Chapter 26: Undelivered Words
Noah watched as Anya gracefully stepped back into the carriage, her movements a blend of elegance and efficiency but even Noah noticed her shoulders slumping slightly as she settled onto the bench across from him as a sigh escaped her lips. For all her cool composure and veiled threats, she was clearly not immune to frustration.
"How many checkpoints are there to reach Kakariko Village?" he asked, his voice softer than intended.
"Three," Anya replied, her voice a touch weary. "This is the last one. I couldn't tell you how many times I've been through here, but every single time they insist on a thorough inspection."
Noah couldn't suppress a smirk as he glanced out the window. Two guards, their faces flushed and their bodies shaking with barely suppressed laughter, were casting furtive glances towards the carriage. It seemed the Sheikah Enforcer, despite her intimidating presence, wasn't immune to the charms of gossip and intrigue.
"As a Sheikah Enforcer, I would've expected them to expedite your passage," Noah probed, a hint of teasing in his voice.
Anya's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's a testament to the rigor of our security measures," she explained. "Besides, appearances can be deceiving. One never knows who might be watching." Her eyes held a knowing glint. "Rushing through without following proper protocol would only attract unwanted attention."
Curiosity piqued; Noah debated asking about the nature of this unwanted attention. But he held his tongue, deciding it was wiser to observe. "What are they looking for?" he asked instead, feigning idle curiosity.
"Contraband," Anya replied, her tone turning serious. "Monster materials, prohibited weapons, unauthorized Sheikah technology... anything against the law."
"Monster parts are illegal?" Noah asked, surprised. "Don't adventurers bring them in all the time?"
"You mean mercenaries," Anya corrected gently. "They are indeed an exception, as are registered merchants. But they carry licenses with varying levels of clearance. Some monster parts are inherently dangerous, requiring higher authorization, while others are outright prohibited."
'Ah, wow, it's actually a fully functioning system,' Noah thought to himself, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. 'I wonder which isekai light novel Hylia stole that from.' He couldn't help but chuckle inwardly at the absurdity of it all. In his world, such scenarios were the stuff of fiction, recycled over, and over again.
But as he pondered Anya's explanation, he realized the logic behind such regulations. Even in a world filled with Malice, monsters and other races the fundamental problems of society remained the same. Crime, corruption, the misuse of power—these were universal issues, regardless of the setting.
All it takes is one mentally deranged pyromaniac to take some Red Chuchu Jelly and become a suicide bomber.
A chilling thought crossed his mind. If there were laws against possessing monster parts, what kind of penalties did those who broke them face? He shuddered, imagining the gruesome punishments that might be inflicted in a world where society was potentially ethically behind his own. Were they humane? Or perhaps, more aptly, Hyliane?
As a university student studying criminology, the thought of torture and execution sent a shiver down his spine, an unnecessarily cruel practice. The only conceivable way for it to be beneficial, he mused, would be under the 'Rational Actor Model' theories, which assumed offending was a conscious choice and a would-be offender would weigh the risks and benefits before committing a crime. In such a framework, harsh punishments like torture and execution could act as effective deterrents.
But personally Noah disagreed with such theories. Deterrence, as a form of crime prevention, was often dependent on the individual's environment and social background. It failed to account for the underlying motivations of crime, such as poverty, inequality, or mental illness.
'Excessive punishment can actually breed more crime,' Noah thought, a frown creasing his brow. 'Jeremy Bentham, though inspired by Cesare Beccaria, seems to have missed the mark on that one.'
A wry smile tugged at his lips as he considered the absurdity of his situation. Here he was, a criminology student from Earth, contemplating the justice system of what was supposed to be a fictional world, while riding in a Sheikah-guarded carriage with an oversized tree riding on top playing musical instruments.
The thought sparked a ridiculous idea. 'Maybe I should write a light novel,' he mused, a chuckle escaping his lips. 'I could call it 'Reincarnated as the World's Chosen Hero But I Decided to Overhaul the Justice System instead!'
