MONGIL: STAR DIVE story · Event Story, Event stories
Small Divine Maiden's Training Log
Narae wants to become stronger for Mina, her sister. Is this just the whim of a child who doesn't want to be protected all the time? Follow Narae's journey as she becomes a proper Small Divine Maiden.
8 scenes, 537 lines
1. Rude Small Divine Maiden
58 linesI hardly ever get to see my sister because she's so busy these days.
It's just my sister and me in the Shrine of Nine Fates, and it's quiet in way that feels shaped entirely by her absence.
No, it's beyond quiet! It's boring!
Mina is a dummy.
Why does she listen to everything people tell her?
They're not even grateful. They all just take you for granted!
I yell as loud as possible, but there is no response.
Who am I talking to? Mina isn't even here...
I see a neatly set table in front of me.
She doesn't even manage to eat properly.
Mina's always like this...
She always takes care of me first, even when she's busy.
Feeling irritated, I lightly kick the table leg with my foot for no reason.
Ugh. So annoying.
I feel trapped. Maybe I should go out somewhere for a bit.
Mina told me to keep an eye on the house but...
She was just telling me not to get into trouble.
And I'm all grown now!
Okay. Let's go out.
Hesitating will only delay my outing!
Narae leaves the Shrine of Nine Fates and heads straight to the marketplace in Wolha Village.
There's a steady flow of people creating a lively buzz.
Come and buy some apples! Extremely high quality! Fresh in today!
Let's see... Oh, that peachy powder! It's so pretty!
The noise in the market is loud enough to hurt my ears, but it feels... comforting.
Maybe I got a little too distracted.
Ack?!
I didn't notice a child coming toward me.
A young girl looks up at me from the ground. She doesn't look like she could be more than ten years old.
I feel fear from her eyes.
I'm sorry, Small Divine Maiden.
Yes...?
Move. Stop blocking the path.
The child scampers to the side in fear.
Tch. The Big Divine Maiden is angelic but...
I heard that the last Divine Maiden died because of her.
Watch your mouth! She might hear you!
The lively bustle of the market slowly morphs into a buzz as fierce as an insects, each whisper piercing my ears.
Hmph. They could at least speak quietly.
My feet feel like they're rooted into the ground, but I slowly force them to move.
And I hope the people hadn't noticed my shoulders slump.
I wonder if they know that...
They're actually right.
My very existence caused so much harm... their words can't even compare.
That's why the Big Divine Maiden is so worried. During the last Sacred Soul Ritual...
Enough! Will you shut that mouth of yours?!
Mina fell during the divine summoning dance at the last Sacred Soul Ritual.
And the censer necessary for the ritual broke too...
Yeah, that's probably also all my fault.
I can taste a hint of blood from my biting my lips.
Just you all wait...!
Narae turns away from the whispering people and leaves the marketplace.
Her hurried steps are both confident and lonely.
2. Guest of Dohwa Garden
68 linesNarae paces around in front of Dohwa Garden's main gate as if troubled.
You've been here with Mina a few times, right?
This is my first time coming alone though...
No, it's nothing. You can definitely handle this by yourself.
I take in a deep breath and shout from my core.
I hear the sound of someone approaching, and the door opens.
A beautiful woman steps out and smiles at me sweetly.
Of course, Mina is still much more beautiful!
Yes, of course. How could I compare to the Kumiho Divine Maiden?
Uh, yeah... R-right. ...Wait, do you know who I am?
My name is Nancho. I offer my greetings to the Small Divine Maiden.
Haha. Is there anybody in Wolha Village who wouldn't recognize the Small Divine Maiden?
Please, allow me to escort you inside.
Headmistress Jiwon is waiting for you.
What? Waiting for me? Why? Since when?
Since you entered Wolha Village.
Mina once told me that the smartest human in Baek-Ah might be the headmistress of Dohwa Garden.
As expected, Mina is never wrong.
