HELLO THIS IS CHAPTER 14 CHAPTER 13 IS IN NEXT PAGE I ACCIDENTALLY PUBLISHED CH 13 IN DRAFT AND I THINK IT PUBLISHED AND THEN I PUBLISHED THIS CHAPTER SO READ CHAPTER 13 BEFORE THIS :)
Bachi stood before the prisoners, his voice firm and commanding. "You all need to handle this prison now. Six days from now, I want every one of you in the Main Capital. This time, we'll defeat them. No excuses."
Jude approached Sumire, his expression filled with guilt and remorse. "I'm sorry, Sumire," he said quietly. "I couldn't be there for you. I didn't know what happened here. When I came to meet your father, these people tricked me and trapped me in this place."
Sumire looked at him gently and placed her hand on his head. "Don't worry," she said softly. "You're here now, and that's what matters."
As the others regrouped, Kael sat apart from the group, lost in his thoughts. "What am I even doing here?" he muttered to himself. "Liu, Hikari, Bachi, and Sumire... they can all fight. But me? I don't even know how to protect myself."
Hikari noticed Kael's troubled expression and seemed to understand what he was thinking. He didn't say anything yet, allowing Kael his space.
As they prepared to leave the prison, Bachi turned to the group. "We're only a day and a half away from the Main Capital," he said. "Once we get there, we'll gather more people to strengthen our forces. Let's keep moving."
The group continued their journey, resting for the night by a small clearing under the stars. While everyone else slept, Kael sneaked away to a quiet spot, attempting to practice fighting on his own. He tried to mimic what he'd seen the others do but kept failing, frustration building within him.
"You won't get far like that," a voice said from the shadows.
Kael spun around to see Hikari stepping forward, calm and composed. "I can unlock your potential now," Hikari said, his tone serious.
Kael blinked in shock. "Wait... you can really do that?"
Hikari smiled faintly. "I have knowledge that would take you billions of years to understand. Let me help."
Hikari focused his spiritual energy, channeling it into his left arm. He placed his hand firmly on Kael's stomach and unleashed the energy. Kael gasped as he felt a surge of warmth and power coursing through him.
"This energy will help unlock the path between you and your chakra," Hikari explained. "But the rest is up to you. Only hard work will allow you to fully realize your abilities."
The next evening, the group finally reached the outskirts of the Main Capital. Kael was awestruck as he gazed at the city from a high vantage point. "It's beautiful," he said, his voice filled with wonder.
When they entered the bustling streets, Liu Ming and Sumire broke off to explore, shopping for supplies. Liu couldn't resist stopping at a food stand, eagerly eating as they went along.
Meanwhile, Bachi and Jude stayed hidden, knowing their presence might draw unwanted attention.
Kael wandered the festival-like streets, attempting to catch goldfish at a small stall. After several failed attempts, he sighed and turned to leave.
As he walked away, a hooded figure suddenly appeared in front of him, blocking his path. The man slowly pulled back his hood, revealing a sharp, menacing gaze.
Kael tensed. "Who are you?"
The man smirked. "You can call me Mr. Saturday."
Kael glanced around. He was alone. If a fight broke out, he had no one to rely on but himself. Steeling his nerves, he clenched his fists. "I'll have to deal with this myself."
Before Kael could act, Mr. Saturday lunged forward, landing a powerful punch that sent Kael crashing through a nearby shop.
Kael groaned as he struggled to stand, wiping dust from his face. A determined expression spread across his face as he steadied himself.
"Let's see what my new abilities can do," Kael said