The thought, however absurd, brought a fleeting sense of purpose. It was a distraction. The convoy of carriages continued their monotonous journey, the rhythmic thud of hooves and the creaking of wheels continued onwards.
Noah gazed out the small window, the landscape morphing from rolling hills to towering rock formations that shrouded the carriage in a perpetual twilight. As they entered a narrow crevice, barely wide enough for two carriages to pass abreast, Noah became uneasy as a unsettling silence descended. The usual mix of birdsong and rustling leaves was conspicuously absent, replaced by an eerie stillness.
Link's body had rather incriedble hearing he reliased, which was why he noticed it. Now cautious, Noah carefully scrutinised his surroundings. The smooth, polished walls of the crevice, the unnatural uniformity of the terrain, it all felt... wrong. It was as if the entire passage had been meticulously carved, a deliberate scar on the natural landscape.
"It's unnatural," he muttered to himself, his fingers absently tracing the rough texture of the bedsheet draped around him. His only working experience as a retail manager hadn't exactly prepared him for analysing geological formations, but even he could recognize that this place wasn't natural, it was made artificially.
Driven by a growing sense of foreboding, Noah reached for the Sheikah Slate, which Anya had been examining with a mix of fascination and frustration. "Can I have that back?" he asked, his tone polite but firm.
"Ah, of course, Master Link," Anya replied, reluctantly handing over the device. It was evident she wasn't able to figure out how the Slate worked, her initial excitement tempered by a growing sense of inadequacy.
Noah accepted the Slate with some surprise. He'd been hesitant to let it out of his sight, fearing that Anya might stumble upon its true capabilities. But his worries had been unfounded. It appeared that anyone that wasn't him wasn't able to switch on the display, let alone use its abilities.
'I suppose being stabbed in the eye has its benefits.' he thought
With the Slate in hand, he activated the Magnesis Rune. His right eye, infused with the rune's power, glowed with an eerie blue light as he scanned the crevice walls. A slow, nervous smile spread across his face as he saw what lay hidden beneath the surface.
The once dull, orange-hued rock was now illuminated by a network of tiny, shimmering lights. Each pinpoint of gold represented a metallic object embedded within the stone. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of hidden mechanisms lay dormant, waiting to be triggered.
The Magnesis Rune could only manipulate metal, and the sheer density of these objects revealed the crevice's true purpose: a formidable defence system. Noah wasn't sure what the mechanisms were – spears, traps, or something else– but the implications were chilling. This picturesque pass was a carefully disguised death trap, a silent guardian.
"Something wrong, Noah?" Anya asked, her voice playful yet tinged with a subtle sharpness, a hint of suspicion in her otherwise gentle tone.
"No, not at all," Noah replied, forcing a casual shrug while his internal alarm bells blared. His eyes darted to the corner of the carriage, where a soft, golden glow hovered ominously towards his head. The Magnesis Rune on his Sheikah Slate, still active, revealed the faint outline of a dagger, its blade gleaming with an ethereal light. It hung suspended in mid-air, held aloft by an unseen hand.
His mind raced. 'Who the fuck is this? A stowaway? Another Sheikah? A hidden enemy?' A rush of adrenaline surged through him as he tried to remain calm, his eyes flicking back to Anya. She seemed oblivious to the threat lurking inches next to them.
Noah activated magnesis to observe the cervices walls, finding a weapon hanging above him was an unexpected surprise.
'Play it cool,' Noah thought, willing his heart to slow its frantic beating. 'Don't give them away.' He cleared his throat, forcing a chuckle. "Just a bit tired, that's all. I haven't stopped travelling since I awakened and haven't been sleeping well."
Anya's smile returned, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Understandable," she said. "Rest assured, you'll be able to recuperate fully in Kakariko Village."
"Good," Noah replied, trying to maintain his facade of nonchalance. He subtly clicked off the Magnesis Rune, the golden glow of the dagger vanishing along with the weapon itself. Magnesis was the only way to see the weapon it seemed.
