'' It's been a month since the tournament, since Friegen died. The Village has grown more carefree since then and all notices concerning the Mad Bomber had been removed. I've felt that my time here is coming to an end and that Hieki would inevitably have words with me. I've seen the way he has looked at me as of late and I know we are due for a conversation.''
Those were the words written into a book by Seiya's hands as he sat on a small hill watching the sunset. He had felt his growth was coming to a screeching halt and that as much as he'd like to stay here, there was not much to gain. Hieki's training gave him the much-needed knowledge to understand the fundamentals of combat and his style of fighting did give Seiya the initial training wheels to help him but he knew deep down he needed more.
The young male had left to enter Hieki's compound within the mountain but before he was allowed to go to the hut where he slept near Sakura, he was instructed by his fellow practitioners to go to Hieki's place.
'' Did you call for me? ''
Those were Seiya's words as he entered, he could see that Hieki was busy writing various notes and folding them up for delivery on a later date. Hieki paused not long after Seiya came in, having taken the moment to finally say what he needed to say.
'' It's come to my attention that I can't do much more to assist you, young lord. Your affinity with my teachings has been admirable but as a Future Emperor, you must gain experience from other sources to expand your worldview. It has been hard for me to get these words off my chest but I know you won't get any better nor any stronger remaining here and before you worry, I will continue protecting this place while you head off for other regions. We will make sure that this place remains safe and after locating that nearby Dark Hand outpost, we'll be safe from any attacks for the foreseeable future. ''
Hieki went out and said what he needed to say for the sake of Seiya's future. Hieki had spent this entire month doing all that he could to assist Seiya but he had known that he did not have the best affinity with Hieki's fighting style as Sakura had picked up more from it than the young prince himself.
'' Do you have anywhere in particular that you might point me to so that I can grow stronger? ''
The young prince asked Hieki for help, only to be slipped a scroll by the Elder who wanted to help him reach the next pit stop of his journey.
'' This Scroll is a letter meant to go to an associate. A Hakutaku youkai who goes by the name Gakusha who owns an Academy nestled into Mt. Fusuri. I should also mention that you must go at night as the Mountain will not appear unless it is in the absence of the Sun. ''
'' Wait how is that possible? How does a Mountain simply disappear? ''
Seiya could not help but immediately ask what Hieki was talking about, disappearing mountains? How is something like this something that was just spoken of as if it was normal?
'' The strength of those with considerable power are capable of exceeding what may be considered normal or simply just far beyond the grasp of the common person. The Mountain drifts between this realm and the next and it goes back and forth depending on the time of day. ''
Hieki's words was enough to sate Seiya's curiosity and so he prepared to go to his hut to sleep for the night but Hieki wasn't done speaking. The Elder stood up as he needed Seiya to know a bit more before he was allowed to leave his care.
'' You'll be going with Sakura and Hakai, they both need further aid by those specialized in fields that I don't. I should also mention that Gakusha is known as the Sage of Medicinal Arts. He is also known to be extremely picky and careful with who he allows into his school so you have to do whatever it takes to get in, assuming you have traversed the entirety of the mountain to reach the front gates of the academy. It is a perilous journey to reach the school, Gakusha ensured a broad range of exotic wildlife would live on his mountain so he could use them for his medicinal needs and I'd honestly prepare for any and all scenarios that could possibly take place. It'll be best that you set out tomorrow morning, it's a bit far from here so you'll probably arrive two days from now. He'll surely help you become the best version of yourself. ''
Hieki sung a high praise for the male as well as made several mentions that he was not exactly the easiest person to be around. Seiya knew beggars can't be choosers and whatever it took, he'd do his best to grow stronger and amass as much strength he could so that he could rescue his sister.
It didn't take Seiya long to realize where Friegen had been in the food chain in terms of that organization, he knew whoever had the strength to take his own Sister captive must've been someone formidable.
'' Thank you for giving me a chance to meet someone like this. I promise you I won't forget your help Hieki. I hope to see you again when I return. ''
Seiya bowed in respect to Hieki as he left for bed. He had a lot to think about but he felt relief knowing that a path filled with opportunity.
Elsewhere, in a quiet dimly lit room a single platinum haired man was glancing out the window.
The sky gave off the show of a single shooting star flying past.
'' A new star emerges from within the darkness. ''