Contents
Chapter 25: The Gods
Overview
Ryuhon finawu arrive to conduct mourning rites at the mass grave, and Misaki brings her sons to pray on New Year’s Day while Takeru remains absent. A senior monk urges unity but insists it must be voluntary. Later, Kotetsu explains Ryuhon beliefs—ocean-origin gods and guarded divine bloodlines—sparking Chul-hee’s grudging respect and reframing Mamoru’s gifts.
Summary
In the days after the battle, Ryuhon finawu in red robes reach Takayubi to perform rites no Nagino monks can provide. They gather at the soil-packed pyre where Mamoru, Dai, and many others were burned, singing prayers as villagers join in.
On New Year’s Day, Misaki brings her sons to mourn, wearing makeshift white. She declines masked spirits as intermediaries, saying the family has already spoken to Mamoru’s spirit. When asked about Takeru, she admits he has secluded himself in meditation. The senior monk warns that parents should grieve together but insists Takeru must come by his own will. Misaki then asks to speak to a mask for her brother-in-law Takashi, seeking a path to forgiveness.
After the rites, Misaki, the Kotetsu family, and Kwang Chul-hee prepare to return uphill. With Kotetsu still impaired, Chul-hee lingers, captivated by the rituals and questioning why special finawu were needed. This sparks a discussion: Kotetsu contrasts Ryuhon Falleya with Nagino orthodoxy, rejecting Yammanka seed myths and asserting Nagi and Nami as original ocean deities, not children of earth and fire gods.
Kotetsu explains Shirojima’s belief that life—and power—arises from the ocean; that some humans carry slivers of the originators’ power as “blood of gods.” Misaki adds that the Matsuda line is famed as the purest, with other lines like Yukino, Ginkawa, and several lesser families also bearing divine blood. Chul-hee is skeptical but recalls Mamoru’s uncanny sensing during meditation, softening his doubt.
Kotetsu names the Ocean of Souls as the destination of the dead, justifying the finawu’s presence. With that, he asks Chul-hee to help him back up the mountain, leaving Chul-hee thoughtful about Mamoru’s power and the ocean-born faith that shapes Takayubi.
Who Appears
- Matsuda MisakiMother in mourning; leads her sons to Ryuhon rites, declines spirit mediation, seeks prayers for Takashi.
- Kotetsu KatashiInjured swordsmith; explains Ryuhon beliefs about ocean gods and divine bloodlines, guiding Chul-hee’s understanding.
- Kwang Chul-heeCurious outsider; questions the rites, hears Ryuhon doctrine, recalls Mamoru’s sensing, and reassesses his skepticism.
- Senior Ryuhon monk (Fina-sama)Leads prayers; counsels that Takeru should join by choice, not coercion, after the child’s death.
- Kotetsu AtsushiAssists his injured father and helps manage children during the visit to the rites.
- Matsuda TakeruAbsent, meditating; his refusal to attend rites is noted as troubling by the senior monk.