"I'll send a messenger to the entrance ahead," Anya said, oblivious to the silent drama unfolding beside her. "We won't be stopped this time. Kakariko Village is beyond the gate ahead." She leaned out the window and gestured to a nearby soldier, relaying her message.
Noah's mind raced. If the assassin had been there the entire time, their inaction suggested they were waiting for the right moment to strike. He had to remain calm, act as if nothing was amiss, and hope to disengage from this situation without further incident.
As the convoy of carriages emerged from the narrow pass, the scene that greeted Noah was something he never could have expected. Kakariko Village, nestled within a mountain basin, was alive with vibrant energy.
Throngs of cheering Hylians lined the streets, their jubilant cries echoing off the surrounding rock faces. Confetti rained down from the windows and balconies of multi-storied buildings, creating a kaleidoscope of colours that danced in the afternoon sunlight.
Noah stared in awe at the spectacle. In his memory, Kakariko Village had been a quaint hamlet, a handful of houses clustered around a central square. This bustling, vibrant community was something else entirely.
'But that doesn't make sense, how could the village support such a large number of Hylians?' Noah thought in confusion, leaning closer to the window.
Hestu, sensing the excitement, had abandoned his menacing demeanour and was now shaking his maracas with joyful abandon, adding a festive rhythm to the cheers of the crowd.
Noah's gaze swept over the village, his eyes widening as he realised just what a remarkable transformation the village had done. The village wasn't confined to the valley floor anymore. A dizzying array of houses clung to the steep mountain walls, their foundations seemingly defying gravity. Elaborate wooden walkways and bridges, adorned with colourful banners and lanterns, connected these structures, creating a labyrinthine network that stretched towards the sky.
The architecture of Kakariko Village was especially fascinating, it looked like traditional Hylian styles, but it was clearly influenced by some of his own reality. Noah could see the sweeping roofs, reminiscent of ancient Japanese shrines, adorning the larger communal buildings. These structures were built with massive wooden beams and adorned with intricate carvings depicting nature spirits and mythical creatures.
The smaller houses, nestled into the rock face or perched on stilts along the walkways, had much simpler designs. They were constructed with thatched roofs and wooden walls, their organic shapes blending seamlessly with the natural landscape.
The Sheikah influence was evident in the intricate patterns etched into the stone pathways and the subtle glow of luminescent stones embedded within the architecture.
As the carriage made its way through the heart of the village, Noah's senses were overwhelmed by a symphony of sights and sounds. Merchants hawked their wares from colourful stalls, their voices mingling with the laughter of children playing in the central square. The aroma of exotic spices wafted from open-air kitchens, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers that adorned the balconies and windowsills.
"The villagers seem unusually enthusiastic," Anya observed, her gaze sweeping over the cheering crowd. "Such fervour is typically reserved for festivals."
"Were they told about the attack on the Wall?" Noah asked, his curiosity piqued as he continued to observe the lively scene outside.
"Only a sanitized version," Anya replied, her voice a touch grim. "Revealing the full extent of the damage and casualties would cause widespread panic and disrupt trade."
She paused for a moment. "The official story is that the Wall was attacked, breached, but ultimately reclaimed due to the bravery of our soldiers. A victory, yes, but a costly one."
'Rumours will fly regardless' Noah muttered, having personally experienced how loosely lipped the soldiers are.
"You'll have plenty of time to explore the village after your meeting with Lady Impa," Anya said, her voice a gentle attempt to steer him away from his dark thoughts. "I would be honoured to be your guide, if you wish."
'Thanks, but no thanks,' Noah thought wryly, but his attention was drawn to a distant building etched into the cliff face. It wasn't particularly ornate or imposing, but it stood out from the rest of the village's architecture. A large, intricately carved statue of a woman holding a cluster of grapes stood sentinel at its entrance.
"What's that?" Noah asked, pointing towards the building.
