《The Four Wheel Saga Book 1: THE LEGACY TRIALS》 Chapter 1: Prelude: The Dragons Day Out 1 Chapter 1: Prelude: The Dragon''s Day Out 1 The Picard sailed leisurely in the waters of the Reisui. It was a single-masted ship that could support up to thirty sailors. To reach the Karasuma vige maind, one has to take a vessel from thest port in the Bay of Daiwan. Two days in the sea, along the coast, brings one to the semai canyon, which wedges its way, through the lofty Youjin mountains. The canyon is a murky mile-long pass, which further opens into the downstream waters of the Reisui river- overlooking the river valley. The origin of the river is at the base of chojo hill- the territory of Karasuma vige. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only The Overlord of Karasuki, Itou Uno, had delegated his uncle and Chief Bursar, Masateru Uno, to hold trade talks with the Overlord of Karasuma vige, Senju Mikashita before their Goddess Festival began. It was to be andmark trade deal that would transform the economies of both viges. Karasuma was a warrior vige, while Karasuki was a trade and banking vige. It made sense for both communities toe together during times of peace. As the ship emerged from the canyon into the Reisui mainstream- the sun illuminated the chojo hill, which loomed high in the west. It would take around three hours to row to the upstream docks. Chief Bursar Uno instructed his Navy Captain to moor the ship at an old jetty nearby. It was time for his second breakfast, and his guts were not appreciating the bobbing of the vessel. The Reisui formed rapids in the area, making it quite challenging to navigate smoothly. The party would''ve already reached Karasuma the day before were it not for the numerous meals of the Chief Bursar. It had been five days since they left Karasuki, while they could have finished the journey in three days. The Picard carried twenty-one seafarers. They included- Masateru Uno, the Navy Captain, and his seven crew- a cook, four oarsmen, and two personaldy-servants of Uno. The ship crew was ves from Karasuki. The vige was heavily involved in the ve trade and boasted a skill camp to train them in different vocations. It was their primary economy. Over the years, it had made them the wealthiest vige on the continent. Apart from the above, a military protection squad of seven from Karasuma vige were Chief Bursar Uno''s personal escort. They had been sent over by Overlord Mikashita, bynd, as a gesture of respect. Captain Yorokobi Miyamoto led the squad. Uno had also hired four mercenaries for his protection. They were oundish-looking sellswords with strange des- much in contrast to the well- dressed and disciplined Karasuma squad. As The Picard was anchored and tethered to thend, Uno emerged from the cabin. Thedy-servants made a spread of breakfast on a bench. A fifty-year-old, obese, balding man, one could easily mistake the Chief Bursar for a grey walrus from a distance. Captain Yorokobi leaned on the deck, sharpening his de with a whetting stone. He had already assigned three of his squad to disembark and stand guard onnd. Bandits, very often, hid in the canyon or the jetties to rob merchant ships. The other three guards kept a watch on the deck, facing the mouth of the canyon. Masateru Uno: "Captain Miyamoto, would you care to join me for breakfast? I have some broiled prawns, pigeon pie, and ale to wash it down." Yorokobi felt sick to his stomach, looking at the greasy food so early in the morning. He was a man of few words and had risen through the ranks through hard work and discipline. At the age of twenty- eight, he was already a master of kitsu. He had awakened the Miyamoto eye, which gave him the ability of chlorokinesis- that is, control over nts. But every time, it would render the user blind for several hours. For a man of his abilities and rank, gluttony was sinful and punishable. But he kept his ideas to himself. Captain Yorokobi: "I am ttered that the Chief Bursar feels I am worthy to dine at his side. But the warrior code allows only two healthful meals a day. And Karasuma warriors worship the warrior code." Masateru Uno: "If you say so, Captain. We, of the Karasuki vige and the Uno n, believe that- it is important to worship the belly as many times as possible, in a day." He patted his rotund belly and chuckled loudly. Then he proceeded to gorge on his second breakfast, noisily. The docked ship was fastened to a post, firmly. It bobbed very lightly in the ebbing water. The dpidated jetty had been constructed on a clearing, about two hundred feet in length and half of that in breadth. The morning sun shone across the denuded terrain. Birds chirped musically from a forest that began from the treeline ahead. Yorokobi heard a low whistle. It was one of his squad members standing guard onnd. He rushed to his feet and alerted the deck guards. The Captain took off lightly from the edge of the deck, jumping high in the air andnding softly, ten yards ahead, beside thend guards. Yorokobi: Report. Guard 1: "We sensed a presence." Guard 2: "First we thought it was an animal or a viger. But animals do note this close to the rapids. There are watering holes upstream. And vigers certainly won''t venture this far from the maind for fear of bandits." Guard 3: "It appeared out of thin air somewhere in the foliage of the trees ahead. The only way that is possible if someone-" Yorokobi: -"Teleported." The Seiton technique was used to help store weapons in an alternate raiki space. In other words, it helped in making things disappear- which had great utility in travelling with heavy weapons. Kin lords and some Hyougi of Karasuma could use advanced Seiton to teleport themselves over distances ranging from a few feet to a few miles. Seiton teleportation was effective in both fight and flight. It was rumoured that the travelling warrior Lord Heydrian could travel over twenty miles through this technique. Captain Yorokobi took a deep breath. Had a Kin Lorde to wee the Chief Bursar? No, that was not likely. But there were artefacts in the ck markets of the ounds that could help one teleport. Perhaps it was a bandit targeting a seemingly harmless party. Yorokobi: "We are a military escort from Karasuma, escorting Lord Uno of Karasuki. Make yourself known, stranger! Or prepare to be assailed!" Chapter 2: Prelude: The Dragon鈥檚 Day Out 2 Chapter 2: Prelude: The Dragon¡¯s Day Out 2 A minute passed in silence, and then there was the rustling of leaves and breaking of twigs. A tall, well- built figure emerged from the wilderness. He wore dark baggy warrior breeches and a sleeveless, ck armour vest; a leather mask covered half of his face. Youthful hair fell to his shoulders. Yorokobi: "Who are you? Identify yourself!" Stranger(loudly): "I feel no warrant to be known to weak men- who are about to die." Yorokobi: "You sound pretty pompous for a bandit and smuggler. Tell me what artifact did you make use of, to teleport? ck market items are banned in thesends. We will confiscate and produce it before our Overlord. If you submit willingly we will let you live, but be prepared to spend a long time in the dungeons." The stranger exploded intoughter as if the mention of the dungeons was a familiar limerick. It was adolescentughter that gave away his youth. Yorokobi estimated him to be in his twenties, perhaps about his age. A life wasted, he thought. But he kept his ideas to himself. Chief Bursar Uno, peeking from the deck, had seen all that had transpired. He abandoned his luxurious breakfast and ran into the cabin after instructing his mercenaries to join the fight. The deck guards of Yorokobi''s squad also joined their Captain. The stranger put on a sombre face as he surveyed the eleven defenders- six Karasuma warriors led by a Captain and four hardy mercenaries from Karasuki. He thrust his hand into the air, and arge weapon apparated in his grip. It was a seiton technique. Yorokobi spied the weapon- a pitch-ck, four-foot-long, double-edged axe; there was something primaeval about it. The sun slipped behind a cloud, and the morning went dim. The stranger ced the axe¡¯s head on a shoulder and taunted the defenders with an open fist. Yorokobi: "It seems you have a death wish. Very well." The Captain uttered a low whistle. Five guards took positions around him in a battle formation¡ªtwo on either side and one behind. And together, they started advancing at a slow pace. The remaining guard sprinted to his left and disappeared into the woods. Yorokobi barked an order, and the formation guards activated quick kitsu sequences. Fui-kitsu water wolf!! Four water wolves sshed into the battlefield and dashed forward on a collision path with the target. The battle formation also spurred on. This will be over in a few moments, Yorokobi thought. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. The stranger stood motionless until the wolves were frighteningly close to him. Abruptly, he breathed in, muttered a few inaudible words, and banged the head of the axe on the ground. Almost instantly, a ten- foot wall of fire erupted in front of him and raced ahead- evaporating the wolves and moving onwards towards the squad. It grew in expanse as it sped towards them, taking the form of a winged beast. It rumbled and growled. Yorokobi''s heart did a double-take. What enormous raiki must this individual possess to summon such an over-powered offence? He had never seen such a queer fire beast. Was it a dragon? But the Captain was battle-hardened. He immediately made a counter. A simple water wall won''t work, he concluded. Fui-kitsu triple water wall! Water walls swept forward like sea waves, colliding against the fire onught and vaporising instantly. Chisssssssshhhh! Chwissshhhh! Chwussshhhhh! The raging fire-beast diminished but was still alive. It spread its wings and advanced for the kill. The Captain had to think fast- he amassed copious raiki and invoked his most powerful fire defence. Fui-kitsu cloudburst! A thundercrack sounded, and a downpour of rain flooded the field for a few seconds. The fire beast leapt for thest time and died in a fracas of steam and smoke. Ayer of mist and vapour sloped into the air like a tornado. Yorokobi spied on his adversary. He still stood in the same position, unmoving. Was he as strong as a Kin Lord? Who was he really? No matter. It will be over soon. Karasuma warriors were excellent assassins. A silhouette emerged from the dark of the forest into the foliage behind the stranger. It was the guard who had run off into the woods at the beginning of the battle. He dived off a branch, headlong- a dagger pointed at the back of his target. Yorokobi saw the stranger move for a second; it was a flicker. Or was it too fast for his eyes to see? And the next moment- the assassin guard fell behind him- his body cleaved into two. The stranger had swung his axe in a split second and returned to his position. The assassin never had a chance. Yorokobi clenched his teeth and uttered a growl of anguish. Theyer of mist and foam descended from the sky. The terrorised Captain searched for his opponent. In the translucent atmosphere of vapour, he could see a pair of glowing eyes. And without a doubt, they were yellow. An Ishigami? Impossible! Yorokobi paid some attention to his surroundings. The mercenaries had fled and were trying to unlock the ship. He had to keep the stranger upied long enough for the Chief Bursar to escape. His mission was paramount. He felt his raiki reserves returning and made them surge for a final attack. Doi-kitsu storm explosion!! The attack hit the target and sted a hole in the ground. As the dust settled, Yorokobi found that the stranger was nowhere in his line of sight. How could he dodge at such a short distance? Everything was happening too fast for him to understand. There were sudden thuds around him. Without looking, he could tell that the heads of his squad members had been lopped off. He felt a presence behind him, and he tried to swing his sword back in an arc. But his arm wouldn''t work. He looked, horrified, at the ground and saw- his arm had been chopped off like a vegetable- in a stter of blood. At that moment, he realised that if he did not use his ocr powers, he would die. The Captain''s eyes flooded with pink and became rouge. Behind him, the axe came for his head but missed. He was already off the ground. The rootlets of a nearby alder tree hade to life, bound his feet, and catapulted him into the air. Chlorokinesis. Yorokobi was shot a hundred feet into the air as a projectile, far from the battlefield. As his body hurtled upwards, the sun came out from behind the clouds, and the Captain saw the stranger jump onto the ship. Chief Bursar Uno will not have another breakfast ever again. It was hisst thought- before the pain of his injury took over, and his rouge eyes went dark. His body dropped into the frothing rapids of the Reisui river. And disappeared. Chapter 3: Crows Come to Roost 1 Chapter 3: Crows Come to Roost 1 The boy had been walking for hours. He was lost in a wide borate corridor, without a ceiling, doors, or windows, with walls that scaled the sky. The starlight illuminated his path, which seemed to go on endlessly. He passed bronze statues, tiled fountains, and ashen murals. On and on he went, yet there was no end to the reverie. Drained and parched, he tarried by a fountain to drink some water. As he slurped the cool liquid, something fell out from the water spout into his hand. The boy held it up curiously against the