As I sprinted away from the encroaching flames, a sense of frustration and anxiety gnawed at me. The weight of the monsters on my back only added to the urgency of the situation. Gritting my teeth, I strained against their hold, desperate to push them away and gain some precious moments to escape.
With every ounce of strength, I attempted to leverage my arms and push against their writhing bodies. Yet, their relentless grip seemed unyielding, each movement pushing me further towards exhaustion. My legs sank deeper into the ground, the weight of the monsters and the impending danger bearing down on me.
The realization struck me like a lightning bolt—I couldn't afford to stay trapped beneath their clutches. Summoning a surge of determination, I planted my feet firmly on the ground, mustering every ounce of force within me. Muscles strained and tendons taut, I summoned all my energy to propel myself forward, inch by agonizing inch.
"Hey, kid! Stay where you are. I'll take care of those monsters!"
In the midst of my struggle, Hiroshi's voice pierced through the chaos, a beacon of hope in the darkness.
As I watched Hiroshi's determined gaze, a surge of fear coursed through me. I couldn't bear the thought of him leaping into danger on my behalf. In that split second, my mind raced, envisioning the potential horrors that could befall Hiroshi if he ventured into the fray.
With all of these coming down and almost crushing my bones with all this pressure meant that Hiroshi would be swept under this army of creatures. I was in so much fear that he would do something like that.
And these possibilities flashed through my mind, and I couldn't bear to witness any harm befall him. With urgency in my voice, I pleaded, "Hiroshi, don't come back! It's too dangerous for you to come here!"
However, Hiroshi's response held a reassuring seriousness. He locked eyes with me and calmly stated, "Who said I was going to jump down there, kid?"
With a swift and precise motion, Hiroshi reached for the metal Matara canister strapped to his belt. A flash of recognition flickered in my mind—I had seen him drinking water from it when we first landed in this treacherous place. The sight had struck me as peculiar then, and now, as he flung the canister towards the encroaching creatures, I realized its true purpose.
Time seemed to slow as the canister soared through the air, its trajectory true. It landed amidst the mass of monsters, and Hiroshi fired at it twice. The explosion reverberated through the cavern, the force of it tearing through the creatures, their bodies doused in the flammable liquid. Flames licked at their forms, driving them back and granting me the opportunity to break free.
As I sprinted toward Hiroshi and Babu, their valiant battle against the creatures unfolded before my eyes. Hiroshi's rapid gunfire echoed in the cavern, while Babu's nimble strikes seemed to defy his size. I pushed myself even harder, my legs propelling me forward as I desperately tried to reach them.
At that moment, my gaze shifted, and a chilling realization washed over me. I noticed a hairline crack traversing the surface beneath Hiroshi and Babu. It was a fissure, an ominous sign that the explosive power of the gunpowder had been unleashed. I heard the distant rumble, a deep sound that reverberated from afar, and instinctively turned my head to look behind us, where the creatures had emerged.
The explosion was advancing, hurtling towards us with a relentless force. The ground we stood on was on the verge of being upturned, the very foundation of our safety about to be shattered. Panic surged within me, and I knew I had to reach Hiroshi and Babu before it was too late.
"Stay still!" I shouted with all my might, my voice cutting through the chaos. It was a desperate plea, a command born out of pure urgency. I prayed they would heed my words, that they would freeze in their tracks and not risk being swept away by the impending cataclysm. Every ounce of my being was focused on reaching them, my legs propelling me forward with a newfound strength. Time was running out, and our lives depended on their unwavering stillness.
Seizing the moment, I propelled myself forward, launching my body toward the creatures. The explosive impact sent us hurtling skyward, the ground rushing up to meet us. Though the impact was jarring, we emerged unscathed, the adrenaline coursing through our veins pushing aside any pain.
As the gunpowder ignited, a tremendous force erupted from beneath us, propelling us into the air. The world became a blur of motion as we soared through the dark abyss, our bodies suspended for a fleeting moment. Then, with a mixture of relief and trepidation, we crash-landed onto the ground.
I staggered to my feet, aching and disoriented. Pain pulsed through my body, a reminder of the perilous journey we had undertaken. With cautious movements, I checked myself for injuries, my fingers gingerly probing the tender spots. It was clear that I had sustained some bruises and strains, but the relief of escaping the cave unscathed overshadowed any discomfort.
As I regained my bearings, I witnessed the sight before me—a sea of grateful faces, the miner lineage surrounding us. They rushed forward, their eyes filled with admiration and gratitude. With gentle strength, they hoisted us up, carrying us to a safer location away from the remnants of the collapsing cave.
Amidst the commotion, the miner lineage approached me, their voices blending into a chorus of praise and applause. Their words resonated deep within me, fueling a sense of pride and accomplishment. I reveled in their accolades, cherishing the recognition that came with being a hero.
