I surged forward, a blazing comet in the tempestuous winds, and all that dared to stand in my path was obliterated. The very air around me ignited with a deafening explosion that reverberated through the ancient forest to the east, where the trees bore witness to the cataclysmic clash of forces.
My hand, gripped with unyielding resolve, unleashed devastation upon the world. The agony I endured was searing, for I had summoned a tempest of lightning and wind, an inferno of power that blazed with unparalleled intensity. The very earth quivered beneath my might as I carved a path through the wilderness, leaving behind a trail of destruction and chaos.
Draco was sent flying backwards, landing on a pile of rocks.
I didn't know if he was dead or alive. But, it was now over, I thought.
In the aftermath of our climactic showdown, I was left exhausted, both physically and mentally. The power coursing through my veins began to slowly recede, and the ethereal radiance surrounding me gradually vanished. As I stood up steadily my balance, and approached the fallen Draco, I could see the wounds that he sustained, his clothes and armour torn, his skin burned, and the bones exposed.
I placed my left hand over my mouth, trying to cover it as I started sobbing uncontrollably. The memory was so vivid, this battle of dust caused chaos, it wasn't like a real war of mortals, but one full of darkness, The cold eyes, the anger in each gaze, and every step, I looked on. The fallen one was too much for him.
"If one resorts to the murder of a child, how pitiable their claim to godhood becomes!" I exclaimed, my voice carrying the weight of righteous indignation. The echoes of my words reverberated through the ancient forest, a condemnation of the vile deeds committed.
In the heart of the Eastern wooded mountain, I had endured countless trials and suffered immeasurably. I had fought with every ounce of my being, pushing my limits to the brink. Yet, despite my unwavering resolve, all that remained in the end was a desolate path covered in dust. It was a testament to the harsh reality of existence, where even the most valiant struggles could lead to naught but the barren sands of futility.
Amidst the chaos, a memory of my long and arduous battles flickered through my mind. But in this moment, my thoughts were consumed by one name—Ayase. I glanced back, my heart heavy with concern, to ensure her safety. Without hesitation, I descended to where she lay and gently lifted her into my arms, my determination unwavering.
With Ayase's fragile form in my grasp, I continued to forge ahead, my focus solely on her well-being. The world around me became a mere backdrop to the urgency of our situation. Draco, who had once been the object of my vengeance, now watched with a mix of fear and reluctant admiration. Little did he know, this was merely the prologue to his own tumultuous journey.
Ayase's response was a feeble grunt, her consciousness slipping away like sand through an hourglass. A trail of blood trickled from her head and mouth, and yet, despite her dire condition, she mustered a faint smile. "I don't want to depart this world alone, and for that, I thank you," she whispered weakly.
But in that moment, gratitude brought me no solace. There was only the unrelenting pain and the ceaseless struggle. There existed no path but one paved with agony, a path that ebbed and flowed as I grew stronger, a path that demanded everything of me.
With Ayase's fragile form cradled in my arms, I pressed forward despite my own injuries, a lone figure persevering through the forest. My leg throbbed with pain, wounded but not defeated. Each step was a testament to resilience, and I pressed on.
In those moments of exhaustion and doubt, I couldn't help but question the sanity of my pursuits. Was I merely a fool, deluding myself into thinking that my actions could truly change the course of fate? The world seemed an unforgiving place, and despair clawed at the edges of my resolve.
Yet, deep within the recesses of my heart, a flicker of hope remained undiminished. It was that glimmer, that stubborn belief, which propelled me onward through the maddening chase. In the darkest of hours, hope was the beacon that refused to be extinguished, a guiding light in the vast expanse of uncertainty.
Hope was what kept me moving, a symbol of life's boundless possibilities. It was the drive, the fire that would not be smothered by the ashes of despair. It was the unyielding flame that warmed the coldness of night.
After a weary journey through the forest, I knew it was imperative to take a respite. Gently, I lowered Ayase to the ground, her labored breathing and closing eyes a stark testament to her fragile state. My legs protested as they bore the weight of exhaustion, their strength waning with every step.
I rose to my feet, offering a frail but supportive shoulder to Ayase. Anxiety gnawed at my insides as I retreated behind a sturdy tree. I couldn't help but fear for her life, uncertain of what awaited us in this unforgiving wilderness.
As I concealed ourselves behind the tree's protective veil, a new presence manifested in the southern horizon. The crescent moon bathed the surroundings in its eerie glow, casting elongated shadows across the land.
