Rayl's expression darkened abruptly as he asked, his voice laced with urgency, "Yahageshii, how do you know about him? Where did you hear the name of KuroAka, the Warlord?"
Yahageshii shrugged nonchalantly, though his casual demeanor barely masked the complexity of his emotions. "I was chasing some Watchers with the lazy one"—he nodded toward Myouka—"and we managed to sneak into one of their bases. There was this mural on a wall, marked with the name 'KuroAka' and surrounded by strange symbols."
Elder Kasamaki's face fell, his gaze piercing Yahageshii like a blade. "The Watchers' base? Seeing that mural is no coincidence! Those people… What are they trying to uncover about the Warlord?"
Riyugi frowned, her voice tinged with curiosity and unease. "Do we have concrete evidence of his existence? Why does everyone seem so terrified just talking about him?"
Rayl tapped the table, his tone weighty. "KuroAka, the Warlord, is no mere legend. He was the leader of the Aka Family—the same group whose remnants you encountered earlier."
This revelation landed like a thunderclap. Memories of Hayato and Akari's maniacal faces during their confrontation with the Aka Family remnants resurfaced vividly in everyone's minds.
Rayl continued, his voice growing graver. "I don't know if the Warlord is still alive, but what's certain is that the Aka Family currently lacks a leader. Historically, though, every time a new leader of the Aka Family rises, they unleash unparalleled fear and destruction upon the world. That's why all major factions are now hunting down their members, hoping to eliminate the clan entirely while they're leaderless."
Elder Kasamaki seemed lost in memories, his eyes closed as he spoke with a somber tone. "I once crossed paths with a member of the Aka Family… Crimson pupils, white sclera, and a gaze so alien it chills your soul. They were nearly unkillable—wounds that should have been fatal healed with unnatural speed. And their strength… It was monstrous."
The elder slowly unbuttoned his robe, revealing a ghastly scar across his chest. The jagged wound was so deep it seemed as if a deadly claw had ripped through his flesh. Yet the scar's edges appeared twisted, as though the injury had attempted to heal but had been disrupted.
This sight left everyone at the table speechless. Yahageshii, who had previously seemed indifferent, now gaped in shock, nearly dropping his chopsticks. "That… that scar… Was it caused by a member of the Aka Family?"
Elder Kasamaki nodded, his gaze heavy with dread. "Indeed. This scar is their handiwork… That I survived at all is nothing short of a miracle."
Rayl picked up the thread, his voice steady yet foreboding. "There's not a single weak member in the Aka Family. Their strength is enough to singlehandedly lay waste to entire cities. No exaggeration."
His words hung in the air like a heavy shroud. Everyone was reminded of their skirmish with Hayato and Akari, which now seemed far more reckless in hindsight. Had they been toying with forces far beyond their comprehension?
Elder Kasamaki adjusted his robe, concealing the scar once more. His voice was as cold as steel. "If the ordinary members of the Aka Family are this terrifying, then their leader's power… is unimaginable. That's what we fear most."
Yame's expression darkened, a hint of worry flickering in her usually calm demeanor. "If the Watchers are truly investigating the Warlord's existence and succeed in their search, they'll become even more formidable. We can't take this lightly. We need to inform Father."
Rayl nodded in agreement, the urgency evident in his tone. "Finish your meal. I'll meet with the commander right away." Without another word, he left the dining hall, heading straight for William's quarters.
The table fell into a heavy silence. Yahageshii slammed a fist against the wood, his voice filled with frustration. "Those bastards… They're too weak on their own, so they're trying to piggyback on the Aka Family's power! Despicable!"
With that, he wolfed down his remaining food, stood abruptly, and turned to Elder Kasamaki. "Old man, there's no time to waste. Train with me—I need to get stronger!"
Yame frowned at Yahageshii's blunt tone, her displeasure evident, but Elder Kasamaki waved her off, signaling he didn't mind. The elder rose from his seat slowly, his voice calm but firm. "If you're willing to train, I'll accompany you."
The two left the hall, and Riyugi put down her chopsticks, turning to Yame with a determined look. "Yame, if the Watchers really manage to harness the Warlord's power, the consequences would be catastrophic. We need to focus on our training and strengthen ourselves, don't we?"
Yame nodded, her tone resolute. "Exactly. You and Myouka must master control over your abilities. That's the most basic requirement. As for Ryuosho—"
"I'll handle him," Syoruha interjected, her sharp gaze landing on Ryuosho. "I'll train him personally."
Ryuosho, however, seemed lost in thought, his head bowed as if wrestling with a profound internal conflict. Riyugi and Myouka exchanged puzzled glances, noting the unusual seriousness in his demeanor.
Riyugi called his name softly, "Ryuosho? Ryuosho?"
Finally, Ryuosho lifted his head, clarity returning to his eyes. He nodded at Riyugi, his voice uncharacteristically steady. "Don't worry. I'll be ready."