Chapter 5 – The Threshold of Courage
The forest is shrouded in a dense twilight. Kitamura and Nagame, exhausted, face the Mysterious Figure. The wind blows fiercely, rustling the trees and carrying an almost tangible tension.
Mysterious Figure:
— You've understood nothing. Death awaits you!
The figure raises a hand, and blue energy spheres begin spinning around it, illuminating the face concealed by the hood.
Kitamura (with sword in hand):
— If it's death you want… you'll have to fight for it!
Though trembling, he doesn't back down. His heart pounds in his chest, and his body is on high alert. Every fiber of his being screams for survival.
Nagame (terrified):
— Kitamura, please… don't!
Kitamura (without looking back):
— Nagame, I promised to protect you. I don't break promises.
[The battle begins.]
The Mysterious Figure launches one of the spheres. Kitamura narrowly dodges, rolling on the ground. The sphere strikes a tree, which explodes in a shower of splinters and leaves.
Kitamura (panting):
— Damn it… I need to think fast.
He charges with his sword, attempting a strike. The Mysterious Figure blocks it with an invisible barrier, but Kitamura doesn't stop. He spins and lands a kick to the opponent's stomach, forcing them to stagger slightly.
Mysterious Figure (angrily):
— Insolent!
They throw another sphere, but Kitamura ducks, and it flies over his head. Seizing the moment, he sidesteps and tries to cut the figure's leg. The blade scrapes against the barrier, but the force of the attack is enough to make the opponent lose balance.
Nagame (shouting):
— Watch out, Kitamura!
Kitamura doesn't have time to react to the warning. The Mysterious Figure conjures a chain of energy and hurls it, wrapping it around his arm. He is violently pulled to the ground, groaning in pain.
Kitamura (gritting his teeth):
— I… won't… give up!
With a sudden burst of energy, he stands and yanks the chain with all his strength, catching the opponent off guard. The Mysterious Figure stumbles forward, and Kitamura seizes the opportunity to deliver a lateral slash with his sword, striking their shoulder.
Mysterious Figure (screaming in pain):
— You… wretch!
They retreat quickly, clutching the wound. Blood drips from the hooded figure's sleeve, staining the ground. Their breathing is heavy, and Kitamura is also gasping, nearly out of strength.
Kitamura (panting):
— Are you going to continue? Or run away like the coward you are?
Mysterious Figure:
— This isn't over… boy.
The figure raises a hand and creates a shadowy portal behind them. Before stepping in, they cast a cold glare at Kitamura.
Mysterious Figure:
— You won't survive long. I'll return.
With a final step, they vanish into the portal, leaving behind a faint wave of energy that dissipates into the tense air.
[After the battle.]
Kitamura drops to his knees, releasing his sword. He's exhausted, sweaty, and injured. Nagame rushes to his side, kneeling beside him.
Nagame (tearfully):
— Kitamura! Are you okay?
Kitamura (smiling through the pain):
— I think… I'll survive.
Nagame hugs him tightly, and he feels warmth and security in her gesture. For a few moments, everything seems peaceful.
Nagame (whispering):
— Thank you… for protecting me.
Kitamura (turning away, embarrassed):
— I told you I would… and I'll keep doing it.
They slowly rise, leaning on each other. The stars begin to appear in the sky, lighting the path back to the village.
Kitamura:
— We have to keep going, Nagame. We still need to find a way back.
Nagame (softly smiling):
— Yes, and we will. Together.
With slow but determined steps, they walk through the forest, ready to face any challenges that lie ahead.
Chapter 5 – The Threshold of Courage (Continuation)
Pulling the chain with all his strength, Kitamura catches his opponent off guard. The Mysterious Person stumbles forward, and Kitamura seizes the opportunity to deliver a lateral strike with his sword, slashing the adversary's shoulder.
Mysterious Person (screaming in pain):
— You… bastard!
She quickly steps back, pressing the wound. Blood trickles down the sleeve of her hood, staining the ground. Her breathing is heavy, and Kitamura is also gasping for air, nearly out of strength.
Kitamura (panting):
— Are you going to keep going? Or will you run away like the coward you are?
Mysterious Person:
— This isn't over yet… boy.
She raises a hand, creating a dark portal behind her. Before stepping through, she casts a cold glare at Kitamura.
Mysterious Person:
— You won't survive for long. I will return.
With one final step, she vanishes into the portal, leaving behind a faint wave of energy that dissipates the charged air.
After the battle.
Kitamura falls to his knees, letting go of his sword. Exhausted, sweaty, and wounded, he breathes heavily. Nagame runs to him, kneeling by his side.
Nagame (with tears in her eyes):
— Kitamura! Are you okay?
Kitamura (smiling despite the pain):
— I think I'll live…
Nagame hugs Kitamura tightly, and he feels warmth and safety in her gesture. For a moment, everything seems peaceful.
Nagame (whispering):
— Thank you… for protecting me.
Kitamura (looking away, embarrassed): — I said I would… and I'll keep doing it.
They rise slowly, supporting each other. The stars begin to appear in the sky, lighting the path back to the village.
Kitamura:
— We have to keep moving, Nagame. We still need to figure out how to return.
Nagame (softly smiling):
— Yes, and we will. Together.
With slow but determined steps, they walk through the forest, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
Chapter 5 – The Threshold of Courage (Continuation)
After walking for several minutes, Kitamura and Nagame come across a moonlit clearing. Both are exhausted, but their fighting spirit keeps them upright.
Nagame:
— Kitamura… do you think she'll come back?
Kitamura (sighing):
— Definitely. But next time, we'll be more prepared.
He sits on a nearby rock, gazing at the starry sky. Nagame sits beside him, still carefully holding his arm.