starlight. It was a rusted old key- with a bow made in the shape of a crow''s tail. With a sense of emancipation, the boy looked around and saw a heavy oak door ahead in his path. He approached it, slid the key into the keyhole, and turned the bow. The door made a threatening rumble and unbolted; the boy pushed with all his might, throwing it ajar. It was a cavernous room, which stank of death and decay. As he made his way in, the sound of bells reached him. It was a haunting knell that filled his heart with dread. Cling ng cling cling ng Cling ng cling cling ng A series of steps led to the heart of the room. It was an amphitheatre, hewn from rocks. There were pews for the audience all around, from where the ringing of the bells seemed toe. But there was not a soul in sight. The boy descended towards the centre of the arena. To his shock, he saw a man- stripped bare, and tied to a crucifix. The man raised his head as the boy approached. Who are you? The boy asked. The captive was silent. The face was familiar- a distant veneer, an obscure memory; a bloody visage- bruised and emaciated. But it reminded him of someone familiar. Cling ng cling cling ng cling ng cling cling ng Who are you? The boy inquired again. Run! the man warned. The boy flinched, taken aback. Run from what? The man raised his battered head to the skies. Caw caw caw caw caw An approaching danger screeched from above. Caw caw caw caw caw The boy looked up, seeking the source. A dark cloud descended from the ceiling; it was a murder of crows- pping, fluttering, fanning; the rackety crows swooped down to the centre of the arena¡ª hundreds of them. CAW CAW CAW CAW CAW The man''s eyes opened wide in terror, and he let out a piercing shriek. The boy stumbled back and slipped on the damp floor. He fell and then moured to his feet- climbing the steps. The crows fell at the man- covering his entire visage- pecking at his flesh- taking chunks out; a fiendish crow bit his eyeball off. Another mutted his genitals. The man screamed until his lips and face were bitten off. And then the scream died in a gurgle. Cling ng cling cling ng cling ng cling cling ng The boy backed away in horror to the entrance door and rushed out. And ran. Who was the man? What is this ce? Why am I here? And- Who am I? Caw caw caw caw caw caw caw The crows had followed him out of the arena, darting towards him like a giant w reaching for prey. The boy ran, but his body was slow and callous. And the bells. They just won''t stop ringing! Cling ng cling cling ng cling ng cling cling ng Hope drained out of him. Help! Someone help me! His lips moved but made no sound. Nobody could hear him. Kento, a voice called out. Kento? Was that his name? Kento! The murder of crows fell at him, and he felt their beaks ripping at his flesh, and he screamed, convulsing in pain. Hands grabbed him by his shoulders and shook him. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Let me go! Kento! Master Kento! Gotou: "Master Kento, please wake up!" Kento opened his eyes and squinted. The curtains of his room were closed, but the haze of daylight came through and dappled the walls. A middle-aged man hovered above him. At least seven feet tall, he had a strong but kind face. He picked a ss of drink from the bed stand and approached the bed; his face had regained its usual mask-like bearing. Kento: "Gotou. howte is it?" Gotou: "It is still early for the rest of the vige. But the young master never sleeps past sunrise, just like his father. Here, I have brought your herb drink. It isced with ginger, as you prefer it. It should help you with your nightmares." Gotou was the Chief of the Mikashita-kin household staff and was personal attendant to Senju Mikashita, the kin-lord of Mikashita-kin and reigning Overlord of Karasuma vige, and his heir- Kento. His name was used only by the Overlord''s family. For others, he was simply the Chief. Although the Chief was d in the Mikashita red tunic and trousers, he stood out like a thumb. The tallest men in Karasuma were a little over six feet and were still dwarfed by him. Gotou was forty-two years of age and had long ash grey hair, tied in a neat pixie bun. He was a foreigner ve whom Senju had acquired from Karasuki vige a year before Kento was born. In Karasuma, he had been a free man for sixteen years now. Gotou had had the privilege of serving the reigning Overlord and fostering his heir. The Chief proceeded to open the curtains and let the daylight flood in. Kento left the bed while sipping his herb drink and walked to the main panoramic window. The sun had barely risen over the westward peak of the Youjin mountains. The summit of Chojo hill was a teau from which rose the Karasuma citadel, housing the estates of the eight warrior kin. The eight kin- pces faced eight due directions. The Mikashita pce, built of stone, marble, and red gravel, faced due east. The Reisui river was scarcely visible from the precipice, with the morning fog sliding down the lower slopes of the hill. Kento: "Gotou, do dreams mean anything?" Gotou: "I do not dream, young master. Not since I was trained in Karasuki vige, as a childbourer. But, my grandmother used to say that dreams are visions of other worlds- worlds made of fire and snow, worlds where gods walk, and where there is no hunger and pain. To be fair, my grandmother was a batty old hag. It would be unwise to take advice from her, more so, as she is long dead." Kento smiled. Gotou always cheered him up with his grandmother''s absurd stories or prophetic remarks. Meanwhile, the Chief had finished making Kento''s bed and had ced fresh linen in his wardrobe. He conveyed a message from the Overlord before taking leave. Gotou: "Ah, yes. There is a kin-assembly in the estate training grounds, after breakfast." Kento: "What is it about?" Gotou: "That only the Overlord has knowledge of, young master. And perhaps his wife. But I was informed that we will be having some guests from the Daigaku." Kin-assemblies were summoned by Kin-lords to disseminate general tidings and for events specific to the kin. All the household members, staff, and servants gathered at a venue when the summon was circted. The Daigaku was an elite warriors academy in Karasuma vige, undertaking advanced research and training in military subjects. Fellows of the Daigaku- including students and preceptors, formed a select branch called the Legacy Unit, which outranked the general military in status andbat ability. Kento finished his chores, donned the red robe that Gotou had left on his bed, and stood in front of the wall mirror. He was sixteen years old, five foot seven, with eyes as green as emeralds. He had a square jawline like his father and a mop of fuzzy, dark hair like his mother. His hair sprouted so fast that he had to shear them every week. Kento walked down the corridor to his little brother- Nagumo''s room, which was on the same level as his. The Mikashita pce had five unabridged floors, apart from the terrace. The fourth floor housed the main branch of Mikashita-kin- Senju, his wife Mitsu, Kento, and Nagumo. The third and second floors domiciled the secondary and tertiary branches of the kin. All the members of kin were rted by blood or marriage. The first floor carried the kitchens, storage rooms, and the dining hall. The ground floor had the offices of the Kin-lord and other bureaus of the kin. The weapon shed, and barracks were in a separate edifice outside the pce. Thedy of the household, Mitsu Mikashita, was helping her younger son preen and dress up. Kento went into a quick huddle with his family. A formermander of the legacy unit of Daigaku, Mitsu looked intimidating to the unfamiliar eye. She was lean, sinewy, and looked younger for her age of thirty-two years. Kento: "What is the kin-assembly for, mother?" Mitsu: "I would rather not spoil the surprise, dear. This was supposed to happen a couple of yearster, but we have had good returns from missions and new trade talks with other viges are in the pipeline. Your father has expedited the events and will be announcing his ns today, to all kin-subjects." Kento had no idea what his mother was being secretive about. In fact, he had developed the habit of numbing his faculties when either of his parents or his uncles started talking about meatier topics like citadel events, kin finances, inter-vige trade, etcetera. It would inevitably lead to a discourse on how they had great expectations of the Mikashita heir. Kento concluded that it would be less of a hassle to learn the news from the assembly than to elicit anything from Mitsu. He ruffled his little brother''s hair locks, and they headed for the training grounds. Chapter 4: Crows Come to Roost 2 Chapter 4: Crows Come to Roost 2 The Mikashita pce entrance, like other kin-lord estates, faced towards the Shibai Sharin temple. A fenced garden, flush with buttercups, anemones, and honeysuckles, surrounded the pce. The estate elongated into fruit orchards to the north, while on the south-end was the training grounds- an egg- shaped field surrounded by a stone pavilion. This day, it was brimming with seventy-seven out of ny-five members of the household. The absentees were out for essential work. The household staff, including Chief Gotou, were a total of fifteen. The kin-members were seated on an arc of the pavilion, while Overlord Senju stood on the grounds, facing them. Mitsu joined her husband''s side. Kento and Nagumo proceeded to squat with their thirty-eight juvenile cousins. Juno (fourteen), Akako (sixteen), Goro (fourteen), Kotone (thirteen), and Shigeo (fifteen) sat around them. Nagumo was his only sibling; including the older ones, they had forty-five cousins. The seven older cousins were employed in vige government and did not mingle with the teenagers. That made Kento the eldest in the gang, and hence, the de facto leader. The uncles and aunts flocked separately on another side of the pavilion arc. The leader of the teenagers dictated that it was time for gossip. Kento: "Shigeo, go ahead." Shigeo was a bespectacled fifteen-year-old who was rarely found practising taekkyon on the training grounds. Taekkyon was the gship martial arts of Karasuma vige; its progenitors were the legendary fighters- Byeon and Subak of the now-extinct- Joseon kin. Every kin member was drilled in the art from the age of six. Shigeo''s talents, however,y elsewhere. Every news sh, sensation, and hearsay- he was the one to ask about. He would hang around the offices and pluck anything vital that he overheard or found in writing. He would hunker at the citadel library during his leisure, reading about history, magic, and agriculture. This day, he was in higher spirits than usual. Shigeo: "Kento. Brothers and sisters. I have some thrilling news. It is about the Legacy Trials." The Mikashita kids set to mutter amongst themselves. Akako: "If I am not wrong, they are held every three years. The next trials will be held after two years. What is it about them?" Akako was Kento''s first cousin, the daughter of Raiden Mikashita (the second eldest among the Mikashita, after Senju). With sea-green curls and an athletic frame, she was a bold, sharp fighter. Her boldness spilt over to her personality, making her out-spoken and blunt, which, to be fair, was a common trait of the members of the mightiest kin in Karasuma. Shigeo: "That is correct, but hear this- the Vige High Council was convenedst weekend. The Overlord was present, along with Lord Heydrian and Chief Strategist Hakaku. Some critical financial issues were discussed by the Hyougi, including our stocks of grains, legumes, salted eels and iron. I also read a banking article from the Karasuki bulletin that talked about bncing budgets prior to spring and-" Kento: "Shigeo. Why not tell us the thrilling portion of the news first?" The young prodigy nodded and pricked his eyesses up his nose bridge for dramatic effect. Shigeo: "The most significant topic was the need for expanding the Legacy unit, for the services of which, Karasuma charges the highestmission. Other viges pay over five gold coins for hiring a double stripe squad. Some zealous decisions were taken. First- the Legacy Trials will now be held every year." There was an instant surge in murmurs within the gang. "Every year?" "Is this why Daigaku preceptors are here?" "When will itmence?" Shigeo: "Calm down. I will share everything I know. Second. The age bar for entry into the Legacy Trials has always been seventeen. It has been brought down to fifteen!" "Fifteen!" "Is this a prank?" "Impossible!" The gang erupted into talking so loudly that Gotou had toe over to quiet them. They settled down, as every child was scared of the Chief''s temper. They continued their deliberation through whispers after he left. Kotone: "Does that mean- Kento, Akako and you, are eligible, Shigeo?" Shigeo: "Yes. And the trials are going to be held during spring next year." The gang looked at the three older teenagers, who coincidentally were sitting together. Most of Kento''s cousins were under fifteen. A speech was warranted from him. It was no secret that Kento needed to clear the Legacy Trials if he ever wanted to seed Overlord Senju. It was a prerequisite. He thought deeply before sharing his mind. Kento: "An early chance to appear in the Legacy Trials? I think I will forego and sit this one out." The Mikashita kids started chattering all over again. "No way, Kento!" "Please reconsider!" "What is wrong with you?" "If only I were fifteen!" Akako: "Kento, you are the strongest