Back at the castle, the group was exhausted. The long journey and the devastating battle had left marks not only on their bodies but on their souls. The castle felt cold, almost oppressive, its silence broken only by slow footsteps echoing down the stone corridors. Each member of the group coped with their emotions in different ways.
Gotier spent much of his time in prayer, seeking spiritual strength to continue his mission, even if it meant facing difficult choices ahead. Akari isolated herself in one of the towers, staring out at the devastated landscape of Salem and pondering the meaning of their journey. Zeke, on the other hand, devoted himself to sharpening his weapons, preparing for what lay ahead while reflecting on his decision to support Yuzuki to the end.
Yuzuki, however, sat alone in the great hall before a cold hearth. Mao and Amok were there too, the two entities watching the boy in silence for a time before trading barbs.
"So these humans really think they can change anything," Mao mocked. "They can't even decide whether they hate you or love you, Yuzuki. It's pathetic."
Amok, by contrast, sounded curious and observant. "You really are an interesting puzzle, boy," he said, his deep voice echoing through the hall. "I still don't understand why Mao hates you so much. The two of you share more than you admit."
Mao laughed bitterly. "Don't compare this brat to me. He's just a broken remnant of humanity—a fool who thinks he can carry the weight of the world on his shoulders." He turned to Yuzuki. "And you, boy? Will you tell your 'allies' what you really think of them? Or will you keep pretending you're a gentle leader?"
Yuzuki lifted his gaze, staring at Mao without hesitation. "I have said what needed to be said. They know where I am, and I know where they are. That is enough for now." His voice was cold, almost calculating, though there was something deeper hidden in his words.
"Interesting… very interesting," Amok murmured, satisfied by the response.
While the city of Salem struggled to recover from the destruction, survivors watched the castle from afar, awaiting answers and dreading the future. Each person within those walls had a role to play, and every decision made hereafter would reverberate not only across Kugutsu Island but throughout the entire continent of Pangeia.
A New Direction
The dawn in Salem brought a mixed sense of calm and unease. The streets were eerily empty, the silence broken only by distant footsteps and the wind blowing through the alleys. The devastation caused by Yuri's ritual still hung over the town, visible in shattered facades and the absence of many familiar faces. Fear of strangers grew, and the few who passed by the group cast furtive glances.
Yuzuki, Akari, Zeke, and Gotier walked toward the smithy, aware they needed to prepare for the next leg of their journey. Their worn weapons and battle-tattered clothes required replacement. The weight of past battles pressed on each of them, but Yuzuki seemed especially distant, as if something beyond normal concern plagued him.
When they arrived at the forge, a burly man with strong, work-scarred arms and tired but kind eyes greeted them. He recognized them immediately.
"You… Yuzuki! You're the one who saved my life and my daughter's in the bar!" the smith exclaimed, dropping his hammer. "Please, choose whatever you wish. Consider it an eternal thanks."
The group exchanged surprised looks. Not everyone knew the full extent of Yuzuki's deeds in the city.
"You saved people in that bar?" Akari asked in disbelief.
"I did what needed to be done, nothing more," Yuzuki replied, uninterested.
As they browsed the shop's offerings, the smith's little daughter appeared carrying something peculiar: a black hatchling dragon, its scales gleaming like obsidian, deep green eyes, and silvery claws reflecting the forge's light.
"This is a Tailax," the smith explained, noticing Yuzuki's interest. "My daughter Isabella found it in the northern mountains. It's a rare breed, nearly extinct. They say they're imperial dragons, intelligent and with unique abilities."
Isabella approached Yuzuki, cradling the dragon gently.
"I want you to have it," she smiled. "You saved my father. Now it can protect you and make you smile again."
Gotier stood agape.
"A Tailax? Do you realize how valuable that is? You can't just give something like that…"
The girl answered firmly, "My life and my father's are worth more. And he deserves this."
The hatchling gazed at Yuzuki intently, as if sizing him up. After a moment's hesitation, Yuzuki took the creature, betraying little emotion.
"I haven't decided on your name yet," he murmured, looking at the small being. "We'll see if you're worth it."
Isabella beamed at her hero, and the smith, João, grinned widely, proud to contribute to someone they barely knew—certain that Yuzuki was a kind boy and that kindness was the first step.
Meanwhile, Amok, who had been silent in Yuzuki's mind, spoke up:
"That little thing looks interesting. Let's see how it fares in battle."
Mao, on the other hand, sounded irritated.
"Another dead weight to carry. This is turning into a circus."
Yuzuki ignored them both and turned his attention to the weapons. He gave Amok free rein to choose his new sword. To the group's surprise, Amok materialized beside Yuzuki, revealing his physical form: spiky black hair, dark eyes, and a menacing appearance, clad in a black cloak trimmed with crow-feather motifs. Akari and Zeke stiffened at his presence.
"Who… or what is that?" Zeke asked, drawing his weapon instinctively.
"That is Amok. A long story. We don't have time for it now," Yuzuki said, offering no further explanation.