"That's the church," Anya replied, her tone carefully neutral. "Or rather, a branch of it. The main cathedral is located in Central Hyrule."
Nestled against a towering cliff face, Impa's house stood. It's exterior, crafted from dark wood and adorned with intricate geometric patterns, blended seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The house itself was built on multiple levels, connected by winding stone pathways and wooden bridges that crisscrossed a small, man-made waterfall. Lanterns, their flames casting a warm glow, hung from the eaves, illuminating the intricate carvings that adorned the wooden beams and support pillars.
'Suppose that's my destination' Noah muttered, as some anxiety settled inside him.
Noah had failed to release, but his carriage had actually separated from the rest some time ago, and only noticed when his carriage stopped in front of Impa's house and Anya opened the door.
"Shall we go, Master Link?" she asked politely
Noah nodded silently and stepped out of the carriage, following Anya towards the looming house. His heart pounded, a mixture of anticipation and unease churning in his stomach. He was about to converse with one of the most powerful figures in the Kingdom, and its that very conversation that may determine his future. Saying Noah was nervous was an understatement.
As he exited the carriage, he turned his head to Hestu, who was perched precariously on the roof, watching him with wide, curious eyes. Noah raised a finger to his lips, signalling for silence. Hestu, surprisingly, seemed to understand the gesture. He nodded solemnly and resumed his rhythmic maraca playing, the gentle beat now a soothing counterpoint to Noah's racing thoughts.
The two approached a wooden bridge spanning a gurgling stream. Two Sheikah guards, their faces obscured by identical veils, stood sentinel at the opposite end, their weapons gleaming in the afternoon light.
"You must go from here," Anya said, her voice soft. "I am required to enter from another side." She paused, her eyes meeting his for a fleeting moment. "It has been a pleasure meeting you, Master Link. Forgive my earlier abruptness. I hope our paths cross again soon."
"As do I," Noah replied automatically, his mind already focused on the task at hand.
Noah watched silently as Anya, the Sheikah Enforcer intersected off the bridge and left, being finally alone Noah let out a sigh of relief
Well, almost alone. The dagger wielding individual was only a few feet away from him.
Noah started walking across the bridge with purpose, he had briefly contemplated attacking the individual while he had the opportunity of surprise but since the individual never attacked him and Anya never noticed it, Noah assumed it was only meant to watch him. Probably on behalf of the Sheikah.
Of course Noah was watching them closely.
Noah looked ahead as he saw dozens of people walking towards him, wearing quite the assortment of garb whilst surrounding a carriage. It was smaller than the one he rode in but looked quite luxurious, but he didn't pay them much attention as he gave them room on the bridge and walked past.
'How should I approach this?' he wondered, should he explain his circumstances right at the start? Or wait for a suitable opportunity? Noah was annoyed, he didn't have enough information to determine the best course of action.
Actually, all things considered he was quite unprepared to meet Impa, he was originally going to plan something on the way here but with Anya unexpected arrival, Hestu's attempted murder and someone wielding a dagger near him he hadn't had the opportunity.
Slowly, his thoughts drifted. 'Ah… when was the last time I slept?' he wondered.
"Those damn heretics and their infernal technology," Cardinal Ceril sputtered, his voice thick with indignation as he drained the last drops of wine from his goblet. "They have no respect for Her Grace's wishes." With a meaty fist, he slammed the empty cup onto the table, demanding, "More, boy! Quickly!"
Anthony, a young acolyte serving as the Cardinal Ceril's attendant, recoiled from the outburst. He hastily refilled the goblet, his hands trembling slightly as he placed it before the Cardinal. He then resumed his position standing beside the carriage, as an acolyte and the Cardinal Ceril's attendant, his position didn't warrant the luxury of a seat.
"Why Her Holiness insists on engaging in dialogue with those heathens is beyond me," Cardinal Ceril continued, his voice a low rumble that resonated with barely restrained rage. "If it were up to me, I'd purge the entire clan for their impertinence against her grace."