taekkyon fighter among us. Why would you forgo? This is not the Mikashita way!" Shigeo: "I think I understand what he is worried about. We will be up against older, seasoned fighters- who are better gifted in kitsu, seiton, and shuzen. Even young adults from the general military, appear in the trials in good numbers. Kitsu masters with ocr powers and specialized weapons-" This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Gotou: "Silence young masters. The Overlord is about to speak." The Overlord of Karasuma, and Kin-lord of Mikashita, Senju Mikashita was a tall, broad-shouldered man in his mid-thirties. He had a pale, square face and waspletely bald. His years of service in the Legacy Unit and the military had given him sunken eyes and an older visage than his biological age. But he was extolled as a legendary warrior, the likes of which had never been seen before. Perhaps, only Lord Heydrian came close to him in military exploits and prowess. In his flowing Overlord robe and hat, striped with red, he looked like a mythical figure. The Karasuma sigil (a crow in flight) was pinned to thepel of his robe. Overlord Senju: "My beloved brothers, sisters and young Mikashita. May the goddess be with you all. Peace has endured in our vige for years, for which I owe gratitude to the hard work and cooperation of members of all kin. But I must apprise you that these are difficult times. A recent survey by Chief Strategist and Economist Hakaku Yamazaki, brought to light, the fact- that our mine reserves are depleting, and the riverine catch is dwindling every year." "But the bread-earners of Karasuma are our warriors. The demand for military services has increased in the continent of Kinheni, with growing numbers of bandits, and proliferation of hostile beasts in forests, farmingnds and waterways. Historically, we have kept a check on the strength of our elite military unit known as the Legacy Unit. However, in light of recent events, we have arrived at some decisions to overhaul the Legacy Trials. The Kin-lords of the other six houses aremunicating the same message to their subjects, as we speak." Senju shared the resolutions of the Vige High Council, borately- which Shigeo had presented to the children, summarily. There was generous apuse from the pavilion when he concluded. Frequent trials not only meant more elite warriors but also burgeoning tourism and trade. Arge number of the Mikashita owned businesses in the marketce, Toimaru. Senju: "Come spring next year, I will nominate, at most, twelve participants to the Legacy Trials, as is the usual practice. Three have already been selected. And their names are- Hajime (Twenty) from the Bursar''s office. Megumin (Neen), from the Mikashita-kin barracks. Yuuta (Twenty) from the citadel library." There was more apuse from the audience and whistles and hurrahs from the children. The trio stood and bowed to the crowd; they were popr as ''the bulwark-trio''- for their exploits as a team. Senju: "I am very confident that they will bringurels to our kin. The remaining nominations will be selected from aspirants in due time. I must repeat- that kin-subjects fifteen and above are allowed to participate. It would be natural for those under seventeen to be uncertain about their abilities, and this is radically short notice. Hence, two gifted preceptors from the Daigaku have been deputed to every kin, to train the fifteen and sixteen year olds, and hone their abilities, before the trials begin. They will overlook registration and training of all aspirants, including those seventeen and above. Without further ado, I invite to our midst-" "Keiji Sensei. And- Yuuki Sensei." The crowd awarded a genteel ovation as two men descended from the pavilion. Keiji was twenty-six years old, five feet ten, slender and incredibly good looking, with long flowing chestnut hair. Yuuki was six feet tall, twenty-three, sporting long silver hair and a robust build. It wasmon knowledge that they did not belong to any kin- and hence, no kin or epithet was appended to their names. The Daigaku hired foreigners consistently to train those who passed the Legacy Trials and fill its research wings. Kin-members who entered the Daigaku as preceptors had to give up kinship during their tenure. They had to don the liturgical white and wear the Daigaku crest. The sacrifice was meant to prevent favouritism among kin-members during and after trials. The preceptors were hired by the Daigaku Dean on the advisory of the Hyougi (members of the Vige High Council). But, it had be a tradition- that the foreigner preceptors eventually married into kin families after their tenure ended and settled in Karasuma. Keiji and Yuuki were still bachelors; the gasps and sniffles of the girls and unmarried women in the crowd bore testimony to that. Both preceptors were dressed in white robes with the Daigaku crest (an borate golden snowke) embroidered on the front. Keiji: "I offer gratitude to the Overlord for his kind and encouraging words. As preceptors of Daigaku, we train the warriors who qualify in the Legacy Trials. However, a special exception has been made this time, as the priority of the Daigaku is to ascertain quality of entrants in the trials. The Hyougi will be the judges in the contest and we will host distinguished guests from across the continent. Even participants who fail the trials, are very often picked up by foreign employers. Therefore, it is integral that we tailor the aspirants from every kin to meet the standards of the Daigaku and protect the legacy of Karasuma." Akako: "Forgive me, Keiji Sensei. We might be young, but we have trained rigorously, everyday, since we were six. Perhaps other kin feel vulnerable enough to seek outside help and guidance, but the Mikashita are ready for the trials." An awkward silence fell on the pavilion. Keiji grinned boyishly, much to the fancy of thedies. He exchanged a nce with Yuuki, and they nodded to each other. Together, they turned towards the Overlord and his wife. Senju and Mitsu understood the design and beckoned their assent. Following this, Yuuki took the baton. Yuuki: "I am sure the littledy is a fine warrior. And I would be d to stand corrected. Let us try something fun. Everyone who is eligible for the trials, and an aspirant, kindly step forward. We will have a demonstration." Chapter 5: Crows Come to Roost 3 Chapter 5: Crows Come to Roost 3 A bunch of Kento''s cousins stepped out of the crowd. They were twelve in number. Akako and Shigeo had also joined the bunch. Apparently, being called a ''littledy'' had irked Akako. Kento did not leave his seat, turning a cold shoulder to the elbow nudges of the kids. Yuuki relocated a hundred feet away from the pavilion and marked a ck burnt circle on the ground, with ming kitsu. It was about seven feet in diameter. Yuuki(loudly): "The objective is to either make me step out of this circle, ornd a direct hit on me- physically or with kitsu. You can attack me together, or one at a time. All weapons are permitted. You can charge when I give the signal. Ah, I almost forgot, the winner will receive five whale tokens to the Shibai Matsuri." Yuuki held five small blue strips of wood to the crowd- the reward- five whale tokens. The Shibai Matsurimemorated the annual consecration of the Shibai Sharin- mother goddess of the continent of Kinenhi; she was feared and worshipped by all. The festival was set off on the following day of the consecration and included a grand carnival- with parades of kitsu floats, dancers in borate costumes and masks. There were theatrical ys, beast fights, and betting games; vendors from far-offnds with exotic foods and rare trinkets for sale. It went on for three days and three nights. A whale token could purchase an entire day of delicious food and other attractions. The lure was encouraging enough for the young Mikashita volunteers, who looked forward to the festival every year. The aspirants included a twenty-year-old desmith apprentice, Daigo, and a neen-year-old Sharin priest, Kafu. They were picked as leaders, as they were the most experienced inbat. Daigo had an exhaustible supply of petty knives at all times; small des with petite handles and acutely sharp edges. A skilled fighter could throw them, several at a time, like darts, and riddle the enemy. Often, these wereced with venom. Kafu was proficient in bestial kitsu, and fire was his favoured element. The aspirants split into two groups of six, led by Daigo and Kafu, respectively. Yuuki stood towards the east, on the open side of the training grounds, with his back to the sun. He looked gant, his robe beating a stato against the wind. The excited whisperings of thedies among the kin-members and the household staff started growing. Yuuki gave the signal. Off the groups went. Daigo led his group head-on, but at a slow pace, while Kafu''s group sprinted towards the north, in a curve, to attack Yuuki from the side. Daigo plucked his belt, and his hands were immediately full of petty knives- four on each. He whipped his arms and flicked his wrists, one after another, and the knives flew towards Yuuki- in an X contour. The barrage of des was cast to skirt through the entire area of Yuuki''s circle. There was no way the preceptor could escape being hit. This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Just moments before the knives would tear into him, Yuuki somersaulted a foot forward- into the barrage andnded softly. The pavilion crowd gasped; that move was suicidal; he must be riddled with des. Yuuki held up his hands, and there they were the eight knives of Daigo. The preceptor had plucked them from the air in one sweeping caper. The youngsters in the crowd whooped and whistled while the ladiesughed nervously, in relief. Kafu''s group had taken a parabolic path and were just thirty feet away when the priest unleashed his bestial kitsu. Doi-kitsu! Fire shrews summoning! At least a dozen little fire-shrews red onto the ground and scampered towards Yuuki. The crowd cheered, kindled by the sudden change in momentum of the battle. The fire-shrews skittered on like lumps of burning coal. Yuuki twiddled his fingers and set a non-verbal kitsu in motion. A bunch of water sea snakes seemed to burrow out of the ground and skittled towards the shrews. They gobbled up the tiny animals graciously and dissipated. Kafu cursed at the setback and slowed down to let his raiki reserves recover. His group of five went on ahead to melee with their target. Akako was the youngest in the team and made up the rear of the group. They ran at him, swinging wildly. Yuuki refused to draw his sword. In fact, the preceptor had his arms behind his back. He raised a leg into the air while chanting a non-verbal kitsu and banged it hard on the ground. Fists of sand rose out of the ground and rammed into the bodies of his assants. They were thrown yards away, in different directions. The four fell on their backs and writhed in pain. Yuuki let out a sigh, pleased with himself and underwhelmed by the ineptitude of the children. It was disappointing. But, he had a lingering feeling that something was wrong. He looked around. Four of his assants were lying down in the distance. Where was the fifth one? That loud-mouthed, mean, littledy. In a flurry, he realised what had happened and turned his eyes to the sky. Akako fell at him from the heavens with a hail of dust. She had levered the sand fist kitsu to jump into the air and breach the distance between her and Yuuki. The crowd eximed as it seemed that her kick had made contact. As the dust settled, they squinted into the distance. Yuuki was still on his feet, and he held Akako, suspended in the air, by her neck, with one arm. She wriggled and kicked in vain, like a captured animal. Yuuki wanted to teach the spoilt littledy a lesson. Years of luxury and hollow kin pride had made her shallow and highbrow. Should he break an arm or stifle her till she passed out? Then he attempted to look into her eyes. They must be a pair of mean-spirited, arrogant eyes, he had thought, with prejudice. But they weren''t. The brown, beady eyes were looking at him with resignation and admiration. Did he misjudge her? After all, she made him use one arm to fight. His grip softened. Akako abused the chance and shook free of him. Shended on her feet, and their eyes met again for an elongated moment. Then she turned around and walked away, defeated. Yuuki smiled to himself and regained hisposure. It was time to end the bout. The priest, Kafu, was getting ready tounch another kitsu attack; arge water sea-snake slithered towards him, colliding squarely, and nailing him to the ground. Daigo''s group met a simr fate. Daigo, a strongly-built man, had the privilege of being battered by three sand fists before his knees buckled. In the end, none of the aspirants hadnded a scratch on Yuuki or disced him from the burn circle. In fact, he had barely moved from his position. Chapter 6: Crows Come to Roost 4 Chapter 6: Crows Come to Roost 4 The Overlord announced the end of the fight. All the warriors returned to the pavilion to a standing ovation. Healers immediately rushed to the injured to tend to their wounds. Attendants provided mild refreshments, and the Overlord spoke at length about the role of the deputed preceptors in preparing the youngsters for the Legacy Trials. The battle with Yuuki Sensei was only symbolic of how treacherous and challenging the trials were to be, he said. The young Mikashita learned their lesson, and Senju charged