But it was the Wise who commanded attention. He signaled his men to step aside and approached me, his eyes filled with concern. Lezlie, too, stood beside him, her worry etched upon her face. Their genuine care and curiosity touched me deeply.
"How are you, Ryuu?" the Wise inquired, his voice laden with genuine concern.
Lezlie echoed his sentiment, her eyes searching mine for signs of distress. The weight of their admiration and support was palpable, enveloping me like a comforting embrace.
I couldn't help but smile, my heart swelling with an indescribable sense of fulfillment. At that moment, I understood the magnitude of my father's actions, and the profound satisfaction he must have felt when he saved lives. It was a revelation—a realization that being a hero was more than just the thrill of adventure; it was about making a difference, about touching the lives of others.
"I feel incredible." I whispered to myself, my voice carried away by the wind.
The Wise's eyes gleamed with a mixture of relief and gratitude as he turned his gaze skyward, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It was a rare sight to behold, witnessing the weight of worry lifted from his shoulders, replaced by an air of contentment.
Meanwhile, the miner lineage, their faces lit up with newfound freedom, began to shed the remnants of their confinement. Men and women alike fastened their extra garments to their waists and heads, fashioning makeshift adornments that fluttered in the breeze. With liberated steps, they ventured into the surrounding nature, their senses alive with the freshness of the air and the embrace of the earth.
Some of them reached out to touch the gnarled bark of ancient trees, feeling the rough texture against their fingertips. Others found solace in the simple act of sitting upon the grassy ground, relishing the sensation of being connected to nature once more. The world, previously a distant memory, had become their sanctuary.
Amidst this newfound sense of liberation, the Wise moved among his people, his eyes alight with pride. He observed their every movement, his heart filled with joy at their rediscovered freedom. The burdens of their captivity had been lifted, replaced by a renewed appreciation for the world beyond the confines of the cave.
Finally, the Wise approached me once more, his gaze focused not only on my face but on the state of my body. With gentle hands, he examined the bruises and strains that adorned my form, appreciating the toll our ordeal had taken on me.
"You have endured much, Ryuu," the Wise spoke, his voice carrying a blend of admiration and respect. "Your bravery and determination have saved countless lives today. You have become a beacon of hope for our people."
His words washed over me, their weight settling upon my shoulders like a mantle of honor. I met his gaze, humbled by his acknowledgment.
"No. No thanks is needed. It was a collective effort." I replied, my voice tinged with gratitude. "Besides, it was something that needed to be done. We couldn't just leave people in need."
"Thank you again," said the wise man, who wanted to check on the condition of his people. He then walked away calmly and silently.
As the wise man walked away, I turned to Babu with a curious expression and asked, "How far is your village from here?"
"It will take about two days if we start from here," he replied, adding with a hint of uncertainty, "That is if they're still there, of course." He then looked at me with confusion etched on his face and asked, "But why did you ask?"
"We were thinking of coming with you," I explained.
"Come with me?" Babu's confusion deepened, and his eyes scrunched in thought, "But why would you come with me?"
"Well, Hiroshi and Lezlie look quite tired after all that happened," I gestured towards Lezlie, who was nervously tending to Hiroshi's wounds while he wore an exhausted expression and smoked his cigar, "And we also need food and supplies. It seems like your village might be the nearest option," I said.
Babu scratched his chin thoughtfully, a warm smile slowly spreading across his face. "Well, you all helped me, so it would be good to have some company," he agreed.
Hiroshi, having overheard our conversation, approached us and tapped on Babu's shoulder. As he put on his hat, he said with determination, "Then there's no point in wasting our time. Let's hit the road."
While we were discussing our plans, the wise man made one last approach to us. "If you want," he suggested, "you all can come with us to our Kingdom. We have everything you might need there. Besides, I don't think it would be wise to follow Babu after such an event."
Lezlie politely declined, expressing our gratitude, "We appreciate your offer, but we have to get going now. We still have a few things to take care of in this kingdom. Thank you again for your kindness."
"Well then," the wise man nodded, understanding our decision, "good luck on your journey."
As we continued on the road, the scenery around us changed, and the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The sun dipped lower in the horizon, casting a warm glow over everything it touched. Our footsteps echoed on the dusty path, and the rustling leaves overhead added a soothing rhythm to our journey.
Curiosity still lingered in my mind as I turned to Babu, his sturdy strides keeping up with the pace effortlessly. "Babu, your fighting style is truly extraordinary," I complimented, "how do you manage to wield such prowess despite your size?"
Babu grinned proudly, "I learned all my moves from my master, of course!"
"The move you made with your hat was really great," I praised, recalling his impressive flying hat technique.
"Oh! You know, I discovered that move!" Babu exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye.
"Really?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"Yeah. It was hard at first, but with practice, everything got better. I used to practice on hitting bottles in a village, so my aim would get better," he explained, his eyes gleaming with determination.