To the south, a group of soldiers materialized, their figures ominous in the dim light. Five individuals marched along the trail, armed with knives and spears, clad in heavy leather attire reminiscent of bandits. A sense of foreboding washed over me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked just beyond the trees.
Hidden in the shadows, I dared not engage with the approaching group of soldiers. My injuries were a constant reminder that I couldn't afford to face them head-on. My wounded legs throbbed with every movement, and the pain served as a cruel reminder of my vulnerability.
The soldiers moved through the area with a clear sense of purpose, their search intent upon something or someone. Their hushed voices carried on the wind, revealing fragments of their conversation.
"Are you certain we're in the right place? That forest is treacherous, especially in the dark," a small voice murmured, tinged with apprehension.
"Yes, they must be here. The adventure-rankers told me about an Oni Child, under the control of some mysterious forces. It could be one of them, or perhaps even the One-Eyed King himself," a slightly larger voice declared with conviction.
The mention of the One-Eyed King sent a shiver down my spine. A figure emerged from the shadows, clad in attire of dark green. This individual bore the marks of age, a seasoned warrior whose every movement exuded an air of quiet confidence. A katana and a dagger adorned their side, poised for action if needed. A purple scarf wound elegantly around their neck, adding a touch of colour to the otherwise muted ensemble. Two gold medallions, etched with cryptic symbols, dangled from their neck, hinting at a deeper significance.
Their feet were shod in sandals, slightly larger in size, suggesting a life spent traversing various terrains. Piercing black eyes, sharp and perceptive, scanned the surroundings, missing nothing. Jet-black hair, bound by a crimson band, framed their face, lending an aura of mystery and intrigue to their presence, He was like Adventure recruitment.
His voice sounded, like a higher class officer, but as well as a boss from a lower rank.
It became evident that the figure in dark green attire might well be their leader, given the number of armed members accompanying them. The ominous aura they exuded hinted at a sinister purpose. It appeared that they were affiliated with a criminal guild, a clandestine force with nefarious intentions. They seemed like a specialized squad, poised to launch attacks on towns, cities, and villages, leaving only devastation in their wake.
Sensing the impending danger, I moved away stealthily, my intent to avoid any confrontation. I hobbled on one foot, trying to minimize the noise as I navigated through the dense underbrush. Each step was a test of endurance, but I couldn't afford to be noticed.
With Ayase perched upon my right shoulder, her breathing steady, she appeared to be in a peaceful slumber. I took a moment to catch my breath, my body weary from the strenuous escape.
My journey to the south stretched on, a daunting path that seemed to defy the concept of time. Nearly a month passed as I traversed the land, pausing occasionally to rest beneath the towering trees and between the craggy mountains that marked my route. The days blended together into a blur of endurance and determination.
Eventually, I came upon a river, its cool waters a welcomed respite. I knelt by the riverbank, quenching my thirst and cleansing myself of the grime and weariness that had accumulated during my arduous trek.
As the days turned into weeks, Ayase stirred from her prolonged slumber. Her awakening was a source of relief, a testament to her resilience. I had cared for her diligently during those long days, and it seemed that our journey had not exacted a permanent toll on her.
We found shelter in a cave nestled amidst the mountains, the landscape around us a picturesque tableau of natural beauty. Mountains rose majestically, and rivers flowed, their waters converging into a serene lake. It was a sanctuary in the midst of our turbulent odyssey, a place where we could rest and gather our strength for the journey to the south.
Days ebbed away within the sanctuary of our mountainous cave, providing a vital respite. We ventured forth into the untamed landscape, seeking sustenance to quell the gnawing hunger. On one auspicious day, our efforts culminated in a successful hunt, as we secured the bounty of two majestic deer. Their tender meat offered a much-needed reprieve for our famished souls.
Resuming our relentless trek southward, the passage of time was marked by yet another birthday, celebrated amidst the trials and tribulations of our journey. Each day brought with it a new lesson in the art of survival, a testament to the tenacity of our spirits.
However, the serenity of our journey was abruptly interrupted by a spectacle above. A flock of birds took to the skies, their flight trajectory intersecting with our own path. Ayase, ever perceptive, tugged at my sleeve, prompting a question that had remained unspoken but not forgotten between us.
"In the time we've shared on this arduous journey," she began, her words carrying the weight of curiosity, "might you be willing to grace me with your name?"