them to report at the training grounds the following morning to Yuuki and Keiji Sensei. A few words of patronage to aspirants were followed by a brief prayer to the goddess by a Sharin priest. Subsequently, the Overlord dismissed the gathering. Kento had his eyes peeled throughout the intense battle and had unravelled every manoeuvre of Yuuki, and his cousins, in his mind. It was a gift he had since he was pretty young. He had trained for years for this day. But the day hade sooner than he had expected. He had just left his seat to return to the pce when the Chief approached him. Gotou: "Young master, the Overlord would like to see you now." Original content from N?velDrama.Org. Kento looked around for his father in the retreating crowd and saw him treading the grounds alone. The young Mikashita caught up to the Overlord and bowed in courtesy. Senju beckoned his son to walk beside him. Senju: "I was surprised when you did not participate in the demonstration, son. Are you feeling unwell?" Kento had known his father long enough to surmise that one had to speak the truth without any corruption to escape his inquiry. Senju valued honesty and sincerity; he had instilled these virtues in his family and his responsibilities as the vige leader. Kento: "I am confident of mybat abilities, father. But I am, after all, kitsu blind. It would be unwise to rush into the Legacy Trials and risk failure. But I assure you that I will yield to your wisdom." Kitsu blindness was amon ailment, by the vice of which children failed to connect to raiki from birth. At least four out of ten children were kitsu blind. Kento was one of them. His disability meant that he could never practice kitsu techniques. In the Legacy Trials, only two attempts were allowed. Failure in both attempts led to the loss of eligibility for all future trials. Senju squinted into the morning sun and held a hand to shield his eyes. A sudden breeze tousled the robes of both father and son. Senju: "Tell me son- what makes a good Overlord?" Kento: "Well, you have to be the strongest among the kin lords." Senju sighed. They had reached the edge of the teau. Metal railings ran all along the outer edge of the citadel. In the distance, the Youjin mountains were still shrouded in fog, although the sun shone bright and warm. It was fabled that snow sprites lived in the mountains, fed on snow, and breathed out haze. Senju leaned on a railing and looked down the precipice at the vige of Karasuma. Senju: "Come here and tell me what you see." Kento approached the edge. The wind had picked up and was ruffling his brittle hair. He had to be careful as it was a steep, two hundred and fifty feet drop. Chojo hill had been cut into terraces to build the Karasuma vige. The highest level housed the citadel. Every lower level jutted out more than the prior, and the faces plunged steeply. Roads hewn into the hill connected them. A sentry stronghold was stationed at the entrance of the citadel terrace. Now that the morning fog had started dissipating from the hill slopes, the lower terraces were visible from the edge of the Mikashita training grounds. The sub terrace was the toimaru, the Karasuma marketce. It was primarily run by the merchant and craft guilds. Essential perishable items like grains, vegetables, fruits, flowers, and seeds were avable in the northern zone, while the southern area cooped the craft shops of spinners, smiths, tanners, and carvers. Towards the middle of the terrace were a few sophisticated establishments of the bankers and lenders. The view was of at least a thousand little people running around, like ants on an ant-hill from the citadel¡ªthe cacophony of metals nking spins reeling and vendors calling, easily carried to the teau. Children ran around from one shop to another, making their way through the ridiculous and colourful maze that was toimaru. Thest and lowest terrace had civilian settlements. But, it was too far down from the citadel to survey with ease. Kento: "I see a rowdy, noisy marketce." Senju: "Noisy and rowdy it is, son. But what you see below, is a panorama of peace. I had to work very hard with your mother, in order to bring this ord. When I was appointed as the Overlord, our vige was reeling under a history of conflict between kin, and wars between viges. The picture was so ugly, the hostilities so deep, that nobody ever imagined that we would see peaceful times again. But here we are, listening to themotion born from harmony. If I had demolished our enemies with Strength alone, I would be staring at a graveyard right now. I fought some, and made peace with others. And hopefully, you will continue my vision after I am gone. I am inviting an ambassador from Karasuki vige for a trade deal next year before the Shibai Matsuri begins. A new age is dawning on us, son. And we must be prepared to make the most of it. So, I ask you again, what makes a good Overlord?" Kento: "Strength alone does not make a good Overlord. One needs a vision of peace and unity. Not only for the warrior kin, but also for the people of the vige." Senju: "Very good. Now, speaking on the matter at hand- you will seed me one day and you need to pass the Legacy trials as a pre-requisite. That is a given. And certainly there is no hurry. But it would please your mother and me, if you meet Keiji sensei tomorrow. He is the strongestbat preceptor in the Daigaku and coincidentally, he is kitsu blind." That took Kento by surprise. He had learned from Shigeo how Keiji was a victor of a hundred battles, how he had travelled to the farthest corners of Kinheni on dangerous missions. Were such exploits possible while being unable to use kitsu? If they were, it was also time for him to rethink his priorities and lower his guard. Kento: "I will do as you ask of me, father. And I will train with the aspirants as well. But kindly leave the decision of being an entrant in the Legacy Trials with me." Senju''s face made the semnce of a smile. Senju: "It sounds like- we are in agreement." Senju patted his son on the shoulder, and together they took in the offerings of toimaru- its vague colours, noises, and smells. A few minutester, an air elemental dove soared from the pce premises and headed down towards them. It swooped and perched lightly on Senju''s shoulder. Senju: "This is your mother summoning us for lunch. Let us hurry, before she sends us a ming bird." Kento giggled. Father and son left the training grounds while bonding by sharing mutual fears of the temper of thedy of the household, Mitsu Mikashita. The day had just begun, but it had been more eventful than most others. And had been more eventful for some than for others. Chapter 7: Fish Out of Water 1 Chapter 7: Fish Out of Water 1 Keiji: ¡°Don¡¯t fall overboard! Yuuki: ¡°Don¡¯t let them get on the boat!¡± The preceptors hollered instructions from the leading canoe over the uproar of the turbulent Mizusashi river, added to which was the off-shore turmoil unfolding around them. The young sailors were too preupied to respond to the directions of their guardians. A pack ofmia surrounded their canoes, trying to take bites out of them. Lamia were hideous, riverine beasts with bulbous, smooth heads and at least three feet long bodies. Some were asrge as seven feet. They had gaping jaws that snapped like crocodiles, with a mouthful of teeth asrge as fingers. Their most distinguishing feature was that they had no eyes. They navigated through vibrations and smell, and their only motivation was raw flesh; hence the preceptor¡¯s instructions to not fall overboard made mighty sense. Since themia were amphibious, they could hop onnd (or on boats, canoes and ships) with the support of their tails. And therefore, thwarting their attempts to get onto the canoes seemed like a priority as well. A month had passed since the training of the Legacy Trials aspirants had started. Summer had settled in with a torrid vein. The preceptor duo had decided to temper their students in a summer camp- at a location of their choosing. After a few days worth of paperwork and preparation, they set off to their destination. R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only The party had begun their journey from the base of chojo hill, where the Mizusashi and the Kurosashi rivers meet to form the mighty Reisui river. The Reisui torrents are so powerful that only ocean-grade ships could cruise through them unharmed. Therefore, shipbuilding had thrived as a prosperous trade in Karasuma. Many boats had sunk in the unforgiving Reisui until the vigers learnt to pay reverence to the river and carve resilient, deep-water boats and ships. Karasuma had three major ports. The Nagato port (on the Kurosashi river, north of Chojo hill)- was primarily a trade andmerce unit. The Minato port (on the Reisui, east of the hill)- was where the royal naval fleets were. The Gakuto port (south of the hill)- was for the use of themon folk. Even though the Daigaku had ess to all three ports, the preceptors and the Legacy Unit used hidden docks and jetties known only to them. Chojo hill was an extensive area with undting terrain, and to date, it had not been possible to map the region in its entirety. The river-faring party had left from a rocky, ndestine pier with five military-grade canoes. The party included Keiji and Yuuki sensei (the Daigaku preceptors) and the twelve qualified aspirants of the Legacy Trials, belonging to Mikashita-kin. Tagging along were a sub-squad of three- Lieutenant Yorokobi Miyamoto and two non-ranking soldiers. Kento was heir to the reigning Overlord, Senju, and hence, a military escort was mandatory at all times, outside the kin grounds. They had divided themselves among the canoes as follows- Canoe 1: Keiji (M, 26), Yuuki sensei (M, 23) Canoe 2: Shigeo (M,15), Akako (F, 16), Kento (M, 16) Canoe 3: Hajime (M, 20), Megumin (F, 19), Yuuta (M, 20) Canoe 4: Daigo (M, 20), Kafu (M, 19), Chiyo (F, 17) Canoe 5: Nadeko (F, 15), Illumi (M, 15), Masaki (M, 15) Their destination was the Bokuso des thaty beyond the marshes formed by the Mizusashi backwaters. As the river turned around Chojo hill from the West, it backtracked several miles into the south-westernnds and gave birth to the Doronuma marshes. The marshes were murky and treacherous, home to rabid beasts of prey, venomous reptiles and blood-thirsty insects. Some of the local tribes believed that dark magical beasts, capable of kitsu maniption, had also made it their abode. The way to the Bokuso des was a narrow creek through the Doronuma marshes, known as the Kegare. To enter the stream, the party had to row upstream from Minato port, in the Reisui, and turn west into the Mizusashi. A mile up the river¡¯s mouth, the waters flooded into thend to form the Kegare creek on the left. It was an upstream journey, but the military-grade canoes were kitsu operated and overcame the resistance of the rivers with ease. Trouble arrived when they encountered a pack of hungrymia moving upstream. Themia make their way downstream- into the warmer waters at night and retract upstream in the morning- to hunt for prey. They consume anything moving- from fish to humans to larger animals. The apex predators of the river waters were the carnivorousmia. Setting off kitsu sequences could damage and sink the boats, and hence the young sailors had refrained from doing so. They had tried to fend off the gnarled creatures with their swords. But as the lamia crashed against the canoes, the sailing kitsu ingrained into them started dwindling, and the boats slowed down. The preceptor and military sub-squad canoes had gained thirty feet distance over the last canoe. Canoe 3 (Hajime-Megumin-Yuuta) and Canoe 4 (Daigo-Kafu-Chiyo) were not far behind. Canoe 2 (Shigeo-Akako-Kento) and Canoe 5 (Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki)gged, as they could not fight the creatures off fast enough. Themia besieged the canoes, slowing them down. It was only a matter of time before any injury or mortality took ce. One of themia clinging to Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki canoe exploded, and Nadeko screamed. Blood and viscera sttered against their boat. Everyone else looked for the source and saw a roughly thirty-foot longnce made of kitsu extending from the preceptors¡¯ canoe. It looked like a bolt of lighting, white as ivory. Yuuki had funnelled raiki into a kitsu synthesis weapon, which he held on to with both arms. A kitsu sequence had manifested the weapon, but it weighed as much as a thirty-foot woodennce would; one could wonder what inhuman strength Yuuki possessed. He could change the length of the lance at will and skiver themia from a distance. One by one, he started impaling the vicious creatures. Unfortunately, they were a pack of at least two dozen, and one casualty was reced by anothermia almost immediately. The canoes had slowed down to a drift. Argemia managed to jump onto the Shigeo-Akako-Kento canoe. The young ones hurled themselves to the opposite deck, avoiding its snapping jaws. Kento realised that no amount of taekkyon ability could put down a five-foot-long beast like the one before him. While he considered jumping off the canoe, Akako went ahead, formed a fistful of kitsu and punched themia on its head. The beast clicked and cackled, momentarily disoriented. Then it hopped into the air once andnded on the boat. The impact levered the canoe to a nt, throwing Kento and Akako into the water. Meanwhile, several smallmia had already clung onto the Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki