Chapter 9 - Friend or Foe?

The griffin had found them. Ryota's heart swelled with relief. He had been so worried about himself, but now. With Kaksha's help, they could reach the Secrade Portal much faster. " Where have you been you insolent cr*p! Just come here you stupid animal!" Ryota was pissed.

As they soared through the sky, Ryota noticed something strange. There was someone riding on Kaksha's back. As they flew through the sky, Ryota noticed something peculiar. A figure, cloaked in shadow, was perched atop Kaksha's back. His blood ran cold. Who could it be? With a mixture of fear and dread, Ryota called out, "Who's that?"

Who could it be? It was Kuro who was riding Kaksha. An unfamiliar face that he had never seen before.

There, atop the majestic steed Kaksha, was Kuro, his face etched with a grim determination. But something was off. Beside Kuro was a figure Ryota had never seen before, a stranger whose presence sent a shiver down his spine.

Ryota whistled sharply, and Kaksha, sensing the urgency, lowered to the ground. As the beast landed with a soft thud, Ryota and his companions readied themselves for a confrontation. Their stances were defensive, their eyes fixed on the newcomers, prepared to strike at a moment's notice. Despite his casual attire, a simple shirt that belied his extraordinary abilities, Ryota could sense the immense power surging from Kuro. It was a force that transcended the ordinary, a testament to Kuro's extraordinary nature.

Ryota asked, "Who are you? Identify yourself." Kuro finally landed from Kaksha and smiled. Kuro said," My name is Kuro. I was searching for a wizard who could open the earth's realm. I forgot the spell". Ryota was questioning himself, "It was literally 3 words. How can a Zephyrian forget a common spell?"

Ryota was incredulous. As a Zephyrian, Kuro should have had a mastery of magic that was second to none. Yet, he had witnessed Kuro struggle with even the most basic spells. It was a contradiction that left Ryota baffled and questioning the nature of Kuro's identity. 

"How did you end up here?" Ryota pressed, his voice filled with curiosity. Kuro then said everything about why he had bypassed the portal and he had a problem remembering something.

The healer's condition was critical, his wounds gaping and bleeding profusely. Ryota knew that they needed to find a way to treat him quickly, or he would surely die. Because of Kuro, They finally found Kaksha.

As they hurried away, Ryota couldn't shake the nagging question that had been bothering him. "One last question," he asked Kuro, his voice filled with urgency. "Did you kill the Four Arms Berserker?"

Kuro paused, his expression contemplative," Oh, you mean the 120 feet tall? oh yeah, I did." It was clear that this wizard was no ordinary man. Ryota didn't ask any questions any further and straight up opened the earth portal for Kuro. 

Kuro thanked Ryota for his help. Ryota nodded, a serene expression on his face.

Ryota, his heart filled with gratitude, urged his companions to hurry. They needed to reach the Secrade Gate as quickly as possible. With renewed determination, they set off, their journey filled with hope. Kuro finally returned. As Ryota was riding, he wondered why this Kuro guy didn't take the highly valuable item " Berserker Orbs"? Berserker Orbs is a highly valuable item.

As Ryota rode on Kaksha, his mind wandered back to the events of the day. He couldn't understand why Kuro hadn't taken the Berserker Orbs, a highly valuable resource that could have significantly increased his wealth and power.

Kuro had extracted two of these orbs from the fallen Berserkers, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that most wizards would have seized. Yet, Kuro had simply left them behind, as if they were of no consequence.

Ryota pondered over Kuro's actions, trying to make sense of them. Was it a mistake? Or perhaps Kuro had his own reasons for leaving the orbs behind. Whatever the case, Ryota couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Kuro than met the eye.

Now Ryota could become the richest person in his life, fulfilling a lifelong dream. With the Berserker Orbs in his possession, he could sell them for an exorbitant price, securing his financial future. Nothing could stop him from achieving his goal. They finally crossed the Zephyria Secrade Gate, a shimmering portal that marked the entrance to their home world. As they stepped through, a wave of relief washed over them. They were finally safe.

Ryota, however, couldn't contain his laughter. His companions, confused by his sudden outburst, exchanged puzzled glances."What's so funny?" one of them asked.

Ryota chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "I can't believe we actually made it," he replied. "I thought we were doomed."The others joined in, their laughter filling the air. They had faced countless dangers, and overcome countless obstacles, and now they were home. It was a moment of pure joy and relief.

Kuro crossed the Spiritual gate as well. As he emerged, he realized that it was already late. The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the land. It was almost night. He thought he could earn some more money.

But he had to fight to defend the workplace. He didn't have any other choice. In the end, He had to work for free in the monster world. Kuro gave a big sigh and said," Let's go back home, at least I saved my workplace."

Kuro returned to his home, his heart filled with a mix of relief and exhaustion. He knocked on the door, his knuckles rapping against the wood. The door creaked open, revealing his little sister, Hana, her eyes wide with surprise.

Hana, Kuro's younger sister, was overjoyed to see him. She threw her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I thought you were dead," she exclaimed, her voice filled with relief.