《Samurai Kings》


 1. Akio, the Lighning boy

    375 years ago, the world was plunged into chaos when they woke up and found themselves on a continent called Valoria. They were stranded within it under unknown circumstances, their memories erased, with no knowledge of what had happened to the outside world due to a mysterious transparent wall surrounding the continent, and that transparent wall is impenetrable and prevents everyone from leaving the continent.


    As the inhabitants of Valoria started their new lives, strange phenomena began to occur. Certain noble families developed supernatural abilities known as Vakin, and thus, the samurai system was born. Over time, the Shogun became the supreme ruler of the entire continent. This order lasted for 343 years until a new era began¡ªThe Dark Age.


    During this time, chaos returned, worse than ever before. Those who possessed Vakin became the ultimate rulers, governing the world with tyranny and cruelty. Swords were banned, and discrimination against samurai began to spread. In this world, only the strong survive.


    This is the story of Samurai Kings¡ªa world where there is no place for the weak. To survive, you must achieve the impossible!


    In the year 361 of the Valorian calendar, on a summer night, there was a man with dark blue hair and yellow eyes walking around. He wore a black jacket and hat, as if he wanted to hide his identity, and was holding a baby in his arms. The man walked until he found a medium-sized house, then looked at the child with a sad tone and said:


    "I''m sorry, my son. I have to leave you here now. I must protect you and myself from the evil of this filthy world. I wish you a happy life with your new family, and I trust that you''ll grow up to be a great man. I love you¡­"


    The father placed his blue-haired, yellow-eyed child beside the door, and a tear fell down his cheek. He then pressed the doorbell. When the homeowners opened the door quickly, they saw the father running away.


    The homeowner, who had purple hair and brown eyes, shouted, "Hey! Come back here!"


    But the father was too quick to be chased. The homeowner saw the baby on the ground and picked him up, and as soon as he did, the baby began to cry. He took him inside, where his wife, who had pink hair and purple eyes, and their three-year-old daughter, who resembled her mother, were waiting. He said to them:


    "A strange man came and left this child at our door and ran away. It seems we now have a son! Murasaki, look at your little brother.¡±


    Murasaki: "Do I really have a brother now? That''s amazing!"


    As the father was trying to remove the blanket from the child, he discovered an envelope inside. He took it out and read the letter inside, which said:


    ("This message is for the person with whom I''m leaving my son. His name is Sakamoto Akio. I left him with you because I fear for him from some people who have been after me for a long time. If they knew I had a child, they would kill him, so I had to leave him with you. I hope one day I can take him back¡­ I included his ID card in the envelope.")


    Father: "This is truly tragic¡­ Such a young child, only a week old, and his parents have to give him up. But I don''t think they''re heartless; they''re just trying to protect him."


    Wife: "It''s okay, dear. Let''s take care of him, even if his father never comes back for him."


    The wife took baby Akio and started to play with him.


    Wife: "He''s so sweet, and I feel so attached to him! He''ll be my son."


    Years passed, and Akio grew up with this family. Unfortunately, the mother passed away from a serious illness after a few years. In 2014, Akio was nine years old, and his sister Murasaki was twelve. Something strange happened to him.


    Akio: "Dad, I''m going to the forest tonight, and I''ll take some cakes with me."


    Father: "But Akio, I''ve told you a million times that the forest is dangerous at night, especially in winter. There will be heavy storms tonight, and the forest wolves are vicious."


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    Akio: "But Dad, I can take care of myself! I''m not a child anymore! Please, please, pleeeeease!"


    Father: "Akio, go to bed; it''s time to sleep."


    Akio went to his room with a look of despair and sadness, closed the door, and thought to himself:


    "If Dad won''t let me go, then I''ll let myself go! I''ll wait until he''s asleep, then I''ll sneak out and go. There''s nothing better than a night out in the forest, eating lots of delicious cake."


    After an hour, Akio saw that his father and Murasaki were asleep, so he sneaked out, opened the door, and went out with plenty of cake boxes in hand.


    "To the forest!" Akio walked into the nearby forest, which was vast, found a spot to sit, and began devouring the cakes eagerly while watching the storm clouds move across the sky. When he finished, he said:


    "Time to explore and have an adventure in the forest at midnight!"


    Akio started walking through the forest as heavy rain began to fall with thunder and lightning. But he kept walking and said:


    "I love the rain! What a beautiful day!"


    He reached a clearing in the forest, paused for a moment, looked up at the sky, and said:


    "I think I should go back now. Dad might wake up from the sound of the storm and realize I''m not at home, and¡­"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a bolt of lightning struck him with a loud thunderclap! He fell to the ground, unconscious, with burn marks and ash covering his body.


    At home, his father and Murasaki woke up to the sound of the loud thunder and went to Akio''s room, only to find it empty.


    Father: "That rascal!!! Did he really go to the forest? I''ll go look for him right now."


    Murasaki: "I''ll come with you, Dad."


    Father: "No, my dear, you need to stay here for your own safety."


    The father ran through the forest, calling out for his son every second. After a while, he found Akio lying on the ground with severe burn marks, and he collapsed in shock, trying to wake him.


    "Akio, wake up!! Akio!! Akio!! What happened to you¡­ my son!! I need to call an ambulance right now."


    Now we see young Akio in a hospital bed, bandaged and surrounded by many machines and a respirator.


    Father: "When will you wake up? You''ve been unconscious for a week¡­."


    Suddenly, Akio began to open his eyes and regain consciousness.


    Akio: "Where am I¡­?"


    Father: "Akio!! You''re finally awake! How are you feeling, my son?"


    Akio: "I¡­ I feel strange, Dad."


    Father: "And what''s that feeling? Are you alright?"


    Suddenly, Akio removed all the bandages and equipment from his body, and his father stood frozen in shock. The biggest surprise was that all his injuries had vanished!


    Father: ¡°What''s happening... How did everything disappear?!¡±


    Akio: ¡°I don''t know, I''m fine, Dad!¡±


    Suddenly, his hand started emitting electrical charges as if it were lightning, and they looked at it in shock. Akiyo directed his hand at the nurse and suddenly shocked her with it.


    Father: ¡°It seems you are no longer an ordinary person, Akio... Did you just unleash the power of the Vakin?!¡±


    Akio:¡±What is the Vakin, Dad?¡±


    Father:¡±Don''t you know it?!¡±


    Akio: ¡°No, tell me!¡±


    Father: ¡°The Vakin is a superpower that a person gains by coming into contact with its source. It seems that lightning wanted you to receive its power, Akio!¡±


    Akio: ¡°That''s amazing! And strange.¡±


    Excerpts from Akio using his power:


    Akio was with a group of kids when one of them, with black hair and brown eyes, said:


    "Look, it''s Akio the stupid orphan! You''ll never beat us!"


    Akio brought lightning from his hand in the form of a ball and threw it at the boy, who fell and started moaning in pain and crying, then got up and ran away.


    Akio: ¡°Stupid kid, I will become the strongest one in the world!!¡±


    Then we see the boy with his mother heading to Akio''s house. The mother said:


    "Look, Vanko, what your orphan child did to my son! He caused him many burns and pain. Don''t you know how to raise your child?"


    Vanko (the father):¡±I''m very sorry... Akio discovered his power a few days ago and started using it for everything, but I don''t blame him for what he did; your son was always bothering my son, hitting him, and mocking him because he''s an orphan, just as his mother raised him!¡±


    Mother: ¡°How dare you!¡±


    Vanko: ¡°Get away from here now.¡±


    Vanko entered the house and saw Akio and Murasaki sitting in the living room and said:


    ¡°Akio, you shouldn''t use your power on the weak. You could have punched or slapped him, but the lightning will cause us problems."


    Murasaki: ¡°He did it again, what a brat!¡±


    Akio: ¡°I hate him!! He is so annoying. When we grow up, I''ll throw a lot of lightning balls at him!!¡±


    Vanko said, placing his hand on his head in despair:


    "This boy really doesn''t learn!"


    One day...


    Akio, Murasaki, and Vanko were walking beside their house when suddenly a group of five kids appeared in front of them, and there was an ugly man violently whipping them.


    Akio: ¡°What is this person doing!! Why is he hitting the kids? And why is no one stopping him?!¡±


    Vanko: ¡°These kinds of people are very common in our lives¡±


    Akio: ¡°Dad, let''s go save them!¡±


    Vanko: ¡°We can''t do that. Look at his clothes; he''s wearing a royal army uniform. If we kidnap the kids, he''ll bring a lot of army members to kill us. They are just thugs acting outside the law, and no one punishes them.¡±


    Akio: ¡°But how can they call themselves the royal army when they torture and oppress people?¡±


    Murasaki: ¡°40 years ago, our continent was ruled by a shogun named "Shiro." He was our first shogun after we suffered under tyranny for a long time. Shiro was very powerful and considered the strongest person in the world. But suddenly, someone appeared and surpassed him; his name was "Makia." Makia easily killed Shiro and took over the rule, and he is the one who formed the ruthless royal army, unfortunately.¡±


    Akio: ¡°That''s not fair! I want to kill that scoundrel Makia, Dad and sister!¡±


    Vanko laughed and said, "You can''t do that; his power is unbeatable."


    Akio: ¡°I don''t care! Listen, Dad, when I grow up, I will become strong and kill Makia, and then I will become the shogun!!¡±


    Murasaki: ¡°You''re crazy, Akio! Hahaha, not only you want to kill him, but you also want to become the shogun!¡±


    Akio: ¡°Yes, I hope to live in a world where everyone is comfortable. Maybe no one can do that but me!¡±


    Vanko: ¡°Here he goes believing in himself again!¡±


    Akio: ¡°I''m really serious! I will train a lot and become a strong samurai, and then I will become the shogun!¡±


    Vanko: ¡°Hmm, I don''t think that''s easy at all, but I will enroll you in a school to teach you combat samurai arts and Vaken. Maybe it will help you in the future.¡±


    Akio jumped with joy and said, "Yay! Thank you, Dad!"


    Murasaki laughed and said, "Hahaha, how mischievous he is."


    To be continued¡­

 2. The beginning of the adventure

    On a sunny day on the island of Orkano, the blue sky was clear, with a few white clouds scattered about, and a cool breeze gently refreshing the atmosphere. The island was bustling with activity and life, as people gathered in the markets, with the sounds of vendors filling the air. Amidst this lively scene, a vibrant and adventurous young boy named Akio arrived at the beach, with blue hair and bright yellow eyes, and he was 14 years old.


    Akio: This is the first time in my life that I have left my country and traveled. Where am I going now? I don''t even know, hahaha. What should I d while visiting a new country? I think I should look for some souffl¨¦!!


    One of the passersby stared at Akio in astonishment and thought to himself: What''s wrong with this kid? He''s talking to himself in front of people!


    Akio looked at the man and said: "Hello, sir, can you tell me the nearest place that sells souffl¨¦?"


    Man: "What is souffl¨¦?"


    Akio: "Are you kidding me!! How do you not know what souffl¨¦ is?! It''s the most delicious thing I''ve ever tasted in my life!!!"


    The man became more anxious and said: "Uh, I''m sorry, you can ask someone else!"


    Akio looked at him blankly and said: "Okay."


    The man thought to himself: How strange!!


    Akio: "I''m really hungry! I need to get my souffl¨¦ right now!!"


    Meanwhile, there was a girl named Yoko passing near the beach, with long black hair and brown eyes. As she walked, she saw Akio looking around as if he were lost, which piqued her curiosity. She approached him cautiously and asked: "Do you need help?"


    "Akio: "Yes!


    Yoko: "Okay, what can I do for you?"


    Akio: "I want some souffl¨¦!"


    Yoko was surprised and said: "Souffl¨¦? I think there''s a caf¨¦ that sells souffl¨¦, but it''s about 3 kilometers to the east."


    Akio: "Really?!"


    Suddenly, Akio grabbed Yokoand began to fly using the lightning that was coming from his hands. Yoko was shocked and started screaming. Akio continued to fly with Yoko, laughing and very excited, while all the people looked at him in astonishment and shock, completely uninterested in their reactions as he did everything spontaneously.


    Yoko: "What are you doing, you idiot?! Put me down now!!"


    Akio: "You said you would help me! Where''s the caf¨¦?!!"


    Yoko continued to scream: "We haven''t reached it yet!! Turn right and please put me down!!"


    Akio''s eyes turned into stars from excitement and he shouted: "Souffl¨¦!!! Souffl¨¦!!! I''m coming!!!"


    Yoko: "What is this stupid boy doing?!!"


    Akio: "What''s the name of the caf¨¦?"


    Yoko: "It''s called Chocolate World."


    Akio: "Chocolate World, I''m coming to you!! This is where my adventure begins!!"


    Akio continued to fly clumsily in front of people, and Yoko began to feel nauseous.


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    Yoko: "What is this idiot babbling about?!"


    Akio: "We have arrived!! This is Chocolate World! Let''s go in!!"


    Akio landed Yoko, who fell to the ground feeling dizzy and nauseous. After a moment, she stood up and said: "Wait!! What was that?!"


    Akio: "What was what?"


    Yoko: "You were flying!! How did you do that?!"


    Akio pulled out a lightning ball from his hands, looked at it foolishly with a smile, and said: "Do you mean this? It''s my vaken!"


    Yoko was shocked and said: "A stupid kid like you has a vaken!!"


    Akio: "So what?"


    Yoko: "Considering your behavior, you are very strange. How old are you?"


    Akio: "14 years old."


    Yoko: "But you act like a kindergarten child. Are you crazy?!"


    Akio smiled and closed his eyes: "Yes!!"


    Yoko: "What a weird boy!! I will run away from him immediately!"


    The girl started trying to escape, but Akio grabbed her and looked at her seriously, saying: "Where are you going?! We haven''t eaten our souffl¨¦ yet!!"


    The girl: "Wha... what are you talking about?! I don''t want to eat!!"


    Akio: "What''s wrong with you? Aren''t we friends?!"


    The girl: "We just met, and you don''t even know my name!!"


    Akio started to think and said: "That''s true! How foolish of me, what is your name?"


    The girl put her hand on her head from the stupidity she heard and said: "My name is Yoko..."


    Akio: "From today, we are friends, Yoko! Nice to meet you! My name is Sakamoto Akio!"


    Yoko: "Ugh, okay!! Can I go now?"


    Akio casually grabbed her hand and said: "Not before you eat souffl¨¦ with me!"


    Yoko: "Oh my God, save meee!!!"


    Akio and Yoko sat at the table in the caf¨¦, and the waiter came and asked them: "Hello, are you on a romantic date? You can order the special couple''s meal, which is caramel cake."


    Akio: "What are you talking about? I want my souffl¨¦!!"


    The waiter looked surprised and said: "Uh... did you already order?"


    Yoko: "Uh, excuse him, sir, he''s an idiot!!"


    Akio: "I want twenty plates of souffl¨¦!!!"


    Yoko''s eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed: "W... whattttt?!!!!"


    Waiter: "Are you sure?!!"


    Akio: "Yes!!! Bring it to me right now, please!!"


    Waiter: "And do you have enough money?"


    Akio: "I don''t have any money, but she does!!" (pointing at Yoko)


    Yoko shouted in his face and slapped him: "What are you saying?!! I''m not paying for anything!!! Leave me alone, you idiot!!!"


    Akio put his finger in his nose, looking pessimistic, and said: "Oh, my luck... it seems I won''t be able to get my souffl¨¦..."


    Yoko: "I''ve never seen anyone in my life so stupid!!!"


    Tears streamed down Akio''s face in a humorous way as he said: "I''m so hungry!!"


    Suddenly, in the middle of this conversation, a gang of delinquents stormed into the caf¨¦. Their leader, a guy with blonde hair and hazel eyes, shouted: "Everyone raise your hands and hand over everything you have!!"


    The waiter: "What?!!"


    The thug approached the waiter and pointed his gun at his head, saying, "Raise your hands up now!!"


    The waiter was terrified and raised his hands, as did all the other people. The thug reached into the waiter''s pocket and took out his wallet to steal from it, when suddenly Akio intervened, grabbing the thug''s hand and looking at him seriously, saying, "Give it back to him!!"


    Thug: "What?!! Who are you to interfere!! Let me go now before I shoot you!"


    Akio: "I won''t!!"


    Thug: "You chose that!"


    The thug pointed his gun at Akio''s head and fired a shot, but Akio dodged it and jumped very high, surprising the thug who said, "Huh?!!" He aimed the gun at Akio again and fired, but Akio dodged it once more.


    Akio: "If you don''t leave here, you''ll regret it!"


    The thug laughed with his companions and said, "Hahaha really? And what can a scrawny kid like you do?"


    Akio began to form a ball of lightning in his hands and threw it at the thug and his companions, shocking them and causing them to fall to the ground while screaming. Akio walked calmly, picked up the waiter''s wallet amidst everyone''s astonishment, and put it back in his pocket. He then stood in front of the thugs, formed another ball of lightning in his hands, and said, "Now, if you don''t want to feel more pain, get out of here!!"


    All the thugs stood up, started screaming, and fled the caf¨¦ in fear. At that moment, everyone began to stare at Akio beside the waiter and Yoko, who was in shock: "W-what... what is this... you''re strong!"


    Akio said with a wide smile, "Thanks."


    The waiter: "Thank you, boy! You saved us! I''m in your debt!"


    Akio felt shy and didn''t know what to say. The waiter continued, "You can have twenty souffl¨¦s for free!"


    Akio jumped with joy and started shouting in front of the people: "Souffl¨¦eeeeee!! Souffl¨¦eeeeee!!"


    To be continued...

 3. Ken, the fire boy!

    In the bustling capital of Orakano Island, neon lights shimmered above the crowds, loud music filled the air, and street vendors called out, selling their goods in the side markets. Amidst the chaos, Akio and Yoko walked together, but unlike the lively atmosphere, Yoko''s face was filled with tension and worry, as if she was searching for something important¡ªor rather¡­ someone.


    Yoko (her voice uneasy as she looks around): "To be honest, I''m not from Orakano Island. I came here to search for someone, but I don''t know if I''ll find him or not."


    Akio (curious): "And who is this person?"


    Yoko: "His name is Ken. He''s sixteen, the same age as me. We were childhood friends."


    Akio: "I''ll help you looking for him!"


    But suddenly, as they walked through a side street, something caught their attention¡ªa strange scene unfolding in a dark alley.


    A group of thuggish men had surrounded a single individual who stood calmly, leaning against an old wall. He had vivid red hair, a white cap covering part of his face, and a cigarette between his fingers, which he lit nonchalantly, as if nothing in the world mattered. That person was Ken.


    Yoko''s eyes widened instantly, her heart skipped a beat, while Akio watched the scene with cautious curiosity.


    Thug #1 (smirking): "Hahaha, look at this kid! He looks lonely and miserable. What do you guys think? Should we have some fun with him?"


    Thug #2 (laughing arrogantly): "Sounds good! Hey, you! Look at us when we talk to you, boy!"


    But Ken didn''t move. He didn''t even lift his eyes.


    Thug #3 (irritated by the silence): "Are you deaf, brat? Don''t have a tongue to answer us?"


    The gang''s frustration grew. One of them stepped forward aggressively, reaching out to grab Ken by the collar. But before his hand could touch Ken¡­ A sudden burst of fire erupted from Ken''s body! In an instant, flames surged around him, heat flooding the alley in mere seconds. The gang members jumped back in terror.


    Thug #1 (shouting as he stumbled backward): "What¡­ what the hell is this?!"


    Their eyes widened in horror, staring at Ken, who still hadn''t moved. But now, his feet were surrounded by flickering red flames, glowing a deep crimson. For a moment, he remained silent, his eyes still cast downward.


    Then, slowly, he took a drag from his cigarette, exhaled, and finally lifted his head. His gray eyes¡ªcold and sharp like unsheathed blades¡ªlocked onto the gang members. There was no fear in him, and no emotion.


    Just a chilling indifference, mixed with an overwhelming presence, enough to make some of the thugs instinctively step back.


    Thug #2 (forcing a nervous grin, trying to regain confidence): "You''re pretty bold to be standing here alone, kid. Do you think you can take on the Orakano Gang?"


    Ken took another slow drag of his cigarette, then glanced at them briefly, as if they were nothing more than insects.


    Ken (his voice quiet, yet carrying a hidden menace): "I wasn''t looking for trouble¡­ but it seems trouble was looking for me."


    One of the gang members, unwilling to back down, lunged forward, reaching for Ken''s sword. Before he could lay a finger on the blade, Ken vanished completely. Not even a flicker of movement, and then he reappeared behind the man, standing right behind his shoulder.


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    A sudden wave of scorching heat hit the thug, followed by a scream of agony! He realized too late¡ªhis hand, the one that had reached for Ken''s sword, was now partially burned!


    Ken (his voice eerily calm, yet paralyzing): "I think this conversation is over¡­ It would be best if you all left."


    The gang froze in place, but when Ken stepped forward just once, a violent burst of flames ignited beside him, as if warning them. They didn''t need to be told twice.


    In the blink of an eye, they turned and ran, fleeing the alley as fast as their legs could carry them¡ªlike they were running from death itself.


    While the gang scattered, Yoko remained frozen in place. She stared at Ken, her eyes wide, filled with an indescribable shock, it was as if she couldn''t believe what she was seeing.


    Akio (confused, looking at Yoko): "What''s wrong? Do you know this guy?"


    But Yoko didn''t answer. Her lips trembled, her eyes welled with tears she couldn''t stop from falling. She was looking at Ken, as if he were a ghost from her past¡­ or a dream she had longed for.


    Yoko (her voice shaking as she whispered to herself): "This¡­ this is impossible¡­ Ken?!"


    And before she even realized what she was doing, she ran toward him!


    Ken, who had been watching the thugs disappear into the distance, felt someone suddenly crash into him¡ªarms wrapping around him tightly. Her grip tightened around him, and before he could react, she began sobbing uncontrollably.


    Yoko (her voice breaking as she clung to him): "Ken¡­ I missed you¡­ I can''t believe I finally found you!"


    Ken froze, his mind stopped for a second, Something about this¡­ felt strangely familiar.


    But before he could fully process it, Yoko lifted her tear-streaked face to look at him. Her eyes were filled with longing and disbelief. Ken was still frozen.


    And then, in a voice that sent a chill down her spine¡ª


    Ken (coldly, with the slightest trace of hesitation): "Who¡­ are you?"


    Yoko''s body stiffened. Her breathing hitched, and for a moment, she thought she misheard him.


    Yoko (her voice shaking, almost pleading): "Ken¡­ it''s me, Yoko¡­ Don''t you remember me?! I came to Orakano to find you!"


    Ken''s gray eyes flickered¡ªnot with recognition, but with something unreadable.


    Ken (muttering, as if repeating the name to himself): "Yoko? Are you¡­ Yoko?"


    Yoko nodded quickly, smiling through her tears, her heart racing. But Ken didn''t say anything, his expression remained unreadable. Then, after a brief moment, he stepped back slightly, lowering his gaze.


    And without a word, he dropped his cigarette and crushed it beneath his boot. As if trying to process the unexpected reunion in his own, cold, detached way.


    At that moment, Akio intervened with a smile: "And I am Sakamoto Akio, the future shogun of this continent!"


    Ken smiled sarcastically, "Shogen, huh? You just look like a dreamy kid."


    Akio feels frustrated and responds angrily, "I am not a kid! I can prove my strength!"


    He raises his hand and unleashes the Lightning Vakin from his fingers, turning the air around them into a faint glow. Ken looks at the lightning in amazement, then returns to his cool demeanor.


    Ken: "Lightning Vakin...? It seems you have something interesting."


    Ken walks away a little, then turns his head and looks at them: "So, do you have a real goal or are you just kids playing with dreams?"


    Akio and Yoko exchange determined glances, then follow him until they reach his home. The three sit inside the house, where Yoko and Akio begin to tell their stories.


    Akio excitedly: "Listen, Ken, I intend to undertake a dangerous and difficult adventure, and I won''t be able to complete it alone. I''m sure you will help me a lot! We want to seize the throne and make the world a better place! I will need your strength."


    Ken leans against the wall, his eyes filled with coolness as he lights a new cigarette: "Revenge is the only thing that matters to me right now. I don''t have time for other people''s dreams."


    Akio is determined: "I will help you achieve your revenge, no matter what. Just give us the chance."


    Ken: "And why should I trust a brat like you?!"


    Akio: "I am not a kid! I am fourteen, and I am strong! I have the Lightning Vakin, and you have the Fire Vakin! It seems we all have goals to achieve, so we need to cooperate!"


    Ken, beginning to feel exhausted from Akio''s insistence, exhales smoke and looks at him


    with boredom: "Fine, I''ll agree... but don''t expect me to change my goals."


    At that moment, the door of the house opens, and Ken''s friends, Adam and Kaito, enter, looking curiously at the new guests.


    Adam: "Ken, who are these? What''s going on?"


    Ken looks at them coldly: "I have to leave the house; I''m going for revenge."


    Adam: "What?! But you haven''t completed your training yet; do you really intend to go right away?!"


    Ken: "Yes, right away."


    Kaito stares at him in shock: "What? Are you serious?"


    Ken: "Yes. This is my goal, and I have to fulfill it as I promised."


    Everyone exchanges glances, each carrying mixed feelings of parting, hope, and fear for the future.


    To be continued...

 4. Farewell friends

    Ken sat on the edge of the bed while his friends Adam and Kaito stood in front of him, concern etched on their faces.


    Adam: "Ken... are you serious about this journey? You''re still young, and you don''t have enough strength yet!"


    Ken replied with a sarcastic smile: "I''m strong enough, Adam. No one will stop me."


    Adam, his voice filled with fear: "But... this isn''t just an ordinary journey. I just don''t want to lose you."


    Kaito stepped closer to Ken, his eyes filled with seriousness: "Ken, this journey won''t end well. It could be deadly."


    Ken let out a quiet laugh: "Kaito, do you think I''ll die at the hands of cirrus? Impossible, I''ll turn him into mashed potatoes."


    Akio, who had been listening silently, approached with curiosity: "Cirrus? Who is Cirrus?"


    Ken replied mysteriously: "Just a little bug that I''ll crush soon."


    Akio looked at Ken in confusion and then said: "Wait... do you mean... the King of Kaji Kingdom?"


    Ken nodded and answered in a cold tone: "Yes, him. The king who made my life a hell."


    Akio was shocked for a moment, but he composed himself and asked eagerly: "So... will this be a journey of revenge?"


    Ken smiled firmly: "Yes."


    Akio, smiling and excited: "I like that! I won''t leave you alone on this journey. I have a big dream too, and you know that."


    Ken: "Our goals are different, but we''re on the same path. So, let''s get started."


    Adam sighed sadly: "Just... be careful, Ken. I don''t want to lose you."


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    Ken, with a reassuring smile: "Don''t worry, I''ll come back stronger than I was."


    Ken began packing his belongings, and then he stood at the door with a bag on his back, with Kaito and Adam standing beside him, while Yoko and Akio stood nearby.


    Adam began to cry softly as he looked at Ken with tearful eyes: "Please, always keep in touch with me. Never leave us. And... take care of yourself, Ken."


    Ken: "No need to worry, I''ll always be fine."


    Kaito, with a serious expression and his usual calmness, looked at Ken and asked: "What about school, Ken? Are you going to leave it so easily?"


    Ken, with a calm smile and confidence: "It can be postponed for now. I have more important things to achieve."


    Then Ken turned to Yoko, who was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, and asked her: "And what about you, Yoko? What do you plan to do now?"


    Yoko smiled with a slightly enthusiastic tone, saying: "I''m going on my own adventure. I escaped from my aunt''s house, who didn''t treat me well... and now I want to explore the world and see everything for myself."


    Akio, with an encouraging smile: "That''s great, Yoko! I wish you luck with that!"