Nancho escorts Narae into the inner quarters of Dohwa Garden.
The inner quarters of Dohwa Garden's main house.
...I've never been this far inside. I'm getting nervous.
I usually just wait outside while Mina goes in.
A woman sitting on a chair in the chamber gets up and slightly bows her head.
I'm honored to meet you.
Each of her movements is graceful and poised.
I can see why Mina was impressed.
But... why was she waiting for me?
I got word that you had entered Wolha Village and was waiting for you.
Can she read my facial expressions...?
Those warm eyes... It feels like they're reading my mind.
Ahem. How did you know I would visit?
I assumed there would be a reason you came to the village alone.
It is my job to simply wait for you to come find me.
Ergh. That's even scarier.
I quickly mask my feelings, but Jiwon's smile deepens.
If she knew I'd come looking for her, I guess there's no reason for me to beat around the bush.
Mina always just treats me like a child.
I'm not as young and helpless as Mina thinks I am.
And other people respect me as the Small Divine Maiden, but...
Honestly, I know that's just because of my sister, the real Divine Maiden.
...This was brewed with some rather rare tea leaves. Please, have some.
I only then realize that another cup of tea has been placed across from where Jiwon is seated.
I want to become stronger.
I want to be a source of strength for my sister.
Jiwon appears to fall into thought, but before long, she begins to speak again.
Perhaps you can try training your heart?
My heart?
We must recall the words of the ancient sages. True strength comes from an unwavering heart.
How am I supposed to do that?
There's no need to rush.
How about taking a step back, slowly inspecting your surroundings, and trying to find peace?
That's it?
She's basically telling me to do nothing and stay put.
...Okay.
Hmph, as if. There's nothing more to hear.
I get up, deliberately feigning annoyance.
Are you returning? Don't take the mountain path behind here on your way home.
...Why?
The terrain is rugged and will be dangerous for the Small Divine Maiden.
Yeah, alright.
Hmph, as if! How rugged can a mountain path even be?! You don't think I can take it?!
...
Alone now, Jiwon takes a sip of tea and gazes at Narae's untouched cup.
Small waves ripple across the surface the tea.
3. Become My Master!
66 linesAs I watch bits of rock tumble off the cliff, a wave of regret washes over me.
No! I can do this.
Yeah. This isn't even hard.
It's just me against this mountain.
Mina is fighting for things that can't be accomplished alone, no matter how hard she tries.
Bang!
A sound heavy enough to shake the very earth echoes out.
A wild animal?!
...Should I just turn back before it's too late?
No, no... There's absolutely positively no reason to be scared, Narae!
You're the Small Divine Maiden, and you can control the essence of water. Just choke it with a water bubble, and...
Hmph. It'll be helpless if it can't breathe.
I try to calm myself, but I keep imagining worst case scenarios in my head.
But I can't just stay stuck here.
And I absolutely will not head back down the mountain like this.
Bang, bang!
The sound gets louder.
Before I know it, only a giant boulder stands between me and the source of the sound.
I peek my head around and look behind the boulder.
Phew...
A woman of massive stature is catching her breath under a giant tree.
Wh-who is she? Could she be a bandit?
Her muscles glisten, soaked in sweat. Her deltoids, biceps, and quadriceps...
The woman's fists are tightly clenched, and she slowly draws one behind her waist, then thrusts forward like lightning.
Hiyah!
A resounding shout, a wind-splitting punch, and the dull thud of impact.
The giant tree vibrates. This is the source of the sound.
Is that... martial arts training?
Hiyah, hah, hyap! Hyahhh!
Eek! S-scary. But...
Whoa...
I can't help but be audibly amazed.
Only then do I realize that I've stepped out from behind the boulder and can be seen watching the woman.
Who goes there?!
The woman, despite her massive frame, rushes at me faster than my eyes can follow.
As I open my eyes, I see a heavily calloused fist fixed just before my nose.