Amok inspected the available blades, ignoring the flashier, well-crafted options. His eyes settled on a barrel of old, rusted swords slated for recycling. He pulled out a black blade bearing a partially faded serpent symbol.
"This one."
The smith tried to intervene:
"These weapons are junk. They're broken and unusable."
"It doesn't matter," Amok said decisively. "This one has something special."
Yuzuki accepted Amok's choice without question and fitted the sword into a new scabbard. Akari selected a white blade with a serpent-adorned hilt, while Zeke acquired a sturdy shield decorated with engravings of ancient battles. Gotier, for his part, limited himself to vials for storing herbs and preparing potions.
Before they departed, the smith commented on the state of the city:
"Salem was governed by Kubo, a count subordinate to the Lepra King. Now that he is dead, there will be a fight for control of these lands. And when that happens, the king will enslave us with taxes or turn us into labor to sustain his domains."
The group fell silent, processing the gravity of the smith's words. As they left the shop, they made their way through the market and other stalls, where Yuzuki continued to receive gifts and thanks from the townsfolk. Gotier smiled, pleased to see their appreciation, but Yuzuki kept his expression cold, as if none of it mattered.
At the end of the day, as the group walked to leave the city, the small dragon in Yuzuki's arms let out a soft purr. He looked at the creature and murmured:
"Maybe you're not so bad after all..."
He had never asked for followers. He had never sought recognition. But there, seeing grateful faces and a little dragon resting in his lap, he realized that, like it or not, he was becoming something more than just a warrior.
The cold, starry night was wrapped in a steady wind that made the nearby stream whisper as if carrying ancient secrets. The group had camped out, their simple tents pitched near a clearing that offered an unobstructed view of the sky. The small black dragon with green eyes, now nestled close to Yuzuki, moved curiously, watching each member of the group intently.
Yuzuki, seated by the fire, cast occasional looks at the Tailax, who was gnawing on a small stone, seemingly distracted. He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the smith's daughter in Salem. Her words echoed in his mind: "Do good to receive." He felt unusually serene imagining the children he had helped reunite with their families. For the first time in a long while, something beyond vengeance brought him a glimpse of peace.
The Dragon Reveals Its Intelligence
Suddenly, the dragon interrupted his thoughts, lifting its head and staring at Yuzuki with startling intensity.
"Thank you…" murmured the dragon in a low, hesitant voice.
Everyone around turned, surprised.
"He… spoke?" Gotier's eyes widened in disbelief. "This breed is rarer and more impressive than I imagined."
Yuzuki observed the little Tailax with an unreadable expression.
"It seems you're not just any animal," he said, crossing his arms.
The Tailax hesitated, appearing shy, before shrinking back slightly. "I learn quickly… but… I only speak when necessary."
Akari, kneeling near the fire, tilted her head in fascination. "Do you have a name?" she asked gently.
The dragon shook its head. "No… Yuzuki must choose."
Yuzuki sighed, glancing back at the flames. "I'll think about it."
The Next Destination: City of Chagas
While the group was still processing the idea of a talking dragon, Gotier spread a map on a flat rock. He pointed to a mark in the north.
"The next stop is the City of Chagas. It's one of the largest centers under the Lepra King's rule, but it's also controlled by the Church of the Holy Faith," his voice laden with resentment. "We need information on Mr. Kitty and his ties to the Church."
Akari raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure about that? It sounds dangerous…"
Gotier took a deep breath, eyes fixed on the map. "Dangerous, yes. But I can't rest while that bastard remains free. He destroyed my life and betrayed the principles I swore to uphold. It's not just about vengeance. It's about exposing the corruption of this Church that rules through fear and blood."
"And how do we infiltrate a city controlled by the Church?" Zeke asked as he adjusted his new shield. "It's not like we can just walk through the front gate."
Gotier smiled wryly. "We'll start on the outskirts. Chagas is full of ghettos and poor districts. And where there's misery, there's information."
Night Training
After dinner, Yuzuki decided to use the time to train Akari. He took his new sword, still unnamed, and handed her a similar blade.
"Your posture is still wrong," he said, correcting the position of her feet. "Remember, a sword isn't about brute strength. It's about precision and flow. You must dance with the blade."
Akari tried to replicate Yuzuki's movements but stumbled a few times. Despite his constant corrections, she did not lose heart. Determination shone in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Amok, manifested at Yuzuki's side, watched in silence. The kugutsu seemed more interested in analyzing Yuzuki's technique than in helping.
"You teach well, but you're holding back," Amok remarked, crossing his arms. "Your style isn't as simple as it looks. You're hiding what you truly know, aren't you?"
Yuzuki cast him a cold glance. "She's not ready to learn everything. Not yet."
Amok shrugged, but the malicious smile on his face suggested he knew more than he said.
While the training continued, Zeke watched from afar, his eyes analyzing each of Akari's movements. He felt something strange, a vibration that seemed to emanate from her. He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing.
Two distinct auras were present in Akari's body. One was familiar—her natural essence. But the other… was different. Dark and powerful.
He opened his eyes, his heart racing. "This can't be…" he murmured to himself, trying to process what he had felt. "Interesting…"