    Ken looked at his friends one by one, then said in a strong tone: "This is not a goodbye, but a new beginning. We will change and grow, and we will meet again, stronger than we were."


    Adam wiped his tears with a sad smile: "Just don''t make me need another goodbye, Ken."


    Kaito with a simple sigh: "Well, Ken, I hope you find what you''re looking for and achieve the justice you seek."


    Ken: "Thank you all, and now goodbye..."


    Then Ken walked out the door, with Akio and Yoko following him, leaving behind a place filled with their memories, and an unknown future waiting for them.


    After saying goodbye to everyone, Yoko turned towards Ken and Akio, taking a deep breath as she prepared to embark on her own journey away from them. She looked at Ken with a small smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of hesitation and nostalgia. Her cheeks flushed slightly whenever her eyes met his, but she was trying hard to hide it.


    Ken lit his cigarette and took a deep puff with a calm expression, then turned his head towards Yoko.


    Ken: "What a day."


    Yoko smiled gently, trying to hide her embarrassment: "Ken, you need to take good care of yourself. Defeating Cyrus is very difficult and hard to comprehend."


    Yoko extended her hand to shake Ken''s, looking a bit tense, and said: "And now it''s time for us to part ways again. I wish you all the best!"


    Yoko felt her heart race when her hand touched Ken''s.


    Ken said in a calm tone: "Alright, Yoko. We''ll meet again when each of us has our own story."


    Yoko looked down shyly and then raised her head with an optimistic smile: "Yes... I will be waiting for that day!"


    Then she turned and walked away, leaving Ken and Akio behind, each staring down their own path.


    To be continued¡­

 5. To Fawilla land

    It was afternoon, and the sun was shining with some dark clouds beside it when Akio and Ken left the house to begin their adventure. Each of them wore a backpack and carried a larger bag in the other hand.


    Ken said firmly, "So, where are we going now?"


    Akio, with a silly face: "Uhhhh, honestly, I don''t know. Where do you want to go?"


    Ken: "Are you kidding me? You forced me to come on an adventure with you, and you don''t even know where we''re going!"


    Akio: "Hahahaha, don''t worry, we''ll find our way."


    Akio looked ahead and saw a sign on the street that read "Fawila."


    Akio: "Fawila! Let''s go to Fawila!"


    Ken looked at him mockingly: "I know you just read that off the sign!"


    Ken and Akio arrived at the harbor and boarded the ship that would take them to the Kingdom of Fowila, which was next to the island of Oracano. As the ship set sail, they decided to stand on the deck to enjoy the sea breeze.


    Akio, gazing at the sea: "How long do you think it will take us to get there?"


    Ken: "You idiot, it''s really close to the island, and we''ll be there in an hour!"


    The ship began sailing, and Ken stood by the edge of the ship, smoking his cigarette, while Akio was in the cafeteria devouring souffl¨¦ greedily. Everyone was staring at him, confused.


    Akio, excitedly munching a piece of souffl¨¦: "Ken! Come eat some souffl¨¦ with me! It''s so delicious!"


    Ken, coldly: "I''m not hungry."


    Suddenly, everyone''s attention shifted from Akio to Ken, especially the girls. Their cheeks turned red, and admiring looks appeared for Ken''s handsomeness. Ken, however, ignored them and kept smoking his cigarette. The girls whispered, "He''s so handsome!"


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    One of the girls bravely approached him, her eyes turning into hearts, and asked, "Hi, do you have a girlfriend?"


    Ken turned to her in surprise: "None of your business."


    The girl: "Uhhh, sorry, you''re just so handsome! I couldn''t stop myself from talking to you!"


    Ken: "What are you saying?!"


    Akio, who had been watching the conversation, couldn''t stop himself from quietly laughing, then whispered to Ken: "Come on, a little kindness! She''s crushing on you!"


    Ken, indifferently: "Let them stare. It''s not my problem."


    Akio, laughing: "If I weren''t with you, this ship would be so boring. Thank God I''m here; I''ll add some excitement to your life."


    Another girl came up to Ken, hearts in her eyes as well, and suddenly grabbed his hand.


    The second girl: "You''re really handsome, but you don''t talk much, do you?"


    Ken quickly pulled his hand away and said, annoyed and seriously: "Don''t touch me!"


    While the girl was trying to understand Ken''s mysterious response, another girl came close holding a plate of fruit.


    The third girl: "Do you like mangoes?"


    Ken: "No."


    The third girl: "But they''re delicious! Try it, you''ll like it!"


    The girl took a big bite of the mango, but suddenly her face turned red, and she coughed violently, then covered her mouth, trying not to look at Ken.


    At that moment, Akio noticed the strange situation and decided to intervene in a childish manner. He smiled innocently and said, "What''s going on here? Is there a problem with the fruit? Is it poisonous?"


    The third girl, flustered: "No, no, it''s not poisonous, don''t worry!"


    Then suddenly, Akio stood in his place, smiling happily, and said, "I know! Maybe it''s just a magical fruit! Yes, that''s it! This fruit could give you superpowers!"


    The girls started laughing loudly, while Ken looked at Akio with a completely strange expression and said coldly: "Akio, a magical fruit? Did you come from another planet?"


    Akio answered enthusiastically and innocently, raising his hand in the air: "I don''t know, but I feel like there are fruits that give us superpowers in some parallel world!"


    Ken laughed loudly and said: "What nonsense!"


    Akio was surprised and looked at Ken''s face and said: "This is the first time I''ve seen you laugh, Ken!"


    The laugh disappeared from Ken''s face, and he said coldly: "So what?"


    There was a moment of silence on the ship, but after a few seconds, Akio pointed to the horizon and said: "Do you see that? There''s an island in the distance!"


    Ken put his hand on his forehead at Akio''s stupidity and said: "You fool, that''s the Kingdom of Fawila. It''s not an island; we''ve arrived!"


    Akio, smiling stupidly: "Oh, it looks like an island, doesn''t it?"


    Everyone started laughing, while Ken turned his head and said: "Akio, I wish I could understand you."


    Akio, raising his hand with a childish smile: "I understand! But even if we don''t understand, the adventure is what matters! Let''s go!"


    Ken, trying to suppress his laughter: "What a boy!"


    To be continued¡­

 6. It’s not just a beautiful forest

    Akio''s journey began when he left the Zitara Empire, where he had grown up as a child. Determined to fulfill his goal of becoming the Shogun in this chaotic world, he set out on an adventure. His first destination was Orakano Island, a place teeming with life and disorder. There, he met Ken, the mysterious samurai burdened by a painful past, and Yoko, a girl with an old connection to Ken.


    After fate brought them together on that island, Akio and Ken decided to continue their journey together. Boarding a ship, they left Orakano, sailing across the vast ocean toward Fawila State, where new challenges awaited them, along with hidden truths yet to be uncovered, guiding them toward their unknown destiny.


    (Finally, Ken and Akio arrived at Fawila state after their ship journey. One by one, the passengers began disembarking. The scenery in Fawila was breathtaking, filled with lush nature and tropical forests.)


    Akio: "Wow! Do you see this, Ken?! Trees! Flowers! Rivers! It''s paradise!"


    Ken calmly lit a cigarette: "It''s just a forest."


    Akio excitedly approached a massive tree and placed his hand on it: "Just a forest? Are you blind? Look at this! Nature is speaking to us, Ken! Don''t you feel it?"


    Ken, exhaling smoke nonchalantly: "We don''t have time to talk to the forest. Let''s go find a place to stay."


    Akio: "Oh, you just don''t understand the value of this place! I think I could live here forever!"


    Ken: "Fine."


    (While Akio enjoyed the natural beauty, Ken scanned the surroundings seriously, until he noticed a group of girls disembarking the ship and heading toward them.)


    Girl 1: (shouting excitedly) "It''s him! It''s that handsome guy!"


    Ken raised an eyebrow in confusion: "Now what?"


    Girl 2: (standing in front of him with a thrilled expression) "Please, can we take a picture with you?"


    Ken (coldly) "No."


    Girl 1: (smirking mischievously) "Oh, don''t be shy. It won''t take long."


    Akio burst out laughing, watching the situation unfold: "Ken! You have fans! Come on, be nice!"


    Ken placed a hand on his forehead in frustration: "I don''t understand why anyone would want pictures with a guy that is smoking a cigarette."


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    Girl 3: (approaching with even more enthusiasm) "That''s what makes you attractive! Your calm, mysterious vibe!"


    Ken looked at her flatly: "I think you need glasses."


    Akio grabbed Ken''s hand and pushed him toward the girls: "Come on, it won''t hurt to be social for once! Smile a little!"


    Ken yanked his hand away and muttered irritably: "Leave me alone."


    (The girls managed to force Ken to stand for photos. He stood still and cold in every picture, with an indifferent expression, which only made the girls squeal with excitement.)


    Girl 1: "He''s amazing! Even in photos, he looks so mysterious and stunning!"


    Akio clutched his stomach, laughing uncontrollably: "Look, Ken, you''ve become the star of Fawila!"


    Ken glared at him sharply: "If you don''t stop laughing right now, I''ll throw you in the river."


    Akio stepped back slightly, grinning mischievously: "Alright, alright, I won''t say anything else, star of Fawila!"


    (After the unexpected photo session, Akio and Ken headed toward a nearby forest. While Akio continued marveling at the natural beauty, Ken seemed annoyed and bored.)


    Ken: (bored) "What now? Do you want to sleep in the forest? People have gone to hotels, and you''ve been wandering here for two hours!"


    Akio: "You''re so dull! Don''t you feel anything while walking through this beautiful nature?"


    Ken: (bored) "You''re overreacting."


    (As they walked, they heard a strange sound coming from deep within the forest¡ªa sound like screaming.)


    Akio: (drawing the sword strapped to his back) "What was that?! Did you hear it?!"


    Ken: (looking toward the sound) "It''s coming from the cave."


    (They began walking toward the source of the sound, a cave, where they found a frightened boy, around twelve years old, with purple hair and purple eyes.)


    Akio: (curious) "Hey, are you lost?"


    Boy: "No, I''m not lost. I''m looking for my sister. She went into the Black Ghost Cave two days ago, and she hasn''t come back!"


    Akio: "Black Ghost Cave?!"


    Ken: (recalling information) "Wait a second, I''ve heard about that cave! They said it''s haunted by spirits and demons who guard a legendary treasure inside. The strangest part is that no one who entered that cave has never come out. I didn''t know it was here!"


    (The boy began crying and yelled:)


    Boy: "What am I going to do now?! My sister is missing, and it''s my fault! I was too interested in the treasure, and that''s why she went to find it!"


    Akio: (picking his nose absentmindedly) "Don''t worry, we''ll go and look for your sister."


    Ken: (yelling) "You idiot! Do you want to die at the start of our journey? It''s been two days since she disappeared¡ªshe''s probably dead like the rest."


    Akio: "I''m strong, and I can handle anything inside that cave."


    Boy: (nervously) "By the way, my name is Viko, and my sister Ann isn''t the type to die easily. She''s a ninja!"


    Ken: "Hmm, that''s interesting. If she''s a ninja, she might have avoided most of the traps inside. She could still be alive."


    (Akio dashed toward the cave excitedly, shouting back to Ken:)


    Akio: "Come on, Ken, what are you waiting for?!"


    Viko: "But it''s too dangerous! If you enter that cave, you''ll never come back!"


    Ken: (encouragingly) "You were about to go into the cave alone, but now you have two people with you¡ªand we''re not just anyone. Now come with us; we need your help!"


    Akio: "Wait a minute. It''s too dangerous for a kid to enter this cave."


    Viko: "Don''t underestimate me! I was born into the most famous ninja family in the region! I''m not weak! Also, I''m not a kid; you only look a bit older than me, samurai."


    Akio: (excitedly) "Great! Let''s go then!"


    To be continued¡­

 7. The black ghost cave

    Ken, Akio, and Viko ventured deep into the Black Phantom Cave, where silence filled the air except for the sound of their footsteps echoing between the walls. The cave was illuminated by glowing crystals scattered in every corner, adding an extraordinary beauty to the place.


    Akio (excitedly): "Oh my God! Did you see this? This place looks like a palace made of gemstones! I can''t believe people are scared to enter it!"


    While Akio approached one of the crystals and touched it curiously, Ken moved steadily, prepared for any threat. He glanced at Fiko, who appeared tense yet intrigued.


    Ken (seriously): "Fiko, what is this treasure you keep talking about? And why do you and your sister want it so badly?"


    Viko paused for a moment, then sighed deeply and said:


    viko: "It''s not just any treasure¡­ It''s an ancient scroll written by my ancestors from the ninja clan hundreds of years ago. It''s called the Forbidden Ninja Scroll, and it''s said to contain secrets and techniques that grant its holder unimaginable power. My sister Ann and I wanted to retrieve it to protect our village¡­ and to prove that we''re capable of achieving something great."


    Akio stopped examining the crystals and turned excitedly toward Fiko:


    Akio: "Secret techniques and immense power? That sounds amazing! Why didn''t you tell me about this earlier?"


    Ken (sharply looking at Akio): "This isn''t the time for jokes, Akio. If the scroll really has such power, it''s no wonder this place is filled with dangers. That makes things even more complicated."


    As the three of them progressed through the cave, the passages gradually narrowed, and the atmosphere grew increasingly eerie, with strange sounds echoing from deep within the darkness.


    Viko (nervously): "Be careful¡­ These could be the spirits guarding the scroll. I''ve heard that anyone who gets close to the scroll is immediately targeted."


    Akio (smiling confidently): "Spirits? I''m not afraid of ghosts. Just leave them to me if they show up!"


    Ken (with slight sarcasm): "Don''t forget we''re here to rescue Fiko''s sister, not to show off your bravery."


    As their conversation continued, they suddenly stopped when a loud noise echoed from deep within the cave. It sounded like the scream of someone in distress.


    Akio (worriedly): "Could that be Ann?!"


    Viko: "I don''t know¡­ but it''s very close!"


    Ken cautiously moved forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. He signaled the others to stay behind him.


    Ken: "Stay behind me. Anything could happen now."


    Akio placed his hand on his sword''s hilt as well and stepped forward alongside Ken.


    Akio: "Do you still think I''m weak? Watch what I can do now!"


    Ken (mockingly): "Alright, let''s see what you''ve got¡ªif you''ve got anything at all!"


    As they continued deeper into the cave, they noticed ancient carvings etched into the walls. The drawings seemed to tell the story of an old battle between ninjas and strange spirits.


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    Akio (pointing at the drawings): "It looks like there''s a lot of history here."


    Viko (staring at the carvings): "These are the drawings of my ancestors. They believed the spirits were the eternal guardians of the scroll. But I never imagined they''d be real."


    Suddenly, a bright light shone from the depths of the cave, stopping everyone in their tracks.


    Ken (closing his eyes briefly against the light): "Get ready¡­ it seems like we''re close to something big."


    Out of nowhere, a strange, shadow-like spirit appeared. It had no defined form or features but moved and floated as if alive.


    Akio (bravely): "Who are you?! Are you the Black Phantom?"


    The Spirit: "No, I''m not the Black Phantom. But why are you here? Have you come to die?"


    Akio (angrily): "We''re here to rescue Fiko''s sister! Don''t tell me you''ve killed her!!"


    The spirit laughed coldly: "Hahaha, so you know that girl. She''s quite stubborn and strong. She''s still running away."


    Viko (with sudden hope): "So you''re saying¡­ my sister is still alive?!"


    The Spirit: "That''s right. Everyone who enters this cave dies within two hours¡ªexcept that girl. She seems to be incredibly strong and has dangerous stealth skills. We don''t know where she is right now."


    viko: "Give me back my sister!"


    The spirit laughed again: "Hahaha, don''t worry. We''ll reunite you with her¡­ but in the afterlife!"


    The spirit suddenly began to attack, transforming into a hideous creature with a massive, towering body. The three immediately drew their swords and prepared for battle. Akio was the first to strike, aiming his blade at the creature''s neck, but a sharp saw emerged from its neck, blocking the attack. Ken and Viko joined in the fight, but every time they struck a part of the monster''s body, a saw would appear to deflect the blow. Saws seemed to sprout from all over its body.


    Viko tried fighting with punches, but they had no effect on the creature. Despite their relentless efforts, the creature blocked every attack. Exhausted and sweating, the three began to feel the toll of the battle.


    Viko (in despair): "It''s no use! The more we attack, the more it deflects our strikes. We''re just wasting our energy!"


    Ken (shouting as he leaped to attack the creature): "Damn it!"


    This time, Ken jumped high, aiming for the monster''s head, specifically its massive mouth. To his horror, the creature bit down, trapping him between its sharp teeth. Ken screamed in pain as blood poured from his body while he remained trapped in the creature''s jaws.


    Akio (screaming in fear for his friend): "Ken! Let Ken go right now!!"


    The Monster: "Hahahaha, leave this place now if you don''t want to die like him!"


    Ken was panting, groaning, and sweating profusely, his body weakened from the heavy blood loss. At that moment, Akio didn''t hesitate. He leaped high into the air, his face filled with anger, as if he had transformed into an entirely different person. This time, he used his lightning Faken, merging it with his sword. He then aimed his blade at the monster''s hand. Surprisingly, the monster couldn''t block Akio''s strike this time-its entire body was electrified, and blood began pouring from its hands. It seemed the monster could endure all kinds of attacks except those involving Faken.


    Akio continued stabbing the monster repeatedly with his sword and lightning Faken, causing it to cry out in pain. Its face was filled with shock-it had never expected this.


    Akio shouted at the electrified monster, "Let go of my friend right now, or I''ll make you experience a hell you''ll never forget for the rest of your life!"


    The intense pain the beast felt caused it to release Ken from its jaws, dropping him to the ground. His body was covered in wounds on his hands, legs, and stomach, but he had not lost consciousness yet. He was still fighting. Akio approached Ken with a mix of tension and awe in his eyes.


    Akio: "Ken, are you alive?! Please, don''t die!!"


    Ken slowly opened his eyes, unusually calm, as if trying to conceal his pain.


    Ken (in a weak voice): "Don''t underestimate me like I underestimated you. It seems you are really strong and trustworthy, despite your stupidity!"


    Viko (with fear and concern): "Let''s get out of here immediately! We have an injured person!"


    Hearing Vico''s words, Ken began to rise slowly and with great difficulty from the ground, but he managed to stand in the end. He looked utterly exhausted after losing so much blood. Vico''s face showed clear signs of shock and astonishment.


    Viko: "How¡­ how are you able to stand?!"


    Ken: "I''m fine. It''s just scratches! I won''t leave here until we finish our mission!"


    At that moment, the beast collapsed to the ground, succumbing to its injuries. Akio''s expression shifted dramatically, and tears comically streamed down his face as he ran toward Ken and hugged him while sobbing.


    Akio: "You idiot! I thought you were going to die and leave me to finish the adventure alone!"


    Ken (angrily, in a comical tone): "Get off me! You''re hurting me even more!"


    Akio continued crying while holding onto Ken, who had no idea how to escape his grasp.


    To be continued¡­

 8. Warrior’s break

    The air was thick with the scent of blood left behind by the battle. The beast, defeated by Akio, lay motionless on the ground, its body riddled with wounds. Akio stood catching his breath after the intense fight, while Ken was beside him, pressing on his injured arm, struggling to ignore the pain.


    Viko approached the beast lying on the ground, staring at it in amazement.


    Viko: "Akio-senpai, that was one of the fiercest battles I''ve ever seen. I had no idea you were a Vaken user!"


    Akio: "It was a risk, but I knew it was the only way to defeat it. I used its strength against it."


    Ken interrupted him in a calm voice:


    Ken: "We need to move forward. Our goal is still deeper inside. We can''t back down now."


    Viko turned to him in shock.


    Viko: "Ken-senpai, you can barely stand! This is crazy!"


    Ignoring his words, Ken placed his hand on his sword and said firmly:


    Ken: "If we fear the beginning, we''ll never reach the end. This is just the start¡­ what lies ahead could be far worse."


    Akio: "Ken is right, though. We might face even greater dangers. We need to be ready for anything. Let''s use this moment to catch our breath and prepare."


    The three friends sat down beside the beast''s corpse to rest before moving forward.


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    While they rested, Vico spoke excitedly:


    Viko : "Akio-senpai, you''re a genius! We tried so hard to wound the beast, but only you succeeded! The beast''s weakness was the Vaken, that''s so strange."


    Ken laughed and said:


    Ken: "Hahaha, Akio? A genius? What a joke!"


    Akio looked at Ken, visibly exhausted, and said with concern:


    Akio: "Are you sure you''re okay, Ken? Your injuries are deep, and you''ve lost a lot of blood."


    Ken: "I''m used to this."


    Viko : "What do you mean? How can anyone get used to these kinds of injuries?!"


    Ken: "It doesn''t matter. Let''s move on."


    Viko (worried): "Wait a moment, let me look at your wounds¡ªmaybe I can help you."


    Ken (seriously): "There''s no need. I''m fine! I''ll handle it."


    Ken calmly tore his red jacket and used it to bandage his wounds, suppressing the pain with a cold demeanor.


    Viko (in amazement): "I''ve never seen anyone so calm and tough! This is insane!"


    Ken: "Now, playtime is over. It''s time to search for your sister."


    The three of them started walking deeper into the dark cave. As they moved, Vico whispered to Akio.


    Viko : "Is your friend even human?"


    Akio (confidently): "I''ve only known him for a short while, but he proved himself today. That''s why I trust him. Anyone who wants to join me on an adventure needs to be strong."


    Viko (with a hint of sadness): "I feel like he''s been through a lot in his life."


    Ken interjected:


    Ken: "I can hear you."


    Akio: "Oh, really? Anyway¡­ you still haven''t told me anything about yourself. Where are you from? Where''s your family? And why is your personality so¡­ unusual?"


    Ken: "What benefit would you get if you knew that? I assume Yoko told you."


    Akio: "She only told me a little. I want to hear the story from you, my dear friend."


    Ken (with labored breaths): "I hate telling that story¡­"


    To be continued¡­

 9. Ken’s childhood part 1

    Eight years ago, in the Kingdom of Ruby, there was a civilized, beautiful, and well-organized city where people lived in comfort and safety. Ken lived there with his family. He was 8 years old at the time, standing alongside his two siblings. His older brother, Dan, was 11 years old, with dark red, tousled hair and gray eyes, just like Ken. Their younger sister, Emily, was 6 years old and looked different from her brothers, with light brown, medium-length hair and blue eyes.


    The three stood in the living room as Dan spoke enthusiastically:


    Dan: "Hey, Ken, how about a match between us to see who wins?"


    Ken (jumping with excitement): "Sure! This time, I''ll beat you¡ªI''m strong!"


    Before Ken could finish his sentence, Dan punched him hard in the stomach, causing him to fall to the ground. Dan smiled triumphantly and stood with his arms crossed, while Ken began crying from the pain of the blow. Emily intervened, shouting:


    Emily: "Stop it! An older brother shouldn''t hit his little brother! I''m going to tell Dad!"


    Ken stood up angrily, tears streaming down his face, and yelled:


    Ken: "I hate you, Dan!"


    Dan (mockingly): "You''re such a crybaby, hahaha!"


    Seconds later, their father arrived with Emily beside him. He resembled Dan, with dark red, tousled hair and bright gray eyes. His face bore an expression of anger. His name was Akako.


    Akako (in a loud voice): "That''s enough, Dan! How many times have I told you not to hurt your younger siblings? You''re the eldest; you should be responsible for them! Don''t forget your mother is pregnant and will give birth to twins soon. You need to be more responsible, my boy! Now, apologize to your brother."


    Dan (awkwardly, avoiding Ken''s gaze): "Uh¡­ I''m sorry."


    Akako: "Look at your brother''s face and shake hands with him!"


    Dan slowly approached Ken and extended his hand. Ken wiped away his tears and shook it. Moments later, their mother entered the room. She looked exactly like Emily, with brown hair tied in a ponytail. Her stomach was noticeably large as she was six months pregnant with twins. Her name was Masha.


    Masha: "What''s all the commotion? Is everything okay?"


    Akako: "The kids were fighting, but I made them make up. Everything''s fine now."


    Ken ran to his mother and hugged her lovingly, his tear-streaked face still evident. She hugged him back.


    Ken: "Mom, I''m so excited to meet our new siblings!"


    Masha: "Me too! Only three months left until they arrive. You should think of good names for a boy and a girl!"


    It seemed Ken and Dan had already forgotten their earlier fight. They sat together in the living room and started watching TV. Akako, Masha, and Emily joined them. The television displayed a breaking news broadcast, and the family fell silent, listening intently.


    News Anchor: "Welcome to the Ruby Kingdom News. Unfortunately, today''s news will not be easy for anyone. We''ve received reports from official sources that the Cirrus Army has begun breaching the edges of the capital with their tanks. Fighter jets have been spotted flying near the border. Are we on the brink of a new war?"


    Worry and tension began to show on the faces of Ken and his family.


    Ken: "Does that mean we''re at war now, Dad?"


    Akako (uneasily): "I hope it doesn''t come to that¡­"


    Dan: "But why?! What does the Cirrus Army want from us?!"


    Masha: "They want to conquer the country and annex it to their kingdom, the Kingdom of Kaji."


    Emily: "The name ''Kaji Kingdom'' sounds like our family name, Yukaji."


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    Dan: "Emily, didn''t Dad tell you yet that he came from the Kaji Kingdom? We''re not originally from Ruby Kingdom; we just live here."


    Emily (in shock): "What?!"


    Ken (angrily): "Who is this King Cirrus, and why does he want to conquer us? I''ll never forgive him! I''m sure our army will defeat him!"


    Akako and Masha left the living room and headed to the bedroom. Akako appeared visibly distressed and saddened.


    Akako: "I can''t believe this¡­ After all the destruction we endured in 2003, that scoundrel is coming back to conquer us again?! And he''s not just any scoundrel¡­ Cirrus is my own brother! And I''m still branded as the runaway prince!"


    Masha: "The problem is that his power is beyond imagination. With one strike, he can wipe out an entire residential area!"


    Akako: "Masha, our children are living happily, thinking they''re just ordinary kids. They don''t know they come from royal lineage! And that their uncle is the one who will destroy everything! He truly embodies evil!"


    Masha began to cry and said:


    Masha: "Akako¡­ we''re targets now because of you! Cirrus wants to get rid of all of us! But what if some of us survive while others die? How would we live with that? I can''t bear the thought of losing you or any of our children, Akako!"


    She threw herself into Akako''s arms, crying uncontrollably. Akako, equally scared and saddened, held her tightly.


    Akako: "Don''t worry, my love. Everything will be fine."


    A few days later¡­


    The scene shifts to the playroom, where the three children were playing together. Their mother entered the room.


    Masha (in a somber tone): "Listen carefully, my little ones. It''s been announced that fighter jets have entered the heart of the capital and will begin bombing everything. Tanks are advancing as well. The war has started! You must always stay together in one room. We will live or die together. We''ll never leave the house unless we''re all together."


    Ken: "But what about Dad? Won''t he go to work?"


    Masha: "Your father''s situation is different. His work is important and cannot be missed."


    Emily started crying and said:


    Emily: "Are we going to die, Mom?!"


    Masha: "We won''t die as long as we follow instructions and get to the shelters quickly. Don''t worry, my dear¡­"


    The next day¡­


    Masha sat in the living room near the TV when Ken entered.


    Ken: "Mom, please let me go to Yuko''s house. I want to play with her."


    Masha (sharply): "I can''t let you go. There are missiles outside, and the army might kidnap you!"


    Ken: "But Mom, we''ll have to go outside eventually! Schools are starting in two weeks! Won''t you let us go?"


