ICHIKA YUNO

On a certain island, there are individuals chosen to protect the common folk from creatures emerging from the sea. Elva—one of the chosen ones—fulfills this duty, beset with a cursed body that has stopped growing, and in isolation from others. When a boy named Alto learns of Elva's circumstances, he wishes to free Elva from this role. In order to support him, Alto reaches out to Elva, whom no one had dared approach before, and vows to stay by his side forever. After eight years that these two opposites had lived together like master and servant, like a family… Elva's body, supposedly only holding out for a few years, has started showing signs of recovery for an unknown reason.

"I'll be by your side forever." "You're a cruel brat." Elva is a warrior priest whose life is eroded every time he fights against monsters coming from the dark sea. When he learns this, boy Alto is enraged and vows to stay by his side to look for a way to save him. After eight years, Alto has grown into a fearless young man. He still hides in his heart a feeling of love that has slowly grown stronger in the days they spent together... Meanwhile, Elva, who seemed to have only a few years left, is showing signs of recovery while spending time with Alto...? The long-awaited first volume of the fantasy romance between a loyal, caring young man and a cold warrior who doesn't know how to love.

Night after night, Elva steps forth into the black sea, sword in hand, to drive back the creatures that surge from the waves. Elva is one of the 'kannagi,' warrior priests chosen by the divine to protect the island. With his snow-white hair, unaging youth, and black-stained limbs — proof of the corruption that gradually takes the life of every kannagi — the local people fear and shun him... at least until his path crosses with that of a boy named Alto. Enraptured by Elva's strength and lonely soul, Alto swears to serve him and free him from his cursed fate. After eight long years, Alto has grown into a capable and fearless young man, unwavering in his devotion to his kannagi. Elva had long ago resigned himself to an early death — but somehow, Alto's presence seems to be gradually healing him of the black sea's corruption...

Night after night, Elva steps forth into the black sea, sword in hand, to drive back the creatures that surge from the waves. Elva is one of the "kannagi", warrior priests chosen by the divine to protect the island. With his snow-white hair, unaging youth, and black-stained limbs — proof of the corruption that gradually takes the life of every kannagi — the local people fear and shun him... at least until his path crosses with that of a boy named Alto. Enraptured by Elva's strength and lonely soul, Alto swears to serve him and free him from his cursed fate. After eight long years, Alto has grown into a capable and fearless young man, unwavering in his devotion to his kannagi. Elva had long ago resigned himself to an early death — but somehow, Alto's presence seems to be gradually healing him of the black sea's corruption...