(Katsuo POV)
Waking up feeling refreshed, I got up from the bed. Sleeping on a real bed for a change had washed away all my fatigue. As I did my morning rituals, my trio, now awake, greeted me in their unique ways. Kai buzzed around my leg, Dem fluttered about, leaving trails of sparks, and Jade gave a stoic nod, his version of a good morning.
"You guys wanna come?" I asked as I put on the Stormweaver's Mantle. Surprisingly, they shook their heads. "No? Why not?" I asked, scratching my head. They couldn't speak, so this turned into a game of charades.
Dem, ever the intelligent sprite, took the lead. She puffed out her non-existent chest, making herself look important. "A flat board?" I guessed. She denied vehemently, flitting around in frustration.
After about half an hour of guessing—during which Kai pretended to laugh at me, the little rascal—Jade, my three-foot, stubbly golem, made a statue of Nessa. He even gave it a little head tilt that matched hers perfectly.
"Oh, you want to help Nessa?" I said, finally catching on. They all nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, why didn't you just say so?" I chuckled. "Alright, go on then. Just don't burn down the town or turn it into a rock garden while I'm gone."
Kai gave me a mischievous wink, and I couldn't help but shake my head. "Seriously, no pranks. I mean it."
I watched them scamper off to Nessa's stall, already planning their day's adventures. As I stepped outside, the sun was just beginning to rise, casting a warm glow over the rugged landscape of Wraeclast. The town was starting to stir, and I felt a sense of purpose as I headed out.
I strolled through the remains of Lioneye's Watch, I catch sight of two exiles huddled together, their voices animated. I can't help but eavesdrop a little. It's not every day you hear gossip in a place like this.
"This isn't just another skirmish," the first exile, a grizzled veteran with a scar running down his cheek, mutters. "It's Tukohama and Abberath. Both of them."
The second exile, a gaunt woman with piercing eyes, looks around nervously. "Tukohama, the Karui god of war. His strength is legendary. They say he can empower his followers to be almost as indestructible as he is. Facing him is like charging into a storm of steel and blood."
The scarred veteran nods grimly. "His warriors are relentless, fueled by his rage. It's said that Tukohama himself cannot be killed by mortal means. Every strike against him only makes him stronger, like the very ground he stands on."
I shiver involuntarily, the weight of their words settling in. This isn't just idle talk; it's a recounting of nightmares.
"And then there's Abberath," the gaunt woman continues, her voice dropping even lower. "The Cloven One, the god of flame and destruction. He's not just a creature of fire; he embodies it. Entire villages have been reduced to ash in his wake. His followers are consumed by his flames, becoming living torches."
The veteran shakes his head. "Abberath's wrath is unquenchable. They say he once set himself ablaze just to prove a point, and his flames have never gone out since. His touch is death, and his presence is a beacon of doom. Where Tukohama brings relentless force, Abberath brings annihilation."
The gaunt woman clenches her fists. "The worst part is, they might not be alone. If they're stirring, it's only a matter of time before the other gods take notice. We've already seen what happens when one god decides to wage war. But two? Together?"
I step closer, unable to stay silent any longer. "So you guys know where I can find them?"
They were initially were surprised and pointed their weapons at me, I raised my hand in surrender. And they lowered their weapons, as they recognized me.
"You," the veteran said, "Were the one who killed Kitava right?"
"The one and only," I answered as I lowered my hands.
The two exiles exchanged incredulous looks, their weapons still half-raised. "You mean to say you're planning on taking on Tukohama and Abberath next?" the veteran asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, someone's gotta do it. Plus, it sounds like a good workout. Gotta stay in shape, you know?"
The gaunt woman snorted. "You make it sound like you're just heading to the market. These are gods we're talking about."
"Yeah, but I've already faced them," I said, patting Sanchomo's hilt. "And let's be honest, Kitava wasn't exactly a charmer."
The veteran rubbed his scarred cheek thoughtfully. "Alright, hotshot. If you're serious, you'll find Tukohama in the Karui Fortress. Abberath's lurking in the Ashen Fields, where the air's thick with smoke and the ground's covered in burnt corpses."
"Sounds delightful," I quipped. "Just the kind of place you'd want to take a vacation."
The woman eyed me skeptically. "You do realize they're going to kill you, right?"
I grinned. "Wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve. And my trio of chaotic children should keep things interesting."
The veteran shook his head, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."
"More like a death wish," the woman muttered.
"Tomato, tomahto," I said cheerfully. "Anyway, thanks for the info. I'll make sure to say hi to the gods for you. Maybe get a few autographs."
They both stared at me as if I had lost my mind, which, to be fair, was probably true. But hey, in a world like this, a little insanity goes a long way. I gave them a casual salute and continued on my way, whistling a tune that sounded suspiciously like "Eye of the Tiger."