    Masha (frustrated): "I don''t know¡­"


    Suddenly, while Ken was talking to his mother, a loud, terrifying sound of war sirens filled the air. The sound was horrifying, especially for the children. Ken, scared, clung to his mother.


    Ken (fearfully): "Mom, what''s that sound?!"


    Masha: "It''s the war siren¡ªdanger is coming!"


    At that moment, fighter jets began bombing near Ken''s house. The sound of explosions and destruction was deafening. Ken cried in fear as he clung to his mother, shutting his eyes tightly to avoid seeing the chaos. In her room, Emily hid under her bed, crying and screaming, covering her ears. Dan, in his room, also placed his hands over his ears, trembling in fear.


    The scene shifts to another house, where Yuko, an eight-year-old girl with short black hair, stood in the living room. Beside her was her slightly older brother with black hair and brown eyes.


    Yuko (panicking): "Brother! What''s happening?!"


    Brother: "Don''t worry, Yuko. We''ll be fine¡­"


    The scene shifts back to the living room of Ken''s house, where he clung tightly to his mother.


    Ken: "Mom, there are people dying right now! We might die next!"


    Masha started crying and hugged Ken tightly. The next day, Akako returned home after finishing work, his face heavy with sorrow. The children and Masha were sitting in the living room.


    Akako: "Our neighbor, Kamo, and his entire family died yesterday after their house was bombed¡­"


    Masha (shocked): "W-What are you saying?!"


    Ken: "But what about Yuko?! Is Yuko okay?!"


    Akako: "We haven''t heard anything about Yuko''s family. I think they''re fine."


    Ken: "I''m going to check on her!"


    Ken dashed out of the house, leaving his family stunned.


    Masha (to Akako): "Why didn''t you stop him?!"


    Akako: "Let him go. She''s his friend, and he needs to make sure she''s okay. Her house is right next to ours, as you know. Meanwhile, I''ll head to the store to stock up on supplies so we don''t need to go out again soon."


    When Ken stepped outside, he was horrified by the scene before him. Half the houses in the neighborhood were destroyed, and rubble was everywhere. However, relief washed over him when he saw Yuko''s house still standing. He ran over and found Yuko playing in her front yard.


    Ken: "Yuko! You''re okay?!"


    Yuko: "Yes, I am! I''m so glad to see you alive, Ken!"


    Ken: "Yuko, promise me you won''t die. I don''t have any other friends but you!"


    Yuko (cheerfully and innocently): "I''ll never die! We''re going to grow up, live happily, and get married, Ken!"


    Ken laughed, his cheeks turning red.


    Ken: "Hahaha, what are you talking about, Yuko? Are you joking?!"


    Their conversation was cut short by the sound of the alarm blaring again. The loud siren startled them, and Yuko grabbed Ken''s hand, pulling him along as she started running.


    Yuko: "Come on, Ken! We have to get to the school¡ªit''s the shelter!"


    Ken: "But what about my family?!"


    Yuko: "They''ll follow us. Don''t worry!"


    The two children ran as fighter jets began bombing the area around them. Fear and anxiety were evident on their faces.


    The scene shifts back to Ken''s house, where Akako suddenly shouted in panic:


    Akako: "Ken! Ken''s not in the house!!"


    (To be continued¡­)

 10. Ken’s childhood part 2

    "While the sound of alarm sirens echoed throughout the city, Akako, Ken''s father, was running in the street, searching for his son, showing signs of fear and tension.


    Akako (shouting): Ken, where are you, my son? Where are you?! What a failure of a father I am!


    Then he looked down at the ground sadly and said: I hope he went with Yoko to the shelter...


    The scene now shifts to Ken, Yoko, and her older brother, who were in the shelter, which was a school filled with a crowd of people and families.


    Ken (in a frightened tone): I''m worried about my family!


    Yoko''s brother: So are we! My older sister, and my mom and dad are not at home; we don''t know what happened to them...


    Amid all this noise, a very loud explosion sounded near the shelter, causing screams from children and women to be heard, along with sounds of destruction, and the smell of death began to fill the place. Ken, Yoko, and her brother held onto each other with their eyes closed.


    After two hours, the sounds of sirens and explosions began to fade, and Ken thought that everything would be okay now.


    Ken: What do you think about going out now? It seems the situation has calmed down; let''s go look for our families.


    Yoko: I agree, let''s go.


    But as soon as the three children left the school, they began to hear many gunfire sounds, as there were a lot of occupying soldiers shooting at civilians, even at children. Ken was in shock; he saw a baby barely able to crawl when one of the soldiers shot him in the head, and blood splattered everywhere. Tears began to flow from Ken and his friends'' eyes at the horror of the scene.


    Yoko (screaming and crying): He''s just a baby! Why are they killing children? Don''t they have any mercy?!"


    "And suddenly a soldier came from behind them, and the three froze in place from terror and fear. The soldier''s clothes were stained with blood, and he held a gun in his hand. He looked at them mockingly, then aimed the gun at Yoko''s brother''s chest and fired without any hesitation. Yoko''s brother fell to the ground and died at that moment after the bullet shattered his heart. Yoko screamed at the horrific sight and began to cry at the top of her voice, but Ken grabbed her hand and started running with her. They managed to escape from the soldier, who was still shooting, but his bullets did not hit them. Soon they reached a dark alley where there was no one. Yoko collapsed and began to cry hard, so Ken hugged her with his eyes filled with tears and tried to comfort her. They remained in that state for several minutes, and then Ken felt he needed to say something.


    Ken: I can''t believe what happened... I''m so sorry, Yoko... Let''s go home and check on the others.


    Yoko stood up, her face looking exhausted from crying too much. Ken took her hand and they started walking towards their homes, and to their shock, when they arrived, their houses were on fire, and everything was destroyed.


    Ken screamed: My home! My home is burning!!


    Ken pushed the door quickly and rushed inside, while Yoko ran to her house. When Ken entered his house, he saw everything ablaze, and he saw his mother and sister Emily, who had turned into lifeless bodies. It seemed they had died from suffocation. Ken started screaming and crying in turn now, and he cried a lot in his mother''s embrace.


    Ken: Mom, please don''t leave me, Mom! Please wake up! My new siblings haven''t been born yet! Are you going to let them die with you?! Mom!!


    Then he turned to Emily and began to hug her tightly.


    Ken: Emily, wake up! Emily! You were so excited for me to start school this year! Are you going to leave so easily?! Emily¡­


    Ken was crying in his mother''s and sister''s arms for a long time, but then he realized that breathing had become difficult, so he took his mother''s necklace and his sister''s doll and the pictures that were scattered on the floor and put them in his bag. Then he stood up and looked at them one last time and said: Goodbye, Mom... Goodbye, Emily...


    Then he put his hand on his face to wipe his tears and left the house. When he stepped outside, he saw Yuko in front of him, and it seemed she had witnessed similar events at her home, so the two embraced each other again.


    Ken (in a broken spirit): Yuko, let''s get out of here...


    As they started to walk, Ken spotted his brother Dan from afar, so he ran quickly towards him, and it really was him. He threw himself into his embrace and began to cry again.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Ken: Finally, I found you, Dan! I can''t believe you''re still alive, brother! They all died in the house... Mom and sister and my unborn siblings... I can''t believe it.


    Dan was shocked by the news he heard, and tears began to fall from his eyes as he hugged his brother, who was crying heavily and without stopping.


    Dan (trying to calm down): Ken... Our father is missing. He and I went out to look for you; he might still be alive.


    Once again, Ken, Yuko, and Dan continued walking when another soldier appeared before them, but this soldier was different as he started talking.


    Soldier: Red hair and gray eyes, this is interesting! It seems you are the children of Akako!


    Dan (bravely): How did you know that?!


    Soldier: Hahahaha, it seems you know nothing, I have to kill you now, and this is a royal order!


    The soldier grabbed Ken with his right hand while he held Dan with his left.


    Soldier: So, which of you wants to die first?


    Ken began to shake with fear, and signs of shock were evident on his face. He couldn''t utter a word, as the gun was aimed at his head.


    Soldier: Looks like I''ll start with this little one; he''ll entertain me for a bit!


    Dan (with anger and seriousness): Leave my brother alone! He''s still a child! Take me instead!


    At that moment, Yoko was sitting on the ground on her knees, seemingly not comprehending what was happening, as she was staring at the ground with a pale and shocked face. The soldier looked at Dan''s face while laughing.


    Soldier: Hahahaha, you really are one of the Yukaji, you''ve inherited their courage, but have you inherited their strength as well?


    Dan: I don''t know what you''re talking about, but let my brother go right now!


    Soldier: Well, I''ll leave this weak; we want to kill the kids who will become strong like you!


    The soldier moved the gun away from Ken''s face and released him. Ken stood frozen in place, not uttering a word from the intensity of fear, and he began to look ahead. The soldier aimed the gun at Dan''s head, so Dan looked at Ken and said: You have to live, Ken!


    The soldier fired at Dan''s head, and he fell to the ground with his blood splattering everywhere. This time, Ken lost consciousness and couldn''t bear it any longer. Finally, Yoko grasped the scene before her, and she rushed towards Ken, calling his name and trying to wake him, but he did not respond, so she had to carry him on her back. Fortunately, his weight wasn''t too heavy, so she began to walk slowly and with difficulty while carrying him, her face completely devastated. The fires were still burning around them; Yoko didn''t know where to go or what the unknown future had in store for them, but she kept walking. After a while, Ken woke up and started screaming loudly while calling his brother Dan''s name. Yoko hugged him again to calm him down, and he settled. Suddenly, a weak sound was emitted, but it was close to them. Ken turned to his left in shock, only to find his father lying on the ground, blood covering his body and his face pale, but he was still alive. Ken approached his father."


    "Ken (in a tearful, sharp tone): Dad, are you going to die and leave me too?! That''s enough!


    Akako: Ken... come a little closer.


    Ken sat on the ground near his father''s lap, tears nearly spilling from his eyes again.


    Akako: Listen, Ken, I don''t have much time left in this world... but before I go, I need to tell you my will. I assumed everyone was dead, and you are my only son now...


    Ken: What are you saying, Dad?! How do you want me to live without a mom, a dad, or siblings? Please hold on for me! I love you, Dad!


    Ken threw himself into his father''s lap and began crying again, completely exhausted. Akako held his son''s hand and said: I don''t know how to tell you this... You know Cirrus and that he''s the one who caused this war, but what you don''t know is that this Cirrus is my real brother! He is your uncle. I was a prince a long time ago, but I escaped my country because of my brother''s wicked nature; he always tortured us and did many terrible things.


    Ken: What... what are you saying, Dad?! Cirrus... is my uncle?!


    Akako (as he takes his last breaths): Listen... you have great power, but you don''t know it yet. This power will reveal itself to you soon, and with this power, you can defeat Cirrus. Avenge us, Ken! Don''t let our blood go in vain! And don''t let our death affect your spirit... Live your life and enjoy it, you deserve it!


    As soon as Akako finished his sentence, he closed his eyes and stopped moving.


    Ken: Nooo... Dad!! Please don''t die and leave me alone! You are the most important person in my life, Dad! Are you going to make me an orphan?!


    Ken continued to cry for a long time in his father''s lap, just as he did with his mother; he could not comprehend the number of people he had lost in just one day, as if he had lost his entire life while still breathing. After a while, Ken finally stood up to leave after bidding his father a final goodbye. He walked a little with Yoko, then they discovered they were trapped in a circle of fire with no escape, realizing they were on the brink of death. Ken looked at the flames coldly after his complete breakdown, while Yoko was terrified.


    Ken: It seems it''s our turn now; it''s better for us to die with our family¡­


    Yoko held Ken''s hand and closed her eyes, while Ken stood still, staring at the fire coldly. But suddenly, he began to remember his father''s will when he told him that the cause of all this destruction was his uncle Cirrus. Meanwhile, the fire drew closer to them, with only a few seconds left before it would burn them, and suddenly Ken shouted in anger at the top of his voice: I''m coming for you, Cirrus!!


    And as soon as he said that sentence, he placed his hands in the middle of the flames, and they all disappeared. They were both shocked.


    Yoko (in astonishment): Ken, did you put out the fire?!


    Ken: What? That''s impossible!


    Yoko: I''ve seen a similar situation before; try to produce a fireball from your hand.


    Ken: What are you saying? It''s impossible for me to have any power; our family is just an ordinary family!


    Yoko: Did you forget, Ken? Cirrus is your uncle, and he has fire Vakin!


    Ken looked at his left hand, concentrated on it, and soon a fireball came from it; he never felt its heat.


    Ken: You''re right! I can''t believe my eyes¡­ Did my dad have this Vakin and didn''t tell us?!


    Yoko: Yes, for sure, you inherited this Vakin from your father!


    The fireball vanished from Ken''s hand as soon as he thought of that, and it seemed that this amazing discovery relieved him of what had just happened.


    To be continued...

 11. Ken’s childhood part 3

    In the middle of the destruction caused by the war on the state of Ruby, two young children stood lost, unsure of how they would continue their lives after losing their families, with no idea what the future held for them. These children were Ken and Yoko. They walked through the rubble, holding each other''s hands, hearing the screams of people trapped beneath the ruins. Fear and sorrow were etched on their faces.


    As they walked, they were startled to see a teenage boy sitting amidst the rubble. He appeared to be around fifteen years old, with blonde hair and green eyes. His body and face were covered in scars and wounds. When he saw them, he stood and approached them.


    Boy: "Hey there, do you need help?"


    Ken (with exhaustion and sorrow): "We don''t know where to go¡­ Our homes are destroyed, and we lost our families."


    Boy (trying to hold back tears): "The same thing happened to me¡­ I thought I was going to die. My house was bombed, and a lot of rubble fell on me, but I managed to get out. Then I found all my family dead¡­"


    Yoko (with deep sadness): "What will we do now? Are we going to an orphanage?"


    Boy: "Maybe¡­ Anyway, my name is Randy."


    Ken: "I''m Ken, and this is Yoko."


    Randy: I just remembered¡­ What do you think about escaping to the island of Orakano? It''s nearby, and I have a small boat that can take us there¡ªhopefully, it hasn''t been damaged.


    Ken (looking around the devastated city): I don''t think we have any other choice¡­ Our homeland has been completely destroyed.


    Randy: Then follow me.


    The two children followed Randy, trying to process all the events of that grim day. After a short while, they reached the beach, which was the only place untouched by the bombings and destruction. Randy''s small wooden boat was still there, so the three got on board. Randy began rowing, with help from Yoko and Ken. Silence filled the air, and before long, exhaustion overcame Ken and Yoko, and they fell into a deep sleep in the boat, resting on Randy''s chest. Randy, overwhelmed and unsure of what he should to do, kept rowing for a while longer until he too drifted off to sleep, realizing they all needed rest after such a devastating day.


    The next morning, Ken woke up, for the first time in a place that wasn''t his bed and without his mother calling him for breakfast. As soon as he remembered everything that had happened the night before, he broke down crying. Yoko and Randy woke up to the sound of his sobs. Randy held Ken in his arms, trying to comfort him. Ken''s cries softened, not from consolation but from sheer exhaustion. Randy then resumed rowing.


    Randy: I think we''ll reach the island of Orakano in about an hour.


    The three rowed in complete silence, taking in the sight of the blue sea reflecting the clear sunlight, scattered clouds, and refreshing breezes. After about an hour, land began to appear.


    Ken: Is that the island of Orakano?


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Randy: Yes, we''ve arrived.


    Yoko: Is it big?


    Randy: Not really. It''s home to only about a million and a half people, but it''s beautiful. I''ve visited it before.


    After a few more minutes, the boat reached the beach. The three disembarked, their appearance clearly revealing that they had fled from a war. They walked amidst the stares of strangers, it was clear that they had taken on more than they could handle.


    Yoko: So¡­ where should we go now?


    Randy: I''m not sure¡­


    Suddenly, a police officer noticed them and approached.


    Officer: Hello, did you came from the Ruby Kingdom?


    Randy: Yes¡­ our homes were bombed, and our families were killed. We escaped using a boat.


    Officer: Many people came from the Ruby state last night. You can go and look for anyone you know to live with.


    The officer gestured behind him and said, "They''re over there, go ahead."


    The three walked toward a large open area on the beach, filled with chairs and many families carrying their belongings, hoping to reunite with missing loved ones. Suddenly, Randy spotted someone he knew among the crowd and ran toward them.


    Randy (shouting): Uncle! Aunt! I can''t believe you''re here!


    Ken: That''s good¡ªRandy found his relatives. But I wonder if we''ll find ours¡­


    Yoko: We don''t know¡­


    Suddenly, a woman with short black hair and blue eyes appeared. The moment she saw Yoko, she shouted: "Yoko! Is that you?!"


    Yoko: Auntie!


    Yoko ran into her aunt''s arms, crying.


    Yoko: Auntie! They''re all gone!


    Yoko''s Aunt: I know¡­ I thought you were dead too! But thank goodness you''re still alive, my dear!


    Yoko: Auntie, will you let me live with you?


    Yoko''s Aunt: Of course.


    Yoko: What about Ken? He''s my friend, he lost all his family members.


    Yoko''s aunt looked at Ken with annoyance and said: "I don''t have time to care for other people''s children. I''ll only take care of you!"


    Yoko: But Auntie! Where will Ken live?!


    Yoko''s Aunt: That''s not important; what matters is that you''re safe. Let''s go find ourselves a home now.


    Ken was shocked by Yoko''s aunt''s reaction and her annoyance with him. She pulled Yoko by the hand, and Yoko cried out, "Wait, Auntie! I want to say goodbye to Ken!"


    But her aunt didn''t respond and continued walking, holding Yoko''s hand tightly, leaving both Ken and Yoko with expressions of shock on their faces.


    Ken shouted with tears in his eyes: "Goodbye, Yoko! We''ll meet again, for sure!"


    Hours passed, and Ken sat alone, waiting to spot someone he knew, but no one came. He watched many families reunited, the number of people dwindling until, by sunset, Ken was left sitting alone. Feeling lost, sad, and unsure of where to go, he began crying softly while sitting on a wooden bench away from the shoreline.


    An old man heard Ken''s quiet sobs and approached him. The man appeared to be in his eighties, his hair full of gray, and his blue eyes still gleamed with a youthful sharpness. Despite his age, traces of his former handsomeness were evident. The old man sat down beside Ken to talk to him.


    Old Man: Hello, young one. Are you lost?


    Ken (wiping his tears): I don''t know where to go¡­


    Old Man: Your accent is different. Are you from the Ruby state?


    Ken: Yes¡­ I''ve lost everything! I have no mother, no father, no siblings!


    Old man: What''s your name?


    Ken: My name is Ken.


    Old Man: You can call me Grandpa Laud.


    Ken: Okay¡­ Grandpa Laud.


    Laud: Don''t you have any other relatives?


    Ken: No, I have no one¡­


    Laud: Then you can live with me.


    Ken looked at the old man with joy and said: "Really?!"


    Laud: Yes, I''m alone, too. I can be your grandfather.


    And so, Ken began living with Grandpa Laud in a modest house that met all their needs. Ken gradually adapted to his new life and found happiness and comfort with Laud. Unfortunately, Laud passed away when Ken was 11 years old, leaving Ken some money and the house.


    After that, Ken decided to start training to become strong enough to face Cirrus. We can see scenes of Ken practicing with a sword in the yard, building his agility and skill. There are also moments of Ken attempting to use his fire elemental power, imagining cirrus in front of him. He would unleash flames on the ground in anger but then quickly extinguish them to prevent burning down the area.


    To be continued¡­

 12. The cursed mirrors

    Vico, Akio, and Ken were walking deep inside the Black Ghost Cave when Ken started telling them his story and his past. By the time he finished, both of them were shocked by what they heard.


    Vico (with a sad look): "Ken-senpai¡­ you''re really strong to have gone through all of that!"


    Vico (curiously): "And what about Cirrus? Have you ever met him?"


    Ken lights his cigarette, takes a puff, and prepares to continue his story.


    Ken: "Yes, it was a few months after the war. I was living with that old man on Urakano Island when we were shocked to see Cirrus arrive on it."


    The scene shifts to eight years ago, in the middle of a park on Urakano Island near the sea. Cirrus was walking through the park arrogantly, without any guards. He looked like he was in his early thirties, with red hair the same shade as Ken''s, though his hair was wild and messy. He had the same grey eyes as Ken and an X-shaped scar on his right cheek. Some people noticed him and started shouting his name: "It''s Cirrus!" "That killer!" But Cirrus ignored them completely and kept walking.


    At that moment, Ken was holding Grandpa Laud''s hand as they strolled. They heard the crowd shouting "Cirrus!"


    Ken: "Grandpa Laud, I heard the name Cirrus!"


    Laud: "That''s strange. What''s going on?"


    Seconds later, they realized Cirrus was walking right in front of them. Some people tried to attack him, but he threw fireballs from his right hand at them. He did it with a cold, confident smile. Ken stood in the middle of the crowd, stunned by what he saw. Cirrus looked so much like him¡ªthe same features, hair color, and eyes. There was no doubt he was the one that he was looking for.


    Without hesitation, Ken stepped into the middle of the circle to face Cirrus. His expression turned into one of anger and hatred. Cirrus looked at Ken, surprised by his bravery.


    Ken (angrily): "You filthy bastard! You killed everyone I loved! I will never forgive you!"


    Ken began firing fireballs from his hands toward Cirrus, but Cirrus blocked every attack with ease and speed.


    Lawd (yelling in fear): "Ken! What are you doing? Come back here right now!"


    Cirrus: "It seems I underestimated weak Akako and his children. I thought I had wiped you all out, but here I see one standing in front of me."


    The crowd began whispering: "Who is this child? And why does he have fire powers?!"


    Ken (attacking): "Don''t you dare say my father''s name! I will kill you right now!"


    Cirrus laughed and said: "An eight-years-old child killing the greatest king on earth? What a joke! Don''t you realize I could crush you like an insect in a second?"


    Ken: "I don''t care¡­ I''m dead on inside."


    The People: "What bravery! How can a child this young face the strongest man on earth?!"


    Tears started falling from Ken''s eyes, but his angry expression didn''t fade. He was determined to attack Cirrus again and showed no fear. He ran faster, getting closer to Cirrus. When he reached him, Cirrus grabbed him by his neck, lifting him off the ground, and looked at him mockingly.


    Cirrus: "I like you, my nephew. That''s why I won''t kill you. Tell me, what''s your name?"


    Ken (bravely): "My name is Yukaji Ken, and I''m the one who will cut off your head!"


    Cirrus punched Ken hard in the face, knocking him to the ground.


    He looked at him mockingly and said: "Good, I''ll be waiting for you, Ken. When you grow up and become stronger, try to cut off my head¡ªif you can! No one has ever managed to leave a scratch on me, except for one person."


    More tears streamed from Ken''s eyes from the pain of the blow. Then, he looked at the scar on Cirrus''s cheek and realized this was the scratch he was referring to. At that moment, Laud rushed into the middle of the crowd and grabbed Ken.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Laud: "We need to get out of here now, or we''ll die!"


    Ken finished telling the story of what had happened. Before anyone could respond, they heard the sound of rocks breaking in front of them. As the rocks crumbled, a new passage was revealed. It looked dark and mysterious. That wasn''t the only surprise. Blue, faint lights began to appear on the surrounding walls, forming ancient patterns or symbols that were hard to understand.


    Vico (amazed): "What is this? I''ve never seen anything like it!"


    Ken (approaching one of the walls): "These symbols¡­ they seem to point to something. Maybe there''s a puzzle we need to solve."


    Ken noticed a symbol that looked like a circle surrounded by tangled lines. When he cautiously touched the symbol, he felt a sudden warmth radiating from it. Suddenly, a bright light filled the cave, making it feel alive.


    Ken (softly): "Is this some kind of ancient magic?"


    As the light pulsed, a holographic figure of a warrior in ancient armor appeared in the air. The figure looked like someone from the distant past, with glowing blue eyes.


    Mysterious Voice: "Who are you? How dare you enter my cave?"


    Akio: "Give us Ann back!"


    Ghost: "This place is not a playground for teenagers. Do you want to die?"


    Ken (fearlessly): "I''ve faced worse than your tests, I''m not running back now."


    The ghost laughed mockingly, then said:


    Ghost: "Then prepare yourselves for the test of true will. The path ahead is open only to those who prove their strength¡ªnot of the body, but of the soul."


    The walls glowed even brighter, and a new passage opened in the cave, revealing a faint light calling to them.


    Vico: "I guess we don''t have a choice but to move forward¡­"


    Akio: "Then let''s prove we''re worthy to pass."


    The three cautiously moved toward the open passage, their eyes filled with determination and anticipation for whatever lay ahead.


    They entered a room filled with glowing mirrors.


    Ghost: "You''ve shown courage by passing the first entrance, but the cave won''t let you proceed without facing more trials. In each test, you must reveal your true heart, or you will lose your way forever."


    As they entered, each of them found themselves surrounded by a large mirror reflecting scenes from their past or nightmares they feared.


    Ken saw himself as a child, surrounded by the lifeless bodies of his family, with Cirrus laughing at him.


    Cirrus (from the mirror): "You were weak, and you always will be."


    Ken (angrily): "I''ll crush you!"


    Akio saw himself losing control of his lightning powers, destroying an entire village.


    Akio: "This isn''t me¡­ I won''t let this happen, ever!"


    Vico saw himself abandoning his friends and running away during a battle.


    Vico (crying): "I''m not a coward¡­ I''ll be strong!"


    Ken (angrily): "These are cursed mirrors! Stop looking at them!"


    Akio (looking at Ken): "And how do we escape them? They''re everywhere!"


    Vico (wiping his tears): "If these mirrors reflect our fears, then maybe the solution is to face them, right?"


    Ken: "Vico''s right."


    Ken approached his mirror and stared deeply at the image of his dead family and the mocking voice of Cirrus. He took a puff from his cigarette and said confidently: "You''re all part of the past."


    Suddenly, the ground began to shake, and a familiar figure emerged from the shadows¡ªa phantom version of Cirrus, smirking and stepping toward him.


    Phantom Cirrus (in a voice like Cirrus): "I thought you were braver than this, Ken. Come on, show me your strength!"


    Ken (furiously): "I know you''re not real, but that won''t stop me from destroying you!"


    Ken charged at the phantom, unleashing fireballs at high speed, but the phantom skillfully deflected them.


    On the other side of the room, Akio felt a sharp headache as lightning began to surge uncontrollably around his body.


    Akio (trembling): "No¡­ I can''t control my powers¡­ This will hurt everyone!"


    Sparks of lightning exploded chaotically from Akio, shattering rocks around him. As Vico dodged falling debris, he noticed a giant black beast emerging from the shadows, heading toward Akio, who was struggling to regain control.


    Vico (shocked): "What?! That beast¡­ It''s going after Akio senpai, I have to do something!"


    Vico sprinted through the rubble, determined to reach Akio before the beast could.


    Ken (shouting): "Vico, take care of Akio! I''ll handle this jerk."


    Ken''s fight with the phantom Cirrus grew more intense. He was using all his strength but struggled to match the phantom''s skills.


    Vico (with determination): "Akio senpai, I won''t let that beast get to you!"


    Vico focused his gaze on the massive creature charging at Akio. He carefully retreated, then leaped into the air with ninja-like agility, disappearing into the shadows.


    Vico (calmly and cleverly): "I can''t attack it head-on¡­ I need to use the shadows and my speed."


    Vico used his stealth skills to vanish from the beast''s view.


    Beast (searching wildly): "GROOAH!"


    Vico quickly appeared behind the beast, throwing small smoke bombs around it to disorient it.


    Vico (confidently): "You think your size will protect you?"


    As smoke filled the area, Vico used a grappling hook tied to a strong rope to jump onto the beast''s back, trying to immobilize it.


    Ken (noticing Vico): "That fast fool¡­ He''s using his skills well!"


