As the Time Guardian placed the heavy "Book of Time" into the protagonist's hands, his fingers trembled slightly. Each image and every word within its pages seemed to conceal endless secrets. This book was no ordinary object; it not only recorded past stories but also possessed the power to alter the future.
"This book," the Time Guardian's voice was low and resonant, "each page is a history forgotten by time, where both yokai and humans leave their traces." He paused, as if recalling something from a distant past. "But the true power of this book lies not in its records, but in its ability to change."
The protagonist frowned slightly, looking at the book with confusion. "Change? How can it change?"
The Time Guardian smiled, a mysterious glint in his eyes. "The unresolved knots in each yokai's heart, if untied, will cause the records in this book to shift. And those changes in the records will alter not only the past but also the future."
The protagonist lowered his gaze to the book's cover, a strong sense of curiosity welling up within him. "Then, what exactly is recorded in this book?"
The Time Guardian extended a finger and gently touched the pages. "This is our contract. This book will guide you towards the unresolved knots in each yokai's heart. As you help them untie these knots, the flow of time will be adjusted. Those lost stories will resurface and change their destinies."
The protagonist's heartbeat quickened involuntarily, this power both thrilling and unsettling him. He looked up at the Time Guardian. "Then, how will I know what to do?"
"This book will give you hints," the Time Guardian explained. "It won't directly tell you what to do, but it will provide clues at crucial moments."
The protagonist looked down again. Just then, a certain page in the book suddenly glowed with a faint light. Surprised, he opened to that page. A few simple words floated on the surface – "The Lost Moonlight."
"The Lost Moonlight?" the protagonist read the words aloud, his mind filled with doubt.
The Time Guardian's eyes were deep and calm, his voice low and clear. "This is the story of the next yokai. The Lost Moonlight – it concerns a yokai who once guarded the moon. Thousands of years ago, he lost his mission, and now, he is trying to find his own light again."
A jolt went through the protagonist. This story sounded somewhat familiar. "Where is he now?"
The Time Guardian pointed towards the window. The bright moonlight in the night sky was quietly pouring down, illuminating the entire hotel. "He is right there." He smiled slightly. "You just need to go out and find that lost moonlight, and it will all begin."
The protagonist looked out the window. The moon in the night sky was cold and distant. He knew this was his next task, and the beginning of unraveling the mysteries of this book.
He stood up, clutching the "Book of Time" tightly in his hand. "I understand. Then I will go find this lost moonlight."
"Remember," the Time Guardian's tone became serious, "this is not only a process of untying the knots in the yokai's hearts but also your own process. As you help them find themselves, perhaps you will discover that what you have been searching for all along is that lost light within you."4Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5ndRV6hLC