Anthony dared a fleeting glance at the Cardinal. Cardinal Ceril was one of the four highest-ranking clergymen in the Church, second only to Her Holiness, Lady Amelia. Each Cardinal oversaw a specific region of Hyrule, with Ceril responsible for the Hylian territories.
Anthony watched as Cardinal Ceril greedily gulped down the freshly poured wine, his ample belly jiggling with each movement. Cardinal Ceril, despite his position within the Church, was a man of immense appetites, both for food and for... other pleasures.
Anthony's gaze then shifted to Lady Amelia, seated regally in the centre of the carriage. Her figure was shrouded in a veil so fine it was almost translucent, outlining her form but revealing nothing of her skin. Even in her slumber, an ethereal beauty radiated from her, a beacon of purity and grace. Anthony felt unnaturally relaxed and joyful simply starring at her.
Cardinal Ceril, however, saw something else in her slumbering form. Anthony had witnessed the Cardinals lecherous gaze lingering on the Lady Amelia far too many times, a disturbing reminder of the man's true nature.
Anthony, once an orphan singing in the streets, had been taken in by the Church at a young age. Raised in an environment of piety and devotion, he had grown into a devout follower. But his naive faith had been shaken by the Cardinal's behavior. He had seen the Cardinal extort offerings from impoverished villagers, witnessed him indulge in illicit affairs with both men and women, and even heard rumours of darker rituals performed in the dead of night.
But Cardinal Ceril true depravity lay in his lust for power. Anthony believed he saw the Church not as a vessel for the Goddess's will, but as a tool to further his own ambitions. Why Lady Amelia hadn't purged him, Anthony didn't know.
Anthony wasn't blind to his heresies, but reporting someone of his position was difficult, and he hadn't figured out how to do it. Whether he died or not was irrelevant; he was willing to die to protect the integrity of the Church, but he was worried improper planning would result in his report falling on deaf ears.
For now, he served as the Cardinal Ceril's attendant, a role he both loathed and cherished. It granted him proximity to Lady Amelia, the revered leader of the Church, a woman whose very presence radiated an ethereal grace. To be in her presence, to hear her wisdom and witness her devotion, was a privilege usually reserved for those far above his station.
The journey to the meeting with Lady Impa had been a rare opportunity, even if he was relegated to waiting outside the meeting chamber. But Cardinal Ceril, true to his nature, had no intention of squandering the time spent in close proximity to Lady Amelia.
As the carriage rumbled along the bridge, Anthony's attention was briefly drawn to a figure walking opposite to the carriage. It was a young man, his blond hair and pointed ears drew Anthony's attention. More specifically, his ears. Anthony narrowed his gaze as he was impressed by the sharpness of the boys ears, it was the unmistakable signs of the Goddess's blessing. But just as quickly as he appeared, the figure was swallowed by the speed of the carriage.
He was almost tempted to flag the boy down, but the Church's elite guards stationed outside the carriage, nor would Cardinal Ceril would allow it.
Suddenly, a gasp from inside the carriage shattered the spell. Anthony's head snapped back, his eyes widening as he saw Cardinal Ceril staring, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. Lady Amelia had awoken, her eyes fixed on the Cardinal with a chilling calm that made the air crackle with tension.
The Cardinal, taken aback by her unexpected awakening, straightened his posture, a flicker of unease in his eyes. "Y-your Holiness," he stammered, his face flushing as he quickly composed himself. "I was merely… contemplating Lady Impa's words. You have returned rather early."
Anthony suppressed a scoff. The Cardinal Ceril's sudden shift in demeanour was a practiced act, a mask he wore to conceal his true nature. Yet, even his clumsy attempt at deflection couldn't hide the fact that Lady Amelia's awakening had caught him off guard. Anthony heard that once Her Holiness consulted with the Goddess, she didn't awaken for hours.
Lady Amelia's brow furrowed, her eyes wide with alarm. "I don't understand..." she whispered, her voice trembling as if she'd seen a ghost.
