We reached a town named Tiro, situated in the eastern part of the First Kingdom. Our aim was to convince the Naiton clan to join us in our cause. We weren't sure if they'd agree, but it was something we had to attempt. Their location turned out to be farther away than we initially thought, so we needed to acquire a horse-drawn carriage.
There was an extensive search for us underway, and we walked around the town with our faces hidden by black cloaks, trying to stay out of sight. It was a bit more complicated due to the presence of the Babu being with us since his body was way bigger than ours.
I recalled something my uncle had mentioned as we walked. Epics held nearly as much power as kings, which explained the thorough search for us. However, kings hesitated to act significantly due to the fear of a major conflict. They were more focused on the well-being of their people, and even though it was not pleasant, that was the reality.
"Here!" said Hiroshi as we walked, showing the horse-drawn carriage near us.
After we found a suitable horse carriage, we decided to take a break for a while. It was best to stay hidden until the commotion outside died down.
After getting into a restaurant, I turned to Babu and asked, "Can I talk to you for a moment?"
"Of course. What's on your mind?" he replied.
"When you had that conversation with Master Yix, I overheard a mention of 'Ki' power. I recall it being brought up before, but I don't know much about it. How come do you know anything?"
"Hmm, let me think..." he mused.
After a brief pause, he continued, "Ki essentially signifies life energy. Every living entity possesses Ki power, yet it's only the Cronus lineage or those of great strength who can effectively utilize it. Regarding my own understanding, I underwent extensive training with my Master, but attaining complete mastery remained elusive," he disclosed. "To command Ki, one must cultivate an empty mind—focused and engaged in prolonged meditation. By summoning unwavering willpower, one might attain their desired outcomes."
Lezlie chimed into our conversation, inquiring, "What does it mean to fully unlock Ki power?"
"In the event of success, my physical prowess would experience a tenfold enhancement. I could even mend minor injuries or illnesses by simply touching someone with my hand. However, there's a drawback: this endeavor demands an immense reserve of life energy, resulting in profound exhaustion and potential powerlessness—or even graver consequences. This is precisely why only those of exceptional fortitude can truly harness their Ki potential," Babu elucidated.
The prospect of controlling Ki power was exciting. But as with any power, it required hard work to activate. At least that's what Babu told us.
Since we were in a restaurant, we decided to order some food to pass the time. Lezlie, Babu, and I were famished, but Hiroshi didn't eat anything. He remained vigilant, scanning the room for any potential trouble. "We need a carriage to climb the mountain," he said calmly. "But we don't know much about this place. We could waste a lot of time trying to find one."
"Do you plan to go through the space between the mountains?" he asked us.
Babu answered honestly, "Yes, but could I ask why you're asking?"
"Just curiosity," he said casually. "I was wondering if I could help you with that journey. But my question reflects yours—why pick this route?"
"We're aiming to meet the leader of the Naiton Bloodline. We've got an offer that could change the direction of the war," I explained.
Without us realizing, the man's curiosity seemed to grow. He became more attentive, maybe because of what we were discussing. It wasn't until we briefly mentioned our plans to travel in the mountains that I noticed his increased interest. It was as if he was drawn in by an invisible thread. Slowly, I realized he knew more than he let on.
Moving closer, the man joined our conversation with a mix of curiosity and thoughtfulness. "I hope you don't mind my intrusion, but I couldn't help overhearing your talk. If your journey involves these mountains, I'm willing to help."
Babu, always straightforward, asked, "Why do you want to help us?"
The man's lips formed a small smile, like he had resolved an inner question. "No big reason, just a desire to assist. But I'm intrigued by your destination—the leader of the Naiton Bloodline. If you'll have me, I'd like to come along."
Then he added, "Without a carriage, making your way up the mountain would be tough. If you need one, just let me know. I can arrange that."
We exchanged confused glances. We hadn't expected to receive help so suddenly. His offer could be useful, but we weren't sure if we should trust him. In the end, We decided to accept his offer because we were running out of time and this seemed like the best opportunity we had. We reached the carriage easily and set off undetected.
Hiroshi, as always, was cautious. He remained on guard as if the driver might try to trick us. Perhaps he was right to be cautious, but I didn't think the man could be malicious. If he did, we would have noticed it already
As we set off, Hiroshi lit a cigar and said, "I have a question."
To our surprise, the man heard him and replied, "Yes, of course."
"Why are you helping us? We're just strangers who arrived here."
"I know it may seem inappropriate," the man said, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "You all seem to be hiding something. What brings you out here?"
