"It was a pleasure for me," Master Yix said, his calm gaze still fixed upon us. "But before you all set off, I want to ask you something: Where are you headed now?"
His question struck me like a missed step on a staircase. Amidst all the interactions, I somehow managed to forget a crucial detail: our next destination. With a quick jolt of realization, I retrieved the map from my pocket and hurriedly unfolded it, my eyes scanning for the next waypoint.
After a fleeting silence, Hiroshi chimed in with a touch of sarcasm, "Hey, kid! I sure hope our next venture isn't into the mines. My lungs aren't that strong to last longer."
His jest, though lighthearted, struck a chord. Unfortunately for him, his assumption couldn't have been farther from the truth. Even I found myself taken aback by what I saw on the map. The route etched onto the worn paper began right from where we stood, meandered across the expanse of this kingdom's terrain, and led us to our destination in the second kingdom—across a stretch of sea.
With a furrowed brow, I raised my head to meet the confusion in Hiroshi's eyes before replying, "It's not in this kingdom. According to the map, we have to cross the sea."
Hiroshi leaned in, placing his hand above the map, and traced the line that cut across the paper. "What?" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"That means our next member resides in the second kingdom," Babu interjected, peering over my shoulder to examine the map.
All those years spent at my uncle's side in the first kingdom had been filled with his tales of adventure and danger in other lands. The thought of now experiencing those stories firsthand filled me with a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. The realization that I would have to journey across the sea to find another person added a new layer to what can actually happen if I kept running away from danger, but be in a position of putting myself into another situation of one.
Lezlie's voice broke through my thoughts, her words grounded in practicality. "If that's the case, crossing the sea to reach the second kingdom is going to be quite the challenge."
"It's not that easy. Enormous seas lie between the kingdoms. And even if we manage to reach the ports, the First Epic or their elite soldiers could corner us," Hiroshi explained.
Babu chimed in, adding, "Hiroshi's making sense. We need to consider alternatives. Simply fleeing this kingdom won't work; we'd be captured before we knew it. Plus, I doubt you have a boat handy to cross the sea."
Their points hit home, underlining the magnitude of the challenge before us. To accomplish our goal, we needed to take a different approach. Thankfully, an idea had sparked within me.
"Then let's confront them. If engaging them is the sole way to traverse the sea, then let's strike first."
All eyes turned to me, a mix of surprise and trepidation on their faces.
"Are you out of your mind? We're only a group of four! We're in the dark about their numbers and capabilities," Hiroshi interjected, his tone laced with reason.
"He's got a point, Ryuu. If even Master Yix couldn't defeat them, our chances aren't any better," Babu reasoned.
"I understand the risk I'm suggesting. But if we delay, we'll only find ourselves cornered later with an additional foe," I replied, determination firm in my voice.
"I understand your perspective, Kid, but we're discussing taking on an entire army and an Epic. Approaching their territory would be akin to courting your own demise, no matter how strong you are," Hiroshi cautioned. "They've got fighters who'll battle you relentlessly, and even if you manage to hold your own due to your athleticism, they'll quickly counter with someone who can overpower you. And once they've captured you, your fate remains an unknown."
Hiroshi's words hit me like a bucket of cold water. I lowered my head, deep in thought. He had firsthand experience, having stood against the subordinates of Epics in his own territory. I couldn't disregard his wisdom. But at the same time, every moment we spent lingering felt like crumbling away further. The cloaked man from the first kingdom haunted my thoughts—unceasing and relentless.
However, to my surprise, Master Yix rose to his feet, offering a glimmer of hope to my proposal.
"While you're all correct in your concerns, you're overlooking a vital aspect," he began, his gaze moving from one of us to the next. "Heading to the second Kingdom now would indeed lead to peril. But staying here provides a unique opportunity to challenge the First Epic."
Lezlie's curiosity mirrored our own as she queried, "But how?"
"Yes, there is a way," Master Yix affirmed. "The Naiton lineage resides in the mountains ahead. They bear a long-standing resentment against elite soldiers and Epics due to past grievances. Their numbers are substantial. If you can gain their alliance, they might join you in opposing the First Epic."
While the feasibility of Master Yix's proposal remained uncertain, we found ourselves without a better plan.
Hiroshi ignited his cigar, signaling his reluctant agreement. "He might have a point. We need numbers to take down the First Epic, and this could be our best shot. After everything we've accomplished, we're already marked as fugitives in their eyes." He adjusted his hat, peering from underneath it. "I've been hiding for longer than I care to admit. A few more years of this won't do."
Turning to me, Hiroshi continued, "Remember the skirmishes we've managed in the places we've passed through. We've whittled down their forces, and that's an advantage we hold."
Master Yix interjected, "Indeed, it was you who defeated them. Admirable, yet they pale in comparison to the first and second elite soldiers. When they unite, they become an indomitable force. I observed their tactics during their assault here. They always keep close to the First Epic. Your task won't be easy."
I asked, "But Master Yix, what about the First Epic? Can you tell us anything about him?"
"He possesses overwhelming strength in combat. His strategy involves a meticulous analysis of his adversary's actions, allowing him to swiftly adapt to different fighting scenarios. He excels at utilizing the environment to his advantage. It's imperative to exercise extreme caution; confronting him recklessly can lead to an inevitable downfall."
I knew how strong the Epics were. But if I wanted to fight him, I had to be ready. Picking the right place to battle and teaming up smartly were really important. Even though I trusted my friends, I understood that it was mostly up to me to handle the Epic. After all, I was the one who asked them to join me on this mission.
Then, Master Yix cast a final gaze toward Babu, his voice carrying the weight of a mentor's guidance.
"Babu, to master your Ki training, keep my teachings close. They will forge your strength. And when you venture to the third kingdom, seek out the birthplace of our lineage. There, they will fill in the gaps and fortify your weaknesses. I am certain of it," the master imparted.
With a heartfelt embrace, Babu held onto Master Yix. "I'll be back again, Master." He then pulled back from the hug and added, "But I don't know when."
Master Yix returned the smile, as warm, "Rest assured, Babu. Your path back home will reveal itself, as it always does."