing embrace, its coolness soaking into my tired bones and lulling me to sleep. The soothing caress of the cool breeze provides an added layer of peace, as if nature is whispering a lullaby to my senses. My eyelids become heavy, giving to the overwhelming lure of sleep when a change in the atmosphere abruptly interrupts my serene daydream. An unexpected warmth fills the air, not the typical heat of the sun's beams, but a strange warmth carried by the breeze's mere breath. The contrast of the cool shade and the abrupt burst of heat generates a strange background, a fascinating waltz between contentment and unrest. I'm divided between the want to sleep and the need to keep attentive amid this weird twist of nature's impulses. I looked around and noticed that some leaves were turning dark. Some decaying, some burning.

I took a piece of cloth inside the bag and poured some of my drinking water into it then used it to cover my mouth. I followed the hot breeze and couldn’t get any closer. It’s getting hard to breathe even though I am already covering my nose and my eyes are getting irritated. This is no simple acid. I’ll be needing a gas mask. I don’t have the materials to make one, this is frustrating. What kind of gas could that be? Are there volcanoes nearby? Strong acids are often found near volcanoes…

I decided to retreat and go to the one I’d been eyeing the whole time. I approached the towering rock, my curiosity leading the way along a trail studded with small, trickling cold springs. I was pulled to their exhilarating allure and carefully collected samples of each, capturing their essence in little bottles. Their perfect clarity echoed the purity of nature's offerings. As I progressed, the trail led me to a cave. Its entryway drew me with an air of mystery. A strong odor, resembling acidic gas, floated from within, combining with the surrounding air. Though the aroma was distinct, it lacked the previous encounter's overpowering concentration. The smell is addictive, like petroleum distillate* but I still covered my nose. Despite the kind of smell, acid is still acid. It could kill me if I’m not cautious. The cave, a black abyss begging to be explored, held secrets yet to be discovered. Its damp walls glistened with moisture. The enormous hole was adorned with stalactites and stalagmites that had grown over countless years, their sharp edges casting spooky shadows in the faint light. The air inside the cave was chilly, a pleasant relief from the heat of the outside world. I cautiously went inside, trying so hard not to make a sound in case a creature is nesting in.

When the place got bigger, I noticed the light. It came from fire. I checked the place and saw a boy. Somewhat about my age.

And he’s looking back at me, with the same shocked expression.

Definitions:

Petroleum Distillate - According to an article published by Oregon State University (2020), it is a chemical extracted from crude oil that has various industrial applications. They are listed as active or "other/inert" ingredients on pesticide product labels. Petroleum distillates include mineral oil, naphtha, heavy fuel oil, waxes, and benzene. It is the same chemical that is used in automobile fuel.

Mika Flakes - Mica is a category of sheet silicate minerals that produces characteristic metallic flakes. They give flooring systems a natural metallic luster. (source: Boud Minerals)

Feldspar - Any of a group of aluminosilicate minerals containing calcium, sodium, or potassium. Feldspars make up more than half of the Earth's crust, and professional literature on them accounts for a sizable portion of mineralogy literature. (Source: Britannica Dictionary)

Saline - Saline is a mixture of sodium chloride (salt) and water. (Wikipedia)

Sodium Chloride - An ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl, representing a 1:1 ratio of sodium and chloride ions. (Source: DrugBank)