canoe. While being twisted and turned by the river torrent, he looked around and saw tworge shapes approaching him in the water. This is the end, he concluded. Three events happened simultaneously. Lieutenant Yorokobi jumped into the water. Yuuki shortened hisnce and pole-vaulted from the river floor, which catapulted him to the siege area. The third event was so surreal that the other young sailors could not believe their eyes. Keiji was running on water. It was so fast that it seemed as if he was gliding on the current. The preceptor reached the site within a couple of seconds, and withouting to a halt, he squatted on the water surface, all the time skimming, ankle-deep; and plunged both arms under, yanking out two of themia- that were around the drowning Kento. The creatures convulsed and disintegrated in his hands. The miraculous Keiji ran on further, reaching the Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki canoe. He circled the boat as if it were firm ground, plucking off the smallermia- which exploded with his touch. Yorokobi had swum underwater to rescue Kento, seizing him by the middle and hoisting him up onto the canoe again. On the other side, Yuuki was trying to heave Akako- who, in shock, clung to him tightly. Shigeo had to pry her off the preceptor. Yorokobi and Yuuki restored the kitsu operations of the canoes, and they caught up with the others soon. Within five minutes, they were back on track, and Kento and Akako hade to. They had reached the turn into the backwaters. As they entered the Kegare, the water seemed to turn clearer, and the current became idle. Themia did not follow the party into the creek. There must have been more daunting predators, this side of thend. The canoes sailed close to each other in the narrow creek, propelled only by the operating kitsu. The young ones shared their horrifying experiences. The military sub-squad and preceptor canoes sailed ahead. Yorokobi, from the abutting canoe, looked deep in thought. Keiji: ¡°Lamia have never been this bold. They aren¡¯t this strong in the east. Something''s not right here. What do you think, Yuuki?¡± Yuuki looked around at the harsh natural surroundings and took in the acrid smells. Yuuki: ¡°I have a feeling we are going to find that out soon.¡± Chapter 8: Fish Out of Water 2 Chapter 8: Fish Out of Water 2 The six canoes drifted sluggishly in the kegare creek. The famished young warriors were having ate breakfast- rice balls and boiled eggs. The warrior code of Karasuma was very particr about nutrition. It prescribed two conservative meals a day- one for energy and protein (eggs, fish, meat, along with rice) and the other to fulfil essential nutrients (nuts, vegetables, fruits). Canoe 2: Shigeo (M,15), Akako (F, 16), Kento (M, 16) Canoe 3: Hajime (M, 20), Megumin (F, 19), Yuuta (M, 20) Canoe 4: Daigo (M, 20), Kafu (M, 19), Chiyo (F, 17) Canoe 5: Nadeko (F, 15), Illumi (M, 15), Masaki (M, 15) The waterborne vessels of the aspirants, ingrained with sailing kitsu, had been made to float abreast each other so that the group couldmune with ease. The Preceptors¡¯ canoe was coasting ahead, while Yorokobi¡¯s vessel was trailing behind, both divorced from the rest. They had doggedly decided not to let the events of the morning be repeated. N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content. The setting of nature and natural sounds was soothing- a motley of birds chirping away, insects buzzing in and out, frogs croaking to their mates, all in the backdrop of the babbling creek water. The young ones found a bunch of low-hanging berries. Daigo sacrificed one of his petty knives to drop a dense bunch from a vine. During times of war, however, the warrior code was eased. The present circumstances were undoubtedly not war-like, but the danger they had escaped from, an hour back, at the least, entitled them to ate breakfast, with sweet forest berries for dessert. The only other edible things within reach were mushrooms of different colours, growing on tree trunks or rocks, on either bank. But it was difficult to tell the ptable ones from the poisonous ones. Only Kafu, being a Shibai Sharin priest, refrained from food, as he was fasting for the day. Instead, he drank from a sk, which reeked of wild saffron and bush-lc. Nadeko: ¡°Did you figure it out?¡° Masaki: ¡°Figure out what?¡± Illumi: ¡°How Keiji sensei ran on water, of course, you airhead!¡± The three youngest in the group were also the most vulnerable. The recent events had put the fear of the goddess in them. Nadeko was a petite, round-faced girl who resembled a doll. Illumi was a curious, lean teenager, always brimming with energy. Masaki was an artistic but brooding kid who kept to himself most of the time. Thetter was weaving a miniature basket from leaves when Nadeko disturbed him. All three of them had been strong-armed by their ambitious parents to be aspirants. The Legacy trials had been announced suddenly, almost two years in advance, which caught many senior aspirant-warriors unawares. During the trials-recess (the gap between two consecutive trials) of three years, aspirants made productive use of their time- explored employment opportunities with wealthy clients of other viges (especially Karasuki)- as bodyguards, or became training instructors, or epted vige sanctioned long-term missions. They nned it so that they returned, just before the trials- experienced, seasoned and flush with gold. In the absence of the serious aspirants, influential parents from all kin had made efforts to volunteer their children to appear. Nadeko: ¡°Tell me. Tell me!¡± Masaki: ¡°It was kitsu. What else could it be?¡± Megumin: ¡°Perhaps he cast pellets of kitsu into the water and tiptoed on them?¡± Megumin was a neen-year-old girl who frequently said ridiculous things without realising it. Hajime and Yuuta sniggered. Since school, the three had been friends. They were referred to as the bulwark- trio- due to their unbeaten record in mock-battles as a team. But Megumin was not very sharp for her age. The boys left no stone unturned, making fun of her dullness. Megumin was a robust girl, as tall as, and beefier than, the boys, who were about five feet ten tall. In her formidable strengthy her gifts. Hajime and Yuuta were both champions of kitsu. The bulwark-trio regretted not participating in the rescue earlier. But there is little that one could do in the middle of the raging Mizusashi river. Daigo: ¡°Does he wear any rarefied shoes that disce his weight; perhaps some rare artefact?¡± Kafu: ¡°That is not likely, Daigo-dono. The way he moved on water, it was as if he was gliding. Or more urately, as if there was no water.¡± Daigo was a burly, broad-shouldered guy with a booming voice, while Kafu was gangly, spoke in a low voice, and addressed everyone with reverence and honorifics. Daigo¡¯s apprenticeship in the smithery, and Kafu¡¯s exposure to the pedagogy of Shibai Sharin temple, both had moulded their personalities ordingly. Chiyo was a pretty, voluptuous girl who had recentlye of age. She was feminine and athletic, with straight, silky hair and amaranthine-blue eyes. Even though the Mikashita boys were trained to endure, it was challenging not to pause for a moment and admire her beauty. Chiyo: ¡°I am very sure that it was kitsu.¡± Most of the guys nodded and agreed with her. But it had little to do with her reasoning. It was also challenging to disagree with someone as attractive as Chiyo. Kafu: ¡°Perhaps he is blessed by the Goddess.¡± Most of the guys shook their heads. It was reasonably easy to disagree with a gangly, fasting priest, who drank saffron-lc water and had spent most of his early years inside an ancient, cryptic temple. From the other canoe, Shigeo tch-tch-ed in dismissal. All the clueless eyes turned to him. Realising he was the centre of attention then, Shigeo proceeded to grin ominously and prick his spectacles up his nose bridge. Kento: ¡°Enough grand-standing. Out with it.¡± Shigeo was very dedicated to Kento and had never refused him anything. It did not have anything to do with Kento being the de-facto leader of the under-age warriors. Kento had always protected him from bullying, by the older Mikashita cousins, through his family clout, intellect, and asionally, fighting ability. Shigeo: ¡°Very well. But I will scrutinize Keiji sensei¡¯s featter. First, let me unravel Yuuki-sensei¡¯s attack. It was a high-level kitsu-maniption called synthesis. There is an advanced book in the citadel library titled- Material-synthesis-kitsu, which covers this topic. Synthesis is very different from our usual maniption. When Kafu hatches fire-shrews through kitsu- er- Kafu, could you make one, for my demonstration?¡± Kafu put out his right hand and muttered a few words. A singr fire-shrew sprung from his palm; he carefully nted it into a y bowl and handed over the bowl to Shigeo. The girls fawned over the cute, little, ming creature. The shrew¡¯s heat started baking the insides of the bowl. Shigeo: ¡°You can see- it weighs almost nothing. The fire-shrews have one-third the weight and strength of a live shrew. Because here, we have only fire-attribute. Yuuki-sensei¡¯s kitsunce was through synthesis- in which he fabricated physical matter, by mixing all elemental attributes. Thence was as strong as wood or metal. And as heavy.¡± Everyone else, holding their breath, exhaled, thrilled by the new revtion. Akako: ¡°Are you suggesting that he was wielding a thirty feet woodennce? That would weigh thirty stones at the least! More than four times my weight!¡± Hajime: ¡°And two times Megumin¡¯s weight.¡± Both Hajime and Yuuta chortled again. Daigo and Kafu frowned at them. Megumin: ¡°I don¡¯t weigh that much!¡± Kento: ¡°My father, or any other kin-lord could lift that heavy a burden with ease, and then some more.¡± Shigeo: ¡°Yes, of course. And his kitsu-maniption, even though umon, is second to a kin-lord¡¯s. Do not let our minds be blown with Yuuki-sensei¡¯s feat.¡± Akako punched Shigeo on the arm. Akako: ¡°You- who spends most of his time in the library, can barely make a taekkyon stance, and who hid under the stern seat when themia attacked, are asking us to not appreciate Yuuki sensei¡¯s extraordinary skills?¡± Shigeo was acquainted with Akako¡¯s disdain. But she had clearly misunderstood his inflexion. Shigeo: ¡°Oh, no. The best of us are small potatoespared to him. Our group has people who can¡¯t even use kitsu, like Kento; Or those my age- who haven¡¯t been trained in it properly.¡± Nadeko, Illumi and Masaki nodded in agreement, less out of shame, and more because they wanted Shigeo toe to the point. Shigeo: ¡°The reason I asked you to overlook Yuuki-sensei¡¯s ability, is because what I am going to tell you about Keiji-sensei, will actually blow your mind.¡± Chapter 9: Fish Out of Water 3 Chapter 9: Fish Out of Water 3 Daigo crossed his arms but pricked up his ears. He had never enjoyed indulging in spection, but a prodigious young schr like Shigeo had his way of making others listen. After their disys of power, the former had developed a respect for Keiji and Yuuki over the past month. They were young but highly aplished, and Daigo valued strength and ability above all else. Hajime and Yuuta stopped badgering Megumin and became attentive. They had be aware that they were disrupting a vital discussion. The girls were already tuned in. Shigeo: ¡°Spare me a few minutes first, to exin the essentials. Has anyone here read the book- ¡®Kinheni- The Provenance of Kitsu¡¯ by thete shuzen healer Ogino Ginko?¡± ¡°Anyone?¡± Kafu scoffed but said nothing. The name of thete heasler had irked him somehow. As nobody else chimed in, Shigeo pricked his spectacles up his nose again and began. Shigeo: ¡°We have been taught for years- that kitsu is the art of channeling raiki and giving it physical form. The technique is very fundamental for us. It is the heart of all our economic and military activity. Be it running a sugar mill, sailing a boat, building a house, conveyance, agriculture, mining, fisheries or carrying out military defense, kitsu ys an integral role in almost every trade and activity. But, the origin of raiki- the substrate of kitsu, has always been ambiguous. A great deal of knowledge was lost when valuable records and research materials were destroyed, during the incessant wars of the previous century. It hade to be believed that raiki came from our lifeforce. But, Ginko-sensei suggested that raiki is drawn from an alternate world, which he named Meido.¡± ¡°Meido is a ne where all entities are inherently made of condensed, tangible energy. This energy, which we know as raiki, is several times more easily molded and manipted, aspared to the rigid energies of our world. It can be transformed into the elements, and given forms and shapes ording to our will.