    Akio struggled to regain control of his powers as lightning lashed out unpredictably, nearly hitting Vico.


    Akio (shouting): "Vico, watch out!"


    Vico pulled a shuriken from his pouch and hurled it at the beast''s leg, hitting a sensitive spot. The beast roared in pain and stepped back, giving Vico a chance to leap away before it counterattacked.


    Vico (confidently): "I won''t let you hurt Akio, you miserable giant."


    Vico continued using his speed and ninja skills, darting between rocks and shadows, delivering quick, calculated strikes to the beast. As the fight raged on, the cave began to shake even more, hinting that something new was about to emerge in the midst of the chaos.


    To be continued¡­

 13. Ann’s appearance

    In the midst of the chaos that unfolded in the cave, Akio was losing control of his powers, while Ken was facing a fake version of Cirrus and fighting it. Meanwhile, Viko finished killing the monster that was threatening Akio by using his shuriken, thus overcoming his fears of becoming a coward and weak.


    Viko: "Akio-senpai, you need to calm down, you''re strong, and you can control your powers!"


    Ken (shouting while fighting Seeroos'' fake version): "You''re not Cirrus! You''re just an illusion!!"


    Akio (shivering, his eyes blurred): "I can''t control myself¡­ I can''t stop the lightning! How can I control this¡­ it''s exploding inside my head!"


    Viko (taking a deep breath, then looking at Akio with confidence): "Akio, remember that your power doesn''t come from the lightning, it comes from your will. You have the ability to overcome all this¡­ you need to believe in yourself!"


    Ken (thinking): "If I can''t defeat this illusion, how will I face the truth?! I can''t let this fear disrupt us!"


    Akio (his facial expression turning to anger, then shouting with glowing eyes): "Enough! I will never give up! A samurai who can''t control his powers can''t become the future shogun!"


    Akio closes his eyes, then opens them. Electricity begins to gather around him more steadily, and his front hair starts to flutter, revealing a symbol on his forehead¡ªa yellow lightning mark. It quickly becomes luminous as his powers activate, and then he starts striking the fake version of Cirrus with lightning, causing it to disappear.


    Akio (in a deep voice): "Now I''m ready."


    Ken (annoyed): "Why didn''t you leave him to me?!"


    Suddenly, Ken realized the situation and looked at Akio, whose appearance was completely different and stronger than before. The anger was clear on his face, and the lightning symbol on his forehead was still glowing. This was the first time Ken and Viko had seen this mark.


    Ken (in amazement): "Well, it seems I really underestimated you.."


    Viko walked toward Akio, who was starting to regain his composure and natural state, placing his hand on the lightning mark on Akio''s forehead and feeling it.


    Viko: "What is this? Is it some kind of glowing tattoo?"


    Akio (laughing): "Don''t be silly, I was born with this mark, and it lights up whenever I use my power."


    Ken: "That''s strange, but why don''t I have a mark for my Vakin?"


    Akio: "I don''t know, I''m also surprised. Before I discovered my Vakin, I never understood this mark either!"


    Ken lit his cigarette with his finger and took a puff. Viko stared at him.


    Viko (in surprise and annoyance): "Look at this guy, he doesn''t even need a lighter to light his cigarette! I wish I had a vakin¡­"


    Akio (encouraging): "You don''t need a Vakin to be strong, Viko. You''re a ninja! We can''t use your amazing techniques."


    Viko (smiling): "You''re right!"


    Suddenly, the ground began to shake like an earthquake, and it started to collapse.


    Viko (nervously): "What''s happening?!"


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    Seconds later, they fell down, screaming, while Ken remained calm and closed his eyes.


    After a while, Ken began to open his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, and when he woke up, he found himself alone without Akio and Viko. He began to feel pain from his injury again after the fall, but he quickly stood up, ignoring the pain. He was panting heavily, struggling to walk.


    Ken (tiredly): "It seems I have a fever¡­ I''ve lost so much blood."


    Ken continued walking ahead, not knowing where he was going. But suddenly, he heard the angry screams of a girl behind a door. He walked faster and reached the door, opening it. When he entered, he found a girl with short purple hair and purple eyes. She looked like she was in her teenage years, resembling Viko a lot. Ken realized that this was Viko''s sister, Ann. Ann was chained, and a cloth was in her mouth to prevent her from speaking. But she wasn''t scared; she looked angry and could scream, though she was sweating. Surrounding her were many strange rock soldiers, who were encircling her in a circle. Behind them was a throne-like chair, where a green transparent ghost was sitting. He looked human but was a ghost. His hair was medium-length and black, and it appeared to be in its thirties. This was the Black Ghost himself. When Ken entered the room, everyone looked at him, panting and clearly tired.


    Black Ghost: "Look who graces us today, it''s Yukaji Ken himself!"


    Ken (struggling to speak from the pain): "H¡­h¡­how do you know my name?"


    Black Ghost (laughing): "Hahahaha, you''re very famous, whether in the human world or in ours. You''re the child who managed to face Seeroos without any fear! We know everything about you."


    Ann looked at Ken, screaming for him to save her.


    Ken: "So, that girl is Ann. Since you don''t want to hand her over to us or her brother, I''ll take her by force! And I''ll take the forbidden scroll as well!"


    The Black Ghost laughed loudly for a long time, then looked at Ken.


    Black Ghost: "Are you playing the hero now, Yukaji Ken?"


    Ken (calmly lighting his cigarette): "Not really, it''s just a job I have to do for my team."


    Ann (thinking): "Oh¡­ my God¡­ who is this handsome guy?! His hair is red, and his eyes are shiny gray. His features have captivated me!"


    Ken took a puff from his cigarette and began walking calmly toward Ann, while the short rock army soldiers stared at him, ready to fight. Ken looked at the rocks disdainfully, then lifted one and threw it away as it screamed childishly. Ken laughed and looked at the Black Ghost.


    Ken (mockingly): "You''re going to fight me with your pathetic soldiers?"


    Black Ghost (calmly): "Since you''re injured, you can''t fight at all, so surrender. I know you''re resisting the pain, and you''re about to scream."


    Ken (angrily): "Nonsense! I''m at full strength!"


    Ann (thinking with her cheeks blushing): "Will this handsome guy save me?! It feels like I''m dreaming! He''s my future husband¡­ his name is Ken-san!!"


    Ken drew his sword from his back and began cutting through the rock soldiers quickly and easily until he reached Ann. When he was about to free her, he was surprised to see the Black Ghost in front of him.


    Black Ghost: "Do you think I''m playing with you, Yukaji Ken? Now that you''ve finished off my soldiers, you''ll face me! I''m a ghost, and I can''t die!"


    Ken: "Alright then, show me what you have."


    Black Ghost: "You asked for it!"


    As the Black Ghost finished speaking, he disappeared entirely and suddenly appeared behind Ken, delivering a punch to his back. Ken fell to the ground but quickly stood up, starting to understand the Black Ghost''s fighting style, where he celebrates and then reappears in another direction to land a punch. At first, the Black Ghost''s attacks succeeded because Ken was unaware, but then Ken began using his mind. When the Black Ghost disappeared from his sight, Ken closed his eyes and began focusing to use his hearing and sense of smell to locate him.


    Ken (thinking): "Focus, Ken¡­ you can''t see him, but you can focus with your other senses. I have to find him by listening and smelling!"


    The scene then shifts to Akio, who was also walking alone and calling out for "Viko" and "Ken."


    Akio (anxiously): "Ken, Viko, where are you?!"


    As he walked while continuing to call, Akio stepped on a mysterious button on the ground. As soon as he did, a large gate opened in front of him. Akio walked toward the gate, and there he found the forbidden ninja scroll, placed inside a solid glass container, surrounded by lasers in every direction.


    Akio: "It seems like I''m in the middle of a crime movie scene! I finally found the scroll!"


    Akio advanced toward the first laser point. The situation seemed impossible to pass through, but he found a button at the far end of the room.


    Akio (smiling confidently): "This is easy!"


    Akio pointed his finger toward the distant button and discharged some electricity, disabling the lasers completely. He then started laughing and moved toward the scroll.


    Akio: "Now, I''ll have to break this glass!"


    Akio drew his sword and aimed it at the glass, piercing it. As soon as he did, a hole opened beneath him, and he fell, screaming, unable to grab the scroll.


    To be continued¡­

 14. One will live and the others will die

    Vico wakes up in a dark and cold room. Dim lights reveal three stone doors in front of him, each with a strange symbol representing one of his friends: Ken, Akio, and his sister, Ann. In front of each door stands a stone statue of his friends, almost alive.


    As Vico looks around, a mysterious figure appears, wearing a black cloak and hiding its face. It speaks in a deep, cold voice:


    Mysterious Figure: "Finally, you''re awake, Vico. Your test is simple: choose one person to survive. Two will die, and only one will live."


    Vico is shocked, feeling as if the ground is spinning beneath him. He tries to approach the statues, but they glow brightly, stopping him.


    Vico (angrily, scared): "Are you joking?! What have you done to my sister and my friends?! Show them to me now!"


    Mysterious Figure: "If you don''t choose, they will all die."


    Vico: "Where is my sister?! Give her back to me now!"


    The figure slowly steps toward Vico and pulls out a crystal ball. Inside, Vico sees Ann, tied up in a dark room, crying and screaming.


    Vico (shouting with fear and anger): "My sister! What have you done to her? I''ll never forgive you!"


    Mysterious Figure: "No problem. We''ll release her if you choose to protect her. But your two teenage friends will die."


    Vico: "Akio and Ken will never die! They have dreams they must fulfill!"


    Mysterious Figure: "So, will you choose them over your sister?"


    Vico: "Of course not. There''s only one person who will die today, and that person is me!"


    Mysterious Figure (surprised): "You foolish boy. Will you really sacrifice yourself for them?"


    Vico begins trembling and sweating from fear but tries to stand still, pretending to be brave.


    Vico: "I''m¡­ just a dumb kid with no dreams. But those three must achieve theirs! If you want to kill someone, kill me, but don''t hurt them!"


    Mysterious Figure: "But why? You just met Ken and Akio today, yet you''re willing to sacrifice yourself for them?"


    Vico: "Because I feel like those two are different from any friends I''ve known before. I feel like there''s something extraordinary about them! They''re destined to shape the future. Even though I just met them, it feels like I''ve spent years with them."


    The mysterious figure slowly approached Vico, pulling a sword from behind its back. It pointed the blade at Vico''s neck. Vico, terrified to the core, stood frozen, staring at the sword as it came closer. Suddenly, the figure stopped and said coldly:


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    Mysterious Figure: "Well done. You''ve passed the test. You may proceed."


    Vico: "R¡­Really?! You''re not going to kill me?!"


    Mysterious Figure: "Killing you was never part of the test''s conditions. You and everyone else are safe."


    Vico collapsed to the ground, sobbing after the terrifying ordeal he had just endured.


    Mysterious Figure: "By the way, you''re very weepy. You''ve been crying a lot since you entered this cave."


    The mysterious figure walked out of the room, leaving Vico alone, still crying.


    The scene shifts to the room where Ken and chained-up Ann were. Ken''s battle with the Black ghost had already begun. The ghost disappeared and reappeared in unexpected places, landing punches on Ken. But Ken started focusing, using his hearing and sense of smell to track the phantom''s movements. Finally, he pinpointed its location and swung his sword.


    To his shock, the ghost was entirely transparent, and the blade passed right through without harming it. A hint of frustration appeared on Ken''s face as he switched tactics, hurling fireballs at the black ghost. But again, they had no effect, passing through the ghost without causing any damage. Ken began to sweat and panic as he repeated his attacks to no avail.


    Ken (to himself): "What is this creature¡­ It really can''t be defeated with normal combat! What do I do now? I can''t keep fighting it forever!"


    Suddenly, Ken''s expression brightened as if he had discovered a solution. He started thinking to himself.


    Ken (to himself): "If this creature is 100% transparent, how can it punch me with such solid force? I think I''ve found its weakness! And it''s so ridiculous¡­"


    Ken stopped his attacks and focused on dodging, carefully watching the ghost''s movements, especially its hands. He noticed that its hands became solid right before landing punches. It was difficult to catch due to the phantom''s speed, but Ken persisted.


    Ken (to himself): "This ghost is really foolish. I''ll make him reveal his weakness to himself!"


    Suddenly, Ken began executing his final attack. He reached the peak of his focus, and this time, he managed to scratch the black ghost''s hand with his sword. But that wasn''t enough. The Black ghost stood still and looked at the scratch on its palm.


    Black ghost: "You know? You''re not bad!"


    Just moments later, the Black ghost charged at Ken again. This time, Ken started throwing fireballs at it, focusing on hitting its hands when they were in a solid form. After several attempts, he succeeded. The ghost''s right hand started to catch fire. He screamed loudly and ran out of the room, unable to continue due to the pain.


    Ken (with a victorious smile): "Is that all you''ve got? You ran away once I find your weakness. How pathetic!"


    Ken lit his cigarette with his finger and started smoking. Then he walked over to Ann, untied her bonds, and removed the cloth from her mouth. Ann stood up, looking at Ken with a blush on her cheeks.


    Ann (nervously and admiringly): "T¡­Thank you, Ken-san! You saved me!"


    Ken grabbed Ann''s hand and began running with her.


    Ken: "We don''t have time for that. We need to find the others right now!"


    The moment Ken touched Ann''s hand, her face turned comically flustered, and her eyes turned into hearts as she smiled widely. She had fallen in love with him! Ken was still running, holding her hand, completely unaware of her reaction.


    Ann (excitedly): "Please marry me!!"


    Ken stopped walking, shocked by Ann''s words. He turned to her with a surprised yet nonchalant expression, letting go of her hand.


    Ken: "What?!"


    Ann realized that she had said it out loud, and her face turned completely red from embarrassment. She began screaming in shock, punching her face from the humiliation.


    Ann: "How foolish I am! Why did I say that out loud?! Did I get so captivated by his handsomeness?!"


    Ken: "I can hear you."


    Ann fainted from both Ken''s handsomeness and her embarrassment, and her face looked funny. Ken looked at her in confusion.


    Ken: "Girls are really strange creatures."


    Ken took his last sip of his cigarette, threw it on the ground, and stomped it out. He then picked up the unconscious Ann and carried her on his shoulder, walking away with her.


    To be continued¡­

 15. A talking cow

    Akio was walking through a dark part of the cave after falling into the trap guarding the forbidden ninja scroll. He had some scratches on his body from the rough fall, but he didn''t care and walked as if nothing happened, lighting his path with a small lightning orb he had created in his hand. Akio stopped walking for a moment and began talking to himself.


    Akio: "I feel tired. I''ll rest for a bit before continuing my search."


    He sat on the ground, and as soon as he did, he heard a sound of footsteps. Alerted, he quickly drew his sword from behind his back, ready to confront whatever enemy might appear. But he got shocked, the creature in front of him was just a small, oddly shaped cow. What was even stranger was that it was walking on two legs, had blonde hair, and was wearing a red outfit and a skirt. The little cow approached Akio, whose face was filled with disbelief at the sight.


    Cow: "Hello, my name is Shiko. What''s your name?"


    Akio screamed in shock, as the cow, which wasn''t supposed to speak, had just spoken.


    Akio (panicking): "What is this?! A talking cow?!"


    The cow, Shiko, laughed, stunning him further as she transformed into a human girl with blonde hair and hazel eyes, appearing to be around six years old.


    Akio (screaming): "What is this?! The cow turned into a human?!"


    Shiko: "Are you stupid? I''m a human, but I can transform into a cow!"


    Akio: "Is this some kind of Vaken?"


    Shiko: "I don''t know, but I just love being a cow!"


    Akio: "How strange! Anyway, my name is Sakamoto Akio, and I''m a samurai."


    Shiko transformed back into a cow and continued walking alongside Akio. Soon, they were surprised to find Ken and Ann ahead of them, and Vico appeared from another direction. It seemed they had all found each other quickly.


    Vico: "Akio! Ken! And Ann too! I''m so glad you''re all safe!"


    Vico ran toward his sister, Ann, and hugged her.


    Vico: "Sister, I finally found you! I brought Akio and Ken with me, and they''re really strong friends. Without them, I wouldn''t have been able to do anything!"


    Shiko: "And what about me?"


    Vico turned toward the source of the voice and screamed in horror at what he saw.


    Vico: "A c-c-cow that t-t-talks?! Impossible!!"


    Ken and Ann stared at Shiko with quiet curiosity.


    Akio: "This cow is really amusing! We''ve become friends!"


    Shiko transformed back into a human girl.


    Shiko: "Nice to meet you all! I''m Shiko, and my ability is to transform into a cow, as you can see! I''m six years old, and my favorite foods are sweets, grass, meat, rice, cookies, and¡­"


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    Ken (interrupting): "What''s a child like you doing here?!"


    Shiko transformed back into her cow form, leaped onto Ken''s shoulder, stood there innocently, and clung to him, leaving Ken utterly shocked.


    Shiko: "He''s my new dad!"


    Ken (sharply): "Get off me, cow! You''ll make me dirty!"


    Shiko: "Please, become my dad, pleeease!"


    Ken (angrily): "I am NOT your dad!"


    Ann, seeing Shiko showing interest in Ken, became furious. She attacked Shiko, grabbed her by her clothes, and started yelling at her with a comically angry expression.


    Ann: "Get away from Ken-san, you stupid cow! You''ll never steal him from me!"


    Vico (confused): "Sister¡­ What''s going on here?!"


    Shiko (comically angry): "No! He''s mine! He will be my dad!"


    Ann: "You''re just a child! You can''t even marry him! That''s why he''ll be mine!"


    Vico was stunned by Ann''s intense admiration for Ken, while Akio was laughing hysterically at the situation. Meanwhile, Ken walked away coldly, ignoring them as he smoked his cigarette.


    Akio (laughing): "Look at your admirers, Ken! You should give them more attention!"


    Ken (calmly): "Shut up."


    Vico (comically dumbfounded): "I feel like I''m surrounded by a bunch of idiots and lunatics!"


    Ann and Shiko began walking toward Ken.


    Ann (with heart-shaped eyes): "Now, Ken-san, you have to choose¡ªme or Shiko!"


    Ken kept walking, closing his eyes with indifference and annoyance.


    Ken: "I''m neither anyone''s boyfriend nor anyone''s dad. Leave me alone."


    He took another puff from his cigarette and continued ignoring the fanatics trailing behind him.


    Ann: "How dreamy! He looks just like a prince!"


    Akio: "And he''s really one."


    Shiko (excitedly): "I''ll tell you how I got here! I was playing in the forest when I saw you walking near the cave. I got curious, so I snuck into Akio''s bag, and I''ve been with you all along without you noticing!"


    Akio (his eyes turning into yellow stars): "Woooow! That''s amazing, Shiko! How did you manage to endure all this time as just a little girl? You''re so strong!"


    Suddenly, as Ken was walking, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. He was panting heavily, and his wound had reopened, causing him to bleed again. Everyone quickly gathered around him, panic-stricken.


    Akio (nervously): "Ken! What''s wrong, my friend? Wake up!"


    Ann (fearfully): "K-Ken-san, what happened to you?!"


    As Shiko began to cry, she threw herself onto Ken''s body.


    Shiko: "Dad, please wake up! Don''t leave me alone!"


    Vico: "Calm down, everyone. We need to get out of here immediately and take him to a hospital!"


    Akio: "But how? We''re lost here! And we haven''t even gotten the manuscript yet. What should we do?! I''ll try to wake him up!"


    Akio started acting impulsively and childishly, hitting Ken in an attempt to wake him up. Ken responded by coughing violently, spitting up blood. He opened his eyes for a moment but then lost consciousness again, his face pale as ever.


    Ann (serious and angry): "You''re hurting Ken-san! Stop it!"


    Akio (with a sorrowful look): "I''m sorry¡­"


    Suddenly, Vico pointed to a small puddle of water in front of them.


    Vico: "Look! There''s water here. Is it drinkable?"


    Akio: "Maybe. Let''s try it!"


    The moment Akio saw the puddle, he removed his clothes and jumped in. Shiko eagerly leaped in after him, and they began swimming and drinking the water, feeling delighted.


    Ann (annoyed): "Are you kidding me?! We have an injured person here, and you''re just casually swimming?!"


    Akio (sharply): "Ken is strong; he''ll be fine. There''s no way he''ll die before achieving his dream!"


    Vico pulled a piece of cloth from his bag, soaked it in the puddle water, and went over to Ken. He placed the wet cloth on Ken''s forehead.


    Vico: "This should help bring down his fever."


    Ann removed the bandage covering Ken''s wound on his abdomen, and she was shocked by what she saw. The wound was deep and large.


    Ann: "H-How was he able to walk with a wound like this?! Impossible!"


    Vico: "This is unbelievable¡­ He must have been in pain the whole time and finally collapsed now!"


    Akio and Shiko got out of the puddle, and Akio put his clothes back on. He looked at Ken with sadness before turning to Vico.


    Akio: "Listen, Vico, I''ll leave Ken in your care, and I''ll go search for the manuscript."


    Ann: "I''m coming with you! It''s my manuscript. Listen, Vico, if you don''t take good care of Ken-san, I''ll kill you!"


    Shiko: "And I''ll stay here to help Vico-senpai!"


    To be continued¡­

 16. The weird doctor

    Ken was still unconscious, lying in the ground while Vico and Shiko took care of him. Meanwhile, Akio and Ann walked together, searching for the forbidden ninja scroll. As they walked, they started talking and getting to know each other.


    Akio: "You look a lot like Vico, Ann."


    Ann (chuckling): "Of course! We are siblings. So, where are we going now? Do you know where the scroll is?"


    Akio: "I was about to steal it, but I fell into a trap¡ªit was a deep hole. Now, we need to find a way back up!"


    Ann: "By the way, you haven''t told me your name yet, Ken san''s friend!"


    Akio: "My name is Akio, and I will become the next Shogun!"


    Ann (amazed): "Wow, that''s a great goal!"


    Akio (surprised): "You''re not going to laugh at me?"


    Ann (confidently): "Of course not! I also have an almost impossible dream¡­ but I will achieve it! I will become the strongest ninja in the world!"


    Akio: "That''s amazing! Is that why you want the scroll so badly?"


    Ann: "That''s right! My ancestors hid the forbidden ninja scroll in this cave hundreds of years ago. They also created a series of tests that no ordinary ninja could pass. That''s why I came here¡ªto prove that I am a strong ninja who deserves the scroll!"


    After Ann finished speaking, Akio noticed a staircase in front of them. It seemed to lead to the upper floor of the cave. He pointed at it.


    Akio: "Look, Ann! I found the stairs! The scroll must be up there. Let''s go!"


    The two of them ran excitedly towards the stairs and began climbing. Ann moved carefully, feeling that something was off.


    Ann (walking cautiously): "I have a strange feeling¡­"


    Suddenly, as Akio stepped on one of the stairs, the ceiling cracked, and large rocks began falling toward them!


    Akio (shocked): "What?!"


    Before he could react, Ann grabbed Akio quickly, jumped up the stairs, and grabbed onto the ceiling with one hand! The broken ceiling then magically restored itself, as if nothing had happened. Ann flipped in the air while still holding Akio and landed safely on the upper floor.


    Akio (amazed): "Whoa! How did you do that?!"


    Ann (smirking): "That was just a simple test for a pro ninja."


    Akio (muttering to himself): "Ugh¡­ Now I need to prove that I''m just as skilled as you¡­"


    Akio and Ann continued walking. Suddenly, Akio stepped on a tile, and they immediately heard a clicking sound beneath their feet.


    Ann: "Akio! Don''t move!"


    But it was too late¡­ a series of sharp arrows shot toward them at lightning speed from the walls!Akio jumped back and raised his sword, trying to block some of the arrows, but he lost his balance. Meanwhile, Ann flipped into the air, spinning at incredible speed, using her small throwing knivesto deflect the arrows perfectly!One arrow was heading straight for Akio, but he barely dodged it at the last second!When the attack finally stopped, Akio sat on the ground, sweating.


    Akio: "Oh my god!"


    Ann (smugly): "So? What do you think? My reflexes are perfect!"


    Akio (grinning): "That was amazing, Ann! Why don''t you join us on our adventure? Ken and I each have a dream to achieve, and our dreams are connected!"


    Ann''s eyes lit up with excitement when she heard Ken''s name.


    Ann: "An adventure with Ken san?! Of course, I want to join!! Please let me, Akio!"


    Akio: "Of course! From now on, you''re our ninja! We all have different abilities!"


    After barely surviving the traps, Akio and Ann finally reached a massive hall filled with blue light. In the center of the room was the scroll¡­ But it wasn''t alone, in front of it the Black ghost was standing and waiting for them in complete silence. Ann placed her hand on her sword.


    Ann: "Oh no¡­ Do we have to fight again?!"


    But the ghost slowly raised his hand, signaling that he didn''t want to fight.


    Black ghost: "You have shown strength and intelligence¡­ But strength alone is not enough to deserve this scroll."


    Akio and Ann looked at each other, feeling uncertain. Was there another test?


    Akio: "What do you want from us now, Black ghost?!"


    Black ghost: "I need to hear your answers. Stand in front of me and listen."


    Akio and Ann stood in front of the ghost, ready for a sudden attack. But the Phantom simply continued speaking.


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    Black ghost: "Tell me, girl. Why do you want this scroll?"


    Ann: "I want this scroll to learn the forbidden ninja techniques! With it, I will train to become the strongest ninja in the world! I want to prove that a woman can be stronger than any man!"


    Black ghost: "And you, the boy with blue hair¡­ Why risk your life to save a girl you don''t even know? You are not a ninja."


    Akio: "I don''t need a reason to save people. That''s human nature! How can I become a Shogun if I don''t care about others?"


    Black ghost: "You are truly fascinating! I have tested many people before. Some of them were stronger than you¡­ but they all failed because they lacked determination and perseverance."


    The ghost watched them silently, then slowly pointed at a pile of skulls and dead bodies in the cave. Akio and Ann stared at them in shock.


    Ann: "So¡­ it''s true¡­ Everyone who entered this cave before us died?!"


    Black ghost: "That is correct. But now, as the guardian of this cave, I shall grant you the Forbidden Ninja Scroll!"


    Akio jumped with joy.


    Akio: "Yaaaaay! Finally!!"


    Ann: "Why are you celebrating? This isn''t even your scroll!"


    Akio: "It doesn''t matter! This will help my new friend achieve her dream!"


    The ghost handed the scroll to Ann.


    Black ghost: "Remember, Ann¡­ True power does not come from the book¡­ but from the heart that carries it."


    As soon as Ann touched the scroll, she felt a strange energy and saw a faint glow inside the scroll. Then, suddenly¡­ Akio''s stomach growled loudly. His face turned into a comedic crying expression.


    Akio: "I''m SO hungry! Can we leave the cave now?!"


    Ann: "Yes, we can finally leave. And thanks you for helping me, Akio!"


    The Next Morning ¨C The Hospital


    After a long day full of adventure, it was finally over. Now, we move to the next morning. Inside a small town hospital, Ken was lying in bed, wrapped in bandages. Akio and Vico were sitting near the room''s door, while Ann and Shiko (in cow form) sat beside Ken, who was slowly regaining consciousness.Shiko stared at Ken''s face with concern, watching for any sign of movement. Finally, Ken slowly opened his eyes, feeling his body heavy from exhaustion. The first thing he saw was Shiko''s big face staring at him with wide eyes. Then, she mooed loudly.


    Ken (weakly): "¡­ Why is there a cow staring at me?"


    Suddenly, Shiko jumped onto the bed and tried to lick Ken''s face with excitement.


    Ken (shocked, struggling): "Get away from me! I don''t want to die like this!!"