Soon, the fist is withdrawn, and I can see the woman. She catches her breath and steadies her stance.
I humbly meet the Small Divine Maiden. I am Chae-Ah of the Ma family.
I mistook you for a ruffian spying on me and have committed an act of disrespect.
Feeling guilty, Chae-Ah lowers her head.
If there are ruffians on this mountain... I wonder which is more scary for them... getting attacked by a tiger or encountering this woman?
Ahem, hmph!
I'm okay. I was just startled.
I will not admit I was afraid for my life.
I steal another glance at her. Formidable physique and dignity that doesn't falter even while confessing a fault...
I'm sorry...?
You! I mean, Ma Chae-Ah! No wait... that's not right either. Mina said to always be respectful when asking for favors.
Uh... Small Divine Maiden?
Wait! I'm putting it together!
Oh, yes.
Good. I'm done organizing my thoughts.
Having cleared my throat, I thrust my hand toward Chae-Ah and say...
Become my master!
4. Unforgettable Memory
70 linesMaster!
I cannot.
Whyyy notttttt?!
I am still very lacking.
How about a mentor then? Be my mentor!
...Is there a difference?
Whaaa! I'm telling you it's fine! What's the problem?
How could I dare...
Come on! Be my master!
*Sigh...*
Chae-Ah sighs deeply, looking troubled.
You already possess abilities far greater than my pathetic fists, Small Divine Maiden.
Ugh! That's not what I'm talking about! I want to get stronger!
Hmm. Okay. Answer this question for me then. Why do you wish to grow stronger?
I told you earlier. I want to help my sister.
Chae-Ah shakes her head firmly.
If you truly wish to have me as your master, at the very least, you mustn't hide anything from me.
Urgh...
If you cannot do that, I will not take you as my pupil, Small Divine Maiden.
Grrr...
I look at Chae-Ah, who looks back at me intently, then nod.
*Sigh...* Okay, okay.
...I only want to tell this story once, okay?
We were in... my mother's garden.
When I was five years old, it was the happiest and most beautiful place I knew.
The flowers were radiant in all seasons under my mother's care, and...
My sister and I loved to chase the butterflies that came to visit.
Three years at most...
You can only submit to the time permitted by the heavens...
I overheard a conversation that's repeated in my mind ever since.
Is that child... worth giving up all of yourself...?
I didn't know back then... who that child was...
What it was that my mom gave up...
It was only after my mom was gone...
Since time immemorial, each Divine Maiden has borne but a single heir.
Only after reading a passage from a book of tales of the Divine Maidens, did I... realize.
Mom died because of me.
Chae-Ah listens to my story, eyes closed.
She doesn't make a sound, as if worried that the sound of her breath might disturb me.
Only learning to control water essence helped me drown out those memories.
It felt like one day I could become a source of strength for my sister.
...Water is so cozy. It feels like a warm embrace.
It's like my mom is hugging me.
It makes me feel like... everything is okay. That it's not my fault.
I understand.
Splash!
The formed water bubble falls, soaking my hands.
You went to the last Sacred Soul Ritual, right?
...Yes.
Mina fell during the divine summoning dance then. The censer broke too...
It was her first time, after all. Everyone knows mistakes can happen.
Yeah. That's what I said to my sister, too.
And seeing my sister collect herself... I thought there might be a way I could help her.
But I was wrong.
If I'd never been born, my sister could've spent so much more time with my mom.
And then my sister would be a complete Kumiho Divine Maiden.
Mom would've ascended to the heavens and become an immortal.
You mustn't think that way.
Chae-Ah's voice is urgent, as if she can no longer bear to only listen.
I know. Mina would probably be so sad if she found out. She might even get mad at me.
I refuse to be a burden on Mina. If she was suffering because of me....
Mina's probably never blamed me, not even once.
But... I do.
Chae-Ah gazes at me with a stern expression.
But soon, her lips curl into a soft smile.