¡° ¡°Our ancestors developed the art of kitsu, which is a key to opening the gates of Meido, amassing raiki and turning it into an element. In basic civilian tasks, kitsu is useful even without a non-living or life-like form. Apact form of kitsu is necessary for military matters- a sword, dagger, or a bow and arrow. A compact form of kitsu is essential for military matters¡ªa sword, a dagger, a bow and arrow and so on. Then there is bestial-kitsu, an intelligent maniption of raiki that manifests animal forms and gives them live attributes. They mimic original animals while obeying themands of the creator. As the descendants of the first kitsu-users, we can make raiki surge within our bodies and perform kitsu- maniption with a bit of practice. But how wide the gates can be opened and how much raiki an individual can endure- differs from person to person. The better is one¡¯s ability to possess raiki, the stronger is the kitsu form. While someone like Kafu can manifest small animals like fire-shrews and earth-moles, someone like Lord Heydrian can summon a gigantic armoured whale. The Overlord, Senju Mikashita, has been away from battles for a long time, but I have heard stories. He was one of the leading generals during the Great Zenmetsu War. Enemies paled in front of his onught as he summoned seven fantastic elemental beasts, one of which was a mammoth. It is also worth mentioning- Oki, of the now-extinct, traitor n, Ishigami. He could summon a fire dragon as giant as a citadel tower. Nadeko, Masaki and Illumi looked wonder-struck. Akako, who revered warriors of legend, and aspired to be a General one day, seemed electrified as well. The history of Kinheni resounded with references to mythical worlds, all-mighty entities and supernatural events. Even the most recent war saw the mightiest of the continent going head-to-head, bringing genocide and destruction in their wake. The legends had culminated into bedside tales after decades of their fabled urrence. Kento: ¡°But, what does Meido have to do with Keiji-sensei¡¯s ability? Isn¡¯t he kitsu-blind?¡± Shigeo: ¡°Exactly. He cannot open the gates to Meido. Kento: ¡°Then how did he aplish what he did, without being able to use kitsu?¡± Shigeo: ¡°Let me first tell you- very little is known about Keiji-sensei, in the public domain. It is most likely he was a foreign mercenary for the Legacy Unit, and due to his military aplishments and loyalty towards Karasuma, he was admitted into the Daigaku. The same goes for Yuuki-sensei of course; both of them are too young to be Daigaku preceptors.¡± Hajime: I agree. Yuuki-sensei is merely three years older than me. But he looks and fights, like a seasoned warrior, who has been through a hundred battles. Even Lieutenant Yorokobi appears diminished in hisparison. Chiyo: ¡°Perhaps they are just very gifted from birth.¡± This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Shigeo: ¡°Mercenaries are sent into battle at a very young age and that ismon knowledge. Nevertheless, I was lucky to have spotted Keiji-sensei¡¯s name referenced in a Daigaku correspondence, with the Overlord. I looked him up in the citadel library¡¯s warrior index,st month, and interviewed some old retired clerks, and travellers from other viges. And this is what I learnt- Keiji- sensei was a popr mercenary in the past- known to his foes as Tabei-tenma, or the soul-devouring demon. Very few have lived to tell the tale of facing him in battle, and those who have survived, have left behind terrifying stories. They say he is possessed by a curse. Not only does he kill his enemies, but also consumes their souls. He has killed hundreds, maybe over a thousand.¡± Daigo: ¡°I have heard of tabei-tenma. He is supposed to be a myth.¡± Shigeo: ¡°Look over there, he is a man, not a myth.¡± The group looked towards the leading boat. Keiji, on the stern seat, with his slender back turned towards them, appeared like a vanguard, alert and unmoving. As if he realised the collective attention, Keiji turned around and faced the children. His chestnut hair syed in the breeze like a whip-de. He smiled feebly back at them. Perhaps it was meant to reassure the young ones that they were not in danger, as long as he was around. But it had a contrasting effect on them. They felt shivers run down their spines. Chapter 10: Fish Out of Water 4 Chapter 10: Fish Out of Water 4 Illumi: ¡°What is a monster like him, teaching in the Daigaku? I am grateful that he saved our lives, but I am horrified that he is allowed in our midst.¡± Akako: ¡°Hold your tongue, Illumi. He¡¯s our teacher. Warriors live to kill, and to die. Isn''t that something from the warrior code? Who cares about the number of lives taken? I¡¯m sure all our elders who have been in the military, have killed a few. That is an undeniable truth. And who believes in curses these days?¡± Kafu wanted to offer a rebuttal, but Daigo spoke over him. Daigo: ¡°Nonsense. Demons and curses don¡¯t exist. Warriors have to fight with des and kitsu. And in dire situations, with their bare hands. The weak will perish and the strong will live on. But I am curious to know, Shigeo- where do you think Keiji-sensei¡¯s powerse from? I am outright sure that you have a theory.¡± Nadeko: ¡°Tell us, please!¡± This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Shigeo: ¡°I do have a theory. Ginko-sensei, in an appendix to the book, mentioned rare humans, born during a certain alignment of the stars, who, when awakened, gain passage to a transitional world between ours and Meido. Mugen-sekai, the world without an end. It is said to be brimming with kokyu- mugen, the anti-matter. And those cursed with the affliction, can do incredible feats without kitsu.¡± Chiyo: ¡°But how does it work? Thosemias exploded as he touched them. And, beyond doubt, he ran on water.¡± Shigeo: ¡°That was not exined in the book. Ginko sensei himself, never met a mugen user. It is rumored that there are, at best, five mugen users in the entire continent of Kinheni.¡± Akako: ¡°That sounds fascinating. Does that mean- Kento can be a mugen user as well?¡± Shigeo: ¡°Unfortunately, we have no way to know. Four out of ten children are kitsu-blind. But, mugen users are rare- perhaps, one in a hundred thousand people. And most of the cursed ones never awaken their abilities. Those who do, live very short lives. Mugen is corrosive to the human soul, writes Ginko-sensei. It is not malleable energy like kitsu, but a miasma that undoes matter. Imagine what it does to the soul. Now I have to disim, that all of this is my spection, based on Ginko-sensei¡¯s work.¡± Kafu had a vein throbbing on his forehead. He finally broke character and voiced his opinion. Kafu: ¡°Ginko was a fool who did not believe in the goddess.¡± The priest was speaking from his knowledge of history. Ogino Ginko had been incarcerated for his scepticism of the goddess Shibai Sharin. He wrote books and preached discourses that the goddess was an imaginary figure, a monogram of the temple, concocted to establish its authority over the people. Sadly, Ginko was dragged through the streets, beaten and then sent to the temple to be subjected to an exorcism. The priests imed demons possessed him. The schr spent hisst days in captivity, starving, diseased, and in the end, lost his mind. It was reported that he died of the white death. But, nobody could affirm what really happened to him. The group went silent. While teenagers were sceptical of the existence of gods and goddesses, they had been instructed since they were old enough to understand, to not speak against the Shibai Sharin for fear of retribution from the priests. There were no stories as tragic as Ginko¡¯s, but there were cases of how vitors disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Shibai Sharin was the centre of civilisation in Kinheni. And particrly in Karasuma, she was revered and feared. Religion and politics had mixed amicably. Even the Overlord and the other kin-lords paid a weekly visit to the temple. The forest cover parted, and the canoes entered a creek segment, which expanded on either side to form a vast circr bank. About half a mile onwards, the circle closed to create a linear stream again. About two dozen floating houses were anchored to the banks, away from the creek current. It served as the home of the Wajin tribe, which Karasuma governed. The vige-nation¡¯s territory extended to anynd touching the three rivers- Reisui, Mizusashi and Kurosashi. There were several other tribes andmunities interspersed throughout the ins and marshes. The preceptor and sub-squad canoes closed in from both ends. Yuuki: ¡°It''ste afternoon- the sun will set soon. It is ill-advised to sail in these parts after dark. We will be staying as guests here, for the night.¡± The aspirants anticipated a night halt, but the location of their temporary sanctuary was entirely unexpected. The Wajin tribe was not a very friendly group. They had frequent tussles with the Kin- Council (the assembly of kin-lords) and the Hyougi (members of the Vige High Council) over mining and forest rights. The foundation of the floating houses was made of hollow logs, and the entire structures were tethered to the bank with oiled, hemp rope. Therger ones had ambtory space around the houses for clothes-lines, children to y, and lounges. The Wajin people peeked at the outsiders- from their windows, open doors and sun-decks. They wore nes made from ws and colourful dresses with headbands made of feather. Some painted their faces. It was a new experience for someone like Kento, who had had restrictions on travelling since he was a child, on ount of being the heir to the Overlord. They drifted towards the house that was thergest and most borate, with a small tower and seemingly twenty or more rooms. The enormous weight of such arge establishment was evidently disced with kitsu. Dahlias and fire lilies grew in vases on the gyre that surrounded it. de vines hung down like streamers from the roof. Children frolicked around, engaged in games; women and men went about their daily chores. A few aged people rested in the sun on bamboo chairs. Akako: ¡°Whose house is this?¡± Keiji: ¡°You will realise that soon.¡± A small dock house adjoined the main building. It harboured all the sailing vessels. As the canoes approached, two men with painted faces and the Wajin attire approached and bowed. They proceeded to help them tie-up, ande onboard the floating house. One of the men pointed to a boy standing on the dock house path, which led to the main building. Man 1: ¡°The young master has a message for you from Lord Hakaku.¡± Shigeo: ¡°This is Hakaku Yamazaki¡¯s ce? The Chief Strategist-Economist of Karasuma ?¡± Keiji: ¡°And we are lucky to have been granted a night¡¯s stay.¡± The sailing party approached the boy referred to as ¡®the young master¡¯. Thetter bowed courteously to the preceptors. He had his face painted as well- a beeline of ck dots, with a white line running down the middle of his face. He seemed to be the same age as Kento and Akako. Boy: ¡°I havee to wee you on behalf of Lord Hakaku Yamazaki. He is waiting for you in his reading room.¡± Yuuki: ¡°We are grateful. And who might you be, child?¡± Boy: ¡°I am Uzziah Yamazaki.¡° Chapter 11: Fish Out of Water 5 Chapter 11: Fish Out of Water 5 Uzziah turned out to be a well-manneredd with a penchant for discipline; he used the honorifics correctly, showed proper deference to the preceptors, and exhibited every trait of a gracious host. He had alert, inky eyes and pitch-ck, braided hair. The young Yamazaki was about Kento¡¯s height, darker inplexion and looked much more weathered. He had an air of maturity around him that seemed to make others do his bidding. As the group proceeded towards the main edifice of the floating house, Uzziah ordered some of the attendants around- sending one for refreshments, another to fetch his mother, Midori Yamazaki. He tasked a tall, muscr man named Shufuku to remove barnacles from the canoes and carry out cleaning and repairs wherever necessary. Illumi-Masaki-Nadeko¡¯s canoe, particrly, needed some attending due to a lot ofmia snuffed around its hull. It smelled like an unclean butcher shop. The citadel-bred youngsters, in contrast, were barely ever courteous to their preceptors or elders and had the annoying tendency to gossip and interrupt each other. As they had been raised in ptial quarters, the tribal settlement was a rural experience for them. Hajime and Yuuta had already begun teasing Megumin, saying that the house was likely to sink because she had boarded it. Nadeko and Masaki had started their tattle, with Illumi sandwiched between them. Shigeo had begun a discourse on the Wajin tribe settlement- about how the houses were constructed with shelter-kitsu to withstand harsh elements of nature. Uzziah: ¡°I would like to appeal to our revered guests to maintain decorum in the Yamazaki house. Here, a peaceful mind is the virtue above all.¡± The group quieted themselves, embarrassed, but remained glib regardless, albeit through whispers. Yuuki and Keiji could barely keep themselves from smirking at theical scene. Kento had been silent all along. Before they had left on the journey, Senju had apprised him that a visit to the Yamazaki house was scheduled. Kento remembered meeting Uzziah several times before when they were ten-year-olds. They had even attended the grand carnival during the Goddess Festival that year. They had almost be friends. But yearster, Uzziah looked and sounded different. The jolly kid who used to love apple candies had turned into a stern, cial teenager. Uzziah had pretended not to recognise him. Or had he really forgotten Kento? What did he go through in all these years that made him this way? The path led to a wide shoji door, six feet tall and equally wide. It slid open to reveal traditional interiors with minimal furniture. Members of the house went about their chores, asionally halting to pay courtesy to the preceptors from the Daigaku and Lieutenant Yorokobi. They were received inside by Midori Yamazaki, wife of Hakaku and mother of Uzziah. She had a dusky complexion and a pleasant face, with braided hair- cinched into arge bun. Midori greeted the older warriors with affection and fawned over the children with motherly love. She offered them food and refreshments brought by an attendant. Uzziah took his leave, asserting that he had to join a foraging party. They were allowed some time to rest before being summoned by the lord of the house. Lord Hakaku¡¯s reading room was an inner sanctum of the main building. It was the only room in the entire structure painted opaque and had ss panels to inste sound. While it had no windows, a segment of the roof was made of tinted ss to illuminate the room. A steep staircase rose from a corner, leading up to a private terrace, which could be utilised for lounging and surveince. Inside the room, tribal art and craft adorned the walls; stacks of books were neatly arranged, with low tables and seat cushions, for study. Chief Strategist-Economist Hakaku Yamazaki was perched opposite one of these tables, strewn over by a plethora of documents- reports, maps, inventory lists and registers, which he examined with a magnifying ss. As the party entered, he gracefully left his seat and weed them. Hakako: ¡°Yuuki, Keiji- you are dly received. Young residents of the citadel, you are also wee to my humble abode.