Akira and his friends were preparing and heading toward Daigo's palace, but Akira was extremely exhausted from consecutive missions, feeling as if he might faint at any moment. His steps grew heavier, sweat forming on his brow, yet the determination in his eyes never wavered.
When they arrived at Daigo's palace, they saw Daigo and his son Ren beside the horses. The horses were already prepared, the reins carefully fastened. Ren's gaze immediately fell on Akira.
— Father, is it really wise to send them on a mission? Shouldn't we wait for our old team?
Daigo answered with a faint smile on his lips.
— The reason I summoned them is to see just how strong Arisawa's team is.
His eyes turned to Akira, pointing directly at him with his index finger.
— Especially him.
Ren furrowed his brows and scoffed dismissively.
— Why are you so curious about the combat abilities of a mere peasant like him?
Daigo looked at the sword at Akira's waist.
— Because he is the wielder of the legendary sword Setsuna.
Ren staggered back in shock.
— What! Setsuna… it chose him… someone like that…
Akira stepped forward and spoke.
— We are ready, sir.
Raiga muttered, stepping in.
— Why do we have to go on a mission with this guy…
Ren shouted angrily.
— Speak respectfully to my father!! He is a council member!!
Yui stepped between them.
— Exactly, Raiga. He's right. You need to speak with a little more respect.
Raiga clenched his fist in frustration.
— And what if I don't, huh?!
Ren began to advance toward Raiga, but Daigo extended his arm and stopped his son.
— Don't be childish. Mount your horses, and let's go.
A short silence followed. The tense atmosphere was heavy, but no one spoke. Akira and Yui mounted first, followed by Raiga and Ren. Daigo spoke in a firm voice.
— I will explain the mission on the way. First, let's leave the capital.
They left the crowded city and the wide streets behind. Before them lay only endless fields. A gentle breeze swayed the wheat, and the sun began to set on the horizon.
Impatiently, Akira spoke up.
— You were going to explain the mission.
Ren immediately interrupted.
— You need to learn patience.
Daigo smiled and nodded.
— I think I can explain it now.
Raiga muttered and added.
— Go ahead then, we've been waiting long enough.
Ren was about to speak again when Daigo interrupted.
— We are going as envoys to another kingdom. We will deliver the council's message to them.
Yui's eyes widened.
— But why you? A few soldiers could have been sent as envoys.
Daigo answered immediately.
— Because the envoys who went before have not returned. So far, eight of our envoys have been killed. All because of the spirits you call Chaos.
Ren added.
— Yes, our team was attacked because of them too. We fought against the spirits, but my friends were severely injured.
Akira nodded.
— So that's why you wanted a different team.
Raiga said angrily.
— If you're a council member, what business do you have with us? Do it yourself!
Ren suddenly stood up, furious.
— Hey!! How many times do I have to tell you not to talk to my father like that—
Daigo sharply intervened.
— As I thought, you're incorrigible.
Raiga laughed sarcastically.
— As if I care.
Silence fell. Only the horses' hooves struck the ground. After a moment, Akira asked.
— Exactly where is this kingdom we're going to?
Daigo raised his head.
— The closest kingdom to Velmorya is Karathos. That's where we are heading.
Raiga perked up.
— Karathos… the kingdom of warriors?!
Yui answered immediately.
— Yes, it is said they have many warriors.
Raiga puffed out his chest.
— I am a warrior too! I need to be there!
Daigo spoke seriously.
— Yes, it is said they have around 200,000 warriors.
Akira exclaimed in shock.
— What! That's even more than Velmorya!
Daigo continued.
— But none of them are at the council's level.
Raiga clenched his fist in disappointment.
— 200,000 warriors, but not a single one is council-level…
Ren let out a dismissive laugh.
— That's right. No matter how many warriors they have, their energy is low.
Daigo continued.
— It is said that even the king there is not at the council's level.
Akira whispered in shock.
— Even the king…
Yui started laughing.
— And they call themselves warriors.
Raiga muttered angrily.
— Being a warrior isn't just about energy, idiot.
Akira pouted.
— True, I can't even use my own energy.
Ren suddenly turned to Akira in shock.
— Are you serious?!
Akira nodded.
— Yes, I have no human energy.
Ren's eyes fell on the sword at Akira's waist.
— Then how did Setsuna choose you?
Raiga angrily added.
— I don't get it either. That idiot… how did the sword choose him?!
Akira touched his sword.
— Don't be jealous just because the sword chose me, idiot!
Yui quietly stepped in.
— Akira may not be able to use his own energy because he is a spirit bearer.
Akira's eyes widened in surprise.
— I-I'm a spirit bearer??
Ren laughed dismissively.
— You don't even know what that means yet, idiot.
At that moment, a sword shot down from the treetops, heading fast toward Yui. She instantly stopped it with telekinesis.
Daigo shouted in a firm voice.
— Everyone, stop!!
Eyes turned to the trees. A man in white robes with black-and-white hair descended from the branches. The cold, icy energy emanating from his body was unmistakable.
— I am a loyal soldier of Lord Kael.
Akira's eyes widened.
— Kael!! The Volgrath of Ice Chaos…
The spirit let out a low, mocking laugh.
— Then I will start by killing you all right here.
Daigo swept his cloak aside, fire in his eyes.
