The Shirome sect's support was a glimmer of hope for Tarezuchi, but the weight of their words lingered. *The threads of fate are ever-changing.* Shiori's warning echoed in his mind as he left the sanctuary. Mistwood's air felt lighter, the oppressive corruption now dissipated, but an unease clung to him. The path ahead would not be smooth.
As Tarezuchi moved through the dense forest, his thoughts wandered to the map Elder Arin had given him. The next sanctuary marked on the scroll was the Riverstone Monastery, home to the enigmatic Hidaruma monks, known for their mastery of elemental cultivation.
"They're reclusive," Shiori had told him before he departed. "Even less trusting than we are. Approach them with caution."
---
By the second day of travel, the calm of Mistwood began to waver. A peculiar stillness had settled over the forest. No birdsong, no rustling leaves—just silence. Tarezuchi's hand instinctively went to his blade.
Then, a familiar voice broke the quiet.
"Well, well, if it isn't our ambitious traveler," Kaida called out, stepping from the shadows. Ryomi and the hulking warhammer-wielding Akiyo followed closely behind, their expressions unreadable.
Tarezuchi relaxed slightly but kept his guard up. "What are you doing here? I thought you left after guiding me to the Shirome."
Kaida shrugged with a sly grin. "We did. But we've been... reconsidering."
Ryomi stepped forward, her green eyes narrowing. "You never told us about the jade pendant's true power—or the full extent of the Ryokumo Alliance's interest in it."
"I didn't think it was relevant," Tarezuchi replied cautiously.
"Not relevant?" Akiyo rumbled, his voice like distant thunder. "Do you have any idea what kind of danger you're dragging us into?"
Kaida's grin faded, replaced by a serious expression. "We've run into Ryokumo scouts. They're closing in on you, kid. And if they find you, they'll find us too. That's a problem."
Tarezuchi's grip on the pendant tightened. "I never asked you to follow me. You can leave if you're scared."
Kaida chuckled darkly. "Oh, I'm not scared. But we need assurances. If we're going to keep helping you, we want something in return."
"What do you want?"
Kaida leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "A share of whatever treasures you uncover on this little crusade of yours. Information, artifacts, power—you name it. We're risking our necks, and we want compensation."
Tarezuchi hesitated. The trio had been helpful so far, but their loyalty seemed fragile, tied more to self-interest than any true camaraderie.
Before he could answer, Ryomi interrupted. "Think carefully, Tarezuchi. Without us, you're walking into a death trap."
---
The air grew tense as Tarezuchi weighed his options. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. You'll get your share of whatever I find—but only if you pull your weight."
Kaida's grin returned. "Now that's the spirit. Let's get moving."
---
The group continued toward Riverstone Monastery, the atmosphere between them uneasy but functional. Kaida's lighthearted banter clashed with Ryomi's quiet skepticism and Akiyo's brooding silence. Tarezuchi remained focused, the pendant's faint hum a constant reminder of his purpose.
As they approached the monastery, the terrain grew harsher. Jagged cliffs loomed on either side, and the air carried a faint scent of sulfur. The ground beneath their feet felt warm, as if the earth itself was alive.
"This place gives me the creeps," Kaida muttered.
"It should," Ryomi said. "The Hidaruma monks are said to commune with the elements directly. Fire, earth, water—they bend them to their will."
Kaida smirked. "Sounds like a fun bunch."
---
The monastery came into view as the group rounded a bend. Perched on a plateau surrounded by roaring waterfalls, it was an imposing structure of stone and flame-lit lanterns. Figures in crimson robes moved with practiced precision, their movements synchronized like a dance.
At the base of the plateau, two monks stood guard, their expressions stern.
"Halt," one of them commanded. "State your purpose."
Tarezuchi stepped forward. "I am Tarezuchi of the Kazeshou clan. I seek an audience with the Hidaruma elders."
The monks exchanged glances. "The Kazeshou clan?" one of them said. "They have not sent emissaries in centuries. Why now?"
"The Ryokumo Alliance is on the move," Tarezuchi explained. "They seek to destroy everything, and I need the Hidaruma's help to stop them."
The guards hesitated before nodding. "Wait here."
---
While the monks conferred, Kaida leaned toward Tarezuchi. "You've got a knack for drama, kid. Let's hope these monks aren't as cranky as the Shirome."
"They're cautious," Tarezuchi said. "And they have every right to be."
After a tense few minutes, the guards returned. "The elders will see you. But your companions must remain outside."
Kaida raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"This is non-negotiable," the guard said firmly.
Tarezuchi turned to Kaida. "Stay here. I'll handle this."
Kaida sighed, clearly annoyed. "Fine. But don't take too long."
---
Inside the monastery, Tarezuchi was led to a grand chamber where three elders sat in meditation. The room was bathed in a warm, golden light, and the air crackled with energy.
The eldest monk, a man with a long white beard and piercing eyes, opened his eyes and regarded Tarezuchi. "You carry the jade pendant of the Kazeshou. Why have you come?"
Tarezuchi explained everything—the Ryokumo Alliance, the Codex of Elders, the Shirome's alliance. The elders listened in silence, their expressions unreadable.
Finally, the eldest monk spoke. "The Hidaruma sect has always remained neutral in the affairs of the world. But these are no ordinary times."
Another elder, a woman with fiery red hair, nodded. "The Ryokumo Alliance threatens not just humanity but the balance of the elements themselves. Their pursuit of the Eternal Core will destabilize the very fabric of existence."
The third elder, a stoic man with a scar across his face, frowned. "But why should we trust you, Tarezuchi? Your clan's history is... complicated."
Tarezuchi met their gaze. "Because I have no choice. If we don't stand together, there won't be anything left to protect."
The room fell silent.
Finally, the eldest monk rose to his feet. "Very well. We will test your resolve. If you succeed, the Hidaruma sect will stand with you."
---
Tarezuchi was led to a cavern deep beneath the monastery, where a massive pool of molten lava bubbled ominously.
"To pass the trial," the red-haired elder explained, "you must commune with the Flameheart—a primordial spirit of fire. If it deems you worthy, you will gain its blessing. If not..."
She didn't finish, but the implication was clear.
Tarezuchi stepped forward, his heart pounding. The pendant glowed brighter as he approached the lava.
Suddenly, the lava erupted, and a massive figure of pure flame emerged. The Flameheart's voice boomed through the cavern. "Mortal, why do you seek my power?"
Tarezuchi stood firm, his voice steady. "To protect the world from those who would destroy it."
The Flameheart studied him for a moment before letting out a thunderous roar. "Prove your worth!"
The trial had begun.