¡± The party bowed in deference and presented their credentials which he epted and acknowledged. Keiji, as a senior preceptor, enjoyed the rank of a Commander. In contrast, Yuuki had a position equivalent to Vice-Commander. Both were higher than Lieutenant Yorokobi¡¯s, which was two levels below Vice Commander. Hakaku, on the other hand, as Chief Strategist, was the same rank as a kin- lord or a War General. Lord Hakaku was almost the same age as Overlord Senju was- in his early forties. He had a luxuriant, impably ck beard, covering most of his face. His clothes looked home-stitched and rustic. It was known to all that Hakaku was very close to the Overlord. Despite being born into different kin, the child prodigies had found themselves crossing paths, first as rivals in the then Legacy Trials and then as comrades in the Legacy Unit. They had fought as allies in the Zenmetsu war, as War Generals. During the said war, the six vige-nations- Karasuma Karamishi Karakori and Karamohi Karayama Karasuki had been divided into two warring factions. After the war (in which Karasuma and allies were triumphant), Hakaku was due to be the next kin-lord of the Yamazaki-kin. But he hadmitted a taboo with Midori of the Wajin tribe (one of their allies). Fighting together on the fringe of the continent, Hakaku and Midori had saved each other lives more than once. They had found sce in each other''s arms. On their way back, Midori had found herself with child. They had approached a local sharin priest and gotten married. The then kin-lord of Yamazaki-kin (Hakaku¡¯s father), Saburou Yamazaki, had rejected Midori as a daughter-inw and had banished his son from the citadel for marrying outside the warrior kin. He had proceeded to make his younger son, Baraku, the heir. Hakaku had retreated to the Wajin tribe settlement with his bride, who epted him with open arms. Over time, owing to his wisdom, he had been recognised as an elder of the tribe. He had contributed substantially to the development of themunity since then. When Senju Mikashita had be the Overlord, he had appointed Hakaku as Chief Strategist and Economist, and thereafter, a golden age of Karasuma had been set into motion. There was always the issue of long-distance travel to Karasuma. To ovee the distance and time, Hakaku teleported, whenever necessary, to the citadel, through the seiton technique. After the guests were seated, an attendant served some dandelion tea. Yuuki: ¡°Lord Hakaku, do the tribals work for you in exchange for pay?¡± Hakaku: "You are speaking of the attendants, I presume? Some of them have pledged themselves to my service. Others are inws. There is no distinction of blood in the Wajin tribe. The one you dere as family, bes your family.¡± There were testimonial nods of approval all around. Hakaku¡¯s attention went to Kento. Hakaku: ¡°Kento, my dear boy. I have seen you around in the Mikashita grounds, but haven¡¯t had a chance to speak with you over the past year. I feel guilty of the oversight.¡± Kento: ¡±I understand, Uncle. You and Father are busy in the administration of the vige.¡± This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Hakaku: ¡°I am d to hear that. But I give you my word, the next time I visit the Mikashita estate, I will certainly spend some time with you. (to Keiji)- I received the news of themia attack and would like to hear how the events unfolded, in detail. If what you say is true, then the lives of sailors passing through that route are in imminent danger and hence, we have to act quickly. Besides, the Overlord has sent me a confidential message by-way-of an elemental bird. He wants me to convey a salient piece of information to you. We will proceed on the topics, but, first, let us excuse your students.¡± Chapter 12: Fish Out of Water 6 Chapter 12: Fish Out of Water 6 Once the aspirants had left, Keiji and Yuuki enumerated in detail the purpose of their visit. Their destination- the Bokuso des had had an insurgency of bandits from the ounds. The preceptor duo had been given the charge to oust them. The Overlord had, after some deliberation, granted permission to include the aspirants in the proposed training exercise. It would help the young ones receive hands-on experience of the Legacy Unit¡¯s work. Bandits were strong and cunning adversaries. Being survivors of the stateless, dog-eat-dog ounds, they were hardened, cold-blooded and could navigate any terrain with ease. But among them, rarely anyone was familiar with kitsu maniption, which was a tremendous disadvantage. A kitsu-trained child could make a grown bandit bite the dust without breaking a sweat. Themia story was intriguing for Hakaku, who tugged on his beard several times during the narration and stared into nothingness as if solving cyphers in his mind. Finally, he spoke. Hakaku: ¡°Whilemia do prey on humans, they don¡¯t possess the brute strength to dislodge a kitsu- infused boat. Added to that, kitsu is disorienting for their taste. You said that you touched them, Keiji? Did you perceive any raiki in their bodies? Yorokobi: ¡°Raiki in beasts?¡± Keiji: ¡°When I seized them from the water, I sensed they had dense, unstable kitsu cores, which reacted to my mugen, and their bodies exploded or disintegrated.¡± Hakaku: ¡°I see. Lamia are mindless creatures,cking the perseverance to chase boats upstream for long periods- as it happened today. Perhaps someone fed them kitsu-fortified meat, which would usually cause them indigestion. Another more realistic possibility is that an outside agent controlled them.¡± Yorokobi: ¡°Is that even possible?¡± Hakaku left his seat, rifled through some documents in a chest, and picked up a scroll. He returned, holding up the unfurled paper to disy its contents. The scroll had a caricature of the face of a vile- looking man. A Karasuma seal with kill-on-sight decree was sshed across it. Hakaku: ¡°This is Akuma, a notorious bandit from the western ounds. He is infamously known as the beast whisperer. The miscreant is capable of kitsu-maniption and has obliterated several of our military squads over the years. It is believed that he possesses a kitsu-art through which one he makes beasts submit to his will.¡± Yorokobi: ¡°Impossible!¡± Hakaku: ¡°But it has been a long time since he made hisst appearance and if he is indeed in Bokuso, your mission will not be an enjoyable time.¡± Yorokobi: ¡°Keiji-dono, is it safe to bring the young ones with us against such a formidable criminal? Especially the Mikashita heir?¡± Keiji: ¡°The die has been cast, Lieutenant. We cannot turn back now. It would be disheartening to my students, while disrupting their training regimen. Besides, don¡¯t underestimate our aspirants. One of them almost got the better of Yuuki.¡± Yuuki: ¡°Almost.¡± Yorokobi: ¡°But-¡± Hakaku rolled up the scroll and chuckled. Hakaku: ¡°If the Daigaku preceptors believe in the abilities of their students, then who are we to say anything, Yorokobi?¡± Yorokobi: ¡°That is- yes, you are right, Lord Hakaku. Apologies.¡± Hakaku: ¡°In any case, I will ask the Overlord to send a squad from the citadel to control themia poption. We cannot have such incidents happen so close to the vige. It would be detrimental to our reputation. Was there anything else, Keiji?¡± Keiji: ¡°Yes. It is something that the Overlord is concerned about, and we preceptors support his position as well.¡± Hakaku: ¡°What is this about?¡± Keiji: ¡°Will you reconsider sending Uzziah to train with Daigaku preceptors?¡± Hakaku: ¡°That is not open for discussion, Keiji. Perhaps this is one of those rare cases when Senju and I disagree on something. I am aware that Yamazaki-kin aspirants are training in the citadel with preceptors. My family and I may bear the Yamazaki name, but we are banished. It would be dishonourable to join the rest of the kin aspirants in the citadel. Besides, Uzziah was raised here, trained by me, Midori, and the Wajin tribe. Our battle tactics and values are different. We would not want him to start all over, would we?¡± Yorokobi: ¡°But surely, citadel-trained warriors are better fighters?¡± Hakaku: ¡°Ah, we should try and break that mould. Shall we put your im to the test, then, Lieutenant? (To Keiji) If you choose to ept the challenge, Uzziah will battle your best warrior and the matter of supremacy of citadel-training will be decided.¡± Yuuki: ¡°That sounds like a good idea, Lord Hakaku. The children will be thrilled. A contest is just the thing they need, to take their minds off themia nightmare.¡± Hakaku: ¡°Well, that is settled then. We shall have the bout tomorrow, at the break of dawn. I have nned a challenge of my own for the younger aspirants in the evening. Anything else? ¡° Keiji: ¡°There is another matter, yes. But it is privileged information. Lieutenant Yorokobi, will you excuse us for some time.¡± Yorokobi: ¡°Certainly.¡± Yorokobi bowed and left the reading room, sliding the panelled door closed. Keiji and Yuuki looked ufortable. Keiji: ¡°As you are already aware, Lord Hakaku, Kento is kitsu-blind and-¡± Hakaku: ¡°You wish to teach him how to use mugen.¡± This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?. Yuuki: ¡±As expected of our Chief Strategist. Nothing escapes you.¡± Hakaku: ¡°I was there with the family when Kento was born. I saw the infant- the darkness seeping out of him. He has the curse without doubt.¡± Yuuki nced at Keiji. Mugen users were very often misunderstood and ostracised. This was over and above the humiliation brought by kitsu-blindness. Hakaku: ¡°I have already made my position clear on this matter to Senju. If Kento is trained in using mugen, it will shorten his life. Do you want him to follow in your footsteps? And I am dismayed how Senju has agreed to risk the life-span of his son. What if Kento goes over to the dark side? Or have you forgotten your past, Keiji?¡± Keiji: ¡°I remember everything, Lord Hakaku. I have used mugen and mugen has certainly used me. It changed both my body and spirit, in ways I could never imagine. And more often than not, it led me over to the dark side. But as a child awakening to the world of mugen-sekai, I was alone with nobody to guide me. It is very likely that Kento will identally awaken his powers. He could be lost in mugen- sekai forever. However, if he learns to control it, then he will, in due time develop extraordinary abilities. After all, he is to rule over Karasuma one day.¡± Hakaku¡¯s face showed a picture of conflicting emotions. His hand went to his beard, which was an indication of pensive contemtion. He let out a deep sigh. Hakaku: ¡°Very well. As his teachers, you have the discretion to train him in the art. While I do not agree to this whole-heartedly, your credentials as a preceptor is beyond doubt. I believe I can entrust him to your tutge. But I will be having a escted discussion about this with your Overlord soon.¡± Keiji: ¡°You have my gratitude, Lord Hakaku.¡± Hakaku: ¡°But before you introduce him to your dark world, there is something that you must know about the boy. It is a long kept secret- one that has stayed between Senju and me for sixteen years now. And I believe that is what the Overlord wanted you to hear from me. He is a clever one, delegating ufortable topics to his best friend. Before I make those revtions, you have to swear to me that the secret shall never leave this room.¡± Keiji: ¡°I swear on my life and honour.¡± Yuuki: ¡°I swear on the Goddess.