Your sincerity is well received, Small Divine Maiden.
Then does that mean...?
The training will be harsh.
I nod my head energetically.
That's okay! I promise I'll do anything!
5. Beginning Training, For Real
61 linesMooncloud Valley Depths.
Narae and Chae-Ah watch water pour down from a massive waterfall.
How is this as your place of training?
It's perfect, just perfect!
It's my first time coming to a place like this without Mina! My heart's pounding! I'm so excited!
I'm relieved you like it. Shall we get started then?
Something falls in front of me with a dull thump.
Wh-what's this?
It's a sack of rice. Let's start with you lifting it.
This looks bigger than my entire body... Are you sure I can lift it?
I can lift up to thirty sacks of rice at once.
Well, that's why you're...
I shouldn't make excuses after asking her to take me as her pupil. That wouldn't be right.
This is the foundation to strengthening your body, Small Divine Maiden.
Really? So I can get stronger?
I let out a puff of air through my nose and lower my body.
I grab the sack with both hands... but it feels like I'm just barely touching the edges of it.
I can do this... I can do this... I can do thisss!
Hiyaaap!
...Of course, it won't budge.
Grrr...
Okay, sure! I knew I wouldn't be able to lift it up!
But I can't even move it?! Really? Seriously?!
Hm.
Chae-Ah falls into thought for a moment, then lowers her head.
Forgive me. I had forgotten what I was like when I first started training and made a mistake, Small Divine Maiden.
Wait just a moment, please.
Some time later...
This a pouch filled with two doe of rice.
It's similar to the weight of a newborn baby.
Hehe! Even I could probably lift, Ahhh?!
My body sways as soon as Chae-Ah hands the pouch to me.
My legs shake. It's a miracle that I didn't topple over.
Master...
Mmm...
Masterrr...
While I'm trying my absolute best, Chae-Ah takes back the pouch of rice.
Let's start by learning how to correctly control your body.
You're basically telling me to start without any weight...
Ugh...
This is so sad.
Am I... really weak?
...Master? Why aren't you answering?
Three months later...
Hah!
Hyah!
Your core is unsteady. Again!
Hiyah!
Even just following Chae-Ah's motions isn't an easy task.
Training continues from dawn to dusk, for as long as the daylight holds out.
Training ends here today.
*Gasp, gasp...* Already...? I can... still keep going...
Rest is one of the most important parts of training.
But...!
That's enough!
Chae-Ah yells fiercely, but soon, she softens her expression and lowers herself to match my gaze.
Impatience is poison.
Think of resting as spending time to train and tend to your heart.
6. Impatient Heart
65 linesDo you know about the frog beastkin that appear in Mooncloud Valley, Small Divine Maiden?
The hop-alee? Of course.
It seems that the government office is keeping a close eye on them.
They've supposedly settled here and have been robbing passing travelers.
Huh? But, they haven't done that to us.
Well, that's because...
Chae-Ah clenches her fists.
...I think I know why they haven't messed with us.
So? Are you saying we should teach them a lesson?
Yes. After all, hands-on training is necessary.
There hasn't been an official order of conquest, though so we cannot expect a reward.
I don't need a reward. But um, I haven't had enough training yet. I can't even keep up with the martial arts and footwork you taught me.
It's okay. Just make good use of the essence of water and pass this test I've prepared.
A test? What kind of test?
You will find out once training begins.
Hands-on training soon begins and...
Hiyah!
What's going on-alee?
Take this! Waterfall!
Ribbit?!
As my waterfall pours down onto the hop-alee...
Ah, that'll do nice-alee...
The frog beastkin sticks his head forward into the torrent... no, the stream of water I had created as if taking a shower.
It's pouring so weak-alee! Can't you make it spray more strong-alee?
*Bang!*
As if right on cue, a beautiful, and giant, wooden stake plunges into the earth beside the frog beastkin.
Haaa?
And it's just the beginning.