Before she could finish her sentence, a single tear rolled down her cheek, leaving a glistening trail on her pale skin. The sight of it, the sheer impossibility of it, sent a shockwave through her, and another tear followed the first.
"Your Holiness," Anthony blurted out, his voice thick with concern, "are you alright?"
Realising his outburst, he immediately prostrated himself, his voice trembling with fear. "Forgive me, my Lady! I spoke out of turn."
Lady Amelia remained oblivious to his distress, her gaze fixed on her tear-stained fingers, a look of utter bewilderment and utter confusion etched on her face. "The Goddess... weeps?" she whispered, her voice barely a breath, the words heavy with a terror she had never known.
The entrance, a grand wooden door etched with the Sheikah eye symbol, stood as strong as a brick wall as Noah stood before it He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and dread. He took a deep, calming breath, then reached out to push the door open.
The door swung inward silently, revealing a spacious foyer that was surprisingly warm and inviting. Soft light filtered through intricately carved wooden screens, casting dappled shadows on the polished floor. Thick, woven rugs adorned the walls, their rich colors and intricate patterns hinting at a rich history and tradition.
A large fireplace crackled merrily in one corner, its warmth a welcome contrast to the chill of the mountain air. The flickering flames illuminated a series of tapestries that hung on the walls, depicting scenes of ancient battles, wise elders, and mystical rituals. Noah's gaze lingered on these images, each one a tantalizing glimpse into the history of the Sheikah, a people shrouded in mystery and power.
The air hummed with a palpable energy, a sense of ancient wisdom and unspoken secrets. It was a place where time seemed to slow down, a sanctuary where the echoes of the past whispered promises of the future.
"A hallway?" Noah murmured, his voice barely a whisper. He stepped into the foyer, his footsteps muffled by the thick rugs. Several Sheikah guards, their faces obscured by masks, stood silently along the walls, their watchful eyes following his every move.
One of the guards nodded towards a closed door at the end of the hallway, a silent invitation. Noah's heart pounded in his chest as he made his way towards the door, each step echoing in the quiet room. He reached out, his hand trembling slightly, and pushed the door open.
The room beyond was bathed in a soft, ethereal light that seemed to emanate from an unseen source. At the center of the room, seated on a raised platform, was a figure shrouded in flowing robes.
The figure turned slowly, her face obscured by a deep cowl. As she raised her head, Noah was struck by the weight of her gaze, the ancient wisdom that seemed to emanate from her very being. It was a look that had weathered centuries, a gaze that had witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, the triumph and tragedy of countless lives.
But more importantly, it was tangible. Noah was confused, it was if gravity suddenly became heavier as his weight felt like it doubled and his breaths harder, was this some kind of initution from Link? Noah didn't understand.
"…So you're finally awake." she said, her voice a gentle melody that belied the power hidden beneath her serene facade. "It has been quite a long time… Link."
Her voice, though raspy, held a warmth and kindness that immediately put Noah at ease. Despite the weight of her years and the burden of her knowledge, Impa exuded a welcoming aura that made Noah feel as if he had finally found a safe haven in this strange and dangerous world.
Noah felt a surge of conflicting emotions. Relief, curiosity, and a lingering unease all warred within him. This was Impa, the Sheikah elder, the legendary advisor to Princess Zelda.
"Lady Impa," Noah began, his voice barely a whisper, "I..."
He struggled to find the right words. How could he explain his presence in this world, his imposter syndrome, his desperate desire to return home when their own is crumbling?
Impa raised a weathered hand, silencing him with a gentle gesture. "I am much older now, yes," she said, her voice a soft rasp that echoed through the quiet chamber. "But you remember me, don't you? You called me by name when you first arrived."
A wistful smile touched her lips. "I suppose age catches up with us all... well, almost all."
