The forest road stretched ahead, a winding ribbon of dirt and moss cradled by towering pines that swayed gently in the breeze. The carriage rattled along, its wooden wheels creaking as Naomi, Kaito, Ryu, and Hoshimi journeyed back toward their village. The air was alive with the chorus of chirping birds and distant animal calls, a soothing melody that wrapped around the travelers like a warm blanket. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dappling the path in golden patches that danced with each gust of wind.
Inside the carriage, Kaito sat with his brow furrowed, lost in thought. His gaze drifted to Naomi, who leaned against the window, watching the passing trees. Finally, he broke the silence, his voice low and tinged with confusion. "Naomi, did you teach Renjiro some ancient technique?"
Naomi turned, her expression one of mild surprise. "Why would you ask that? I didn't teach him anything—except maybe how to cook a decent stew."
Kaito's frown deepened. "Then how does Renjiro know that technique? The way he fought Tetsuya—it wasn't just instinct."
Naomi's eyes narrowed slightly, her mind racing back to the hospital. "Remember Haruto? He started to say something, but your daughter Yuki stopped him. Those two are definitely hiding something big from us."
Kaito leaned back, his fingers tapping against the wooden seat as he sank into thought. Why did Yuki stop Haruto in the first place? And what are they hiding? The questions gnawed at him, each one a thread in a tangled web. He met Naomi's gaze, his voice resolute. "I'll ask Yuki. You talk to Haruto."
Ryu, seated across from them, shifted uncomfortably, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Naomi, I never thought Renjiro would put up such a fight against Tetsuya."
Naomi's lips curved into a faint, proud smile. "Neither did I. I knew he was scrappy, but not that scrappy. It's rare for Tetsuya to praise anyone like that."
Hoshimi, her arms folded tightly, leaned forward, her tone sharp. "Why not just ask Renjiro himself?"
Naomi shook her head, a knowing glint in her eyes. "Renjiro's clever—too clever. He won't spill the truth easily. Even if he talks, he'll only give you half of it, wrapped in a smile."
Ryu's brow arched. "What about his reward? What are you going to do about that?"
Naomi shrugged, her expression calm but firm. "Nothing. It's his reward. I've got no say in it."
The carriage rolled on, the forest's symphony filling the silence as each passenger retreated into their own thoughts, the weight of secrets and suspicions hanging unspoken between them.
Meanwhile, in the bustling streets of Kagetsura, a different energy pulsed through the air. The cobblestone thoroughfare thronged with merchants, adventurers, and curious onlookers, their voices blending into a chaotic hum. The metallic tang of freshly forged steel mingled with the earthy scent of leather, wafting from weapon stores and artifact shops that lined the path. Polished swords gleamed under tattered awnings, their edges catching the midday sun, while intricately carved staves leaned against weathered barrels, their rune-etched tips glowing faintly with latent power.
Tetsuya strode forward, his presence commanding yet unassuming, with Renjiro and his group—Haruto, Selena, Yuki, Himari, Reina, and Takeshi—following close behind. Whispers rippled through the crowd as they passed, heads turning to catch a glimpse of the silver-and-white-haired boy at Tetsuya's side.
"Hey, that's him—the one who fought Tetsuya!" one villager muttered, eyes wide. "He scared the hell out of everyone in that arena."
Another voice trembled, arms folding tightly as if to ward off a chill. "What's he doing here? I don't want to feel that bloodlust again."
A third scoffed, "That kid thinks he's on Tetsuya's level, walking side by side like that."
Tetsuya glanced at Renjiro, his voice low but steady. "Don't let their talk get to you. I know it's irritating."
Tetsuya glanced at Renjiro, his voice low but steady. "Don't let their talk get to you. I know it's irritating."
Renjiro's lips curved into a gentle smile, his eyes calm despite the murmurs. "It's just as I expected. I prepared myself for it—don't worry about me."
Tetsuya's brow lifted, a rare warmth softening his features. "I never expected a thirteen-year-old to have that kind of mentality."
Renjiro's smile widened, and he tilted his head, eagerness creeping into his voice. "What about the reward?"
Tetsuya chuckled, his tone measured. "It's a hunt, like I said. I'll give you a map—it's not precise, so you'll need to find the item yourself. But if you do, you can take whatever sword or dagger you find."
Renjiro's eyes narrowed playfully. "You already know the place, don't you?"
Tetsuya froze, caught off guard. "How'd you figure that?"
"You said 'take whatever sword or dagger,'" Renjiro replied, his grin sly. "That means you've been there."
Tetsuya let out a low laugh, impressed. "Sharp as ever." He paused, studying the boy beside him. "What's your dream, Renjiro?"
Renjiro's expression softened, his voice carrying a quiet sincerity. "Just a happy life. That's all."
Tetsuya blinked, stunned by the simplicity of the answer. A boy with his talent, who could become a legendary swordsman, and that's his dream? "Why?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Renjiro shrugged, his smile unwavering. "I like peace. Not chasing monsters or fighting battles—just living."
"Fine by me," Renjiro said, his tone light.
They reached the Adventurer's Guild, a towering structure of weathered stone and timber that loomed over the street. Its arched doors stood open, spilling out a cacophony of shouts and laughter. Renjiro paused, taking in the sight. "This is the guild? It's huge."
Reina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It's the Adventurer's Guild!"
Takeshi grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Finally, we're here."
"Let's go!" Reina said, practically bouncing. "First, we register!"
Inside, the guild hall was a whirlwind of activity. Adventurers crowded the space, some shouting for mages, others seeking swordsmen, healers, or summoners. A group cheered as one of their own earned a high rank, while others grumbled over failed quests. The air buzzed with the clink of coin and the rustle of parchment.
A young attendant appeared before them, her guild uniform crisp and her smile professional. "What kind of help do you need today?"
Reina stepped forward, her voice bright. "We're here to register as adventurers. Can you help us?"
The attendant's gaze shifted past Reina, landing on Tetsuya at the back of the group. Her eyes widened. "Sir Tetsuya? What are you doing with these children?"
Tetsuya's tone was calm but firm. "I'm here to observe their skills and abilities. They're my guests—treat them well."
"Of course, Sir Tetsuya," the attendant said, bowing slightly. She turned to the group. "Follow me."
She led them through the bustling hall to a quiet side room, its walls lined with shelves of dusty tomes and glowing crystals. Himari glanced around, her brow furrowing. "Why's this room empty?"
The attendant smiled. "Because you're Sir Tetsuya's guests. Now, let's start by measuring your divine energy."