    Everyone laughed at Ken''s reaction, while Vico tried to pull Shiko away. Akio ran toward Ken with a big smile.


    Akio: "Finally, you''re awake, my friend! I knew you wouldn''t die that easily!"


    Suddenly, the hospital room door burst open! A beautiful doctor with long black hair and dark blue eyes walked in, holding Ken''s medical report. Her name was Koto. She walked with firm steps, still reading Ken''s file as she spoke.


    Koto (reading aloud): "Yukaji Ken¡­ 16 years old¡­ multiple wounds, extreme exhaustion, and fever¡­ Hmm¡­"


    As soon as Koto entered the room, Ken reached into his bag, pulled out a pack of cigarettes, and lit one. Koto was still focused on reading his file, not noticing what he was doing.


    Koto: "You were lucky. The injuries weren''t too serious, but they were enough to make you lose consciousness from exhaustion and fever. You need at least two days of rest."


    Finally, Koto looked up from the file and saw Ken''s face for the first time¡ªonly to find him smoking inside the hospital, completely unconcerned! Her expression turned into pure shock.


    Koto (furious): "Hey, kid! This is a hospital! Smoking is not allowed here!"


    Ken looked at her calmly, took a deep drag from his cigarette, and exhaled the smoke slowly.


    Ken: "Oh, sorry¡­ I didn''t see the sign."


    Koto clenched her fists around the medical file as if she was about to hit him with it.


    Koto (yelling): "This is a hospital! You don''t need a sign to know that! Put it out, now!"


    Akio and Vico watched in silence, enjoying the scene of someone finally controlling Ken. Vico looked worried, while Shiko made a sound as if she was agreeing with Koto.


    Ken (mocking): "Hah¡­ This is the first doctor I''ve seen who cares so much about a patient with this much aggression."


    Koto (crossing her arms angrily): "And you''re the first patient I''ve seen trying to kill himself inside a hospital!"


    Koto clenched her fist again, took another look at Ken''s file, and then suddenly froze. Her eyes widened in shock.


    Koto: "¡­ Wait a second, you''re only 16?!"


    Akio and Ann burst into laughter in the background, while Ken looked away.


    Koto (glaring at him): "Aren''t you a little too young to be smoking?! Who let you destroy your lungs like this?!"


    Ken (casually): "I''m mature enough to make my own decisions."


    Koto stared at him, then suddenly grabbed the cigarette from his hand and crushed it with her fingers!


    Koto: "Mature?! You''ve barely left childhood! Do you want to die before you reach your twenties?!"


    Ann stepped in, defending Ken.


    Ann: "Stop bothering Ken-san! He''s free to do whatever he wants!"


    Koto: "Huh?!"


    Vico looked at Ken calmly and added:


    Vico: "I told you before, smoking is bad for you."


    Ken sighed and raised his hands in surrender.


    Ken: "Alright, alright, I get it¡­ No need for a full health lecture."


    Koto shook her head and wrote something in Ken''s medical file, as if she was making a note about his bad habit.


    Koto (serious tone): "If I catch you smoking again, I''ll make sure you get a full medical treatment that will make you regret every cigarette you ever smoked."


    Akio laughed and whispered to Ann.


    Akio: "I think Ken finally met someone who can control him."


    After scolding Ken, Koto took a deep breath, then finally looked around the room properly. She raised an eyebrow, realizing that the room was filled with a group of strange people.


    Koto (looking at Akio, Ann, and Vico): "¡­ Wait a minute, who are you all? And why are you even here?"


    Ann, Vico, and Shiko burst into laughter, while Akio smiled confidently, placed his hands on his hips, and spoke proudly.


    Akio: "I am Akio, the future great Shogun!"


    Koto stared at him for a few seconds, then raised her other eyebrow.


    Koto (flatly): "¡­ Great. Now I''m dealing with a bunch of weird teenagers."


    Ann laughed loudly, while Akio crossed his arms, looking annoyed.


    Akio (muttering): "Why does no one ever believe me¡­?"


    Koto looked at Ann, then at Vico, but before she could say anything else¡­


    Suddenly, she heard a strange noise behind her.


    She turned around slowly, only to find a small white cow staring at her with wide eyes. Then, the cow mooed loudly.


    Koto (completely shocked): "Wait a second¡­ Is that a cow?! Why is there a cow inside the hospital?!"


    Ken lifted his head slightly and smirked.


    Ken: "Oh, her? That''s Shiko. She''s my therapist."


    Koto stared at him for two seconds in complete silence. Then, she gently smacked his head with the medical file.


    Koto (muttering to herself): "¡­ I think I need to quit this job."


    After all the chaos, Koto finally calmed down and checked Ken''s condition again.


    Koto (serious): "Your condition is stable, but you need two days of rest before leaving."


    Akio suddenly cheered.


    Akio: "Yaaaay! We should celebrate with some souffl¨¦! Let''s go, guys!"


    Koto (confused): "Okay¡­ I won''t lie¡­ You guys are the weirdest group I''ve ever met."


    Vico tried to hold back his laughter.


    Vico: "Oh, you haven''t seen anything yet."


    Ann held the forbidden scroll, looking at it deeply.


    Ann: "It seems like our journey has just begun¡­ And there are still many secrets to uncover."


    Akio stretched his arms and smiled.


    Akio: "I have a feeling this peace won''t last long, right?"


    To be continued¡­

 17. King Cirrus hell

    The sun rises slowly, and its rays sneak through the hospital room window, signaling the start of a new day. Ken was still asleep, and this time, he was alone in the room.


    The scene shifts to the hotel where Akio and Shiko were staying. Akio woke up full of energy and then looked at Shiko (in her girl form), who was playing in the room, causing complete chaos. Pillows were scattered all over the floor!


    Akio (shocked): "Sh-Shiko!!! What did you do to the room?!"


    Shiko stopped for a moment, then looked at Akio, laughed, and continued playing.


    Akio (falling off the bed): "Aaaah!! Shiko!! This isn''t fair, this isn''t even our house!"


    The scene returns to Ken, who slowly starts waking up. His body still felt tired, but not as exhausted as the day before. The room was completely silent. For the first time in two days, there was no one around to disturb him. But he could barely open his eyes fully before hearing the door suddenly swing open¡­


    It was Koto, walking in with firm steps, holding his medical file as if she was ready to interrogate him again.


    Koto: "Oh, finally awake, little smoker."


    Ken (sleepily): "Good morning, grumpy doctor."


    Koto paused for a moment, then glared at him.


    Koto: "¡­Did you just call me grumpy?"


    Ken (smirking): "Do you greet all your patients like this, or am I special to you?"


    Koto clenched her fist around his file, trying to keep her cool. She took a deep breath and decided to ignore him¡­ but not for long.


    Koto (ignoring him): "Well, since you''re still able to joke, I guess you''re fine."


    Ken: "Oh, thanks for your concern, doctor."


    Koto: "Don''t flatter yourself, I never said I was concerned."


    Ken smirked and slowly sat up on the bed, but as he moved, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach, causing him to hold onto it.


    Koto: "The pain will go away soon, just don''t push yourself too hard or walk too much."


    Before Ken could reply, the door opened again. This time, Akio entered excitedly, followed by Shiko, who was hopping behind him!


    Akio: "Ken! You''re finally better!"


    Ken looked at Akio, then at Shiko (still in her girl form), who stared at him with big, happy eyes. Suddenly, she jumped onto his bed and hugged him tightly.


    Shiko: "Daddyyy! I''m so happy you''re okay!"


    Ken (annoyed): "I''m NOT your dad!"


    Ann and Vico entered the room as well, with Ann holding a small gift box wrapped neatly. The moment she saw Ken, her eyes turned into hearts! She was so excited and she pushed Vico aside and rushed forward.


    Ann (enthusiastically, handing him the gift): "Ken-san! I got you something very special!"


    Ken eyed the gift with suspicion, then looked at Ann, who was smiling at him like he was her prince.


    Ken: "Hmm¡­ and why did you buy me a gift?"


    Ann (fake shyness): "Oh¡­ just a little gift to show how happy I am that you''re okay!"


    Akio (whispering to Vico): "I''m sure she planned this from the beginning."


    Ken took the gift and opened it¡­ inside was a set of elegant Japanese chopsticks with his name engraved on them.


    Ken (raising an eyebrow): "Oh¡­ it''s not my birthday today, right?"


    Ann (embarrassed, twirling her hair): "Oh, well, it''s okay to celebrate you every day! Hehe!"


    Koto watched the scene, gripping her medical file tightly.


    Koto: "Unbelievable¡­ this reckless guy actually has a fangirl!"


    Ken ignored her comment and lifted the chopsticks, then looked at Ann.


    Ken: "So¡­ did you get these for me because you know I like sushi?"


    Ann (excitedly): "Yes! I''ve been watching you for a while to figure out your favorite things!"


    Everyone went silent.


    Vico: "Wait¡­ did you just say you''ve been watching him for a while?"


    Ann (stuttering): "Uh¡­ I mean¡­ no no! Not like that! Just¡­ casual observation!"


    Akio laughed while Ken stared at her blankly.


    Koto (frustrated): "Please, I''m a doctor, don''t make me sick with this silly romance drama!"


    At that moment, Ann happily circled around Ken, thinking of more ways to impress him.


    Ann: "Ken-san, do you need anything? A comfy pillow? Should I cook for you? Oh! Do you like ninjas? I can show you my skills!"


    Ken: "I¡­ don''t need anything. Just let me rest, please."


    But Ann wasn''t listening, continuing to chat excitedly while Ken started sweating, unable to stop her. Akio, Shiko, and Vico stood back, watching as if they were enjoying a comedy show.


    Akio (interrupting): "Anyway, Ann, did you pack your things? We''re heading on a new adventure!"


    Ann: "Of course! But tell me, Akio, where are we going?"


    Akio stood in the middle of the room, looking around nervously. Everyone noticed his strange expression and stopped moving, focusing on him.


    Vico: "What''s wrong this time?"


    Akio (scratching his head): "Umm¡­ I forgot something really important¡­"


    Ann (worried): "What? Did you forget your stuff?"


    Akio (shaking his head quickly): "No, no¡­ worse than that!"


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    Everyone leaned in, expecting him to reveal something serious.


    Ken: "Just say it already, what did you forget?"


    Akio (yelling seriously): "I forgot¡­ where we''re going!"


    Silence filled the room. Ann and Vico looked at each other slowly. Shiko burst into laughter, while Ken held his forehead and sighed deeply.


    Ken: "Oh, great¡­ our leader doesn''t even know where we''re headed."


    Koto (confused): "Wait¡­ then what have you all been doing this whole time?!"


    Akio: "Umm¡­ I don''t know, Dr. Koto¡­"


    Ken (muttering): "How do I still put up with you?"


    When everyone left the hospital, Koto noticed Shiko standing by the hospital door, looking deep in thought.


    Koto (walking towards her): "What''s wrong, Shiko? You look lost in thought."


    Shiko looked at everyone for a moment, then lowered her head sadly.


    Shiko: "Actually¡­ I don''t know where I should go."


    Everyone looked at her in surprise.


    Ann: "What do you mean? Don''t you have a home?"


    Shiko (slowly shaking her head): "No¡­ I''ve been living here and there¡­ I never had a real home."


    A moment of silence followed as everyone realized that Shiko had no family or place to belong. But instead of showing pity, Koto placed her hands on her hips and thought seriously.


    Koto: "Well¡­ that means you need someone to take care of you, right?"


    Shiko looked at her expectantly.


    Koto (calm but firm): "Alright then, I''ll take care of you, you weird little cow. I get lonely here, away from my sister."


    Shiko''s eyes widened in shock.


    Shiko: "Really?!"


    Koto (crossing her arms): "Yeah, you''re just a kid, and you need someone responsible around. And since these idiots (pointing at Ken and Akio) can''t be trusted, I''ll be the one to make sure you grow up healthy!"


    Ann and Vico smiled, while Ken and Akio looked at Koto in disbelief.


    The group looked at each other with excitement, ready to start their journey.


    Akio: "Alright! Now that we have a new team¡­ where should we go?"


    Everyone stared at him in silence.


    Ken: "Didn''t we have this conversation already?"


    Ann (frustrated): "Oh my god, not again!"


    Akio: "Okay, okay! Let''s just stay at the hotel today, and tomorrow, I''ll have an answer!"


    Ann: "Sounds good to me!"


    The scene changes completely. First, the screen fades to black, then transitions to Kaji Kingdomduring sunset. The air was eerily quiet, carrying an ominous feeling, as if a disaster was about to unfold. Everything seemed normal¡­ until the palace alarm echoed loudly!


    A man''s voice came through the microphone:


    "Evacuate! Machia''s army is at the gate! They are storming the palace!"


    Inside the throne hall, King Cirrus sat on his red throne, one leg crossed over the other, staring ahead with complete indifference. It was as if the chaos outside was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. He didn''t move. He showed no emotion. Even when the massive doors burst open, and a royal guard rushed in, his face pale and eyes wide with fear.


    Guard (panting): "My Lord Cirrus¡­ Machia''s soldiers have breached the palace¡­ They''re coming here!"


    Silence filled the hall for a few moments. Then, Cirrus let out a quiet sigh, as if he was simply bored. He stood up and walked forward slowly, his steps carrying a crushing weight of authority and deadly presence.


    Cirrus: "As always¡­ that fool Machia decided to send his dogs after me."


    His voice was calm, but it carried a lethal aura, sending shivers down the spine of the guard who delivered the news. Cirrus didn''t need armor. He didn''t need a sword. He left the palace without fear, walking as if he were simply going on a casual evening stroll.


    Outside, in the grand palace courtyard, Machia''s army stood on high alert, their boots pressing into the ground as they prepared for battle. Then, they heard it¡­ slow, deliberate footsteps approaching.


    Cirrus finally appeared before them. Alone. No army. No guards. Just him.


    He stood at the top of the stone stairs leading to the palace entrance, looking down at them as if they were nothing but insignificant insects. Then, he raised his gaze slightly, locking eyes with the fleet commander, a towering man clad in black armor, holding a massive gun in his hand. The commander glared at Cirrus, trying to appear fearless.


    Machia''s Fleet Commander (loudly): "Cirrus! By order of Emperor Machia, we are taking this palace from you! Surrender now, and we will let you live!"


    Cirrus didn''t reply with words. Instead, he simply smirked coldly. Then, he started walking toward the commander, his steps slow but unwavering. Some soldiers instinctively stepped back. But the commander stood his ground, gripping his gun and pointing it at Cirrus''s head, his finger resting on the trigger. He was trying hard to mask his fear.


    Then, in the blink of an eye¡ªCirrus vanished.


    Soldier: "W-What?!"


    No one saw how he moved¡­ but suddenly, he was right in front of the commander. Too close. Too fast.


    Cirrus stared at him with his lifeless gray eyes, completely void of emotion.


    Cirrus (whispering, yet his voice felt like a dagger to the heart): "Did you say you would take my palace?"


    Before anyone could react¡­ Cirrus raised his hand slowly¡­ and placed it on the commander''s head.


    The commander froze. His hands trembled, and he couldn''t even pull the trigger.


    Then, with no effort at all¡ªCirrus ripped his head off.


    There was no dramatic battle. No screaming. Just the sound of flesh and bone separating.


    The commander''s massive body collapsed instantly. His head, still dripping with fresh blood, remained in Cirrus''s grasp. He examined it for a moment, as if bored, then dropped it carelessly to the ground like a piece of garbage.


    Silence.


    The soldiers stepped back instinctively, their hands trembling. Some dropped their weapons without realizing it. Others began hyperventilating, as if the air around them had become too heavy to breathe.


    Cirrus took another step forward, casually conjuring orbs of fire in his hands as a final warning.


    Cirrus (calm, yet his voice carried the heat of hell itself):


    "Who''s next?"


    No one answered. No one dared.


    In a single moment¡­ Machia''s mighty army turned into a bunch of trembling fools.


    Some began fleeing in blind panic, while others stood frozen in place, too scared to even move.


    Then, a desperate voice rang out¡ªthe vice commander. His hands were shaking as he stared at his leader''s decapitated head, blood still pooling beneath it.


    Vice Commander (shouting, voice laced with terror): "You cowards!! Where are you running?! Fire at him!"


    The soldiers hesitated¡­ some gripped their weapons but their hands shook violently. The vice commander, desperate to maintain control, raised his arm and ordered the snipers to take aim.


    Vice Commander: "Aim on his head! NOW!"


    In an instant, dozens of rifles pointed at Sirrus, and within a second, they all fired at once.


    The bullets rushed toward Cirrus at deadly speed.


    But in that moment¡ªhe didn''t flinch. He didn''t move. He didn''t dodge.


    Instead¡­ his gray eyes flashed a deep crimson red.


    That was the moment everyone realized¡­ they had made a fatal mistake.


    Cirrus: "I''m tired of this nonsense."


    In one second, flames erupted around him. The heat intensified instantly, and the bullets, which had been flying toward him at full speed, began warping in the air.


    Then suddenly¡ªa massive explosion of fire burst from Sirrus'' body!


    With a simple lift of his hand, an unstoppable wave of flames surged forward like a ravenous beast, devouring everything in its path.


    In an instant, the bullets were gone.


    Melted into nothing.


    The soldiers had no time to react¡ªthe flames rushed toward them at terrifying speed.


    "Aaaaaahhh!!"


    Screams of agony filled the air.


    Some tried to run, but the fire was faster.


    Some burned alive before they could even comprehend what was happening.


    Their armor melted into molten metal, their weapons dropped uselessly, and their bodies collapsed into ashes.


    The vice commander was among them. But he didn''t die immediately¡ªhe could feel his body burning slowly, as if the flames were devouring his flesh and bones inch by inch.


    Through the chaos, Cirrus appeared before him again.


    The vice commander barely managed to lift his head. His body was half-burnt. His face, once full of pride, was now a twisted mask of horror.


    His trembling eyes locked onto Sirrus'' expressionless face.


    Cirrus (whispering coldly):


    "A moment ago, you were speaking so confidently¡­ but your heart tells me you were lying."


    Before the vice commander could mutter a single word, Sirrus moved.


    Faster than lightning. Faster than anything they had ever seen.


    In one swift motion¡ªCirrus''s hand plunged straight into the man''s chest!


    The vice commander let out a choked gasp, eyes widening as he looked down¡­


    He saw his own trembling hands.


    Then, he saw Cirrus''s hand protruding from his back¡­ holding his heart.


    A wave of pure terror washed over him.


    His heart was still beating.


    Cirrus lifted the still-pulsing organ, watching it with quiet amusement.


    Cirrus: "So, what are your last words?"


    Vice Commander (barely whispering, voice broken with fear):


    "I-impossible¡­"


    Then, with no effort at all¡ªCirrus crushed the heart in his grip.


    The body collapsed lifelessly.


    Blood dripped from Cirrus''s fingers, but he simply wiped his hand on his red scarf as if cleaning a minor stain.


    The remaining soldiers stood frozen. None of them could lift their weapons anymore.


    Then, they ran.


    "He''s a demon!! RUN!!!"


    Within seconds, Machia''s army dissolved into chaos, scattering in fear.


    Cirrus simply watched.


    Then, he let out a low, sinister laugh.


    Cirrus: "Is that all you''ve got, Machia? Pathetic."


    He turned back toward his palace, walking slowly, calmly.


    As the palace doors shut behind him, silence returned.


    But everyone knew one thing for certain¡ª


    Cirrus was not an ordinary man.


    To be continued¡­

 18. Koto’s sister shocking appearance

    After Cirrus burned 80% of Machia''s soldiers who surrounded him, a deadly silence filled the palace courtyard. There was nothing left but ashes and charred bodies. Cirrus walked among the burnt corpses with calm, steady steps, showing no emotion¡ªas if this was just a normal part of his daily life.


    He reached the palace''s massive gate, where the royal guards stood at a distance, their faces filled with a mixture of shock and fear. Some of them avoided looking directly at him, while others couldn''t take their eyes off the burnt remains behind him.


    As Cirrus stepped inside the palace, he turned toward one of the guards standing at the door.


    Cirrus (in a cold, deadly voice): "Clean up the mess."


    Even though the guard knew Cirrus wouldn''t harm him, the tone of his voice alone was enough to terrify him. He swallowed hard and slowly turned his head toward Cirrus.


    Guard (nervously): "Y-yes, my Lord!"


    Without another word, Cirrus continued his way towards the royal throne room. Upon entering, he sat on his luxurious throne, tilted his head back slightly, and closed his eyes for a moment.


    Suddenly, the scene completely shifts into a dark, swirling vortex. Then, the vortex disappears, revealing a strange, empty landscape. Akio stood on barren ground, surrounded by nothing but the sky and countless stars.


    Confused, he began walking forward, calling out to his friends.


    Akio: "Ken? Ann? Where are you?!"


    The uneasiness on his face was clear. He felt like he was walking in a void. Suddenly, the sky above him shattered into pieces, and the ground beneath him collapsed.


    He began falling into the abyss, screaming, and as he fell, he saw Ken and Ann appear above him. They stood on solid ground, unaffected by the collapse.


    But the strange thing was¡­ they weren''t even looking at him.


    Akio (screaming): "Ken! Ann! Help me!"


    But Ken and Ann didn''t react at all.


    A deep shock hit Akio. Just before he completely fell into the void, a mysterious voice echoed in his ears:


    "You are not who you think you are, Akio!"


    Suddenly, the scene shifts again to a dark hotel room where Akio was sleeping.


    Akio woke up, gasping for air, his body drenched in sweat. He was panting heavily, trying to catch his breath.


    The room was dimly lit, but the moonlight streaming through the window made it just bright enough to see.


    Sitting on the opposite bed, staring at him in silence, was Ken with a cigarette resting between his lips.


    Ken (in a calm, quiet voice): "Looks like you had a nightmare."


    Akio remained silent for a moment, catching his breath, before quickly regaining his senses.


    Akio (his voice low, slightly shaky): "It''s nothing¡­ just a bad dream."


    Ken didn''t look fully convinced, but he didn''t push for more details either.


    He simply stared at Akio for a moment, then turned his gaze toward the window, taking another drag from his cigarette. The smoke swirled as it drifted out into the night.


    After a night filled with tension and strange nightmares, the morning sun rose, signaling the start of a new day and a new adventure.


    The scene shifts to the hotel''s open buffet, where Akio, Ken, and Ann were eating breakfast.


    Akio was enjoying some pancakes. Ken was eating eggs and sausage, but was far more focused on his coffee than his food. Ann was eating casually, chatting about random topics.


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    Everyone was engrossed in their meals, but suddenly, a familiar voice broke the moment.


    Koto: "Good morning!"


    They all turned toward the source of the voice.


    Akio''s eyes widened in surprise as he saw Koto standing before them.


    Akio: "Dr. Koto?! What are you doing here?!"


    Koto wasn''t wearing her usual doctor''s coat.


    Instead, she was dressed casually¡ªa short-sleeved blue shirt and black jeans. She simply smiled, placed her hands in her pockets, and took a seat next to Ann.


    Then, looking at them seriously, she spoke.


    Koto: "I''ve thought about it carefully¡­ and I''ve decided that from now on, I''ll be your personal doctor."


    Ann nearly choked on her food from shock.


    Ann (in disbelief): "Wait¡­ are you saying¡­ you''re joining us?!"


    Koto (shaking her head with a light smile): "Not exactly. I won''t be with you all the time¡­ but I''ll always be there whenever you need me."


    Ken calmly placed his coffee cup on the table, looking at Koto with his usual unreadable expression.


    Ken (coldly): "And how exactly do you plan to do that?"


    At that moment, Koto took out a small box and placed it on the table. She opened it, revealing several metallic pendants glowing with a faint purple light.


    Akio (surprised): "What are these?"


    Koto looked at them calmly before picking up one of the pendants, holding it between her fingers.


    Koto: "These aren''t just accessories. They are a rare technology, and only a few people in the world know how they work¡­ I am one of them. They are called Emergency Passage Pendants. If any of you carry one, you can summon me directly to your location if you suffer a serious injury or are in a critical medical condition."


    Everyone stared at the pendants in shock, as they had never heard of anything like this before.


    Ann (amazed): "A summoning technique?! Like magic?!"


    Koto (smirking): "It''s not magic. No one truly knows their origin¡ªnot even me. I found them buried in the sea under mysterious circumstances, and now I have a collection of them. I''ll give each of you one."


    Akio: "That''s interesting!"


    Koto: "You can only summon me once every 24 hours, so use it only when necessary."


    Ann: "So no matter where we go¡­ we''ll be able to call you?"


    Koto (nodding confidently): "Exactly! Let me show you an example¡ªI''ll summon my younger sister. She has one of these pendants."


    Koto flipped the pendant over, revealing a small button on the back. When she pressed it, a faint purple glow appeared in front of them. The process took less than three seconds¡­ and suddenly¡­ Koto''s sister appeared before them.


    The shocking twist was that Koto''s sister was none other than Yoko¡ªthe childhood friend of Ken and the girl Akio had met on Orakano Island!


    Koto: "That was fast, sister! It seems like you''re never busy!"


    Yoko (looking around): "Oh¡­ that''s true!"


    But when she turned toward the table¡­ her eyes immediately met Ken and Akio''s.


    Ken and Akio froze completely in place. Akio''s eyes widened in shock, while Ken paused mid-sip of his coffee, slowly looking at Yoko.


    Akio (stunned): "Y¡­ Yoko?!"


    Ken (calm but internally surprised): "You¡­ are Koto''s sister?"


    Ann stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold, not understanding why this was such a big deal since she had never met Yoko before.


    Ann (muttering to herself): "Well¡­ looks like there''s some family drama I wasn''t aware of."


    Yoko (placing her hand on her hip): "I didn''t expect you two to be this shocked! Yes, Koto is my older sister. She told me you were here, so it looks like we''ll be seeing each other a lot!"


    Koto (raising an eyebrow in confusion): "Wait a second, Yoko, you know these people?"


    Yoko (smiling shyly, slightly surprised by Koto''s question): "Of course! Ken¡­ Ken was our neighbor eight years ago!"


    Koto froze in place for a moment, blinking twice as if her brain had stopped processing. Then, she placed a hand on her forehead in frustration.


    Koto: "Wait a minute¡­ You''re telling me this dull, cigarette-smoking guy was the same Ken from next door¡­ How did I not realize this?"


    Ken stared blankly at Koto, then casually took another sip of his coffee, completely indifferent.


    Yoko (tilting her head slightly, her face a little red): "W-well, yeah¡­ We used to play together a lot when we were kids."


    Ken finally placed his cup on the table and looked at her.


    Ken: "That''s true. I ran into her again a week ago on Orakano Island."


    Ann, who had been eating quietly, suddenly stopped chewing, staring at them both slowly.


    Ann (crossing her arms cautiously): "Wait a second¡­ Ken-san, are you telling me you and this girl were childhood friends?!"


    Ken (calmly): "So what?"


    Ann stared at them for a moment, then returned to her food, biting down on her spoon a little harder than necessary as if trying to keep herself composed.


    Yoko took a step closer to Ken, her cheeks slightly flushed.


    Yoko (giving Ken a shy smile): "Ken¡­ do you remember how we used to race all the time? You were always just one step ahead of me, and I kept telling you that I''d win next time, but you''d always say¡­"


    Ken (finishing the sentence himself, in a cold tone): "That will never happen."


    Yoko gave a nervous laugh, looking away slightly as if embarrassed. Meanwhile, Ann completely stopped eating, now carefully analyzing the situation.


    Ann (slamming her spoon on the table, irritation creeping onto her face): "Ken-san! I had no idea you had a childhood admirer!"


    Yoko froze for a moment, not expecting that statement. Her cheeks flushed deeper, and she looked down in embarrassment.


    Yoko: "I-I¡­ I''m not an admirer or anything like that!"


