The following morning was filled with various goodbyes, the three that were leaving had told all those that they've met within Hieki's compound that they were heading out and Hieki held a small party for the three before finally it was time.
They could remain here no longer. It was their time to set off to a certain place on their own.
Their journey has only just begun and they knew it deep down that they had to stick together.
'' Please stay safe and be well. ''
Hieki said to the three of them, hoping the best for their journey and that their travels will be relatively safe but if for some reason any danger may occur.
They should be fine if they put the strength they've honed for the last month to good use and Hieki took a heavy sigh of relief thinking about it in the end.
What're the odds that they'll run into someone like Friegen in the near future?
Hieki didn't fixate on the subject but watched as the three set off, leaving the compound behind them as they pursue greater strength.
Hieki had known that Seiya needed to get stronger if he wanted to protect the Eastern territory as he was the only royal member of the empire around and time was not an ally so he needed to push Seiya to someone who could help him.
This territory won't last long if there wasn't a governing entity that was powerful enough to defend it.
The thought that they could get invaded at any second scared Hieki but surely the fact a month has gone by and there has been no activity on the Dark Hand's end meant that they didn't intend on trying to take over anytime soon.
Several hours have passed by since the trio had left Hieki's compound and were now walking on a road which will lead to where Mt. Kusuri is.
The road had no end in sight but this was still better than hoping for a miraculous development under Hieki's teachings.
They enjoyed their time there but he didn't have the tools necessary to further ascend and they understood.
Hakai had felt a bit reluctant to leave initially due to his debt to Hieki but the elder told him that if he wanted to pay off any forms of debt, that going on this journey with the other two would pay the debt back in full.
'' We should eventually settle for the day before we get too tired to continue walking any further. ''
Hakai had told the other two as the sun was beginning to set after they walked for quite some time.
The three sat around a campfire, they exchanged stories about the past month and how much they've learned and to compare their lessons amongst other things.
Eventually Seiya had left the other two so that he could train a few feet away from the others as Sakura leaned over to talk to Hakai.
'' You have been holding up okay? I didn't really see you much after the tournament and we never really got to have our fight. What was that power you used to restrain Friegen? ''
Sakura was curious to know about the nature of Hakai's power, it was potent but it clearly had to be associated to Hakai's reluctant nature from before. She wanted to know more about him and it wasn't like he was as distant as he had been before.
Hakai sighed after hearing her question but since so much time passed and he knew that for some reason she wasn't going to stop prying so he decided he'd tell her since she already saw what he was capable of doing.
'' I've got a Darkness fear and just like that guy who we fought, I also share that mutation that he had when he went berserk. Although I've yet to lose my bearings like him so I've kept myself reserved. ''
Hakai spoke with some level of reluctance but he knew she'd eventually figure it out or come to her own conclusions about it.
'' I'm just curious how you and him share that same ailment? Are you related to him or? ''
Sakura asked a follow-up question that Hakai immediately shook his head in a resounding no. He was not related to Friegen but they did share the marking on their hand.
'' I'm not related to Friegen but I've been cursed as the origins of my birth has forced me into a life I didn't want. I ran from where I was from and Hieki found me. I don't know what I'm living for right now but I'd like to believe that maybe one day I don't have to run from my past anymore. I don't know exactly what I want nor if there are things that can be done about my circumstance. ''
Hakai's words didn't exactly seem too hopeful but sometimes there are dreams that just don't sound realistic so its best not to think about it too much.
Sakura gently patted Hakai's back, she wouldn't let him think like this.
'' We beat up a seemingly unstoppable person not too long ago, I'm sure you don't have to worry about your past. We're here for you. ''
Hakai had bit his lip after hearing what Sakura said. He didn't know whether or not to tell her but he chose not to do so today.
'' Shall we head to sleep? We have eaten already so we best turn in. ''
Hakai said to her but Sakura had looked around her surroundings. They were just a few ways off the road, will they be safe?
'' Is this okay? What if someone tries to attack us while we're sleeping? ''
Sakura asked Hakai but little did she know that Hieki's other reason for making Hakai go with them was for this particular reason.
'' My body reacts to danger even if I'm not awake. I've had situations in the past where bandits tried to mug me before I met Hieki and my power reacted to the threat while I was sleeping. We'll be fine. ''
Hakai and Sakura had gone to bed first, they both knew just as Seiya did that tomorrow would be the day.
The day that they've arrived before the Mountain.
The next stop in their journey.