Chronos, Kagekawa and Arthur sat around a table eating breakfast prepared by Kagekawa himself! It was very delicious.
"Ah! This food is amazing! Chronos had stars in his eyes as he ate.
"Haha! I am the best cook in the world!" Kagekawa looked at Arthur, wearing a serious expression, "Arthur...the food. How is it?"
Arthur coughed. "The...food? Ah...It's good?"
"You sound unsure!"
"It's good, ok?! Don't you have something more serious to discuss?"
"...ah! Yes. The next and final battle between Vastos and Coldera is coming, and it will definitely put an end to this war."
"Do you know when we'll fight?"
"It's hard to say. Most likely, Vastos will make the first attack. Right now, many smaller battles are going on. However, neither side has lost ground."
"Kagekawa, I never asked before, but what's your job?"
"Well, you see, I work closely with the king."
"The king?! What do you even do?"
"I'm his guard, I think? That doesn't sound quite right...maybe I'm his spy, but I also fight for him from time to time so maybe like a knight? Actually! Sometimes I give advice, so an advisor maybe?"
"Ah. Enough already. I get it. You work for the King. So, why are we the ones attacking first?"
"Right now, in terms of numbers, we have the advantage. Moreover, the Kings worried they were preparing something that would turn the tides of the war in their favour. Therefore, we mustn't give them any more time than they've already gotten. Our King will invade first."
"Any exact date?"
"Haha! No...not yet. However, I'll be informed as soon as the decision is made."
"I see...so what should I do?"
"Right now...we need to get you to assess your newfound weapon. Also, we need to strengthen Chronos.
"Eh? Me?"
"Of course! We can't have Arthur contracted with a weak God!"
"But my ability-"
"-Fool! You still have yet to develop, or even determine the extent of your power. Therefore, you and Arthur will adventure together! Arthur, teach him."
"...such a pain." Arthur glanced at Chronos.
"Hey! I'm a god you know! A god!"
"...so annoying." Kagekawa glanced at Chronos.
Chronos crossed his arms, puffing his cheeks. He turned his head, looking away from Arthur and Kagekawa, he was an angry child. "Hmph!"
"So...should we leave now then?" Arthur asked Kagekawa.
"No. Absolutely not. Stay a couple of days and rest. Arthur, you look skinny and weak, like you haven't eaten for a while. What happened after Sedah..?"
"...I can't remember. The time before Chronos and after Sedah is a bit of a blur."
"I see. Rest properly."
A couple of days had passed by ever so peacefully. In the mornings, Kagekawa would spar with a wooden sword with Chronos. Then they would eat breakfast cooked by Kagekawa himself! He always asked about their thoughts on a variety of dishes he'd make for them. They were all good! At times, Arthur would visit the nearby village; it was small and humble. He would go out of his way to help anybody. Frequently picking up odd jobs.
"If only peace like this could last forever." Arthur thought to himself as he lay on his bed, looking up at the wooden roof. He stretched out his arm upwards, clenching his fist. "I'll make sure to keep this peace." He knew this peace wouldn't last very long. A war was close by. He must get stronger. To help win this war. To satisfy his revenge. He went to bed, drifting off to sleep.
"Arthur help me...help Chronos!"
Arthur woke up clutching the bed sheets. He felt out of breath.
"Haaah! Haaah! It's that voice again...that woman's voice. Who...is-ah! Forget it!" He vigorously messed with his hair and then fell back asleep.
The next day came. Arthur glared at Chronos. Glaring and glaring...
"Kagekawa! Tell Arthur to stop staring at me!" Chronos hid behind Kagekawa, Arthur's eyes unintentionally looked murderous.
"Hm? Arthur, is something on your mind?"
"..."
"Arthur!"
Arthur jumped a little. "Yes?"
"Are you feeling ok? You've been staring at Chronos a lot today. Did something happen?"
"Ah-no. Nevermind. It's nothing.
Chronos stuck his tongue out towards Arthur.
"Blehh!" He then ran off to the village. Throughout the days he'd often go down to the village to play with the other kids.
"Ahem! Arthur. Listen to me closely, the fight between me and Sedah. It was infuriating! All this time I falsely thought I was close to his level of strength. I couldn't have been more wrong. I learnt the difference between mine and his abilities. Unreachable, absolutely unreachable. I haven't gotten many years to live now and I don't want to spend the rest of it training and chasing a hopeless goal."
"What are you trying to sa-"
"Arthur! Please, in my place, beat Sedah!"
Arthur was surprised at Kagekawa.
"Kagekawa, you are by far stronger than me. That is the simple truth. I have no idea how I can ever surpass you. How can I ever even imagine killing that demon?!" Arthur looked down at the ground.
"The difference between us is vast. Your not wrong. However, the gap between me and Sedah is greater! No! Infinite even! Haha! Arthur! You must fill that infinite gap and then some in order to realise your goal. Look ahead and focus on honing every aspect of yourself! Haha! Arthur, I know you can do it. Your potential far outweighs mine."
"Kagekawa, don't worry. I've already decided. No matter if it's hopeless, I'll continue to reach even greater heights. I promise you."
Kagekawa looked at Arthur's eyes, it stared with great, unwavering resolve.