Offering the Flames of War to This Wonderful World

There weren't many books to read at the monastery when I was little. The Epic of Illysoia was my favorite.

Compared to history books, it felt more like a fairy tale. It even had illustrations of some of the characters.

"Ifrit, the flame-wielding mage, turned the world into a sea of fire to cleanse it of corruption. Then, new shoots sprouted from the scorched earth..." Whenever I read that, I always thought she was an idiot.

But later, I understood.

To be reborn, you must first be consumed by flames.

Ellen Yeka