Noah, taking in her appearance, couldn't help but silently disagree. Considering Impa should be 120 years old, she exuded a timeless grace and vitality. Her face, a tapestry of wrinkles and laugh lines, radiated warmth and wisdom. Her bright, inquisitive eyes, though slightly faded with age, held a spark of youthful curiosity, framed by long, silver hair that flowed down her back like a waterfall.
She wore the traditional but complicated version of the garb of her people, a flowing robe of deep blue adorned with intricate silver embroidery. A ceremonial headdress, rested atop her head, a symbol of her status and authority.
Her eyes, a piercing blue that seemed to hold the weight of centuries, studied Noah with an intensity that made him shift uncomfortably. It was a gaze that saw through pretense, a gaze that pierced the very core of his being.
Her hands, weathered by time but still strong and steady, rested lightly on a gnarled wooden staff. The staff, etched with ancient Sheikah symbols, seemed to pulse with a subtle energy, a silent testament to the power that flowed through Impa's veins.
"What is the matter, child?" Impa asked, her gaze sharpening as she noticed Noah's hesitation. "Please, come and sit." She gestured towards a cushion placed before her.
Noah, seeing no reason to refuse, took a deep breath and settled onto the cushion. He met Impa's gaze, a silent challenge in his eyes. "What do you see?" he asked, his voice steady.
Impa, momentarily taken aback by his directness, paused in contemplation. Her eyes, a deep well of knowledge and experience, seemed to pierce through his facade. "You look at me as though I am a stranger," she said softly, "yet your eyes... they flicker with recognition."
"Quite the contradiction, wouldn't you agree?" Noah countered, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "What do you make of it?"
Impa remained silent for a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. "Perhaps," she began hesitantly, "the wounds you sustained in the battle have taken a toll on your mind?"
Noah shook his head, his expression unwavering. "No," he said, his voice firm. "My mind is clear, sharper than ever."
Impa leaned forward, her eyes narrowing as she studied him. "Could it be," she ventured, "that the Shrine's restoration process was... imperfect? Perhaps your spirit is intact, but your memories remain fragmented?"
Noah met her gaze, his eyes betraying nothing of his inner turmoil. "That is a possibility," he conceded, carefully choosing his words. "But that is not the answer."
Impa leaned back, a thoughtful expression on her face. She seemed to be weighing her options, considering the implications of each potential scenario. "Then perhaps," she began, a hint of sadness creeping into her voice, "the Calamity has taken a greater toll than we initially believed."
Noah remained silent, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. "It has," he finally admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "But that, too, is not the reason."
The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the fire and the soft rustling of Impa's robes as she shifted in her seat. Her gaze remained locked on Noah, unwavering, probing. The silence stretched on, heavy with unspoken truths and unspoken questions.
"After you fell, a hundred years ago..." Impa began, her voice barely a whisper, "Princess Zelda's final wish was to place you in a sacred slumber." She paused, her eyes searching his. "Before she met her fate, she entrusted me with a message... words she wished to convey to you upon your awakening."
Noah's heart pounded. This was it, the moment of truth.
"However," Impa continued, her voice dropping to a chilling whisper, "I cannot deliver those words."
"Why not?" Noah asked, his voice barely audible.
Impa's gaze intensified, piercing through him like a laser. "Because," she said, each word a hammer blow, "You are not its intended recipient, are you?"
A melancholic smile touched Noah's lips as his voice faltered. "Correct." he admitted, a weight lifting off his chest as he finally relinquished the pretense.
Impa's eyes closed, her expression unreadable. A heavy silence descended upon the room, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire.
Suddenly, Noah felt a prickle of danger. A subtle shift in the air, a silent whisper of movement. He glanced to his side, but the golden dagger he had glimpsed earlier was gone, but the footsteps from the side suggested the wielder was coming towards him.
"It seems, then" Impa said, her voice regaining its steeliness, "I have an uninvited guest."
Noah raised his head, meeting Impa's gaze with a wry smile. "Don't blame me," he quipped. "I didn't sign up for this 'Hero of Legend' gig, I just happen to be wearing the uniform."