As I walked, I mentally prepared for the battles ahead. Tukohama and Abberath. Gods of war and flame. It wasn't going to be easy, but then again, nothing worth doing ever is. And who knows? Maybe I'd pick up a few new tricks along the way.
I glanced back at Lioneye's Watch one last time, my trio already making themselves useful around Nessa's stall. "Stay safe, guys," I whispered. "Daddy's got some gods to slay."
With a determined nod, I set off towards the Karui Fortress, ready to face whatever nightmares awaited me. After all, it's just another day in the life of a badass janitor.
.
.
.
.
As I walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the last few days. It had been a whirlwind of battling undead hordes. Honestly, calling it a battle felt generous—it was more like pest control. The undead were like those persistent flies that just wouldn't go away, and I was the swatter.
Still, the sheer number of them was impressive. Every step had been met with decaying arms reaching out, groans filling the air, and the occasional surprise zombie popping up like a grim jack-in-the-box. It was almost comical if you squinted hard enough.
Just yesterday, I had returned to Lioneye's Watch for a brief respite, only to be met with my trio—Kai, Dem, and Jade—each wearing their own brand of disapproval. I had barely set foot inside the town when they pounced, metaphorically speaking.
"Hey, hey, easy there!" I exclaimed, holding up my hands. "I just needed to stretch my legs."
Kai buzzed around like an angry wasp, sparks flying. Dem crossed her tiny arms, managing to look both fiery and disapproving at the same time. Jade, ever the silent judge, gave me a look that said, "How could you?"
"I promise I'll take you all to the next adventure," I said, attempting to placate them. "But this one's a solo mission. You know, for personal growth and all that."
Kai's lightning buzzed louder in response, while Dem shot me a fiery glare. Jade just shook his head slowly. "Trust me," I pleaded. "I'll be back before you know it. And I'll bring souvenirs!"
After much persuasion and a few exaggerated sighs from Dem, they finally let me go. As I set off towards the Karui Fortress, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged landscape. The fortress loomed ahead, an ominous silhouette against the horizon. It looked like the kind of place that would have been a great tourist attraction if it weren't for the whole "home to a war god" thing.
"Alright, just another walk in the park," I muttered to myself, trying to keep my spirits up. "A park with more monsters than trees."
The path was lined with the remains of past skirmishes—broken weapons, scattered bones, and the occasional crater from some long-forgotten explosion. It was like walking through a very poorly maintained history museum. As I approached the entrance, two hulking guards stepped forward, their faces twisted into permanent scowls.
"State your business," one of them growled.
"Hi there!" I said cheerily. "I'm here for the 'Defeat Tukohama' tour. I heard it's a real killer."
They didn't seem amused. "Leave, outsider. This is no place for jokes."
I sighed dramatically. "No sense of humor, huh? Fine, let's do this the hard way."
With a flick of my wrist, Sanchomo was in my hand, gleaming in the fading light. The guards charged, but I was already moving, my feet a blur as I dodged and parried. The clash of steel filled the air, and within moments, the guards lay defeated at my feet.
I stepped over their unconscious forms and made my way into the fortress. The interior was as gloomy as the exterior, with torches casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and blood—a fitting ambiance for the god of war.
"Here we go," I whispered to myself, stepping deeper into the lair. "Just another day in paradise."
The sound of distant chanting reached my ears, growing louder with each step. Tukohama's followers, no doubt. I took a deep breath, readying myself for the battle to come. "Alright, Tukohama," I said, a grin spreading across my face. "Let's see what you've got."
As I walked through the dark corridors, my thoughts turned to my trio back at Lioneye's Watch. I hoped they were behaving themselves—or at least not setting anything on fire.
"Note to self," I muttered, "get them some nice souvenirs. Maybe a flaming sword for Dem, a lightning rod for Kai, and a rock... something for Jade." I chuckled at the thought. "They'll love it."
Not ten steps into the journey, I encounter my first batch of welcoming committee members: Karui Warriors. They're big, they're angry, and they have muscles on their muscles. One of them steps forward, brandishing an axe the size of a small boat. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me pass?" I ask, giving him my best winning smile. He responds with a battle cry and a wild swing. "I'll take that as a no."
After a brief (and slightly embarrassing) struggle, I leave the beheaded warrior's body on the ground and press on. The next part of the path is infested with Karui Archers. They're less about brute force and more about turning me into a pincushion. "Oh, great, it's raining arrows," I grumble, dodging left and right. "Just what I needed."
Between the dodging and the occasional impromptu arrow-dance, I spot something even worse: Karui Chieftains. These guys are the size of small houses and look like they eat iron for breakfast. One of them roars at me, and I can practically feel my bones vibrating. "Okay, big guy, let's do this," I say, though my voice might be an octave higher than usual.
