The soft morning light filtered through the leaves of the Great Tree of Life, casting intricate shadows on the ground where Kento and Rena sat. The warmth of their recent confession lingered in the air, but Kento's heart was heavy with memories he could not shake. He glanced at Rena, who was watching him with concern.
"Are you ready?" Rena asked gently. "You said you wanted to confront your past."
Kento nodded, swallowing hard. "I need to see it again. I need to remember what I'm fighting for."
With a shared determination, they set off toward the remnants of Kento's childhood home, the town that had once thrived but now lay in ruins, a ghost of its former self. As they walked, the path grew familiar, but the overgrowth and decay made it seem foreign and haunting.
After a few hours of travel, they finally reached the outskirts of the town. The sight was heart-wrenching: shattered buildings, charred remnants of what had once been vibrant homes, and a heavy silence that blanketed the area.
Kento's breath caught in his throat. "I never thought I'd come back here," he murmured. Each step forward felt like a weight pressing down on him. Memories flooded back—laughter echoing in the streets, the smell of baked bread wafting from the local bakery, and the faces of friends and family who were now lost to him.
Rena walked beside him, her presence a steadying force. "It's okay to feel sad," she said softly. "This place is a part of you, Kento. But it doesn't define who you are now."
As they ventured deeper into the ruins, Kento stopped in front of what had once been his family home. The walls were blackened, the roof caved in. He placed a hand on the charred wood, memories flooding in—his mother's laughter, his father's warm embrace. Tears pricked at his eyes, but he blinked them away, determined not to show weakness.
"Let's keep moving," he said, his voice firm. They made their way through the remains of the town, encountering reminders of his past that both pained and strengthened him. Each wreckage told a story of loss, but Kento was beginning to understand that these memories could also serve as motivation.
"Look!" Rena pointed toward the center of the town, where a gathering of stones stood—an old memorial erected for those who had perished during the attack. "We should pay our respects."
Kento approached the memorial, kneeling before it. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you," he whispered to the wind. "I won't let your memory fade away. I will fight to ensure that no one else suffers like this."
As he rose, Kento felt a shift in the air, a sense of urgency. Rena noticed it too. "What is it?" she asked, her eyes scanning the surroundings.
"I can feel something... someone," Kento replied, a mix of hope and apprehension surging through him.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows—a tall, familiar silhouette stepping cautiously into the light. Kento's heart raced as recognition washed over him. "Leo?" he breathed, disbelief threading through his voice.
"Kento!" Leo exclaimed, rushing forward. His expression was a mixture of relief and joy, but it quickly turned serious as he surveyed Rena. "You've changed, my friend."
After embracing, Kento took a step back, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions. "I thought you were gone. I thought everyone was..."
"Survivors found refuge in the mountains," Leo explained, his brow furrowed with concern. "But we need your help. A guild group was sent to patrol the dragon nest, but they've gone missing. We can't afford to lose anyone else."
Kento's resolve hardened. "I'll help you, Leo. I owe it to everyone we lost."
Rena placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll face this together."
Leo nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "Then let's prepare. We'll need to strategize before heading into danger."
As they stood together in the ruins of Kento's past, a renewed sense of purpose filled the air. The shadows of his memories no longer felt like chains but rather a source of strength to fight for the future.