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—Meteor Kick! —I shouted, throwing a high kick down like a guillotine ready to split the ground.
That wimp yelped and dropped a small orb right where my kick was about to land. As it hit, the orb burst and spread a cloud of smoke instantly. I instinctively backed off, covering my mouth and nose with my arm.
—Whoa! Didn't expect you to have tricks like that up your sleeve. Let's see what—
I was abruptly cut off by a flurry of ice blades fired straight at me.
One of the blades embedded deep into my arm. The pain was immediate, but the cold kept the Lysae from spilling out. My flow was disrupted, but I decided to snap the blade and leave the frozen shard inside to stop the bleeding.
—Not much to say now, huh? —he said, leaning against a pillar, half hidden in the shadows.
I frowned, scanning the surroundings. Everything was built to give him the upper hand from a distance. Coward. As if every battle came with a terrain advantage.
—You'll never beat me like this, idiot —I said, scowling.
Then I layered up with five levels of Lysae Sout. That forced my energy to seal the bleeding. I concentrated power into my right hand and lit it with compressed fire.
It began shifting from blue to green, as if the particles around me were reacting to my strength. I fired a blazing ray across the area, tearing through pillars.
—Yeroy, no! What the hell are you doing, you bastard?! —Darel shouted, eyes wide.
Naoka watched the destruction without moving, but I saw it—his face was slowly lighting up with a grin. He was enjoying this.
Just then, Terimaru came out and launched more blades. But when they hit my Lysae Sout, they shattered like they'd struck a wall.
—What?! —he gasped.
He stopped in front of me, eyes darting around.
—What did you just do to this palace, you beast… —he growled, furious.
But with him right in front of me, I didn't hesitate. I shot forward like a cannonball. He only noticed me when I was inches from his face, and by then it was too late. My punch slammed into his gut and sent him flying straight into a wall.
He passed out, stuck in the stone. It was instant.
Everyone freaked out, especially the Shunkoku natives. They started shouting in a language I didn't understand—but I kept hearing one word: "Terimaru."
That was… strange.
Naoka walked up to me with a wide grin.
—You were excellent, kid. Seems like Valeria hasn't gone soft over the years. That bastard must be thrilled to have talents like you around… must remind him of myself when I was young! HAHAHA! —he let out a thunderous laugh.
What's with this old man?
—Who are you talking about, Master? —I asked, a bit confused.
—Your lazy old Grandmaster, of course —he said with a smirk.
But then his tone shifted, turning calmer and more serious—. Jokes aside, it seems the reports weren't just flattering praise. Kerl and Solhen must have trained you all extremely well.
—They're the best. I've learned a lot from them… and hopefully, I'll get to learn from you too —I said with a mischievous smile.
—I like your spirit, kid —he said, placing his hand on my back as he guided me forward—. Come on, let's see what kind of shape you left my grandson in.
We approached Terimaru, and a woman greeted us with tears in her eyes. She was saying things I couldn't understand.
Speaking in Shunkoku's language
—How could you let them treat him like this? Look at him! He probably has broken ribs, internal damage—how can you be so heartless to your own grandson? —the woman cried, her glare fixed on Naoka.
—And do you think the world will treat him kindly when enemies come for him? —Naoka replied coldly—. He chose this fight, and we, as warriors, must be prepared—even for the death of our comrades. You should be grateful to Yeroy. He only gave him a punch and knocked him out. Luckily, he should've had his stomach plate on, so I doubt the damage is too serious… though he might have a few broken bones.
—What's that supposed to mean? Am I just supposed to let my son die because of some stupid warrior code?! —the woman cried through her tears.
—That's exactly why I told you not to come watch the fight. Leave, Aira —Naoka replied, his brow deeply furrowed—. Don't force me to distance myself from Terimaru for a while. I want him to grow strong and face the real world. This is his first step.
Switching back to the common tongue
—Master, is the boy alright? —I asked, expressionless.
—Ah, yes. Yeroy, we must say our goodbyes. I need to take Terimaru… and this person, who happens to be my daughter —Naoka said, glancing sideways at me.
As soon as he said that, he turned and walked away with his daughter and two others carrying Terimaru on some sort of stretcher.
—I really need to learn that language... Now I'm curious about what they were saying. That woman looked at me with so much fury...
The banquet was canceled, and we all returned to our rooms. Strangely enough, everyone ended up gathering in mine. Were they here to scold me for beating that useless guy?
—I have nothing to do with whatever you want to say —I said, arms crossed, turning my head away with my eyes closed.
—You really need to control yourself. You destroyed part of Shunkoku's building. What if they make us pay for the damage? —Keia asked with a worried face.
—That's what Master Kerl is for. He'll cover it for us, right Master? —I said, clasping my hands and resting them on my right cheek with a sweet smile.
…
But I got no reply from Kerl. He just stared at me, emotionless. He looked scarier than usual…
—Either way, we need to prepare. I don't think anything major will happen, but we should stay ahead if we want to keep tracking Aderas. We can't afford to sit still —said Aethen, looking around at all of us.
—You're right. In that case, let's just leave Yeroy behind as a slave and continue the search without him —said Darel. That bastard...
—I don't think leaving Yeroy is the answer. Maybe just cutting off a few of his fingers would be better —said Keia, raising an eyebrow.
—Don't make decisions for me, idiots! —I shouted with my eyes closed.
Everyone burst out laughing. Kerl gave a slight smile and let out a "Heh". Thinks he's better than us with that shiny bald head of his…
The next day, we went straight to Naoka's office, and there we found Terimaru with bandages on his torso and left shoulder.
—Looks like you really did get hurt —I said with a sly grin.
Terimaru smiled.
—Yeah, you beat the crap out of me with one punch. You're strong, I admit it, Miki —he said with a faint smile. Looks like the hatred toward me is gone… but how? Is he some kind of masochist?
—Of course I am. But maybe I can help you get stronger too, if we train together —I said with a big grin.
—Sounds good, Miki —he replied. But… what does "Miki" even mean?
—I'm really glad everyone's on good terms —said Naoka, entering his office with a solemn tone.
We all bowed in unison.
—Enough of that. Let's get to the important part. We've seen movements similar to Aderas's in one of Shunkoku's regions. The Narika province is quite far from here, so it'll take you at least a month to get there. You must depart immediately. Terimaru will be your guide and translator, since none of you speak the language—except for Kerl, who's been here several times —Naoka said, placing his hands together on the desk.
—Master, if it takes a month to get there, won't it be too late? —Darel asked.
—Our records show that when he moves, he usually stays in one place for at least three to five months. So if you leave now, you might still catch up to him. I understand you're still in training and haven't learned how to fly or glide with your Lysae. That's what's holding you back —Naoka explained.
—I can train them to glide or even fly if their talent allows it during the journey. But I must say, it's very difficult. Only true Masters learn to fly, and mid-level ones can glide perfectly. You're still young, but I believe you have the talent to pull it off —said Kerl with a smile as he looked at us.
—Then go. Terimaru, take them to the registration room and have them receive our clan's memorial plates, so they can travel freely. I've also arranged supplies there so you can travel comfortably—clothing and food included. You must all depart as soon as possible.
After that, we bowed to Grand Master Naoka. We picked up the supplies he prepared and changed into Shunkoku-style outfits.
The sun was shining brightly and the clouds floated beautifully in the sky. A perfect day for a journey full of surprises… and personal growth.
And I, for one, can't wait to try out some real battles in Shunkoku…