"Didn't your master train you for it?" I inquired.
"He did teach me many things, but they were mostly about being a humble and compassionate being. Battle techniques and everything else, I learned on my own. My master never taught me to be violent. He showed me peace in every essence of his ways or work," Babu revealed, his voice filled with respect for his master's teachings.
"But if your master trained you like this, he must be very strong," I commented, impressed by Babu's calm and observant nature.
"Yes, he is. He used to be one of the best," Babu acknowledged, a hint of pride in his voice.
"The best? How so?" I probed further.
"From what I've heard, it goes back to the history of our lineage. Only the best fighters, chosen to protect our lineage, were trained with utmost dedication, and he was one of them," Babu explained.
"Does he come from a lineage?" I asked, recalling the tales my uncle had shared about powerful lineages.
"He is a descendant of Cronus," Babu replied.
I was taken aback, as the name "Cronus" was unfamiliar to me, despite my knowledge of various lineages.
Hiroshi, ever observant, turned to us and chimed in, "I know that lineage. They are renowned for their strength in close combat, channeling energy within their bodies for relentless fights. Engaging them in close quarters is quite a challenge, and they are also highly skilled in the art of healing."
Lezlie, the ever-curious witch, joined the conversation, adding her knowledge, "I actually heard somewhat of information about the lineage too. It is told that they were the most hardworking lineage among all. The power that they coursed through their bodies, allowed them to teach other lineages or people to be more resilient in fights, since they became the masters of their own bodies. I also read many books on their mastery of combat." She then touched her chin all thinking and added, "But the volumes cut off after a certain amount and it is told that they don't teach anymore."
Babu seemed to reflect on the deeper aspects of his lineage, and with a hint of seriousness, he shared, "There is much more to the story behind Cronus and my master. I can tell you more about it later."
As the subject changed to lineages, Hiroshi shared a tale from his village.
"There used to be a few people who were descended from Cronus near our village," Hiroshi revealed, his voice tinged with reminiscence. "They were really interesting people."
My excitement grew at the prospect of meeting such fascinating individuals.
Babu's warm smile illuminated his face as he chimed in, "Yeah, they're pretty good people. Besides, they're the best at cooking. I haven't eaten the master's food in a long time. I hope it's still delicious."
Curiosity led me to ask Babu, "Does your master live alone?"
"No, he lives with a small group of his descendants," Babu replied, his eyes glinting with pride.
Turning his attention to Lezlie, Babu asked, "Speaking of lineage, I saw you fighting very well back in the mines. Do you also come from a lineage?"
"I'm a witch," Lezlie revealed. "I lived with my mother for a long time among the witches. I only know explosion and shield spells for now. It was taught to us in the camps of self-defense of the witches. But in the future, I may learn some good spells."
Babu's excitement was evident as he responded, "Interesting! What about you, Hiroshi?"
"I'm a Ruiet. Just a regular human," Hiroshi said modestly.
"You're pretty strong for an ordinary person," Babu said. "And you never missed your shots, even under pressure. That is a sharp eye you got there."
"The same goes for you," Hiroshi said. "We saw a ton of monsters there, but you still fought in cold blood. Even for a fluffy animal, you moved efficiently."
Babu admitted, "It was hard, to be honest."
Then finally turned to me and asked, "So what about you, Ryuu?"
"I come from the Wolf Bloodline." I said. "Ronk, the person who trained me, told me this not long ago."
Surprised, Babu exclaimed, "Oh! Alpha Prime was also a wolf descendant! That lineage was legendary, and I heard that there was no one left from it."
"My uncle told me the same, but it turned out to be a false assumption," I explained. "There are survivors, and I'm one of them."
Babu's eyes widened with disbelief, "That's impossible! The wolf hunter Miron is infamous for hunting down anyone from the Wolf Bloodline. He's said to have killed half of their progeny with his own hands."
Babu's mention of Miron sent a shiver down my spine. Gazing at my palm, I listened intently as he shared more about the hunter.
"I am scared too," I admitted, my voice laced with uncertainty. "But I have no choice but to keep going. When my uncle had to leave me behind, I felt utterly miserable. But Ronk's arrival and his guidance, that was nothing short of a true "miracle." Now, it strengthens my resolve to help others, like you and the mine lineage, who may be in need."
A hopeful smile crept across my face as I continued, "We have to keep adding reasons and push what we are after. There are so many screams that we are not hearing, and that helps not to rot the idea of people needing help. If one doesn't push the idea of the "unseen of eyes", then nobody will even "see" what is infront of him."
Babu nodded in understanding, his eyes reflecting admiration for my determination. He offered some words of caution, "Indeed, but this won't be an easy road. You'll face numerous difficulties, and there's no doubt you'll have to run, fight, hide, and make sacrifices to succeed. And if Miron finds you, he's not someone who will ever feel sorry for you."
"I know." I finished our talk, "But I will at last."