Inoue and Guil set off toward the capital, their path filled with determination. The once vibrant city of Nero lay in smoldering ruins behind them, a stark reminder of the recent devastation. As they traveled, the two adventurers couldn't help but reflect on the events that had just unfolded.
"Inoue," Guil began, breaking the silence, "do you really think we'll find Roman? After all these years?"
Inoue glanced at him, her eyes resolute. "I have to believe we will. Roman is out there somewhere. I can't give up on him now."
Guil nodded, admiring her resolve. "We'll find him," he assured her. "We'll find him together."
As they walked, the dense forest gave way to open fields. The journey to the capital was long and arduous, but Inoue and Guil pressed on, driven by their mission and their hope. The sun began to set, casting long shadows over the landscape.
"We should set up camp," Guil suggested, pointing to a small grove of trees that offered some shelter. "It's getting dark, and we need rest."
Inoue agreed, and they quickly set up a small camp. As they sat by the fire, the crackling flames providing a semblance of comfort, Inoue couldn't help but think about the sword and the strange light they had witnessed. She turned to Guil, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Guil, what do you think that light was? The one that appeared when Reinhardt approached the sword?"
Guil poked at the fire, deep in thought. "I'm not sure," he admitted. "But it felt... significant. Like it was a sign of something powerful."
Inoue nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "If that's true, then Reinhardt might be the key to understanding what we're up against. We need to find out more about the devine weapons locations and their connection to the guardians."
As they settled down to sleep, both adventurers knew that the journey ahead would be filled with challenges. But they also knew that they had each other, and that gave them strength.
The next morning, they resumed their journey. The capital was still several days away, but they made good progress. Along the way, they encountered other travelers and merchants, all with tales of the recent attacks and the growing unrest in the land.
One evening, as they approached a small village, they noticed a crowd gathered in the center. Curious, Inoue and Guil made their way closer, only to find a group of townsfolk listening intently to a young bard.
The bard, a young woman who appears to be in her early twenties she has black hair and beautiful almond-shaped pink eyes, was recounting a tale of heroism and mystery. "And so," she said, her voice carrying over the crowd, "the guardian was felled by a single warrior, his strength unmatched, his resolve unbroken. But what is the source of such power? Some say it is a gift from the gods."
Inoue and Guil exchanged glances, realizing that the bard was speaking of Reinhardt. They listened intently as she continued.
"But beware," the bard warned, her tone grave, "for with great power comes great peril. The guardians are not as they seem. Dark forces stir in the shadows, and the true battle has yet to begin."
After the bard finished her tale, Inoue and Guil approached her. "Excuse us," Inoue said, "but we couldn't help overhearing your story. We're looking for information about the guardians and the devine weapon Reinhardt found. Do you know anything more?"
The bard looked at them, her eyes narrowing with interest. "I've heard many stories," she replied. "But what is it you seek, exactly?"
"We're trying to understand the connection between the guardians and the weapons they guard," Guil explained. "Any information you can share would be helpful."
The bard stroked her chin thoughtfully. "The guardians, as you may know, are ancient constructs, designed to protect the ruins of ancient temples built during the golden era 2000 years ago for the 7 devinity's. They usually guard something of great value. What that is, no one truly knows. But the weapons are said to be the key to controlling or destroying them. The origins of these weapons are shrouded in mystery, but the holy texts say they are forged with divine power."
Inoue and Guil thanked the bard, whose name they learned was Lea. As they turned to leave, Lea spoke up again. "Wait," she said, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You mentioned Reinhardt. Were you two involved in the battle with the guardian?"
Guil nodded. "Yes, we helped him defeat it."
Lea's eyes widened with excitement. "In that case, I must come with you. I want to document your journey and learn more about these guardians and weapons. Besides, a good story is always worth the adventure."
Inoue and Guil exchanged a glance, then nodded in agreement. "We'd be glad to have you along," Inoue said. "We could use all the help we can get."
With Lea now part of their group, the journey resumed with a renewed sense of purpose. Days turned into weeks as they traversed rugged landscapes and crossed treacherous rivers. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges, from bandits to wild beasts. But their resolve never wavered.