Hiroshi exchanged a glance at me, gauging how much to reveal. "We have urgent business in the city. It's a matter of great importance."
Then I joined in the conversation, "You seem to know the roads well. Are you from around here?"
The man's eyes flickered with something between surprise and caution. "You could say that. I know these roads better than most."
Hiroshi leaned forward, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You seem to know more than just the roads. Are you aware of the situation in the city? The... situation with the Epics?"
The man's gaze sharpened. "I've heard rumors, yes. What business do you have with them?"
Ryuu exchanged another glance with Hiroshi, then decided to be frank. "We aim to put an end to their rule. To free the city from their tyranny."
The man's eyes widened in surprise. "You're defying the ruling of the Epics? You're braver than most."
"I am aware, but we can't stand idly by while they wreak havoc on innocent lives. We need to make a stand."
The man looked at us for a long moment, then finally spoke, his voice filled with determination. "If you're really willing to challenge the Epics, then I'll do what I can to help. But know this, it won't be an easy road."
He glanced at the road once more and added, "We'll be there in two days. I'll let you know when we arrive. So get some rest while you can."
The decision to place our trust in strangers might have appeared reckless, but in that moment, it felt like the best course of action. The man's demeanor didn't betray any hostile intent, and he exuded an air of confidence, suggesting he knew precisely where he was leading us. Prepared for any potential threat, Hiroshi and I took up positions behind the car, our senses heightened, and our breaths measured. The world around us seemed to slow, cocooning us in a serene stillness.
It was an ephemeral peace, shattered by an abrupt, blood-curdling scream.
The man whirled towards us, his voice tense with urgency. "These are Marauders! They're here to steal!"
Hiroshi's command cut through the chaos. "Keep driving, don't stop. We'll deal with them."
With a surge of determination, our driver pressed on, paying little heed to the band of marauders hot on our tail. Yet, as their aggression escalated, they unleashed a barrage of gunfire, pummeling the vehicle. Inside, we were jolted and tossed about, the world outside reduced to a blur of motion.
"They're overwhelming us!" Hiroshi's voice rang out, his hand gripping his firearm with intent.
His words held undeniable truth. The marauders swarmed, a relentless tide in relentless pursuit, showing no signs of relenting.
Hiroshi and Lezlie unleashed a barrage of bullets and spells, their efforts focused on the marauders attempting to overtake the carriage from behind. Meanwhile, a pair of marauders managed to leap onto the carriage, adding another layer of threat to the situation. It was then that Babu, exhibiting commendable skill, ascended the carriage and engaged the sword-wielding looters, offering crucial support to Hiroshi and Lezlie.
In the midst of the chaos, I spotted a marauder intent on assaulting the driver, his aim set on steering the carriage towards a perilous cliff. Acting on instinct, I sprinted towards the front of the carriage, delivering a forceful punch to the marauder beside the driver, thwarting his attack. Swiftly, I pivoted and struck the mounted marauder, sending him tumbling from his horse. With a leap, I dealt a powerful kick to another marauder on horseback, effectively clearing our left flank. Yet, our rear remained contested.
As the carriage surged forward, I seized an opportunity. Mounting one of the horses, I deftly maneuvered it, engaging the marauders in close-quarters combat. Punches and kicks rained down, driving them from their saddles. Simultaneously, my companions fought valiantly, adopting a similar strategy to repel the marauders.
Babu exhibited incredible strength, hurling subdued adversaries onto the carriage, a tactical move that disrupted the marauders' assault. This impromptu barrage resulted in a chaotic cascade of bodies colliding with one another, creating a perilous hailstorm. Navigating the maelstrom, I managed to rejoin the carriage a few seconds later.
Seeking a strategic advantage, I scoured the saddle pocket of my borrowed steed, unearthing a length of rope. Though an unconventional tool, the rope sparked an idea. Gently speeding ahead, I carefully executed a plan. Skillfully, I flung one end of the rope, allowing it to coil around a sturdy tree branch. Securing the opposite end, I traversed the taut rope, positioned to strike at the opportune moment.
As the carriage passed beneath, I exerted every ounce of strength to yank the rope taut. A makeshift barrier emerged, confounding the marauders. Faced with the choice of navigating this precarious path or encountering significant resistance, they faltered. True to my design, they faltered. The marauders entangled themselves in the rope, plummeting from their mounts, leaving a swath of adversaries incapacitated.
With this impromptu plan a success, I swiftly rejoined my comrades in the safety of the carriage, our progress now unhindered.