*Bang! Bang, bang, bang!*
With a series of deafening bangs, wooden stakes rain down from the sky.
Which means they're raining down around me, too!
Ahhhhh!
Could this be the test Master was talking about?!
Yeah, who else...! Can make giant wooden stakes...! Rain down from nowhere!
Master! You're going to kill meeeee!
Of course, now I know Chae-Ah won't stop just because of what I say.
She'd probably say... Small Divine Maiden, you mustn't lose focus or something like that.
But seriously, I can't focus if I'm dead!
The hop-alee have long since been crushed or fled.
I'm not even the one who drove them all out!
Some time later...
That was tough, but good work, Small Divine Maiden.
Tough...? Yes, it was tough... really tough.
I was very impressed that you didn't lose focus until the very end.
Grrr... But I nearly died, for real...
True strength comes from a strong mind. Don't ever forget that.
Chae-Ah pats my shoulder.
I'll head to the government office and report that an order of conquest won't be necessary.
After telling me to get plenty of rest, Chae-Ah leaves.
I watch her retreating back for a long time, then hang my head.
Ultimately, I didn't accomplish anything...
I shouldn't even be called the Small Divine Maiden. I can't even control essence properly.
I pointlessly kick at the dirt with the tips of my toes.
Even though this place is full nature's essence...
Full...?
A good idea pops into my head.
I can just take this essence and make it mine!
I open my hands and press my palms together.
Just as I had hoped, the essence of water surges powerfully towards me.
7. Drought
79 lines*Hoooo...*
It's been about a month since I began training with the essence of water.
Yes, Mother Nature is amazing. Nature's essence continues to flow no matter how much I take, like an everlasting spring.
Hah... This feels really good.
But come to think of it, Master hasn't visited much these days...
That just gives me more time to gather essence, so it's good for me.
Now, should I get started again? *Inhale...*
Small Divine Maiden!
Coughing repeatedly, I glare at Chae-Ah who had already arrived beside me.
*Cough!* You scared me!
Are you okay? I'm sorry.
But what's going on? Why do you look so serious?
There's a little problem in the village below. I think you'll be able to help, Small Divine Maiden.
You know about the village Danogol, right?
Yes, of course. They send a bunch of stuff as tribute to the Shrine of Nine Fates, like grains and fruit.
Yes, that's right. It's not an overstatement to say that they're responsible for all the food in this area, but...
Chae-Ah's face darkens.
They've been experiencing an extreme drought lately. People are very worried that there'll be a great famine if things continue this way.
There wasn't even a shortage of rain, so nobody knows what's going on or what to do...
I was hoping you could help them out, Small Divine Maiden, since you're able to control the essence of water.
A drought... A great famine...
I suddenly remember something my sister told me before.
You must always be careful when handling essence. You are borrowing energy from Mother Nature.
If you reap too much essence, it can affect the nearby environment.
With the essence of water, for example... it could cause a drought.
Some time later. Danogol's Entrance.
Wh-what is all this...?
The crops are dried and withered. The earth is cracked.
It's a truly tragic view.
The farmers stand around looking hopeless.
...Am I the problem again?
I bite down on my lip.
The image of Mina, struggling to keep things together, flickers before my eyes.
It's okay.
Ah...!
Anybody can make mistakes.
Mina picked herself back up.
She worked really hard to overcome that mistake during the Sacred Soul Ritual.
And I... I was beside her, watching her through that.
I must take proper responsibility. I must amend my mistakes. That's...
That's what it means to be a Divine Maiden.
This... is something I must take responsibility for.
Mina overcame everything, so I can do it too!
I force my legs to stop shaking and run to the center of the field.
I open my hands wide and stretch them out to both sides.
Hup...!
I try my best to move the essence of water, but the flow of essence has completely dried up.
Even if I have to use all the essence I've gathered...!
The essence of water stored within me begins to surge violently.
All of it, every last drop!
