Chapter 17: "Paths We Choose"
Yuta's Departure – A New Path Begins
The early morning mist hung low over the Division 9 training grounds as Yuta stood before Captain Ben, his travel gear on, sword sheathed at his side.
Ben raised an eyebrow. "You're sure about this?"
Yuta nodded firmly.
"Yes, Captain. I've hit a wall. I realized my growth isn't in just sword skills or tactics—my strength lies in connection. I need to tame powerful creatures to move forward."
Ben studied him for a moment, then smiled.
**"Then go. A knight who knows himself is rarer than one who knows a hundred forms. But remember this—if you ever want to return, Division 9 is your home."
Yuta bowed deeply. "Thank you, Captain."
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Yuta's Training with His Father
Far from the kingdom's walls, in deep forests and monster-infested valleys, Yuta trained under the brutal guidance of his father—an S-rank adventurer known for taming rare and terrifying beasts.
From venomous serpents to a rogue thunder wyvern, Yuta challenged each creature with courage and intelligence—not to kill, but to form a bond.
In one scene, he kneels before a wounded stone panther, closing his eyes as the creature snarls… and slowly accepts him.
His father watched from a distance, arms crossed.
"You're finally learning to listen to the wild. Not everything must be forced into submission."
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Division 10 Prepares to Leave
Back in the village, Captain Elara, Synoh, Dred, Meth, Aloy, and Ursa stood at the gates. The ruins had been cleared, the people rebuilding.
As they prepared to leave, Harry ran up to them, panting, holding a worn leather-bound diary.
"This… belonged to my father."
He handed it to Synoh.
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The Truth in Elder Harven's Diary
That evening, at camp, Synoh opened the diary. The pages were rough, smudged with old ink and dried tears.
> "I was once a proud man. Then greed took hold of me."
"I taxed the village unfairly… threatened honest men to keep my power."
"I make a pact with Kuro. That man make powerful and I was unstoppable, that what I thought."
"I was already broken but after my wife passed. Her death made me realize what I'm doing is wrong."
"And lately… I've seen the light again. The faces of brave young ones like Synoh, Harold, Harry... made me realize I already atone."
> "If I could, I'd give my life to protect this village one last time."
Elara closed her eyes in silent respect.
Synoh, staring at the fire, muttered,
"So… Kuro wasn't the one who made him corrupt. Harven was already drowning in guilt."
Dred added, "But that means… even villains can want to change."
Meth, exhausted, said softly, "Then maybe… not everything Kuro said was a lie. But that doesn't make him good either."
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Meanwhile – Kuro Watches from Afar
Far on a cliff overlooking the forest, Kuro stood with his hood on, watching the Division 10 convoy through a small enchanted glass.
He whispered:
"So, Yuta seeks monsters… interesting. If I give him the right push… he might be worthy."
Behind him, a dark silhouette emerged.
Kuro smiled.
"Let's begin assembling the real Seven Deadly Sins."