    Ken glanced at her, then shifted his gaze toward Ann with a cold expression.


    Ann (narrowing her eyes at Yoko): "Really?! Well, it doesn''t matter because Ken-san is mine anyway!"


    Yoko completely froze, her mind shutting down for a moment. Her eyes slowly widened as she stared at Ann as if she had just heard something completely illogical.


    Yoko (her voice low, a clear shock on her face): "Yours¡­ only?"


    Ken let out a small sigh, running his hand over his forehead before turning to Ann with a cold, sideward glance.


    Ken: "Ann, stop saying stupid things."


    But Ann didn''t care about his words. Instead, she turned toward Yoko, placing a hand on her hip, and it was obvious she was feeling jealous.


    Ann (with exaggerated confidence): "Of course! I''m the only one who can handle Ken-san''s weird personality! No one else could deal with him!"


    Yoko (her voice hesitant and shy): "Are you¡­ together?"


    Ken lit his cigarette, then looked at Yoko with an expressionless stare.


    Ken: "No."


    Yoko felt a slight sense of relief, but before she could say anything, Ann cut in with a light laugh.


    Ann (blushing slightly, her tone playful but unsure): "Well¡­ not yet, but we''re together all the time!"


    Yoko''s mind froze again.


    Yoko (thinking to herself, feeling a strange tension): Why do I feel like I''m intruding here¡­?


    At that moment, Akio, who had been watching the entire exchange with increasing discomfort, finally stepped in.


    Akio: "Girls, stop this!"


    But Yoko was still frozen, trying to process what Ann had just said, while Ken took a slow drag from his cigarette, looking completely uninterested in the growing tension between them.


    Ann (ignoring Akio): "So, Yoko-chan, what did you call Ken-san when you were kids? Ken-kun? Ken-san? Or¡­ maybe Ken-senpai?"


    Yoko (extremely embarrassed, looking down): "N-no! I didn''t call him anything like that! I just called him by his name!"


    Ann (dramatically shocked): "So you were close enough to call him by his first name, huh?"


    Ken (his tone serious and sharp): "That''s enough, Ann."


    Ann blinked in surprise, finally noticing that Ken was truly irritated. His expression had darkened slightly, and there was a clear sign of frustration on his face.


    Without another word, he stood up, taking another drag from his cigarette before exhaling slowly. Then, without looking back, he began walking away from the table.


    Ken left the buffet area, making his way toward the hotel garden. The irritation on his face was unmistakable as he disappeared into the quiet night.


    To be continued¡­

 19. The crimson duchess

    After leaving the buffet, Ken stood in the hotel garden, slowly exhaling cigarette smoke as the morning sun peeked through the trees. He took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a moment.


    Yoko: "Ken!"


    Ken turned slightly and saw Yoko hurrying toward him with hesitant steps. When she got closer, she stopped, placed her hands behind her back, and looked at him cautiously. It seemed like she wanted to say something but wasn''t sure how to start.


    Ken (coldly, exhaling smoke): "What is it?"


    Yoko hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.


    Yoko: "I just wanted to ask¡­ why did you leave like that? You seemed¡­ upset."


    Ken: "You''re overthinking it. I wasn''t upset. I just don''t like pointless situations."


    Yoko watched him silently, then took a step closer, studying his face. It was as cold as always, but¡­ this wasn''t the same Ken she remembered from eight years ago.


    Yoko (whispering): "You''ve changed a lot, Ken¡­"


    Ken glanced at her briefly but didn''t reply. He simply looked back at the sky.


    Yoko: "When we were kids, you always smiled¡­ You were mischievous, but also kind. But now, you''re¡­"


    She stopped, unable to find the right words.


    Ken (calmly, without looking at her): "There''s no point in talking about the past."


    Yoko raised her eyebrows slightly, then lowered her head in disappointment.


    Ken (exhaling smoke, looking at the horizon): "If you have nothing else to say, you should go back inside."


    Yoko hesitated for a moment, then slowly turned and walked away, sadness visible on her face. Ken remained standing there, then dropped his cigarette and crushed it under his shoe.


    After everyone returned inside the hotel, they sat around the table. Akio was eating his souffl¨¦ greedily, while Ann watched him in disbelief. Ken sat silently, sipping his coffee. At that moment, Koto looked at Akio carefully, as if she had just remembered something important.


    Koto: "Akio, you have a big dream, don''t you?"


    Akio looked up at her and grinned excitedly.


    Akio: "Of course! I want to become the greatest Shogun!"


    Koto (smiling, shaking her head): "Then¡­ have you heard about the Five Legendary Swords?"


    Akio''s eyes widened in surprise, and he paused mid-bite. Even Ken raised an eyebrow, showing slight interest.


    Akio: "Legendary swords?! You mean the weapons said to have mysterious powers?!"


    Koto: "Yes. But they''re not just legends¡­ they''re real. There are five legendary swords hidden across the continents, and it''s said that whoever collects them all will gain unbeatable power."


    Akio stood up excitedly, slamming his hands on the table. Ann stared at him in shock.


    Akio: "That''s amazing! Where can I find them?!"


    Koto (calmly smiling as she pulls out a small map): "Each sword is in a different location."


    She took out a map of Valoria Continent from her pocket.


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    Koto:


    "First sword: Sanguinis"


    ?    Location: Darkova State


    ?    Owner: Crimson Duchess Terrakula


    ?    Details: This sword is said to have a dark power that absorbs the blood of its victims, growing stronger the more it feeds.


    "Second sword: Arcticrown"


    ?    Location: Crystalia State


    ?    Owner: A mysterious person with white hair


    ?    Details: This sword is said to be capable of freezing entire oceans with a single touch.


    "Third sword: Tatsukami"


    ?    Location: Fujimura State


    ?    Owner: Hidden in an ancient temple


    ?    Details: It is said to carry a mysterious spirit and can only be wielded by someone truly worthy.


    "Fourth sword: Abyss"


    ?    Location: Kaji Kingdom


    ?    Owner: Unknown


    ?    Details: Unknown


    "Fifth sword: Negridus"


    ?    Location: Eastern Valinor State


    ?    Owner: Unknown


    ?    Details: Unknown


    After Koto finished speaking, silence filled the room for a moment before Akio spoke again with intense excitement.


    Akio (his eyes sparkling): "This is incredible! If I collect all these swords, will I become the greatest Shogun?!"


    Ann (hands on her hips): "Wait a second, this sounds really dangerous, especially if others are looking for them too."


    Akio took a deep breath, then stood confidently.


    Akio: "Alright! Let''s start with the first sword! We''ll go to Darkova and take the sword from Duchess Terrakula!"


    Ken raised an eyebrow, studying Akio as if evaluating his words.


    Ken (smirking): "Do you think it''ll be that easy?"


    Akio (grinning): "Of course! If she''s strong, I''ll just become stronger and defeat her!"


    Ann (sighing): "Akio¡­ do you even think before you act?"


    But Akio wasn''t listening. His excitement was at its peak as he declared with determination:


    Akio: "If this is the path to becoming Shogun, then I''ll follow it to the end!"


    Koto: "Listen carefully. Terrakula is the most feared vampire in Darkova. The entire state is under Makia''s rule, and Terrakula serves directly under him. She is known as the ''Scarlet Duchess.'' Rumors say she forces humans to offer her sacrifices every week so she can drain their blood."


    Akio (shocked): "A vampire?! Does that mean she''s not human?!"


    Koto (slowly nodding): "Exactly. But she''s not just any vampire¡ªshe''s one of the most dangerous creatures in history."


    Ann (covering her mouth in shock): "That¡­ that''s terrifying! And, as always, Makia''s government doesn''t care about human lives at all."


    Akio (grinning confidently): "Then¡­ we''ll go there and take the sword from her! It doesn''t matter if she''s a vampire, we won''t leave the sword in her hands!"


    Ken, however, wasn''t as enthusiastic. He looked at Akio coldly and spoke in a serious tone.


    Ken: "This isn''t a game, Akio. If you''re not ready to face a creature like her, you might not survive the battle."


    Akio (stubbornly): "Well, if you''re scared, you can stay behind."


    Ken (lighting another cigarette calmly): "It''s not fear¡ªit''s caution. But fine, let''s go there and see for ourselves."


    Now, the scene shifts to Darkova State, a land covered in eternal darkness where sunlight rarely reaches. The sky is filled with black clouds, and the city is filled with old buildings. The air is thick with the scent of moisture and blood.


    At the center of it all stands Terrakula''s Castle, a massive gothic structure with towering black pillars. Its windows are draped with deep crimson curtains, adding to its eerie presence.


    Inside the throne hall, the Scarlet Duchess, Terrakula, sat on her grand throne, made of bones and precious metals. Her short red hair and piercing red eyes reflected the dim light. She leaned on the throne''s armrest, swirling a glass filled with a dark red liquid, moving it lazily in her hand. A smug smile played on her lips as she observed her three loyal guards.


    The first was Akira, a black-haired werewolf with crimson eyes. Though he looked human, his wolf ears revealed his true nature. He appeared to be in his early twenties and stood beside Terrakula''s throne.


    The second was Nyoro, a 14-year-old boy with spiky brown hair and bright blue eyes. Unlike the others, he was fully human. He lounged on a luxurious chair, flipping a dagger between his fingers, looking bored¡ªwaiting for something interesting to happen.


    The third was Steve, a 17-year-old with black hair and blue eyes, wearing dark sunglasses. He stood silently by the door, his expression unreadable.


    Terrakula took a slow sip from her glass, then raised an eyebrow slightly, speaking with a tone of boredom.


    Terrakula: "So¡­ when will this dull routine end? Darkova has become boring. No excitement, no fun¡ªjust a bunch of pathetic humans running for their lives as if they could actually escape me."


    Akira let out a sarcastic laugh, tilting his head toward her.


    Akira: "You''re right, Terrakula-sama. People don''t get to live every day in a city ruled by a vampire who complains about boredom while drinking their blood."


    Terrakula (chuckling softly): "Oh, dear Akira, it''s not that simple. They die too quickly, too easily. They don''t even live long enough to entertain me. They''re just insignificant insects who actually believe they have a chance to survive! But I, Terrakula, as a vampire, have lived for over 300 years! I have watched generations of humans be born and die¡­ It''s hilarious!"


    Nyoro (interjecting, smirking): "By the way¡­ why don''t we look for some real entertainment? I''m tired of hunting weak prey."


    Terrakula (grinning slyly): "You know, Nyoro? That''s exactly why I keep you around¡ªyou understand me!"


    Steve, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke in his usual calm tone.


    Steve: "But entertainment should be controlled. We don''t want unnecessary trouble brought to the castle."


    Terrakula placed her glass aside and stood up slowly. She walked toward Steve, stopping right in front of him. Her eyes were challenging, but her smug smile never faded.


    Terrakula (whispering mockingly): "Oh, dear Steve, how I love your boring logic¡­ But since when was chaos a bad thing? Aren''t we here to prove we are the strongest?"


    She took a step back, then turned toward the tall window of the hall. The moonlight barely peeked through the thick clouds.


    Terrakula (dramatically raising her arms slightly): "I want something new! I want destruction, chaos, a battle that will make me feel alive again!"


    Nyoro (grinning as he leans forward): "So, do you want to stir up a little ''excitement'' tonight?"


    Terrakula (slowly turning to him, her red eyes glowing darkly): "Oh, dear Nyoro¡­ we don''t create excitement¡­ we make it!"


    Nyoro laughed, leaning back in his chair, while Steve remained silent, showing no surprise at her words. Terrakula returned to her throne, picked up her glass, and took another slow sip.


    Terrakula: "Dear Akira, bring me a human child tonight!"


    Akira (hesitating): "B-but, Terrakula-sama¡­"


    Terrakula: "What''s wrong? Are you disobeying me?"


    Akira (sighing in defeat): "Understood, Terrakula-sama."


    Akira stood up, receiving his order. As he turned to leave, he glanced at Nyoro, who was clearly enjoying the situation. Meanwhile, Steve remained silent as usual, simply observing.


    Akira (muttering in frustration as he walked away): "This is annoying¡­"


    Just before he exited completely, Terrakula spoke again¡ªthis time in a softer, yet strangely chilling tone.


    Terrakula (smirking slyly): "Oh, Akira dear¡­ make sure the child is¡­ fresh."


    Akira''s steps faltered for a moment, but he didn''t turn back. Instead, he kept walking, his expression a mix of frustration and indifference.


    Nyoro burst into laughter again, rocking his chair back as he slapped his leg in amusement.


    Nyoro (mockingly): "Oh, my lady, don''t you think Akira is losing his old spirit? Maybe we should find a new guard instead!"


    Terrakula (whispering slyly): "Don''t worry, Nyoro¡­ Akira will never fail me¡­ After all, I am the one who saved his life."


    To be continued¡­

 20. The mysterious werewolf

    In the middle of a dark night in Darkova State, Akira, the werewolf, stepped out of Terrakula''s castle, walking slowly through one of the villages. In his right hand, he held a rope¡ªone meant to restrain his target.


    Taking a deep breath, he gazed into the darkness. The village around him was silent, all windows tightly shut, and doors locked with chains. Every human in Darkova feared the Scarlet Duchess, and no one would dare leave a child alone outside past midnight.


    Akira stopped in front of an old wooden house, where a faint light glowed from inside. Through the window, he saw a small black-haired child sleeping on a simple bed, wrapped in a worn-out blanket.


    For a moment, Akira just watched the child breathe peacefully¡ªcompletely unaware of the monster standing behind the wall.


    He tightened his grip on the rope in his hand. This wasn''t the first time he had been assigned such a task, but he hated it more than anything.


    And this time, it was obvious that he was hesitating.


    Akira stood still, his eyes closed, fingers trembling slightly as he clenched the leather rope.


    He could turn back.


    He could return to the castle and tell Terrakula that he failed.


    He could lie.


    He could make up an excuse.


    But¡­ he feared her more than anything.


    Akira''s eyes opened again, locking onto the sleeping child in front of him.


    The boy looked small and fragile, completely innocent.


    He had done nothing wrong¡­ except being born in the wrong place, under the wrong ruler.


    Akira (thinking, furiously): "Damn it¡­ Damn it, damn it, damn it!!!"


    No more hesitation.


    Akira stepped back, then jumped high with his werewolf agility, lifting his arm and smashing through the window with full force.


    The shattering glass echoed through the village, sending shards flying across the room.


    The child jolted awake, his golden eyes wide with terror as he stared at the dark shadow looming over him.


    There was no time to understand what was happening.


    Before he could react, a large hand with sharp claws reached out at lightning speed!


    Akira grabbed the child in an instant.


    Child (trembling voice): "No¡­ No! Mom¡­!"


    There was no time to listen to his pleas.


    Akira wrapped the rope around the child''s small body, refusing to look into his tear-filled eyes.


    The boy squirmed, trying to escape, but Akira tightened his grip, muttering coldly:


    Akira (quietly): "Don''t struggle¡­"


    The child tried to scream, but Akira placed tape over his mouth, silencing him completely.


    The Next Morning ¨C At the Border of Darkova


    The carriage carrying Akio and his companions approached the iron gates of Darkova, guarded by Makia''s soldiers.


    Inside the carriage, Ann was holding a forbidden ninja scroll, reading it carefully.


    Ann (thinking): "I''ve tried using these techniques so many times, but I''ve never succeeded¡­ Maybe it will work when I face a real battle."


    The black-and-white flag of Valoria waved above the gate, beside the eerie, gothic flag of Darkova.


    A group of armed guards wearing traditional green uniforms stood at the entrance, watching everyone with stern expressions.


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    The carriage stopped at the checkpoint, and a high-ranking officer stepped forward to inspect the travel documents.


    Officer (dry voice): "What is the purpose of your visit to Darkova?"


    Akio (laughing excitedly): "We''re here to crush that old hag Terra¡ª"


    WHACK!


    Ann smacked Akio on the head before he could finish his stupid sentence, glaring at him in comedic anger.


    Ann: "You idiot! Do you want to get us kicked out before we even enter?!!"


    Carriage driver (calmly): "These travelers are here for sightseeing."


    One of the soldiers carefully inspected the carriage, opening the bags and crates, searching for anything suspicious.


    At first, everything seemed fine, but then¡ªone of the guards noticed Akio''s sword hanging on his waist.


    Guard 1: "Sir, we have a problem here."


    Another soldier checked Ken''s bag, his eyes narrowing as he found another sword inside.


    Guard 2 (coldly, looking at Ken and Akio): "Didn''t anyone tell you about the laws here? Carrying swords is forbidden in all of Valoria''s states."


    Akio (shocked): "What?! Why?!"


    Guard 1 (strictly): "This law was issued when Makia took over. Anyone carrying a sword inside Makia''s territory will have their weapon confiscated immediately."


    Ken said nothing, but his hand tightened around the handle of his sword inside the bag. A slight tension appeared in his expression.


    Akio: "But we just came from Fawila, and we had our swords the whole time! Isn''t Fawila part of Makia''s rule too?!"


    Guard 1: "What?! How did no one notice?!"


    Ann (worried): "But their swords are part of their fighting style¡­ Can''t you make an exception?"


    Guard 2 (mocking smile): "You think we allow exceptions? Everyone enters Darkova without a sword¡ªor they don''t enter at all."


    Akio (gripping his sword): "I won''t give up my sword that easily!"


    The guards placed their hands on their weapons, their gazes sharp and serious.


    The tension rose, but before it could escalate¡ªKen suddenly raised his hand, then slowly pulled out his sword from his bag and handed it over without a word.


    Ken (cold voice): "No point in arguing. We can manage without swords, but only this time."


    Akio (wide-eyed): "Ken¡­?"


    He gritted his teeth, then sighed in frustration and reluctantly handed over his sword.


    The guards placed the swords in a locked metal chest, then the officer gave them a final warning.


    Guard 2: "Alright, you can go in now¡­ But here''s a tip¡ªdon''t cause trouble. Otherwise¡­ you''ll regret it."


    The iron gates slowly opened, allowing the carriage to enter.


    Akio glared behind him, watching the Makia soldiers take his sword and Ken''s sword away.


    Akio (grumbling, then excitedly): "This is stupid¡­ How are we supposed to fight now?! Next time, I''ll have two swords! I always wanted to use dual-sword style, and soon I''ll have Sanguinis alongside Rinka!"


    Ann: "This is weird¡­ They ban swords, but their duchess owns one?"


    Ken: "The nobles and soldiers get all the privileges in this world. Meanwhile, the citizens only get injustice."


    As soon as the group stepped out of the carriage, they felt the atmosphere change immediately.


    The air was thick with fog and moisture. The narrow streets, dim lanterns, and unnatural silence filled the city.


    As they walked through Darkova''s marketplace, Akio jumped excitedly, scanning the area with curiosity¡ªcompletely ignoring the strange looks from the locals.


    Akio: "Wooooow! This village looks like a fantasy story!"


    Ann (facepalming, muttering): "Oh no¡­ We''re in trouble."


    Meanwhile ¨C In the Dungeon of Darkova Castle


    In the dark underground dungeon, the kidnapped child sat on the cold floor, his eyes filled with tears, hugging himself in fear.


    The sound of dripping water from the ceiling was the only thing breaking the silence.


    He felt cold, hungry, and terrified¡­ he didn''t know why he was here. But he knew one thing¡­ he wanted to go home.


    The metal door of the dungeon creaked open with an unpleasant sound as Terrakula stepped in gracefully, followed by Akira, Nyoro, and Steve. She stopped in front of the small child, holding a glass filled with human blood, taking a small sip as her glowing red eyes studied him.


    Terrakula (smirking coldly): "Oh, look at this little one¡­ how adorable."


    Child (trembling in fear): "P-please¡­ let me go back to my mother¡­"


    Terrakula (mocking laugh, turning to Akira): "Oh, Akira dear, why did you choose such a cowardly child? I expected someone¡­ stronger."


    Akira said nothing. He just stood there in silence, his eyes staring at the floor, refusing to look at the child.


    Terrakula slowly turned toward Akira, her gaze lingering on him before she spoke again¡ªher voice was calm, yet carried a tone of undeniable command.


    Terrakula: "Akira¡­ I want you to kill him."


    A Heavy Silence Filled the Room.


    Akira (frozen in place): "¡­What?"


    Terrakula (calmly smiling): "You brought him here¡­ so finish the job yourself."


    Akira''s entire body tensed. The weight of those words sank deep into his chest.


    His eyes slowly shifted toward the child, who was now crying uncontrollably.


    Child (sobbing, pleading): "Please! Don''t do this!"


    Terrakula stepped closer to Akira, whispering near his ear.


    Terrakula (soft but sinister): "Are you getting soft on me, dear? I saved you from death, I gave you a new life¡­ and now you hesitate to do something so simple?"


    She gently lifted his chin with her cold fingers, sending a chilling sensation through his body.


    Akira (hesitant): "B-but, Terrakula-sama¡­ I''ve killed before¡­ but never a child."


    Terrakula (low voice, sharp as a knife): "If you can''t follow orders, then maybe¡­ I don''t need you anymore."


    Akira''s hand slowly lifted¡­ He gripped his dagger, stepping toward the child.


    The Child Screamed, Trying to Back Away.


    Child (crying out): "Mom¡­ where are you¡­ MOM!!"


    Akira stood over him¡­ He raised his dagger.


    Terrakula watched with quiet amusement, her red eyes shining in anticipation.


    But then¡­


    Akira''s hand stopped mid-air.


    Akira (low voice, firm): "I¡­ don''t kill children."


    Terrakula smiled, unfazed. She took another slow sip from her glass before speaking in a playful tone:


    "Remember, Akira¡­ you are not human. You''re not even fully wolf. You are a monster. So you should act like one."


    She turned her back to him, walking toward the exit.


    Just before stepping out, she paused and spoke in a quiet yet dangerous tone:


    "Take the child to the upper prison¡­ I''ll decide what to do with him later."


    With that, she exited the room, leaving Akira standing there¡­ while the child continued to cry quietly.


    Nyoro (mocking laugh): "Oh, how kind of you, Akira."


    Steve remained silent, but his eyes watched Akira carefully.


    Akira didn''t look at them. Without a word, he grabbed the child''s hand and led him up the stairs to the upper prison, walking without hesitation.


    A Silent Walk to the Upper Prison The child shivered, his tiny cold fingers wrapped around Akira''s hand as they walked slowly.


    Akira said nothing. He didn''t look down at the boy. The child, barely able to walk from fear, stumbled several times, but Akira kept moving forward, dragging him gently but firmly.


    Finally, they reached the cell door. And that''s when the child couldn''t take it anymore.


    Child (trembling voice): "P-please¡­ please don''t leave me here¡­ I don''t want to die¡­"


    Akira''s steps paused for a second, but he didn''t turn. Then suddenly¡ª The child pulled his hand away with all his strength and ran!His tiny feet pounded against the cold stone floor as he sprinted down the hallway, searching desperately for an exit!


    But Akira¡­ did not chase after him immediately. He simply let out a slow sigh¡­Then vanished in an instant. Before the child could reach the end of the hallway¡ª A strong grip caught him from behind, lifting him off the ground.


    The child screamed, kicking and thrashing wildly, but Akira''s grip was too strong. The boy pounded his tiny fists against Akira''s arm¡ª But Akira barely felt it.


    Child (sobbing, voice breaking): "Please! My mom is waiting for me¡­ don''t leave me here!!"


    And Then¡­ Something Unexpected Happened. As the child screamed and cried¡­Tears silently fell from Akira''s own eyes. He didn''t sob. His voice never broke. But the child could hear it¡ª A faint, quiet sound. A shaky breath. A desperate attempt to hide the pain. The boy froze in shock. He stopped crying. His golden eyes widened as he stared at his captor.


    He had never expected to see his kidnapper cry. Akira quickly wiped his face, trying to pull himself together. With a blank, tired expression, he picked up the child again and carried him to the prison cell. His face pale, his mind heavy, he moved forward quietly.


    The metal door creaked as Akira opened it. He paused, giving the child one last glance. The boy, though still afraid, did not scream this time. He just stared at Akira''s tear-filled eyes. Akira said nothing, without a word, he gently placed the child inside the cell¡ª and slowly shut the door. The child did not cry, he just sat in the corner, watching Akira in silence. As if¡­ something had changed between them.


    To be continued¡­

 21. Conflict of memories

    After spending hours wandering around Darkova and gathering information, Akio, Ken, and Ann finally found a small inn and rented a tiny room that barely fit them. The room was cold, the wooden walls looked old, and the bed was anything but comfortable.


    The three left their room and sat in the inn''s restaurant, gathering around an old wooden table, trying some of the local food.


    Ken quietly sipped his black tea, Ann was enjoying a bowl of soup, while Akio took a big bite of a strange-looking piece of meat.


    At first, he seemed excited¡­ but after a few moments¡­


    His face completely changed color.


    Akio (eyes wide, voice shaking): "W-Wait¡­ something tastes weird¡­"


    Ann (raising an eyebrow): "What''s wrong now?"


    Akio (silent for a second, then screams): "AAAHHHHHH!!! THIS ISN''T NORMAL MEAT!! THEY''RE CANNIBALS!!"


    He threw the fork, gasping for breath, clutching his stomach as if he was poisoned.


    Ken raised an eyebrow, looked at Akio''s plate, and spoke calmly:


    Ken: "It''s just deer meat¡­ stop acting like a child."


    Akio (shocked, pointing at his plate randomly): "W-What?! Deer?! SINCE WHEN DO PEOPLE EAT DEER?!"


    Ann (facepalming, then sighing sarcastically): "You idiot¡­ Deer meat is the most popular dish in Darkova."


    Akio (disgusted): "That''s gross!! I can''t eat this!! I want souffl¨¦!!"


    Ann (laughing): "Akio''s love story with souffl¨¦ never ends! But my love story with Ken is something else entirely!"


    Akio ignored his deer meat and decided to take a sip from his cup¡­


    But he didn''t realize¡ª


    He took the wrong cup.


    It was Ken''s cup.


    Inside? Black tea.


    The moment Akio tasted it¡­


    He froze.


    His eyes widened to the maximum, and then¡ª


    SPLAT!


    He spat out the tea¡ª


    Straight onto Ken''s face.


    For the first time ever, Ken was shocked.


    His face and clothes were completely drenched in hot tea.


    For a few seconds, he just sat there, processing what had just happened.


    Then¡ª


    His face turned red with fury in the most comedic way possible.


    Ken punched Akio''s face, sending him flying to the ground.


    Then, without hesitation, he grabbed Akio by his collar, lifting him up.


    Akio (almost crying): "W-Wait! WAIT!! It was an accident!! I''m sorry, but that stuff tasted disgusting!!!"


    Ken (eyes burning with rage): "Accident?! You spat hot tea all over my face!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HOT IT IS?!"


    Ann, who had been watching the scene while eating, suddenly covered her mouth, trying to hold back her laughter.


    But she couldn''t resist.


    Ann: "Oh¡­ my¡­ god¡­ this is the best thing I''ve ever seen! Ken-san is angry! I never thought I''d see him like this!!"


    Ken, still furious, lifted Akio higher, then¡ª


    SLAM!!


    He threw him directly onto the wooden table!


    BOOOOOOM!!


    A part of the table broke, dishes shook, and cups fell to the ground.


    Everyone in the restaurant turned to stare at them in shock.


    But Ken wasn''t done yet.


    He walked over, grabbed Akio again, then¡ª


    BOOOOOOM!!


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    A second punch, this time straight to Akio''s head, sending him flying into the air for a few seconds¡ª


    Before crashing back down onto the ground.


    Now, Akio''s face was swollen in the most hilarious way possible.


    Akio (barely able to speak, swollen face): "I-I¡­ I''m not okay¡­"


    Ann, who was now holding her stomach from laughing too much, could barely breathe.