Nagame:
— Why do you do this? Why risk so much?
Kitamura (shrugging):
— Because I don't want to lose anyone. I've already lost my old life… I won't lose you too.
Nagame lowers her head, touched by his words. She sees the determination in Kitamura's eyes and feels a comforting warmth in her chest.
Nagame:
— Kitamura, I trust you. And I'll become stronger too. To fight by your side.
Kitamura (smirking):
— Good to hear. We'll need all the help we can get.
They decide to rest for a while before moving on. The silence of the night is broken only by the sound of crickets and rustling leaves.
Kitamura:
— Nagame, tell me more about your father. You said he talked about this world… he knew things no one else did, right?
Nagame (thoughtfully):
— Yes… he was different. He always talked about traveling between worlds, magical creatures, and powerful artifacts. But no one believed him. After he passed away… I was left alone.
Kitamura:
— Not anymore. Now you have me.
Nagame smiles, wiping away a stubborn tear. She looks at Kitamura with gratitude, knowing he means it.
Nagame:
— What about you? What do you miss most from your world?
Kitamura (thinking for a moment):
— My family… my friends… and soccer.
Nagame (curious):
— Soccer? What's that?
Kitamura (with a gleam in his eyes):
— It's an amazing sport. You run, kick a ball, score goals… it's pure excitement. I was a forward.
Nagame (smiling):
— You talk about it with so much passion. It must be really special.
Kitamura:
— It's more than just a game. It's part of who I am.
Suddenly, a distant sound echoes through the forest. Both stand quickly, alert.
Nagame (whispering):
— What was that?
Kitamura (gripping his sword tightly):
— I don't know… but we need to stay vigilant.
A figure emerges from the trees—not the Mysterious Person, but a young man dressed simply, carrying a bow and arrows.
Young Man:
— Calm down, I mean no harm. I saw your fight earlier… it was impressive.
Kitamura (skeptical):
— Who are you?
Young Man:
— My name is Kaizen. I'm traveling alone, looking for people who need help. And you clearly do.
Nagame:
— Why are you helping us?
Kaizen (smiling):
— Because I was helped once. Now it's my turn to pay it forward.
Kitamura (still cautious):
— Alright, Kaizen. If you want to help… we need to get stronger. Do you know where we can train?
Kaizen:
— I know a place. A hidden village in the northern mountains. They train real warriors there. I can take you, but it will be a tough journey.
Kitamura (with determination):
— We're ready for anything.
Nagame nods, showing the same resolve. They know this is the opportunity they need to face the challenges ahead.
Kaizen (pointing north):
— Then follow me. Let's start this journey together.
Under the moonlight, the trio walks through the forest. Their steps are firm, the sound of dry leaves underfoot breaking the night's silence. Kaizen leads the way, bow in hand, eyes alert. Kitamura and Nagame follow closely, their resolve renewed by the promise of training and the new friendship forming among them.
Nagame (almost in a whisper):
— Kaizen, why is this village hidden in the mountains? It doesn't seem like an ordinary place.
Kaizen (glancing back with a mysterious smile):
— Most don't know about this village. It's protected by an ancient pact. Only those with a pure heart can find it.
Kitamura (curious):
— And how did you know?
Kaizen (looking toward the horizon):
— I'm one of the few who was taken in when I was lost. The warriors there know what it means to fight for something greater than themselves. And I… I see the same in you.
Nagame (thoughtful):
— Maybe we've found the right place.
[Hours later, they reach the top of a hill, where an impressive view unfolds before them.]
Below, an isolated village spreads out, with simple yet fortified structures. The atmosphere is peaceful but charged with a quiet, powerful energy. Lanterns along the paths reveal a community living in harmony with the mountainous environment, but the sharp gazes of its inhabitants show they are people trained for combat.
Kaizen (stopping, looking at the village with a satisfied smile):
— We've arrived. This is the Valley of Warriors.
Kitamura (surprised, staring at the village):
— It's… so different from anything I've ever seen.
Nagame (with an admiring gaze):
— It feels… strong. Like a place where everyone fights for something greater.
Kaizen (nodding):
— Exactly. Now, you'll learn what it truly means to be strong. I'll take you to the training master. He's demanding, but no one leaves here without learning something valuable.
They enter the village and are quickly noticed by the residents, who watch the newcomers with curiosity but no hostility. Kaizen leads them down a narrow path to a large training arena. There, a stern-looking man, visibly scarred and with an imposing posture, awaits.
Training Master (looking at Kitamura and Nagame):
— So, you want to train? I see in your eyes that you don't seek power out of vanity but out of necessity. That's a good start.
Kitamura (firmly):
— We're ready for anything. We want to learn how to truly fight.
Nagame (determined):
— And we want to protect others too. We won't stop until we're strong enough.
Training Master (studying them deeply):
— Very well. We'll start tomorrow. Tonight, you will rest. Here, training is more than physical—it's an internal journey. If you can overcome what's inside, you'll be able to face any enemy outside.
With that, the Training Master turns and leaves. Kaizen smiles, recognizing the determination in both of them.
Kaizen:
— This is going to be tough. But I believe you have what it takes. Get ready.
They find a small lodge where they can rest. The beds are simple but comfortable, providing much-needed relief after their intense journey. However, Kitamura's mind refuses to rest completely. He reflects on the fight with the Mysterious Person, his promise to protect Nagame, and the longing he feels for his old life.
Kitamura (staring out the window, lost in thought):
— Will I ever be able to go back to my world? To play soccer… see my family…?
Nagame (approaching and placing a hand on his shoulder):
— We'll find a way. Together. I know we can.
Kitamura (smiling, more at ease):
— You're right. I can't give up. Not now.
(End of Chapter 5)