A bit of zip zaps here and there later, I managed to subdue the Chieftain, who now lay on the ground lifelessly. I stopped a moment to check my condition. Summoned Swords? Check. Pyrobolts? Check. My Quadra-elemental badassery? A triple check. Shunpo? Mega check.
As I get closer to the fortress, the ground starts to tremble. "Please tell me that's just an earthquake," I whisper, but no such luck. It's Tukohama's personal pets: the Ancestral Warchiefs. These towering spectral warriors make the previous mobs look like kindergarteners. "I bet they give great hugs," I joke, even as one of them swings a ghostly club my way. "Nope, no hugs, got it."
I sighed as Sanchomo gleamed.
I pressed on, deeper into the fortress, my confidence wavering only slightly. "Alright, Tukohama, just how many friends did you invite to this party?" I muttered under my breath. As if on cue, a pair of Karui Shamans appeared, their eyes glowing with eerie light as they began chanting in unison. "Oh, fantastic, magical backup singers."
One of the shamans raised a hand, and a wave of fire rushed toward me. "Nope, not today!" I shouted, diving to the side and summoning an earthen barrier to block the flames. "You guys really need to work on your hospitality."
Dodging their spells, I made quick work of the shamans with a few well-placed Judgement Cuts. "Alright, that should be the last of them," I said, wiping the sweat from my brow. But as I turned the corner, I came face-to-face with a hulking beast of a warrior, covered in tribal tattoos and wielding a mace that looked like it could flatten a building.
"Seriously? Another one?" I groaned. "Do you guys ever take a day off?"
The warrior roared and charged at me. I rolled my eyes and prepared to Shunpo out of the way, but at the last second, I tripped over a loose stone and went sprawling. "Oh, for crying out loud!"
The warrior's mace slammed into the ground where I'd been standing, sending up a shower of dirt and debris. "Nice try, big guy," I said, scrambling to my feet and zipping behind him. With a swift Rapid Slash, I brought him down, leaving him in a heap.
"Alright, watch where you step," I muttered, dusting myself off.
Just as I'm about to reach the entrance, a pack of Karui Hounds bounds out of nowhere. "Oh, come on!" I shout, more at the universe than anyone in particular. These snarling beasts look like they haven't had a good chew toy in ages. "Alright, who wants a treat?" I say, brandishing Sanchomo.
A few more scrapes and one particularly enthusiastic leap later, the last of the hounds slinks off, and I find myself finally standing before the gates of Karui Fortress. "Made it," I say, leaning against the door. "Now, let's see what horrors are waiting inside."
I can't help but chuckle. "Note to self: next time, take the scenic route."
Finally, after what felt like an eternity of battling through the fortress, I reached the inner sanctum. The massive stone doors creaked open, revealing a cavernous chamber lit by flickering torches. And there, standing in the center, was Tukohama himself. He was everything the rumors had promised and more—towering, muscular, and exuding an aura of raw power that made my skin tingle.
"Well, well, well," I said, stepping into the chamber. "You must be Tukohama. Love what you've done with the place. Very... intimidating."
Tukohama's eyes narrowed, and he let out a low growl. "Outsider," he rumbled, his voice like an avalanche. "You dare challenge the god of war?"
"I mean, it's kind of my thing," I replied with a shrug. "You know, killing gods, saving worlds. All in a day's work."
Tukohama roared and charged at me, his massive axe swinging. I barely had time to Shunpo out of the way. "Wow, someone skipped leg day," I quipped, trying to keep the mood light even as my heart raced.
The battle was fierce, with Tukohama's attacks shaking the very walls of the chamber. I danced around him, using every trick in my arsenal. Despite his size and strength, he was surprisingly fast, and I had to stay on my toes to avoid being flattened.
As the fight dragged on, I could feel my energy waning. Tukohama, on the other hand, seemed to be getting stronger with every passing moment. "Okay, time to change tactics," I muttered.
I focused, summoning all my Quadra-elemental powers. My Stormweaver's Set crackled with electricity, flames danced along Sanchomo's blade, and the ground beneath my feet rumbled with earthen energy. "Alright, Tukohama, let's see how you like this!"
With a Judgement Cut, I unleashed my combined elemental fury. Tukohama staggered, his eyes widening in surprise. He let out a final, furious roar before collapsing to the ground, defeated.
Panting, I stood over the fallen god, my heart pounding. "And that's how it's done," I said, more to myself than anyone else.
As I caught my breath, I couldn't help but think of my trio back at Lioneye's Watch. They'd be proud. And maybe, just maybe, they'd forgive me for leaving them behind this time.
With a satisfied smile, I turned and began the long walk back. "Next stop: Abberath," I said. "But first, a nap. Definitely a nap."