¡± Hakaku: ¡°Now listen closely. Kento is--¡± Chapter 13: Fish Out of Water 7 Chapter 13: Fish Out of Water 7 The sun was low on the horizon, and birds were returning to their nests. Sparrows, ckbirds, all the nesting birds fly home when the light begins to fade. An exception seemed to be a woodpecker that perched on a nearby cedar tree, tapping away . A group of mards floated home on the still waters. Yet, it would be a couple of hours before the sunset. The clouds that had gathered in the afternoon had dissipated, and it was still bright. Kento sat on the edge of the pier, with his feet dipped in the creek. Tiny fish gathered under his soles underwater and nibbled at dry skin. He giggled, being ticklish. A boat approached from the mainstream, but it was being rowed with the help of oars rather than kitsu. It turned out to be Uzziah''s fishing boat. He docked it at the pier. Kento remembered that the Wajin tribe used kitsu only when it became vital Even the operations on the floating houses were decades old. The young Yamazaki hauled a full of fish onto the berth. The mixed catch was live- minnows, carps, trouts, and shiners. He secured the boat and heaved the bulging onto his shoulders. Since nobody else was around, Kento felt it proper to break the ice. Kento: "Do you do the fishing all by yourself?" Uzziah answered without looking at Kento. Uzziah: "Some of us have to work to fill our bellies." Kento: "Hey, that was uncalled for." Uzziah: "I don''t have time to deal with your fragile mind, little overlord." He started walking away on the gangway that led to the floating building. Kento got to his feet and challenged him from behind. Kento: "Uzziah! Have you really forgotten our friendship?" The young Yamazaki stopped but did not turn around. Uzziah: "You are the Overlord''s heir. That is all I am supposed to know about you. Besides, there is nothing special to remember." And he left, leaving the boy dangling. Original content from N?velDrama.Org. Kento had never been humiliated like that before. As the heir to the Overlord, he had always been treated with respect. People hung onto every word he said. Uzziah''s insolence not only hurt Kento''s pride but also brought forth the frustration of being kitsu-blind . Yuuki-sensei had informed everyone that Kento was to duel Uzziah the following morning. What if he loses the bout? The Mikashita honor would be shattered. Citadel training would be demeaned. The Wajin tribe would make sure the news reached the Hyougi. The preceptors should''ve chosen Hajime, Yuuta, or Megumin, who already showed promise in kitsu maniption. Keiji-sensei had offered to train him throughout the evening. What more could the preceptor bring out of a kitsu-blind child? Weighing the disgrace by Uzziah''s rejection of him on the one hand and the fear of losing on the other, Kento decided to train with Keiji. Perhaps he could get some more pointers on taekkyon. Perhaps that would help him tide over his self-doubt. But of course, he''d have to miss the contest designed by Lord Hakaku for the amusement of his guests. Kento saw Shigeo approaching. It was time to go to the location where the preceptors were waiting for him. Meanwhile, the venue of the gathering summoned by Lord Hakaku was deep in the forest, behind the floating house. A narrow trail took the aspirants to a small clearing. At the center stood a temple-like monument that was in ruins. It was about fifty feet high and about the same in diameter, in the shape of a pagoda, with three sloping sides. Steps had been cut into the slopes on all three sides to climb the monument. The apex was a small sundeck with a balustrade. Hakaku stood on the deck, leaning on the balustrade, exining the rules of the contest. Kento and Shigeo were missing from the party. The preceptors had excused themselves from Hakaku''s contest to help Kento focus on the next day''s duel with Uzziah, and Shigeo, inseparable from the young Mikashita and overtly curious about the training, had insisted on tagging along. Hakaku: "The rules are very clear. You can divide yourselves into groups of three. As I exined earlier, one who touches this balustrade wins. You can approach from any direction, and in any order. I shall not use even an ounce of kitsu for offence. Nor shall I make any physical attacks. If I do, all of you win the contest and its prizes can be distributed amongst yourselves. Yuuki-sensei hasmunicated to me that whale tokens for this year''s Shibai Matsuri are highly sought- after, and I happen to have some that I can give away. Therefore you have an incentive in addition to the fun we are going to have today. When you are ready, let my attendant know and he will fire the signal." The aspirants , gathered at the plinth of the ruins, were drawing up a n. Citadel training had drilled them in the ways of the military. Among pre-emptive attack patterns, the mostmon maneuver is the hasami form- Vanguard (the frontal attack team), Wing attack (from the sides), Assassin(covert attack). Depending on the number of warriors or units present on the battlefield, the hasami can have three modifications- Hasami one- vanguard (one unit) assassin (one warrior). Hasami two- vanguard (one unit) right or left wing attack ( one unit) assassin (one warrior). Hasami three- vanguard (one unit) pincer attack (two units) assassin (one warrior). In this case, Hasami three was appropriate. The bulwark-trio, Hajime- Megumin- Yuuta, being the most experienced in battle, took the vanguard. Daigo- Kafu- Chiyo, and Nadeko- Illumi- Masaki would make a pincer attack from either side. Akako would wait for an opening as an assassin. Everything seemed to be in order. The aspirants had be wary after being humiliated by Keiji in the demonstration fight. But, if Lord Hakaku was not going to use kitsu or physical attacks, it would be a much simpler feat to aplish. Once they were in position, an attendant of Hakaku set off a kitsu re into the sky to kick off the contest. Chapter 14: Fish Out of Water 8 Chapter 14: Fish Out of Water 8 The bulwark-trio went into action almost instantly. Having been in thousands of battle drills, they moved through instinct, which seemed almost theatrical. Hajime and Yuuta crouched into a squat as if poised to jump. Megumin squealed aloud, making her raiki surge. Her arms bulged and turned a dark sepia color. She made a fist with her right hand, and raiki gathered around it like vapors. The maid warrior grunted again and punched the ground with a kitsu technique. Tou-kitsu earthquake! A tremor set off from the point of contact, rocking the pagoda on its foundations. Hakaku held onto the balustrade to maintain his bnce. Hajime and Yuuta had made a coordinated jump with Megumin''s technique and were in the air when the quake happened. The two other teams lost their bnce and staggered to the ground like dolls. As soon as Hajime-Yuuta set foot again, they set off their kitsu sequences. Hajime: ¡°Doi-kitsu archer form!¡± A ming bow appeared in his grasp. He quickly loosened kitsu arrows at Hakaku. Yuuta: ¡°Zei-kitsu gale st!¡± A volume of air in front of him reeled into a violent twister and raced up towards the sundeck. From the other side, Daigo released a fistful of petty knives in an arc. Kafu sent his fire-shrews up the steps while Chiyo shot icicles flying. Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki simply raced up the steps, dodging the attacks of others. Akako climbed a tree and hid in the foliage. The purpose of the all-around siege was to keep Hakaku upied long enough so that someone could touch the balustrade and win the contest. They had agreed earlier that whoever did would share the whale tokens with the rest of the group. It made sense to form an alliance when going up against someone of the rank of a kin-lord, no matter how many handicaps he provided them. The weather in the area seemed to have changed. Such was the quantity of raiki being drawn out. The colorful elementals made it seem like a festival of lights. The intended attacks converged. Hajime''s fire arrows, Yuuta''s twister, Daigo''s petty knives, Kafu''s fire shrews, Chiyo''s icicles reached their target. But to everyone''s surprise, the barrage simply passed through Hakaku. As if he were permeable. There was a shock wave of sorts as all the attacks met on the sundeck. Bricks and mortar shattered and exploded. But the impact was lost on Hakaku''s body, which seemed to be not interacting with the surrounding chaos. The aspirants were stunned, unable to wrap their heads around what happened. Megumin: "How is that possible?" Hakaku: "Surprised? Have your teachers not made you familiar with shuzen? I am standing in a personal raiki space." Hajime and Yuuta were unflustered. They gave gestures to the other units for a follow-up attack. Hajime: "Nadeko''s group has almost reached the sundeck. Even if Lord Hakaku has vowed not to use kitsu, I think he may have set a trap. We need to thwart him before he acts." R¨ºAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only The Chief Strategist released his shuzen. Yuuta: "We need to sway his focus so that he cannot activate shuzen again. Megumin, we need another earthquake. Now! Megumin?" But Megumin was nowhere near them. The duo turned to see Megumin copsed several steps down the monument, her body stiff and unmoving. A giant tentacle wound around her. The limb belonged to a humongous octopus coasting on the ground. Yuuta: "What the-" A pair of tentacles raced towards the two men and wound around their ankles, dragging them down the steps. Hajime: "Goddess, help me! What in the world is that?!" The octopus was unnaturally oversized, its body twenty feet across. Megumin squeaked from her captivity. Megumin: "Kill it!" The warriors tried to shake free from the tentacles bynding both physical and kitsu attacks, but to no avail. Meanwhile, Nadeko-Illumi-Masaki found themselves surrounded by a dozen masked bandits. They attacked the kids with swords, and the trio barely kept up defending themselves. Nadeko: "What is going on?" From the foliage of a tree, Akako looked at the spectacle, bewildered. Herrades were struggling to move, attacking their surroundings for no particr reason. Akako descended to the ground. Akako: "Megumin, Nadeko, why aren''t you moving?" Megumin: "Can''t you see this octopus restraining us? Why don''t you help?" Nadeko: "Bandits have surrounded us. Help!" Akako racked her brains for an exnation. Octopus? Bandits? They were waving, shooting, and swinging at the air. Invisible attacks? Why could she not see what they could? She conjured a water lens through kitsu and looked through it, focusing on Hakaku. He stood motionless, in ce, on the sundeck. But there was something different about him. One of his eyes had turned a scintiting blue color. Even under the sunlight, it was unmistakable. Akako: "Warriors! Lord Hakako has activated Yamigan! He''s controlling your minds! Break free!" Hakaku: "Ah, you figured it out. As expected of the daughter of Raiden Mikashita. But that does not mean you are safe from my psychic attack." Akako felt her feet go immobile. She looked down and saw herself sinking into what looked like quicksand. Akako: "I hate sand!." All the contestants announced their surrender. The loss was more humbling than the bout with Yuuki. Hakako released his ocr ability and broke his binding psychic hold over them. The aspirants were less troubled by their failure and more intrigued by Hakaku''s disy of ocr powers. They gathered around him with a million questions. Nadeko: "Lord Hakaku, please tell us more about the Yamigan." Hakaku: "Well, first, your attacks went through me because I formed an alternate raiki space and stepped into it. That is the fundamental principle of the art of shuzen. Since raiki does not belong to this world, you can form temporary or permanent pockets which do not interact with the material world. These pockets can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The art of shuzen is widely used to store heavy weapons when setting out to war. Next, as Akako pointed out earlier, my right eye has had turned blue, as I had activated Yamigan, the ocr ability of the Yamazaki kin. You must have seen your elders at the citadel using ocr powers specific to your kin and losing eyesight for a few hours. Kin-lords, Hyougi, and some top warriors can use only one eye so as not to bepletely blinded in the middle of the battle. While the abilities of my Yamigan are a military secret, I can tell you what the Yamazaki ocr ability is. It can create illusions. Theplexity of what the eye creates depends on the user. The illusions are so real that it uses up the victim''s kitsu to make it real. For example, those attacked by the octopus may still have octopus slime on you. The weaker your mind, the stronger is the effect of the Yamigan." Akako: "That is a supreme ability. There is no way you can be defeated in battle." Hakako: "Your Overlord has shown me my ce several times during our youth and in mock battles. Remember that nobody is invincible. Even if your opponents have god-like powers, you can find a weakness and defeat them. I have tomend Hajime and Yuuta for not being rattled by my abilities. I wish you the best in the Legacy Trials. Now, my attendant has informed me I have an urgent matter to attend to. I will take your leave." Hakaku stepped forward and disappeared before their eyes. The aspirants gasped. Shuzen never failed to impress. The Chief Strategist must be already back at the floating house. Illumi: "I wish I''d be this powerful when I grow up." Nadeko: ¡°You are going to die a weakling.¡± As the kids started their banter, the group remembered that Kento and Shigeo had missed the fun. Chiyo: "How long will Kento train with the preceptors?" Akako: "I heard they might train him into the night. They packed food and bedding. Why do you ask? You wanted something from him?" Chiyo: "No reason. Just curious." Daigo: "I was confident earlier that Kento would win against Uzziah even without kitsu. But after getting a preview of Lord Hakaku''s ability, one is left to wonder how formidable his son may have be, considering the Chief Strategist himself trained him. Kento is in for a surprise." Akako: "We''ll find out in the morning. I have a pouch of dumplings that Lady Midori packed for us. Who''s hungry?" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!