In the seclusion of Zhīshān Mountain, Kanji, surrounded by his elite followers, addressed Kiana, seeking clarification on the recent developments. "Kiana," he spoke, his voice steady and composed, "I need an explanation on what occurred."
Kiana, her demeanor composed and respectful, began to recount the events that had transpired. "My lord," she began, "I encountered Rai, the god who had been sealed away. He was attempting to take revenge on you, and we engaged in a battle. In the end, I managed to defeat him."
Kanji, his expression stern, shifted the focus of the conversation. "I see," he responded, before proceeding with his next question. "But you haven't explained why you ventured to Xue Island without seeking my permission."
The air in the temple grew tense as Kiana braced herself to answer Kanji's question. She recognized the importance of offering a satisfactory explanation to the revered figure before her.
Zero, standing nearby, attempted to interject, but his words died on his tongue as the weight of fear and respect for Kanji overwhelmed him. The tension in the room grew palpable as Zero, unable to find the courage to answer, fell silent, leaving Kiana to face Kanji's inquiry alone.
Kiana, her voice calm and measured, responded to Kanji's question, her mind focused on providing a thoughtful explanation. "My lord," she said, "I took it upon myself to intervene and prevent Rai from carrying out his revenge. I acted out of a sense of loyalty and dedication to you."
Kanji, taking a deep breath, reached for a scroll lying on the desk beside him. With a fluid motion, he tossed the scroll towards Kiana, its pages fluttering through the air before it seamlessly landed in her grasp.
Kanji, his voice steady, continued, unrolling the scroll as he revealed its contents to Kiana. "You see," he began, "this contract bears the signature of my young sister, the Vampire Kingdom Empress Himeko 'Naein.' We have already agreed to an alliance."
Kanji, his voice smooth and calculated, elaborated further on the agreement he had reached with his sister, the Vampire Kingdom Empress, Himeko. "Indeed," he explained, "Himeko has agreed to an alliance, under the condition that we do not interfere with Xue Island. Kiana, since you have not done much damage to the island, you are permitted to visit the 'Grandiose City' of the Vampire Kingdom and report back to me."
The tension in the room eased slightly as Kiana understood the specifics of the agreement. It seemed she had inadvertently avoided crossing a line with her actions on Xue Island, and now held the freedom to explore the territory of the Vampire Kingdom, the "Grandiose City," and report back her observations.
Kiana, acknowledging the instructions, held the scrolls tightly in her grasp. She spoke, her voice betraying a hint of determination. "I understand, my lord," she affirmed. "I shall visit the 'Grandiose City' of the Vampire Kingdom and report my findings to you."
Kiana, having some knowledge of her lord, Kanji, she understood that he hailed from the prestigious Naein Clan, but had been expelled from it. However, she also knew that all of his siblings were formidable individuals in their own right. Himeko, the Vampire Empress, carried the title of "Witch of Blood," renowned for her ruthless massacre within the Vampire Kingdom and her conquest of the throne.
Kiana, accepting her mission, bid farewell to Kanji and made her way out of the temple. The weight of her responsibility rested heavily on her shoulders as she prepared for her journey to the Grandiose City within the Vampire Kingdom.
As she departed, the tension in the air gradually subsided, leaving Kanji alone with his thoughts, contemplating the events that had unfolded and the agreements he had made.
Kenta and Sarah, in the middle of their journey, unwittingly took a path that led them passing near the imposing Zhīshān Mountain, unaware of its significance or the events that were transpiring within its confines.
Sarah, amidst battling some menacing monsters on the foothill of the mountain, turned to Kenta and began a conversation. "Kenta," she called out, her voice slightly strained between breaths, "we've got our hands full with these monsters. Any ideas?"
Kenta, his tone confident and determined, responded to Sarah's question. "These monsters are no match for us now," he declared. "We've grown stronger ourselves. We'll make quick work of them."
Sarah, a smile forming on her face, nodded in agreement. "You're right," she acknowledged. "We've trained and honed our skills. Let's put our newfound strength to good use and dispatch these creatures."
With a shared sense of determination, Kenta and Sarah continued their fight against the monsters. Their combined efforts, along with their newfound prowess, allowed them to efficiently eliminate the monsters in their path.
The farmers, passing through the area, couldn't help but discuss the latest rumor that had spread among the villagers. "Did you hear?" one of them murmured to the others, concern etched on their faces. "They say Sasha, the young girl, has been abducted into the Temple of Zhīshān Mountain."
The other villagers, upon hearing the news, looked at each other in surprise. One of them spoke up, their voice tinged with shock. "Wait, did you say it's the Temple of Zhīshān Mountain? Isn't that the place where Lord Kanji resides?"
The revelation that Sasha had been taken to a place associated with the formidable Lord Kanji fueled their worry and curiosity even further. Whispers of speculation and fear began to circulate among the villagers as they contemplated the implications of this unexpected turn of events.
As Kenta overheard the villagers discussing Sasha's abduction, he froze momentarily, his expression one of concern. However, Sarah, on the other side of the mountain, was busy searching for an inn where they could stay. Oblivious to Kenta's brief pause, she continued her quest for lodging.
Kenta, quietly contemplating the news he had just heard, muttered to himself. "A young girl named Sasha, kidnapped at the Temple of Zhīshān Mountain...?" he murmured, his thoughts racing as he considered the implications of this revelation.
Images of the formidable Lord Kanji flashed through his mind as he connected the mention of the temple to the reputation of its supposed ruler. A sense of unease settled in his gut as he grappled with the realization that the location of the temple could mean trouble for Sasha.
Kenta, his mind settled on a course of action, mentally prepared himself to confront the situation alone. He silently resolved to help the abducted girl, Sasha, without burdening Sarah with this information. "I'll handle this," he muttered to himself, his voice filled with determination.
Sasha, finding herself bound in ropes, found her gaze naturally drawn to the imposing figure in front of her. Lord Kanji, his presence commanding and intimidating, stood before her, his eyes locking onto hers with an intense focus.
~Next chapter "Progress Test"