One evening, as they set up camp near a clear stream, Lea began to sing a haunting melody, her voice carrying through the night air. The song was about the six divine weapons, forged from the powers of the fallen elemental gods. These weapons were known to be powerful enough to control their respective elements, as they contained the powers of the sealed devinity's. But they were scattered and hidden away by the forefather.
"I've read about them in the holy texts," Lea said, her voice softening as she finished her song. "The divine weapons were created to keep balance in the world, yo fill in the power vacuum left by the fall of the six out of the seven archons. Each one holds immense power, but they also carry a great burden for mortals."
Inoue listened intently, her mind racing with thoughts of the guardian they had faced. "If Reinhardt wields one of these weapons, then it means the balance is being threatened," she said. "We need to find the other weapons before they fall into the wrong hands."
Inoue, Guil, and Lea continued their journey, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. As they traversed the rugged landscapes and dense forests, they engaged in lively conversations, sharing stories of their pasts, their hopes, and their fears.
One evening, as they sat around a crackling bonfire under a starlit sky, the warmth of the flames casting dancing shadows on their faces, Inoue spoke up. "I've never used a sword before," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "I grew up in a small orphanage, raised by a nun named Marry. Fighting was never part of my life until now."
Guil looked at her, a flicker of sympathy in his eyes. "I know what it's like to have your life turned upside down," he said softly, his gaze distant as memories of his own past flooded back. "As you know, I'm an elf, and I was raised in the empire of Eiko in the continent of Serenara, known for its oppressive isolationist and honor-heavy culture. Strength and loyalty were the values that determined one's status, and any dissent against the empress was met with severe consequences."
He paused for a moment, a shadow passing over his features. "I had a friend, someone I trusted," he continued, his voice tinged with bitterness. "But they betrayed me. It's a story for another time, but it's why I can't go back. That betrayal also led to the loss of my father, who paid the ultimate price for my friend's treachery."
Lea listened intently, her eyes reflecting the flickering flames of the bonfire. "I've always believed that the past doesn't define who we are," she remarked thoughtfully. "Don't let yesterday's stories strum your tune today. It's the fresh chords of now that compose your real melody."
Inoue nodded, a sense of determination shining in her eyes. "I may be new to this, but I won't let fear hold me back," she declared, her voice steady with resolve. "I want to find Roman."
Lea turned to Inoue with a curious expression. "So, Inoue, who is this Roman you're so determined to find?" she inquired, her eyes glinting with interest.
Inoue's gaze softened as she thought of her childhood friend. "Roman and I grew up together in the orphanage," she explained, a hint of sadness tingeing her voice. "We were inseparable, always getting into mischief. But one day, while we were playing hide and seek, he was kidnapped by a group of bandits."
Lea listened intently, her heart going out to her new friend. "I'm so sorry, Inoue," she said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Inoue shook her head, her eyes clouded with guilt. "It's my fault he was taken," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I should have been able to protect him. That's why I have to find him and bring him back home."
Guil, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "And what about you, Inoue?" he asked, his tone gentle. "Why do you always wear that hood to hide your face?"
Inoue hesitated, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the fabric of her cloak. "I don't know," she confessed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Sister Marry, the nun who raised me, told me to always keep my face hidden. She said it was for my own protection."
Guil nodded understandingly. "Well, how about you take it off for a few minutes?" he suggested, a playful glint in his eyes. "Let us see the real Inoue."
Inoue hesitated for a moment before slowly pulling back her hood, revealing cascading waves of golden hair and dazzling dark red eyes. Lea's eyes widened in surprise, a slight grin tugging at the corners of her lips as she thought to herself, "A Gunhild...Interesting."
Guil smiled warmly, his gaze filled with genuine admiration. "See, that wasn't so bad, was it?" he teased, a playful lilt to his voice. "You've got a pretty face, Inoue. You should show it off more often."
Inoue's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly put her hood back on, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she realized she was among friends who accepted her for who she truly was. With a newfound sense of confidence, she settled by the fire, grateful for the warmth of their companionship as they continued their journey into the unknown.