    Ann (gasping between laughs): "Akio¡­ I think you just¡­ woke up the sleeping monster inside Ken san!"


    After Ken finished punishing Akio, he pulled out a cigarette, placed it in his mouth, and lit it up.


    Without saying another word, he turned around and started walking away, leaving Akio and Ann behind.


    Ken (coldly): "I''m going to take a shower."


    Inside her gothic throne room, Terrakula sat on her throne, holding a glass filled with blood, sipping it casually as she observed her three loyal guards.


    Akira leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, lost in thought.


    Nyoro sat on a luxurious chair, playing with his dagger in boredom.


    Steve stood near the door, his arms folded, watching Terrakula in silence.


    Taking another sip from her glass, Terrakula''s red eyes gleamed, and she spoke in a smooth yet intimidating tone:


    "Boys¡­ tomorrow night, we''re hosting a ball in the palace."


    Akira, who had been deep in thought, suddenly snapped to attention as if something shocked him awake.


    Akira: "A ball?! You mean a real ball? With music¡­ and women?!"


    Terrakula smirked, swirling her glass slowly.


    "Of course, dear Akira. Nobles from all over Darkova will attend¡­ which means¡­ plenty of beautiful ladies."


    Akira clenched his fist in excitement, his energy completely revived.


    Nyoro (mockingly): "Oh, of course. The moment women are involved, suddenly Akira has something to be excited about."


    Akira placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be dramatic, and replied:


    "Of course! My friend, women are life! How could anyone live without them?"


    Then, closing his eyes, he lifted his head and spoke in an overly poetic tone:


    "They are the flowers that decorate this cruel world¡­ the stars that light up the darkness in our hearts¡­"


    Nyoro burst into laughter, while Terrakula watched in amusement.


    Meanwhile, Steve, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke for the first time in a while.


    Steve: "A ball, huh¡­"


    Terrakula: "Yes, Steve. There will be nobles, businessmen, and important people¡­ and I want you there too."


    Steve: "If you want me there, I''ll be there."


    Akira looked at him in surprise, then grinned mischievously.


    Akira: "Steve, man, don''t you ever get excited?! I mean, do you even have emotions?"


    Steve (calmly, deep voice): "I have no interest in shallow parties, dancing, or pointless conversations with fake people."


    Akira froze, then stroked his chin in thought.


    Akira: "Hmmm¡­ then what does interest you, Mr. Mysterious?"


    Steve paused, then simply answered:


    "Silence."


    Nyoro burst into laughter, slamming his hand on the table.


    Nyoro: "Oh, this is amazing! Steve, man, you are officially the most boring person in this castle!"


    Akira laughed as well, shaking his head.


    Akira: "Alright, alright! At least try to have some fun! Maybe you''ll find a quiet girl just like you, and you two can sit in the corner, staring at each other without saying a single word!"


    Steve didn''t respond, only giving Akira a cold stare, as if waiting for him to realize the absurdity of his words.


    Terrakula, amused by the entire exchange, stood gracefully from her throne, speaking in a light but commanding tone.


    "Tomorrow night¡­ I want all of you at your best. Don''t ruin the party, and don''t cause any unnecessary trouble."


    Then, she turned towards Akira, raising an eyebrow slightly.


    "And you, Akira¡­ try not to break the furniture while chasing after women."


    With that, Terrakula exited the room, the sound of her heels echoing as she left.


    Akira turned to Nyoro, clapping his hands together with excitement.


    Akira: "So¡­ are you ready? I, personally, am going to be the king of this party!"


    Nyoro smirked.


    Nyoro: "Oh, don''t worry, Akira. We''ll see who truly steals the spotlight that night."


    Meanwhile, Steve sighed quietly, muttering to himself.


    Steve: "What a pain¡­"


    Hours later¡­


    As the castle bustled with party preparations, Akira found himself wandering aimlessly through the castle halls.


    Without much thought, his feet led him up the staircase to the upper floors, where the child''s cell was located.


    He reached the cell door and unlocked it.


    Upon entering, he saw the child huddled in the corner of the cell, wrapped in a thin blanket that barely kept him warm.


    His tiny body trembled, his pale face showing exhaustion and fear.


    The moment he heard the door creak open, the child''s golden eyes widened with terror.


    However, what caught Akira''s attention the most¡­


    Was the sound of the boy''s stomach growling from hunger.


    Akira: "You''re starving, aren''t you?"


    The child didn''t respond, only staring at him in fear, but unable to stop himself from placing his tiny hand on his stomach, as if trying to silence the sound.


    Akira sighed audibly, running a hand through his black hair.


    Akira: "Seriously¡­ even Terrakula didn''t think to feed you? Are they expecting you to die here slowly?"


    The child didn''t speak, only listened quietly.


    Akira stared at him for a moment, then suddenly turned around and exited the cell, locking the door behind him.


    Minutes later¡­


    Akira returned, holding a piece of bread and some dried meat that he had stolen from the castle kitchen.


    He unlocked the door, stepped inside, and tossed the food towards the child.


    Akira: "Eat."


    The child stared at the food, then slowly lifted his eyes towards Akira.


    Child: "Is¡­ is this for me?"


    Akira raised an eyebrow.


    Akira: "No, it''s for decoration. Of course, it''s for you, you little idiot."


    The child didn''t care about Akira''s sarcasm¡ªhe immediately grabbed the food and began eating desperately, as if he hadn''t seen a meal in days.


    After finishing half of it, Akira spoke again.


    Akira: "What''s your name?"


    The child hesitated before answering nervously.


    Child: "U-uh¡­ My name is Lionel. Thank you, Mister Werewolf!"


    Akira froze for a moment. He wasn''t used to hearing words of gratitude. He turned his head away, pretending not to care, but something unfamiliar stirred in his chest¡ªsomething he didn''t want to acknowledge.


    Akira (dryly): "You shouldn''t thank me¡­ I was the one who brought you here."


    Lionel simply stared at Akira with his wide golden eyes, as if those words meant nothing to him. There was something strange in the child''s gaze¡ªit wasn''t just fear, but something else¡­ something Akira couldn''t explain.


    Lionel (softly): "But¡­ you didn''t hurt me."


    Akira frowned, letting out a sigh of frustration as he ran a hand through his black hair.


    Akira: "That doesn''t mean I won''t do it later. So don''t go thinking I''m some good guy or anything."


    Lionel didn''t respond, simply watching him in silence. Then, after a moment, he gave a small smile¡ªnot mocking, not challenging, just purely innocent.


    Lionel (innocently): "But¡­ you are a good person."


    Akira froze. For a moment, it was as if he hadn''t heard those words before.


    Akira (grumbling, looking away): "Good god¡­ are all kids this annoying?"


    He sat on the floor in front of the cell, leaning his back against the cold stone wall, absentmindedly playing with his claws, acting as if he didn''t care.


    Lionel: "Are you a real werewolf?"


    Akira (resting his head back): "Not fully."


    Lionel (curious): "What do you mean?"


    Akira: "I mean I''m not fully human, but I''m not fully werewolf either. I''m stuck in between¡­ like a monster."


    Lionel didn''t fully understand, but he nodded as if he did.


    Akira: "Listen, Lionel. I have to leave now."


    Lionel (hopeful): "Will you come back tomorrow?"


    Akira froze again. He wasn''t prepared for that question. He looked at Lionel for a moment, then slowly stood up and turned toward the door.


    But just before he left¡­


    He paused, standing at the doorway.


    Without looking back, he spoke in a low voice:


    "Yeah¡­ and I promise, I''ll set you free."


    Then, he closed the door behind him, leaving Lionel alone.


    But this time¡ª


    Lionel wasn''t as scared as he was the first night.


    Because for the first time since he arrived in this place¡­


    He felt that someone might actually care.


    Meanwhile¡­


    As Akira walked through the castle corridors, his breathing became heavier.


    It was as if that child reminded him of something¡ª


    Something buried deep inside him.


    Suddenly, his mind was flooded with memories.


    A dark alleyway¡­


    A seven-year-old boy, sitting on the cold ground, curled into himself as if trying to disappear.


    His clothes were torn, his knees bruised, his face pale, and his lips dry from hunger.


    He couldn''t remember the last time he ate.


    Two days ago?


    Three?


    Everything was a blur.


    And in front of him¡ª


    A group of delinquent kids, older and stronger.


    Their mocking laughter echoed around him.


    They surrounded him, looking down as if he were a worthless bug.


    "Look who we found today! The worthless freak who''s been missing from school for a week!"


    "It''s Akira the monster! Does he think studying will make him more human?"


    "He doesn''t belong anywhere!"


    Akira stayed silent. He didn''t have the strength to talk back.


    But he felt tears sting his eyes¡­


    Not because he was scared¡ª


    But because he knew they were right.


    He never belonged anywhere.


    Humans didn''t accept him¡ªbecause he wasn''t fully human.


    Werewolves didn''t accept him¡ªbecause he wasn''t fully werewolf.


    He was just a strange mix¡­ without a place to call home.


    One of the kids kicked him in the stomach, making his thin body curl from the pain.


    "Oh, sorry! I just wanted to see if he had claws like a real werewolf!"


    They all laughed, while Akira struggled to breathe.


    Another kid grabbed him by his torn shirt, lifting him slightly off the ground¡ª


    Before spitting on his face.


    "You''re pathetic¡­ even if you try to fight, you''ll never win."


    Then, he shoved him down hard, making Akira''s face slam against the cold ground.


    Pain shot through his jaw, but he didn''t move.


    The scene began to fade¡­


    The memory dissolving¡­


    Akira was walking through the castle halls, his expression blank, but his mind¡ª


    Was anything but empty.


    Because no matter how much time passed¡ª


    The past never truly disappears.


    It only waits¡­ to haunt you later.


    To be continued¡­

 22. Ken’s shocking secret

    The thick fog grew heavier over Darkova that afternoon. Despite the bustling streets filled with people and merchants, a heavy silence loomed over the city, creating an eerie atmosphere.


    As our three heroes wandered through the streets once again, they suddenly noticed a man with an intimidating presence walking among the crowd.


    It was Akira.


    He strode forward with unshakable confidence, his long black coat billowing slightly as he moved. His glowing crimson eyes sent shivers down the spines of anyone who dared to glance at him.


    He didn''t need to say a word¡ªjust his presence alone made people step aside, lower their heads, and avoid eye contact, fearing they might provoke his wrath.


    At that moment, a sharp voice rang out from the crowd.


    "That''s him! The dog of Teraqula! The one who kidnaps and kills people for her!"


    Akira ignored the words completely. He continued walking, arrogant, smirking, as if nothing had happened.


    As he moved, his attention was caught by a merchant who appeared to be in his mid-twenties, smoking a cigarette while casually chatting with his friends. He seemed completely unaware that Akira was standing nearby.


    Merchant (smirking as he talks to his friend):


    "Haah, I can''t believe how boring Darkova has gotten these days. Nothing interesting happens anymore."


    Friend (chuckling):


    "Oh, aren''t you happy with your stable life now, Mart? You''re a merchant now¡ªno more street fights for you."


    Mart (laughing boastfully):


    "Hah! Do you think I was just some random street thug back then? No way, my friend¡ªI was in charge. I made sure those weaklings knew their place."


    Mart''s female friend (giggling):


    "I''d love to see you take down some weaklings now. I bet you''ve gotten even stronger!"


    But suddenly, Mart felt a hand on his shoulder.


    He turned around¡ªonly to find Akira.


    The moment Mart saw Akira''s face, his eyes widened in horror. His entire body froze.


    Before he could even process what was happening¡­


    Akira let out a deep, deranged laugh, his voice echoing through the alleyway.


    Akira:


    "Hah¡­ hahaha¡­ haah¡­ Mart. What a lovely coincidence."


    Mart felt like his heart had stopped.


    He tried to comprehend what was happening, but before he could¡ª


    BAM!


    Akira punched him straight in the face.


    Mart''s body slammed into the stone wall behind him with brutal force before collapsing to the ground, groaning in pain as he clutched his rapidly bruising cheek.


    His two friends gasped and staggered backward, their eyes wide with shock.


    Mart (trembling, his hand on his face):


    "W-What¡­?!"


    Akira was still grinning, but his smile was twisted¡ªinsane.


    He crouched slightly, placing his hand on his knee, looking down at Mart as if speaking to a child.


    Akira (mockingly):


    "What''s wrong, Mart? Just a moment ago, you were bragging about how strong you were¡ªabout how you crushed weaklings. Hah¡­ what happened? Have you gotten soft?"


    Mart couldn''t speak. He just stared at Akira like he was seeing a ghost from his past.


    Mart''s friend (nervously raising his hands):


    "W-Wait, we don''t want trouble¡­!"


    But Akira wasn''t in the mood to listen.


    He grabbed Mart by the collar and lifted him slightly off the ground.


    His red eyes burned with pure madness.


    Akira (his voice dangerously low):


    "Ten years¡­ Ten years since I last saw your disgusting face."


    "Do you know what I felt back then, Mart? I hated myself¡ªbecause I couldn''t do a damn thing against you."


    He tightened his grip, making Mart struggle to breathe.


    Mart tried desperately to pry Akira''s hands off, but he couldn''t.


    Akira (grinning like a predator):


    "But times have changed, Mart¡­ and now? I''m the one who decides who''s weak."


    And then¡ª


    BAM!


    Another merciless punch.


    This time, Mart felt his skull rattle from the impact. His entire body collapsed onto the cobblestone ground.


    Blood dripped from the corner of his lips.


    His vision blurred.


    He tried to lift his head¡­ but he couldn''t.


    He had lost control of his own body.


    Akira stood over him, towering like a shadow of pure vengeance.


    He smirked down at Mart¡ªhis expression both amused and merciless.


    Akira (mocking):


    "Oh dear¡­ look at yourself now. Where''s that confidence you had just a moment ago?"


    Then, he lifted his foot¡ª


    And stomped down hard on Mart''s hand.


    Mart (screaming in pain):


    "A-Akira¡­ please¡­ I didn''t mean¡ª!"


    Akio (furious, stepping forward):


    "That''s enough!!"


    Akira turned his head slowly toward Akio.


    His smirk remained, but his eyes darkened.


    Akira:


    "Don''t interfere, kid."


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    Akira let out a soft chuckle before finally releasing Mart.


    Mart remained on the ground, panting heavily, broken and humiliated.


    But Akira wasn''t finished.


    His eyes slowly drifted to someone else¡ª


    Mart''s female friend.


    She stood pale, her body slightly trembling, unable to comprehend what she had just witnessed.


    Akira walked toward her, his grin charming yet eerie.


    When he reached her, he gently took her hand in his own.


    His cheeks flushed slightly, as if embarrassed.


    Akira (smirking as he whispers):


    "Now then¡­ how about we spend some time together¡ªaway from that pathetic loser?"


    The girl shuddered, her wide eyes darting between Akira and Mart.


    She looked as if she didn''t know how to react.


    Mart''s friend (stammering, nervous):


    "I-I¡­ I don''t think I¡­"


    But Akira wasn''t interested in her words.


    He simply raised an eyebrow slightly and widened his smirk.


    Then, he leaned in close to her ear and whispered in a voice that was both warm¡­ and terrifying.


    Akira:


    "Come on now¡­ don''t be shy. I don''t bite¡­ unless you want me to."


    The girl jerked her hand away, as if she had touched fire.


    Mart''s friend (panicking, stepping back):


    "S-Stay away from me!!"


    Akira let out a quiet laugh, slipping his hands into his pockets.


    He turned back toward Mart, who was still on the ground, trembling from both pain and humiliation.


    Akira (mocking, voice low):


    "Did you see that, Mart? Even the girl who was laughing at your stupid jokes just moments ago¡ªdoesn''t want you anymore."


    Mart''s body stiffened.


    It was the worst humiliation he had ever felt in his life.


    But he couldn''t do anything.


    He couldn''t even stand.


    Akio (angrily stepping between Akira and the girl, spreading his arms protectively):


    "I SAID THAT''S ENOUGH!!"


    Akira looked at Akio for a moment, then laughed again, but this time, his laughter was mocking.


    Akira (raising an eyebrow, smirking):


    "Oh? And what exactly are you going to do, kid? Scream at me until I feel guilty?"


    Ann (whispering to Ken with concern):


    "Ken-san, this guy is insanely annoying!"


    Akira stared at Akio for a few moments, then tilted his head slightly, as if deep in thought.


    And then¡­


    He reached out and patted Akio''s head, as if he were a small child.


    Akira (with an infuriating smirk):


    "There, there, don''t worry¡ªI was just playing."


    But Akio immediately slapped Akira''s hand away, his face darkening with anger.


    Akio (firmly):


    "True strength isn''t about crushing those weaker than you¡­ it''s about proving you''re stronger without needing to fight them at all!"


    Ken (coldly):


    "It''s pointless, Akio. Clearly, he''s just a lunatic who kills people for fun."


    Akira raised an eyebrow slightly, then looked at the three standing before him.


    At first, he hadn''t paid them much attention, but now¡­ he felt that something about them was different.


    His gaze fell on Ken first, who stood there with a cold, unreadable expression, his arms crossed over his chest.


    Then, he looked at Ann, who was watching him with clear caution.


    And finally¡­


    His eyes locked onto Akio, whose face was filled with a mix of anger and excitement.


    Akira (murmuring with mild amusement):


    "Hmm¡­ interesting."


    Then, his eyes returned to Ken.


    Something about him felt familiar.


    Akira (his voice quiet but intrigued):


    "You¡­ you''re different from the others."


    Ken remained still, but deep inside, something about Akira''s tone unsettled him.


    Akira (placing a hand on his chin, as if trying to recall something):


    "That red hair¡­ those gray eyes¡­ Wait a second¡­"


    Suddenly, his expression shifted.


    He clenched his fist and smacked it into his palm¡ªas if he had just remembered something crucial.


    Akira (laughing lightly, pointing at Ken):


    "Ahhh¡­ now I get it. No wonder your face looked familiar¡­ I''ve heard about you before."


    His grin widened into something dangerous.


    Akira:


    "You''re the boy who stood up and threatened King Cirrus to his face eight years ago."


    A heavy silence fell over the area.


    Everyone stared at Akira, then at Ken.


    Then, whispers spread through the street like wildfire.


    "Ken¡­ did he say Ken?"


    "Wait¡­ does he mean¡­ Yukaji Ken?!"


    "No way¡­ no one stands against Cirrus and lives."


    Ann and Akio froze.


    They slowly turned toward Ken, whose expression remained unreadable.


    But¡­


    A faint tension flickered in his eyes.


    Akira (grinning wider, raising his voice):


    "Oh, don''t act shy now! Let me remind you, Ken¡­ you also slaughtered more than 500 of Seeroos'' soldiers without a shred of mercy. You''re no different from me!"


    Ann (in shock, staring at Ken):


    "W-What¡­?!"


    But Ken didn''t move.


    He showed no reaction, just stared back at Akira, silent.


    Meanwhile, Akio and Ann''s eyes widened with shock.


    And then¡­


    People began running, screaming, panicking.


    Merchants shut down their stalls.


    Civilians fled the marketplace, terrified just from being near Ken.


    Ken remained rooted in place, unable to process how Akira knew so much about him.


    Akira (smirking as he looked around):


    "Now then, show me your flames, Yukaji Ken! I''ve always wanted to see the famous Fire Faken people keep talking about!"


    Ken stood still, silent.


    But a subtle shift in his eyes revealed his unease.


    Before he could reply¡­


    The angry voices of the crowd began to rise.


    A furious man stepped forward, pointing a shaking finger at Ken.


    Man (shouting, filled with rage):


    "This monster killed my brother! He was one of Kaji''s soldiers¡­ and he never came back because of you!"


    Another man (his voice trembling with anger):


    "You''re the reason my cousin is dead! He was just a simple soldier¡­ why did you kill him?!"


    The tension exploded into chaos.


    The crowd was on the verge of a riot.


    Ann remained frozen in place, her mind racing.


    She had admired Ken so much¡ªhis strength, his presence, his looks¡­


    But she had never imagined he was a killer.


    Ann (her voice unsteady, tears welling up in her eyes):


    "K-Ken-san¡­ is this true? Is this really true?!"


    Akio (raising his voice, demanding an answer):


    "KEN!! ANSWER US!! IS THIS TRUE?!"


    Ann covered her mouth with her hands, her tears spilling down her cheeks.


    Ann (crying):


    "I¡­ I can''t believe that Ken-san is a bad person! Tell me it''s not true, Ken-san!"


    Ken finally spoke.


    His voice was calm, but his words were absolute.


    Ken (quiet but firm):


    "Yes. It''s true."


    A moment of pure silence.


    And then¡­


    Shock turned into anger.


    Akio (his eyes widening in disbelief, shouting):


    "WHY?! WHY DID YOU DO IT?!"


    Ken (his voice eerily calm):


    "Those people¡­ they were the ones who destroyed my city, burned my home, and slaughtered my family. They got what they deserved."


    A man from the crowd (yelling):


    "That doesn''t justify killing 500 people! What about their families?! What about the people they left behind?!"


    Ken:


    "Shut up."


    Akira watched the scene unfold, his grin widening as he turned to Ann.


    He tilted his head mockingly, feigning concern.


    Akira:


    "Oh, our beautiful little ninja looks so heartbroken¡­ how sad."


    Then, suddenly, he stepped closer to Ann and gently took her hand, as if he were a nobleman comforting a distressed lady.


    Akira (his voice smooth and hypnotic):


    "I didn''t know such a beautiful girl was here¡­ your eyes shine like stars, even through your tears."


    Ann blinked rapidly, unable to process what was happening.


    She didn''t pull away immediately¡ªshe was still too overwhelmed.


    Akira (lowering his voice, leaning in slightly):


    "Why waste your time on someone like him? You deserve someone who treasures you¡­ someone who makes you happy¡­"


    Akio (furious, shouting):


    "GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER, YOU DOG!!"


    Akio lunged at Akira, aiming a punch.


    But Akira easily dodged, laughing as he pushed Akio away effortlessly.


    Akira (mockingly):


    "Oh? I didn''t know I was bothering the little kid here. My apologies!"


    Akio jumped up again, fists clenched.


    Akio (yelling):


    "I SAID¡ªGET AWAY FROM HER!!"


    He charged again, throwing a stronger punch.


    But Akira dodged effortlessly, catching Akio''s wrist mid-air and twisting it slightly, forcing him to a stop.


    Akira (smirking, whispering into Akio''s ear):


    "You''re fast¡­ but you lack experience."


    At that moment, Ann was still standing there, but she seemed to have calmed down a little.


    Ann (her voice trembling as she looks at Ken):


    "K-Ken-san, I just can''t believe that you''re a bad person¡­ I still don''t know much about you!"


    Ken didn''t respond immediately.


    He lit his cigarette quietly, making it clear that he didn''t want to talk about this topic¡­ but at the same time, he wasn''t trying to run away from it either.


    Ken (taking a slow drag from his cigarette, then speaking in a calm but firm voice):


    "Evil isn''t as simple as you think, Ann. It''s not just black and white¡­ There are gray areas where people have no choice."


    Ann took a small step back, but her gaze wasn''t filled with fear¡ªit was confusion.


    Ann (in a quiet voice):


    "But¡­ you killed them all, didn''t you? Even if you had a reason¡­ did you feel anything when you did it? Any regret?"


    Ken lifted his gaze slightly, as if lost in thought for a moment.


    Then, he looked directly into her eyes.


    For a brief second, it seemed like he was about to say something important¡­


    But before he could¡ª


    Akio (angrily interrupting):


    "Stop dodging the question, Ken! Ann might be hesitant, but she''s not the only one here! I want a straight answer¡ªfrom you, right here, right now!"


    Ken (completely calm):


    "An answer¡­ about what, exactly?"


    Akio (clenching his fists, voice rising in frustration):


    "Why?! Why didn''t you tell us about this before?! Were you planning to keep it hidden forever? Or do you just not care about what we think?"


    Ken (his voice cold, but heavy with repressed emotion):


    "If I had told you from the start¡­ you would have hated me long ago. I didn''t want to ruin your excitement for adventure."


    Akio (insistently):


    "But Ken, we''re comrades! We trust each other! At least¡­ that''s what I thought!"


    Ken:


    "Well then¡­ now that you know the truth, there''s no reason for me to stay with you any longer."


    As soon as Ken finished speaking, he slowly turned away, and started walking off.


    He had decided to leave.


    Ann (her eyes widening as she watches him go):


    "K-Ken-san? Where¡­ where are you going?"


    Ken didn''t answer.


    He kept walking, not looking back.


    But before he could get far¡ª


    A hand grabbed his wrist tightly.


    Akio (shouting with all his strength):


    "WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU''RE GOING, YOU IDIOT?! I''M NOT LETTING YOU LEAVE¡ªEVER!"


    Ken froze in place.


    For a moment, he thought he had misheard.


    But no¡­


    Akio''s voice was filled with anger.


    But it wasn''t the anger of hatred¡­


    It was something else, something deeper.


    Ken slowly turned around, looking at Akio. And what he saw was a pair of determined eyes, burning with resolve.


    Akio (lowering his fist slightly but still angry):


    "Do you think you can get rid of us that easily?! If you really believe I''d turn my back on you just because you killed some people in the past, then you''re even more of an idiot than I thought!"


    Ann blinked in surprise. She hadn''t expected this kind of reaction from Akio.


    Ken (staring at Akio in shock):


    "W-What¡­ are you saying, Akio?! Aren''t you angry at me?! Don''t you hate me?"


    Akio (glancing at Ann with frustration before looking back at Ken):


    "Of course, I''m angry! But I''m angry because you didn''t tell me¡ªnot because of your past! Who cares about the past?! Everyone has secrets, but when you''re my comrade¡­ you should trust me, you idiot!!"


    A heavy silence filled the air.


    But this time, it wasn''t awkward¡­


    It was a silence weighed down with emotion.


    Ken, who was convinced he should leave, found himself standing there instead.


    Akio''s strange words echoed in his mind.


    Something deep inside him trembled for a brief moment.


    He took a slow drag from his cigarette, then looked at Akio again.


    Ken (his voice calm, but different from before):


    "You''re really¡­ a strange one."


    Ken was still frozen in place.


    He didn''t know what to say or how to react.


    The words that came from Akio''s mouth were completely unexpected¡­


    He had never heard anyone say something like that before.


    He had never expected anyone to hold on to him this tightly after everything.


    Ann, who had been silent the entire time, took a slow step forward.


    Her expression was still uncertain, but she wiped her tears and looked at Ken.


    Ann (her voice hesitant, but filled with emotion):


    "Ken-san¡­ I¡­ I can''t say I''m not shocked, but¡­ I think I understand now. None of us are without flaws¡­ And no matter what you did, I know deep down that you''ve suffered so much to get here!"


    "I may not have known you for long¡­ but I truly believe you''re a good person, Ken-san!"


    Ken looked at Ann.


    Her words were¡­ unexpected.


    She was gazing at him with clear, uncertain eyes¡­


    But there was no hatred in them.


    Ken (his voice quiet, but burdened with emotions he refused to show):


    "Do you¡­ really think so?"


    Ann (nodding firmly):


    "I don''t think¡ªI''m sure!"


    Akio (still angry, but not out of hatred):


    "Man, you could have at least trusted us! Did you really think we''d abandon you that easily?!"


    Ken (his voice lowering):


    "I¡­ I didn''t know that you¡­"


    Akio (cutting him off with a smirk, arms still crossed in frustration):


    "Well, now you know! And if you even think about running away again, I''ll shock you with my lightning until you understand what you''re about to do!"


    But¡­ there was one person who wasn''t sharing in these emotions.


    Akira.


    He stood there, watching them in silence.


    For the first time in a long time, he found himself unable to mock them¡­ unable to come up with a snide remark.


