The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

Mina and Shin leave the Sea God’s palace, heading toward Moon House to fulfill the wish of the desperate woman whom Mina saw in a vision. Their journey takes them through back alleys and less-traveled paths, and Mina reflects on the nature of prayers and the broken connection between humans and gods. Upon reaching Moon House, they find it in a state of decay and desolation. Inside, they meet the goddess, to whom Mina offers the paper boat containing the woman’s wish. However, the goddess demands payment in gold, dismissing Mina’s plea to fulfill the wish out of compassion. Shin pays with gold, but the goddess mocks their effort, revealing that the woman and her child are long dead. She derisively burns the paper boat.

In a desperate attempt to save the boat, Mina burns her hand. Shin takes her away from Moon House. Deeply upset by the goddess’s cruelty, Mina questions the indifference of the gods to human suffering. Shin also reveals his own bitterness toward the gods, and he also feels bitterness toward himself, viewing himself as a god who has lost his purpose. They return to Lotus House, where

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