If there were a vessel within my heart, perhaps this would be what it felt like for that vessel to be completely empty.
Beads of sweat form on my forehead, and I begin panting.
Hah!
A sharp pain shoots through my chest.
It hurts so much. I want to stop. I need to stop right now. I could die.
No...!
I need to endure. Even if my entire body crumbles to pieces...!
Please...!
Despite my sincerest efforts, the flow of essence won't right itself.
Why...? This can't be right.
It's almost like something is swallowing all the moisture around here.
Oh, why didn't I think of that before?
I immediately check where the essence of water I had unleashed is flowing towards.
And soon, I figure it out.
The essence of water is flowing unnaturally in one direction.
Narae, seriously?! Why are you just realizing this now?!
After criticizing myself, I shout to Chae-Ah, who's watching me worriedly.
Master, it's that way!
8. One Step at a Time, Slowly
70 linesChae-Ah drapes me over her shoulder and runs.
She doesn't even pause to ask what's going on.
Master! There!
I raise my hand and point at a massive, dried up, tree.
The tree, its leaves swaying precariously as if they're barely attached at all, is actually a youkai!
Water... Give me water... I'm... thirsty...!
The tree youkai, having planted its roots, is absorbing all the moisture and essence of water.
As if trying to quench an unquenchable thirst...
Master! That youkai is the cause of the drought! We need to chase it away!
Okay!
Chae-Ah clenches her fists, then takes off running towards the tree youkai.
Give me... water!
The tree youkai's roots break through the earth, aiming for Chae-Ah's ankles.
Don't you dare!
The tree roots aiming for Master hesitate and fall away at my water attack.
It's just a moment's opportunity, but it'll be enough for my master!
Haaap!
Chae-Ah, having almost instantly closed the gap between herself and the youkai, mercilessly drives her fist into its trunk.
Aaack!
The tree youkai's trunk beings to splinter, and soon, it dissipates into dust.
*Inhale, exhale.*
When Chae-Ah retracts her fist, and within its clutch is the youkai's core.
And finally, feeling a sense of relief, I collapse on the spot.
It's... over.
We were able to find the cause of the drought because you were here, Small Divine Maiden.
Huh...?
Chae-Ah bows to me.
Thank you.
My vision suddenly blurs, and I can't breathe quite right.
I open my mouth but only a groan emerges.
And before I know it, tears come pouring from my eyes.
...That was it, right?
Excuse me?
It wasn't... my fault, right?
Chae-Ah smiles and nods.
Of course.
It wasn't... It really wasn't.
I didn't cause the drought... But I... I thought I was the problem again...
Chae-Ah takes a knee in front of me.
And... she places her hand on my head.
I did well this time, right? Right?
No.
Huh...? No?
You've always done well.
Bwaaahh...!
Suddenly, raindrops begin to fall from the clear blue sky.
In the distance, I can hear the villagers rejoicing at the rain.
Someone says that they'll never doubt the Small Divine Maiden ever again.
They say that rain on clear day is a gift from the Small Divine Maiden.
And... they call it "fox rain."
The revelry in Danogol doesn't end until sunset.
One week later...
I get goosebumps just thinking about it again.
You did well, little sister.
Mina pets my head.
But why were you all the way out there? How did you know there was a drought?
Huh? Well, uh... I was bored just staying at home, so I took a quick trip outside... and it was a coincidence...! That's what happened!
I can't tell Mina about the months of secret training.
Hehe. I'm amazing, right? Incredible too?
Uh-huh. I'm so glad that I have you, Narae.
Mina could've asked more questions, but she simply praises me. I'm so thankful for her.
I hug Mina.
Mina, I promise I'm going to get stronger. I'm going to become a Kumiho that you can always trust.
Because I really, really like you, Mina!
Mina smiles brightly and embraces me.
Cozy. I'm so happy.
...I'm going to continue training. It's still a secret from Mina.
Sorry, Mina!