    He didn''t understand what he was seeing.


    Akira (thinking to himself as he watched them):


    "What¡­ is this? Why are they holding on to him like this? Why aren''t they rejecting him?"


    It was strange to him.


    He had to admit it.


    Throughout his entire life¡­


    There had never been anyone who stood by his side.


    There had never been anyone who held on to him like this.


    Akira (muttering under his breath):


    "You guys are¡­ idiots. Holding on to a killer like he''s your dearest friend¡­ how¡­ bizarre."


    Ken glanced at him, then raised an eyebrow slightly.


    Ken (calmly):


    "Something bothering you?"


    Akira (letting out a taunting laugh):


    *"Maybe¡­ Well, well, we got ourselves a dramatic moment here, but that doesn''t change anything."


    "I still want to fight all of you."


    Akio (grinning, clenching his fists with excitement):


    "Oh, you''re gonna regret this!"


    Akira (chuckling lightly):


    "Try me, kid!"


    To be continued¡­

 23. Akio vs Akira / thunderbolts vs claws!

    Far from what was happening in Darkova with Akio and the others, the Fire King, Cirrus, sat on his luxurious throne in the Kingdom of Kaji. Beside him stood his most loyal and respected bodyguard, an exceptionally handsome man with smooth blond hair and violet eyes.


    Bodyguard: "Your Majesty, you seem deep in thought today."


    Cirrus: "And does a king not have the right to think? When the fate of the world rests in his hands, can he afford to close his eyes for even a moment?"


    Cirrus rose from his throne and walked toward the massive window, gazing at the distant horizon. He placed his hand against the cold glass.


    Cirrus: "That wall¡­ have you ever wondered what lies beyond it?"


    The bodyguard hesitated for a moment before replying in a steady voice.


    Bodyguard: "Humans have lived here for centuries. Perhaps beyond it¡­ there is nothing but emptiness."


    Cirrus let out a quiet chuckle, running a hand through his hair before turning to face his bodyguard once more.


    Cirrus: "Oh¡­ how convenient it must be to think that way, Alexander. To live without questioning. To believe this world is exactly as it seems¡­ without secrets, without mysteries."


    He began walking toward a massive map of Valoria displayed on the wall, where the ten provinces, the Kingdom of Kaji, and the three islands were intricately carved into its surface.


    Alexander: "Your Majesty, there are still some rulers who believe they can challenge your authority¡­ They fail to grasp the truth of who you are."


    Cirrus: "Politics¡­ it''s just another weapon. The only difference is that some wield it with cunning, while others grip it the wrong way¡ªonly to end up stabbed by their own blade."


    Cirrus slowly ran his fingers over Iralos, the province ruled by Makia, then moved toward Darkova, where Duchess Terrakula resided.


    Cirrus: "Power doesn''t belong to those who deserve it¡­ but to those who are capable of taking it."


    Alexander took a step forward and bowed his head respectfully.


    Alexander (in a voice filled with unwavering loyalty): "With this power, Your Majesty, you will rule all of Valoria¡­ and no one will stand in your way."


    Cirrus sat back down on his throne, locking eyes with Alexander for a long moment.


    Cirrus: "Now then, Alexander¡­ tell me, how are things progressing in the west?"


    Alexander lifted his head, speaking in a calm yet firm tone.


    Alexander: "Your Majesty¡­ the situation in the Ruby Region has become unstable. There is a growing rebellion in the remote villages. It seems some noble families are beginning to question our rule. We''ve observed movements from local leaders advocating for independence and freedom from Kaji''s rule."


    Cirrus narrowed his eyes slightly, but he showed no sign of irritation.


    Cirrus: "A rebellion? They believe they can challenge my authority?"


    Alexander nodded.


    Alexander: "This is no mere minor uprising. We''ve received intelligence that an unknown external force is backing them."


    Cirrus paused for a moment before slowly rising from his throne, absentmindedly running a hand through his thick hair.


    Cirrus: "An external force¡­? Are you suggesting they are receiving aid from one of the provinces?"


    Alexander: "There are many possibilities¡­ but Iralos remains the primary suspect. Makia''s army has yet to make any direct moves, but it appears they are closely monitoring our actions, waiting for the right moment to intervene."


    A short, mocking laugh escaped Cirrus'' lips as he continued obsessively running his fingers through his hair, his expression filled with both arrogance and amusement.


    Cirrus: "Makia¡­ always like a snake, lying in wait, ready to strike once its prey shows weakness."


    His gaze sharpened as he turned to Alexander.


    Cirrus: "Send one hundred soldiers to Ruby. I don''t want a rebellion¡ªI want ashes."


    Alexander: "As you command, my king."


    Alexander bowed once more before disappearing into the shadows, leaving Cirrus alone in the grand hall.


    Cirrus (in a low, amused voice):


    "Politics truly is a dull game¡­ but at the very least, it gives me the opportunity to crush fools who dare to dream."


    He slowly walked back toward the massive map of Valoria hanging on the wall, staring at Darkova.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Suddenly, the scene shifted¡ª


    Back to Darkova, where Akira and Akio were about to begin their fight in the middle of the bustling marketplace.


    Akio stood in the center of the street, eyes blazing with anger, his fists clenched tightly as sparks of yellow lightning crackled around his body.


    On the other side, Akira stood completely calm, his hands in his pockets, his crimson eyes gleaming with mischief, a smug grin on his face.


    Akira (watching the lightning flicker around Akio):


    "Oh? Looks like we''ve got someone with an interesting Faken here!"


    Akio (grinning angrily, clenching his fist as the electricity surged around him):


    "You haven''t seen anything yet!"


    In a fraction of a second, Akio vanished, moving like a lightning bolt as he charged at Akira with a fist crackling with electricity.


    But¡­


    Akira didn''t move.


    There wasn''t even a hint of concern on his face.


    Then¡ª


    Akira suddenly disappeared before Akio''s fist could make contact!


    A rush of air behind Akio sent shivers down his spine¡ª


    Before he could react¡­


    BOOM!!!


    A powerful kick slammed into Akio''s back, sending him flying into a nearby restaurant, shattering a wooden table into pieces.


    Akio quickly picked himself up, grinning, his eyes burning with excitement.


    Akio (grinning eagerly):


    "Oh¡­ you''re fast¡­ but you won''t beat lightning-speed!"


    Akira:


    "Hah. Lightning-speed, huh? You were slower than I expected."


    Akio (electricity crackling violently around him):


    "I was just going easy on you!"


    With a lightning-fast movement, Akio raised his hand toward the sky.


    Akio: "{Thundering Shockwave!}"


    A burst of electricity exploded beneath Akio''s feet, sending debris flying into the air!


    And in a flash¡ª


    He disappeared!


    When he reappeared, he was directly above Akira!


    Akio swung his electrified fist straight for Akira''s face¡ª


    But at the last second¡­


    Akira (smirking):


    "Oh, that''s more like it."


    Akira grinned¡ª


    And caught Akio''s fist with one hand.


    Akio (eyes widening in shock):


    "W-What?!"


    Akira (his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement):


    "You''re strong¡­ but you still don''t understand a thing about real combat."


    In an instant, Akira threw Akio back¡ª


    But this time, Akio didn''t crash.


    He twisted mid-air, using his lightning to stabilize himself before landing on his feet.


    Akio (frustrated, glaring at Akira):


    "This isn''t fair¡­ My sword isn''t with me! If those idiots hadn''t confiscated it, I would''ve beaten you in a single hit!"


    Akira (raising an eyebrow):


    "Huh? A sword?"


    Akio (clenching his fists angrily):


    "I''m already starting to hate your face!"


    Akira (tilting his head slightly with a smug smirk):


    "Oh? Is that because you know you won''t be able to touch me?"


    Akio (smirking confidently, raising his right hand as yellow lightning flared around it):


    "No, it''s because you''re way too arrogant¡­ and I need to put you back in your place!"


    The electric sparks surrounding Akio''s body intensified, his eyes flashing bright yellow for a brief moment. The air around him shifted, making his blue hair sway wildly, revealing the lightning-shaped mark on his forehead.


    For a second, Akira felt something strange¡ª


    As if the air itself had become heavier.


    Akio (his expression hardening):


    "Get ready¡­ because now, I''ll show you what true lightning speed looks like."


    At that moment, the entire marketplace was illuminated by a brilliant electric blue glow!


    The ground beneath Akio''s feet cracked even more due to the immense energy surging from his body.


    Lightning danced in the air, while his hair stood slightly on end from the raw electricity coursing through him.


    Akio (raising his head with a confident grin, lightning crackling all over him):


    "I''ve had enough¡­ it''s time to shut you up!"


    Akira (raising an eyebrow, slightly surprised but maintaining his arrogant smirk):


    "Oh? So you finally decided to take this seriously? This is gonna be fun."


    In an instant, Akio disappeared.


    There was no sound, no warning¡ª


    Just vanished.


    Akira''s eyes widened slightly¡ª


    And then¡ª


    BOOOOM!!!


    A powerful lightning-infused strike slammed into Akira''s stomach!


    Akira''s eyes shot open as he fell backward, clutching his abdomen.


    A strange pain surged through his body¡ª


    This wasn''t just a normal hit.


    This was¡­


    "Multi-Thunderstorm Blitz."


    The moment Akio''s attack connected, thousands of electric needles seemed to pierce every inch of Akira''s skin.


    His muscles spasmed uncontrollably,


    his breathing shaky,


    his movements sluggish.


    Sitting on his knees, Akira panted heavily, unable to move.


    Burn marks covered his skin, faint traces of ash smearing his clothes.


    Akio (placing his hands on his hips with a smug grin, lightning still crackling around him):


    "What''s wrong? Are you finally feeling the true power of lightning?"


    Akira (struggling to move, feeling his muscles failing to respond):


    "W-What¡­ did you do to me?!"


    The electric current still surged inside Akira''s body, disrupting his nervous system and making every movement difficult.


    He shut his eyes briefly, trying to endure the searing pain¡ª


    But the electricity within him wasn''t fading.


    Akira (gritting his teeth, his eyes twitching):


    "Not bad¡­ kid."


    Akio (grinning confidently):


    "Don''t underestimate lightning ever again, werewolf."


    Akira (narrowing his eyes, trying to stand up straight):


    "Heh¡­ looks like you actually think while fighting, huh?"


    Finally, Akira managed to overcome his pain, rising to his feet once more.


    His crimson eyes gleamed dangerously.


    Akira:


    "Looks like you''re getting full of yourself, kid¡­


    Since you showed me your lightning,


    I''ll show you the true power of a werewolf!"


    Suddenly, Akira''s red eyes sharpened further,


    his leather gloves tore apart¡ª


    Revealing long, razor-sharp black claws!


    At the same time, his muscles slightly expanded,


    his fangs now more prominent.


    Akio (watching with excitement):


    "Hah¡­ so you had those claws the whole time? Why didn''t you use them before?!"


    Akira (grinning wickedly, flexing his claws):


    "Because I never considered you a threat¡­


    Until now."


    In an instant, Akira vanished!


    Akio (eyes widening, trying to track him):


    "He''s¡­ even faster than before!!"


    Within a fraction of a second¡ª


    Akira appeared right in front of Akio, slashing at him with his claws!


    Akio barely managed to dodge.


    Akio (shocked):


    "This isn''t even Faken! But his physical power has skyrocketed!"


    Akira (laughing, stepping forward as his claws slashed through the air):


    "Scared? Good.


    Because I''m not done yet."


    With blinding speed, Akira lunged, aiming to tear through Akio''s body!


    BOOM!!


    A sharp slash ripped through Akio''s jacket,


    leaving a shallow wound on his shoulder!


    Akio (staring in shock, touching his bleeding shoulder):


    "He¡­ actually hit me?!"


    Akira (licking the blood off his claws with a crazed grin):


    "Oh, you finally bled¡­


    Don''t worry,


    I''ll cut you up even more soon."


    Akio (growling, wiping the blood off his shoulder, lightning surging again):


    "Hah? Is that all you''ve got? You only managed to scratch me!"


    In a blink, both fighters vanished,


    reappearing in the air,


    exchanging rapid blows at insane speed!


    Akio used his lightning-enhanced speed to strike Akira repeatedly,


    while Akira retaliated with his razor-sharp claws,


    turning the fight into a ferocious battle of raw power versus speed!


    All around them, spectators watched in stunned silence.


    People stopped in their tracks,


    staring at the incredible duel unfolding before them.


    Meanwhile, in the distance¡ª


    Ann was casually eating popcorn.


    Beside her, Ken took a slow drag from his cigarette,


    watching the fight with calm focus.


    Akira (grinning wildly while fighting):


    "THIS IS FUN! THIS IS SO FUN!!"


    Akio (smirking, despite the intense battle):


    "Finally¡­ someone I can go all out against!"


    Akira (grinning darkly):


    "Go all out?


    Then let me show you my limits!"


    Suddenly, Akira''s red eyes darkened¡ª


    His pupils becoming thinner, more feral.


    His presence grew even more menacing.


    Akira (in a deep, eerie voice):


    "It''s time for the real hunt to begin."


    Akio (grinning, sparks flaring around him):


    "Then I won''t hold back anymore!"


    Akira lunged¡ª


    Ready to unleash his next attack¡ª


    But in the blink of an eye,


    Akio disappeared again¡ª


    Only to reappear beside Akira at lightning speed!


    Akio (grinning):


    "Internal Lightning Explosion!!!"


    He slammed his electrically charged palm directly against Akira''s chest!


    BOOOOOOOOM!!!!


    Akira''s body violently convulsed,


    lightning bursting from within him,


    as if tearing him apart from the inside!


    His muscles spasmed uncontrollably,


    his breath caught in his throat,


    his clothes began charring from the extreme heat!


    Akira (screaming in pain, his face contorting in agony):


    "AAAAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!"


    Akio (stepping back slightly, watching him collapse, victorious):


    "I didn''t think it''d be this easy¡­


    I expected more from you, werewolf."


    Akira (panting heavily, his body still twitching, yet¡­ he smirked weakly):


    "Hah¡­ hah¡­


    Did you¡­


    think I was finished?"


    Akio (raising an eyebrow):


    "You''re still standing? I like guys like you!"


    Akira (his blood-red eyes glowing, his muscles reacting strangely to the pain):


    "Something¡­ has awakened inside me¡­ and it''s all thanks to you!"


    In an instant, a mysterious blood-red aura began emanating from Akira''s body,


    sending an unnatural chill through the air.


    From a distance, Ann and Ken both felt it¡ª


    Something wasn''t right.


    To be continued¡­

 24. The day Ken lost faith in human intelligence

    After Akio used his technique "Internal Lightning Explosion", Akira''s entire body stiffened, as if a bolt of lightning had struck him directly from the sky. He felt the burning electricity running through his veins, but instead of screaming in pain¡­ he laughed!


    Suddenly, the atmosphere changed completely¡ªthe air became heavier, and everyone in the market felt a strange energy coming from Akira! He slowly stood up, his body still shaking from the lightning''s shock, but he was¡­ smiling.


    Akio (slightly nervous): "Huh? What is this feeling?"


    Akira (in a deep, eerie voice): "I was enjoying playing with you¡­ but since you made me bleed, I have no choice but to use this technique."


    Akira''s clothes began tearing apart, revealing his strong muscles. His black claws started glowing with a dark red color, and his red eyes burned even brighter. Suddenly, light steam began rising from his body¡ªit was as if his body temperature was skyrocketing!


    Akio (shocked, clenching his fists): "This¡­ isn''t Faken! This is¡­ pure physical power!"


    Akira (laughing wildly): "Exactly! This is my ultimate technique¡­ ''The Furious Werewolf Punch''!"


    In an instant, Akira vanished from Akio''s sight¡ªnot only was he faster, but his movements became impossible to predict!


    Suddenly, BOOM!


    Akio felt a powerful fist slam into his face, sending him flying back at insane speed!


    CRASH!


    Akio''s body smashed into multiple wooden crates, stopping only when his back hit a solid box. Blood dripped from his nose, his face covered in scratches¡ªbut he was smiling.


    Akio (wiping his nose): "Hah¡­ so you actually have something special? Good¡­ I won''t lose to some werewolf punk!"


    As Akio''s electricity surged, Akira became faster and wilder. The two began exchanging blows at lightning speed¡ªclaws vs. electric fists¡ªeach attack leaving destruction in the marketplace.


    People ran away in panic, while Ken and Ann watched from a distance.


    Ann (eating popcorn): "This is fun¡­ I didn''t think Akio could fight this seriously!"


    Ken (taking a drag from his cigarette, eyes glinting as he watched): "The kid is still an idiot¡­ but he''s not bad."


    Akio: "I''ll take you down, you arrogant thug!"


    Akira: "Let''s see if you can!"


    Akio charged his right fist, sparks flying everywhere, while Akira stepped back slightly, steam rising from his heated body. His fangs were sharp, and his eyes glowed with madness.


    Then, as they both rushed toward each other¡­


    SMACK!!!


    Suddenly, all the noise in the market stopped¡ªeven the wind seemed to pause for a second. Amid the dust and debris, the unexpected outcome shocked everyone¡­


    Both Akio and Akira collapsed to the ground in the dumbest way possible.


    Instead of an explosion, lightning strike, or torn limbs,


    they had¡­ kicked each other at the same time,


    causing them to fly backward and crash to the ground like defeated fools.


    A moment of absolute silence.


    Then, one of the market vendors mumbled: "Huh¡­?"


    People looked at each other in confusion¡­


    then, suddenly, a few kids started laughing.


    And then¡ª


    the entire marketplace exploded into uncontrollable laughter!


    Akio and Akira slowly turned to face each other¡­


    Akio (slowly getting up, dusting himself off): "Damn¡­ that was embarrassing."


    Akira: "I didn''t expect that, Lightning Boy."


    Akio: "Neither did I, Wild Wolf."


    Ann''s face was frozen in complete shock,


    while Ken stopped smoking, too stunned to react.


    As Akira and Akio stood up after their ridiculous collision,


    they looked at each other¡­ and grinned.


    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Then, Akio extended his hand toward Akira for a handshake.


    Akio: "My name is Akio. What''s your name, werewolf idiot?"


    Akira (without hesitation, shaking Akio''s hand): "I''m Akira. Nice to meet you!"


    People screamed in shock, some even fainted comically.


    Ann (dropping her popcorn, eyes wide in disbelief): "HUUUH?! WHAT?! THEY''RE FRIENDS NOW?!"


    Ken (sarcastic, arms crossed): "Looks like Akio found another rival in stupidity. Great¡­ I just witnessed the dumbest way to end a deadly battle."


    Ann (furious, comically shaking her fists): "FIGHT AGAIN! THIS CAN''T END LIKE THIS!!"


    Akio (clearing his throat, trying to sound serious): "Well, Akira, looks like it''s a tie."


    Akira (nodding, hands on his hips): "Yeah¡­ a tie¡­ Let''s just say we didn''t fall, it was¡­ a strategic plan!"


    People still stared at them in shock, while Ann sat on a wooden chair, completely out of popcorn.


    Ann (disappointed, throwing her hands in the air): "Seriously? A tie? I was expecting at least an explosion or some epic lightning strike!"


    But instead of returning to battle or even acknowledging the stupidity of their fall¡­


    Akio and Akira decided to act even dumber!


    They started insulting each other in the silliest way possible.


    Akio (pointing at Akira''s messy black hair): "Hah, looks like you haven''t washed your hair in a week! Is that a werewolf technique too?!"


    Akira (crossing his arms, smirking): "At least my hair is natural! You, with that blue mop, look like you fell into a bucket of paint!"


    Akio (pointing at Akira''s sharp fangs): "And you, with those ridiculous teeth, look like a rodent trying to act like a scary monster!"


    Akira (pointing at Akio''s lightning still crackling around him): "And you? You look like an electric boy who failed to become a proper light bulb!"


    People in the market sighed, realizing the fight had turned from a deadly battle into a childish insult match.


    Akira (grinning, extending his hand to Akio): "Alright, since we''re friends now¡­ let''s see who''s stronger. Punch me!"


    Akio (raising an eyebrow): "Huh? Punch you?"


    Akira (smiling excitedly): "Yeah, hit me with all your strength! I wanna see if you can make me scream!"


    Akio (charging his hand with lightning, smiling confidently): "You''re the one who asked for this, stupid werewolf!"


    In an instant, Akio''s fist crackled with electricity, and he punched Akira straight in the face¡­ but Akira didn''t scream. Instead¡­ he laughed!


    Akira (with a crazed grin): "Haha! This is fun! Now it''s my turn!"


    BOOM!


    Akira punched Akio back just as hard¡­ but Akio didn''t budge. Instead¡­ he smirked too!


    Akio (challengingly): "Haha! Is that all you got?!"


    And just like that, the two kept punching each other in the face, neither backing down, even as they both started staggering from the repeated hits.


    Around them, the people in the marketplace were holding their heads, unable to comprehend the sheer stupidity of what they were witnessing.


    Finally, Ken, who had been silent the entire time, dropped his cigarette to the ground, crushed it under his shoe, and slowly lifted his head.


    Then, in a low, deadpan voice, he declared:


    "Today¡­ I have lost faith in human intelligence."


    Ann, who had been watching the entire time, let out a deep sigh, burying her face in her hands.


    Meanwhile, Akira and Akio continued punching each other like little kids, completely ignoring the fact that they were trying to kill each other just minutes ago.


    Meanwhile, at Terrakula''s Castle¡­


    Far away from the chaos in the Darkova marketplace, Terrakula sat gracefully on her throne, sipping from a glass of fresh blood.


    A brown-haired vampire servant entered the grand hall, bowing respectfully before speaking.


    Servant: "Terrakula-sama, chaos has erupted in the Darkova marketplace! A fight broke out between Akira and an outsider boy named Akio, who possesses lightning Faken."


    Terrakula remained relaxed, one leg crossed over the other, watching her servant with an unreadable expression.


    She raised her glass again, taking a slow sip of blood.


    Terrakula (calmly): "So, did the fight end with one of them dead?"


    Servant: "No¡­ actually, they became friends after falling down in the most ridiculous way possible."


    For a moment, Terrakula''s hand paused, lowering her glass slowly as she stared at her servant, as if she had just heard something completely incomprehensible.


    Terrakula: "What?"


    Servant (struggling to hold back his laughter): "I-I mean¡­ The fight started off serious and brutal, but suddenly, a series of dumb accidents happened, and they fell down together¡­ then they shook hands and became friends."


    A few seconds of silence passed as Terrakula processed what she had just heard.


    Then¡­ she let out a short chuckle¡­ followed by another¡­


    Until she finally burst into loud, mocking laughter, her voice echoing throughout the castle!


    Terrakula (laughing, her red eyes gleaming): "Hah¡­ Are you kidding me?! That boy¡­ made Akira befriend him in the middle of a death battle?! How humiliating!"


    As her laughter died down, she rested her head on her hand, still smiling mockingly.


    She raised her glass again, taking another slow sip of blood.


    Terrakula (with a sly smirk): "So, that dumb mutt Akira has made a friend? What a joke."


    But the servant wasn''t finished yet¡ªhe hesitated, as if he had yet to mention the most important part.


    Servant (nervously): "Well, there''s¡­ one more thing, Terrakula-sama. That boy, Akio¡­ he wasn''t alone."


    Terrakula raised an eyebrow, looking at him with mild boredom as she waited for him to continue.


    Servant: "He was accompanied by someone named¡­ Yukaji Ken."


    Terrakula''s expression froze completely.


    Her glowing red eyes locked onto the servant, and just like that¡ªher playful amusement was gone.


    Terrakula (low, cold voice): "What did you just say?"


    Servant (swallowing nervously, feeling the room grow cold despite the warm air): "Y-Yukaji Ken¡­ was there too¡­ He seems to be traveling with that boy Akio¡­ and a ninja girl as well."


    Terrakula (her voice now dangerously sharp): "Are you telling me¡­ that Yukaji Ken, the boy who slaughtered 500 soldiers in just one minute, is still alive?! And he''s in Darkova?!"


    Servant: "Y-Yes, my lady! I saw him with my own eyes! He has red hair and gray eyes, just like King Cirrus!"


    Terrakula slowly lifted her head, gazing at the servant, who could not hide the slight tremble in his knees.


    Terrakula (with a soft, eerie smile): "Oh¡­ what a delightful surprise."


    But there was no joy in her tone.


    Her voice was cold¡ªa voice that carried danger, as if she had just learned something interesting, but had yet to decide what to do about it.


    Servant (trying to keep his voice steady): "Yes¡­ When people in the market realized who he was, they screamed insults at him, but he didn''t react at all¡ªhe just sat there, watching Akira and Akio''s fight."


    Terrakula: "Just watching? Tell me, servant¡­ Is Yukaji Ken interested in something here? Does he have a purpose?"


    Servant: "There''s no confirmed information, but¡­ it doesn''t seem like he intends to cause chaos yet."


    Terrakula let out a short laugh, then clasped her hands together, gazing into the shadows that covered half of the hall.


    Terrakula (calmly, with sly curiosity): "Oh, darling¡­ If he doesn''t intend to cause chaos¡­ then he isn''t the Yukaji Ken I''ve heard about."


    At that moment, Nyoro entered the hall with calm, measured steps, having overheard the entire conversation.


    Nyoro: "This is great! Are you saying that my cousin is in Darkova?!"


    Terrakula (surprised): "Your cousin?!"


    Nyoro (creating a white fireball in his hand, smirking arrogantly): "Terrakula-sama, have you never wondered about the origins of my Vakin? The truth is¡­ I''m half Yukaji!"


    Terrakula (tilting her head slightly, intrigued): "Hah¡­ Half Yukaji? Now that''s interesting."


    She rose slowly from her throne, stepping toward Nyoro gracefully but with a commanding aura.


    She stared at the white fireball in his hand as if she were admiring a rare gemstone.


    Terrakula (touching her chin, thinking aloud): "Now things are getting truly interesting¡­ So, tell me, Nyoro¡ªhow did you get such a unique Vakin?"


    Nyoro (smirking confidently, playing with the white flames): "I was born different. Normally, if two people have different Vakins, their child inherits both powers separately. But I¡­ was born with a Vakin no one else has! A perfect fusion of Fire and Ice!"


    Terrakula (laughing in delight): "Looks like I''ve been keeping a rare treasure without realizing it!"


    Nyoro (excitedly): "Now that I know my cousin Ken is here¡­ I just want to fight him!"


    Terrakula (whispering mockingly, tilting her head slightly): "Really? You want to fight Yukaji Ken¡­ the heir of flames, the boy who slaughtered hundreds of soldiers in cold blood¡­ just like that? How amusing!"


    Nyoro: "Yes! I''ll show him that a half-Yukaji is far stronger than him! And after I tear him apart, I''ll bring you his remains as a gift!"


    Terrakula (laughing excitedly, patting Nyoro''s head): "Ooooh, how adorable of you, my dear!"


    She removed her hand from his head, then slowly licked her lips in a disturbing manner.


    Terrakula: "Let me taste the great Yukaji heir myself! I''ve always dreamed of drinking the blood of a teenage Yukaji¡­ I wonder, is he as handsome as his uncle? That would make his blood even sweeter!"


    Servant (in a calm, respectful voice): "Shall I bring him to you, Terrakula-sama?"


    Terrakula (her eyes glinting with mischief): "No, no¡­ Let''s not rush things. Let him wander freely for a while¡­ and see what he''s up to."


    She paused, then slowly turned her gaze toward the servant, her expression now sharp and dangerous, a sly smile playing on her lips.


    Terrakula: "Watch him closely¡­ and if he proves to be interesting, inform me immediately. Perhaps¡­ I''ll invite our little guest for dinner."


    Servant (bowing respectfully): "As you command, my lady."


    To be continued¡­

 25. Bloody fire sword

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