The information he sought, it seemed, did not lie within the boundaries of Luluhawa itself. Instead, the key to unraveling the mystery lay beyond the island's shores, on a neighboring isle whose name had been spoken in hushed tones by those who claimed to know the truth. Armed with this new knowledge, Tōga felt a surge of excitement course through his veins, the thrill of the hunt reigniting his spirit.

As the moon began its ascent into the star-studded sky, Tōga retired to his room, his mind already racing with plans for the journey that awaited him come morning. Sleep, he knew, would be a precious commodity, his thoughts consumed by the possibilities that lay ahead. But even as he lay his head upon the pillow, the dragon slayer couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation, a tingling in his bones that whispered of the adventures to come. Tomorrow, he would set sail once more, his destination clear and his resolve unwavering. The village consumed by fire, the answers he had sought for so long—they were within his grasp, waiting to be discovered on the shores of a distant isle. And Tōga, the intrepid dragon slayer, was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, his spirit unbreakable and his determination unshakable.

As the sun ascended into the cloudless sky, casting its warm, golden rays upon the tranquil shores of Luluhawa, a new day dawned, filled with the promise of adventure and discovery. Tōga, his spirit rekindled and his resolve unshakable, prepared to embark on a fresh journey, one that would lead him beyond the familiar comforts of the island town and across the vast expanse of the ocean to a phantom isle that beckoned to him from the east.

His previous voyage to Luluhawa had been marred by the relentless grip of motion sickness, the gentle rocking of the boat transforming into a tortuous assault on his senses as he sailed from Era to the island paradise. But today, armed with the knowledge of his destination and the power that coursed through his veins, Tōga felt a sense of confidence and ease wash over him. He would traverse the ocean not by sea, but by air, his Birdman's cape granting him the gift of flight and the freedom to soar above the waves without fear of succumbing to the debilitating effects of his affliction.

With a small travel tote slung over his shoulder, the pink-haired mage set forth, his steps light and purposeful as he navigated the winding streets of Luluhawa, making his way towards the port. The salty sea breeze filled his nostrils, the pungent aroma of the ocean inviting his senses to embark on a thrilling new adventure. As he approached the docks, Tōga couldn't help but notice the unusual stillness that hung in the air, the once-bustling port now strangely vacant. "I wonder why the port is so empty?" he mused aloud, his voice carried across the deserted wooden planks as he strode forward, his bag swinging gently by his side.

Just as he was about to step onto the dock, a familiar voice called out to him, breaking the eerie silence. "Hey, Tōga! I hope you don't plan on going anywhere! There's supposed to be some big storm coming in soon. All boats have been asked to stay docked until it passes." It was the captain from the previous day, his words tinged with concern as he crossed paths with the dragon slayer.

Tōga, his face breaking into a radiant smile, felt a wave of relief wash over him at the sight of his good friend and the news he brought. "A storm, huh? Could be fun! And it could be worse," he replied, his tone lighthearted and filled with an unwavering optimism. With a single pat on the captain's shoulder, Tōga continued on his way, leaving the ferry captain to watch him go, a mixture of confusion and amazement etched upon his weathered face.

Anyone willing to test their mettle against the fury of the sea was worthy of praise, the captain mused, his eyes following the pink-haired mage as he strode towards the end of the dock. Hopefully, Tōga would survive to receive that praise upon his return, a testament to his unyielding spirit and the strength that burned within him. As Tōga reached the edge of the pier, he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath of the salty sea air. With a single thought, he summoned forth the power of his Birdman's cape, feeling the magic course through his body, lifting him gently into the air. Higher and higher he rose, the island of Luluhawa shrinking beneath him as he soared towards the eastern horizon, his heart filled with anticipation for the journey that lay ahead.

As the hours melted away, Tōga's adventure took a treacherous turn, the once idyllic sky transforming into a menacing canvas of darkness and fury. Lightning crackled and danced across the heavens, each brilliant flash illuminating the churning waters below in a dazzling display of raw power. The thunder that followed roared with a deafening intensity, its echoes reverberating through the very core of the storm-tossed sea.

The wind, once a gentle whisper, had evolved into a raging tempest, its gale-force gusts whipping the ocean's surface into a frenzy of towering waves and swirling eddies. The unrelenting force of the storm seemed determined to cast aside any vessel or foolhardy soul that dared to challenge its supremacy, the howling winds and crashing waves a testament to its unyielding might.

"Arghhh! It's wild out here! I hope Strigr-kun is alright down there!" Tōga shouted, his words nearly lost amidst the cacophony of the raging storm as he struggled to maintain his course, his Birdman's cape straining against the violent winds. The mage's thoughts momentarily drifted to his faithful companion, the small sea creature navigating the depths below, shielded from the chaos that reigned above.

Tōga pressed on, his determination staunch as he fought his way through the tempest, his eyes fixed upon the distant cluster of islands that beckoned to him through the sheets of driving rain. Each pelting droplet felt like a tiny arrow, stinging his skin and blurring his vision as he ducked and weaved through the turbulent sky. For a fleeting moment, the captain's warning echoed in his mind, a whisper of caution drowned out by the storm's persistent roar. But Tōga shook his head, banishing the thought as quickly as it had come. He knew that the only path forward lay through the heart of the tempest, each passing day bringing him closer to losing the trail he so desperately sought to follow.

As time wore on, the toll of his exertions began to make itself known, fatigue seeping into Tōga's bones and dulling his senses. "Am I almost t----Arrghhh!" His words were cut short, his momentary lapse in attention proving costly as a rogue wave, towering and ruthless, slammed into his side with the force of a thousand hammers. In an instant, Tōga found himself torn from the sky, his body engulfed by the ocean's icy embrace as the storm raged on above, indifferent to his plight.

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wc: 1197