— Everyone, assume combat positions. We will fight him as a team.
Akira and Ren shouted in unison.
— Understood!!
Flames erupted from Daigo, Raiga, and Ren's bodies. The ground sizzled from the heat, and a sharp smell of burning filled the air.
The spirit took a deep breath and spoke with a condescending tone.
— Three fire energy users… what luck!
Raiga was the first to rush forward, raising his fist toward the spirit's chest.
The spirit lifted both hands, and bright shards of ice began to form from his palms.
Akira shouted:
— Idiot!! Watch out, ice is coming!
Raiga slammed his foot on the ground at the last moment, jumping back. Sharp shards of ice froze everything in their path.
— I know, idiot!
Daigo stepped forward.
— I could take him down alone… he's weaker than Noa. But I want to show the power of teamwork. That's why we will attack together!
Ren shouted without hesitation:
— Understood!
Ren lunged forward at incredible speed, sending the spirit flying toward his father Daigo with a powerful kick. Daigo didn't miss the chance. He engulfed his fist in flames and struck down on the spirit at the same moment.
The ground shook violently. When the spirit hit the earth, the soil first caught fire, then shattered into pieces.
Akira watched in awe.
— This… this is amazing teamwork!
Ren stood proudly.
— Of course! Teamwork with my father is always flawless!
Daigo nodded.
— Yes. But now we will fight alongside all of you.
Yui giggled.
— Unlike Arisawa, you really value teamwork.
Daigo's voice became serious and deep.
— Arisawa believes in individual power. I believe that while everyone should be strong, teamwork always brings victory.
The spirit laughed.
— You really think you can defeat me!!
Daigo shouted sharply.
— Everyone attack at once! Get ready!
Akira took a deep breath and drew the sword Sera had given him from his right hip.
— We're ready!!
Raiga charged again, this time with increased speed.
The spirit opened both hands, and sharp shards of ice rained down like a storm. But the heat radiating from Raiga's body surged instantly. The ice began to melt on contact.
The spirit stepped back in shock.
— How… is it melting?!
Raiga shouted angrily.
— This is how we fight you, ice man!
He struck the spirit's chest with a sword formed from the flames around him. The spirit staggered and fell in front of Daigo. Daigo followed with a second punch, driving the spirit to the ground again.
While the surrounding soil burned red with fire, Yui extended her hands. The massive nearby trees shook, uprooting themselves and flying toward the spirit.
The spirit laughed condescendingly.
— A telekinetic… so weak in close combat!
He exploded his ice energy, shattering the trees, and suddenly appeared in front of Yui. His fist was encased in ice.
Just as he was about to strike, Ren and Akira swung their swords at the same time. Both blades landed on the same spot. The spirit's left arm, encased in ice, shattered into pieces!
The spirit screamed, eyes wide in shock.
— How… how is this possible?! The unbreakable ice of Lord Kael!!!
Daigo laughed sharply.
— According to reports, you're weak. Seems the great Kael isn't very generous with his soldiers!
The spirit trembled in anger.
— How… how dare you call my lord stingy!!!
The spirit's body began to glow. The ice energy emanating from him was so strong that the surroundings instantly turned into a snowstorm. Trees froze, and the ground became covered in slippery ice.
Daigo shouted.
— Watch out!! He's increasing his power!
Raiga stepped forward.
— I'll shatter that ice!
But Akira's eyes were drawn to Setsuna. The sword quivered in its scabbard, as if calling to its owner. His heartbeat accelerated, and a crimson glow appeared in his eyes.
— Setsuna… give me your power…
He slowly lifted the sword. Crimson energy rose from Akira's body, merging with the blade. A wave of red light spread, illuminating the surroundings.
Ren stepped back in shock.
— Th-this power… it's not human energy…
Daigo watched in admiration.
— Show us your power, Setsuna…
The spirit screamed and formed an ice sword, charging at Akira.
Akira gripped Setsuna with both hands and planted his feet firmly.
— This time… I'll finish it!!!
Crimson energy concentrated around the sword. A sharpness that tore through the air radiated outward. Akira roared as he swung the blade:
— Slash, Setsuna!!!
The crimson wave shot forward. Trees in its path split in two, the ground ripped apart, leaving a massive scar. The wave struck the spirit's chest, shattering its ice armor.
The spirit's eyes widened in terror.
— I-impossible… this power…!!
Setsuna's blade cut the spirit completely in two from head to toe. Its body turned into countless ice crystals and scattered into the sky.
Silence fell.
Akira collapsed to his knees, the sword still glowing. Exhaustion consumed him completely.
— Did… I do it?
Yui smiled and approached him.
— You did, Akira.
Daigo nodded slowly.
— Now I understand… the power of Setsuna.
Ren gritted his teeth but said nothing, only looking at Akira.
Daigo took a deep breath, eyes turning to the crimson-tinted horizon. The silence reminded everyone that the battle was over, leaving only scorched earth and cracked rocks behind. In his deep voice, he spoke:
— Now that this battle is over, we can go to Karathos. The night is already falling.
Akira returned Setsuna to its scabbard, unaware his arms were trembling. Yui, however, noticed. She stepped closer and asked with concern:
— Are you okay, Akira?
Akira gave a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
— Yes, I'm fine… just… the sword's effect was slightly heavier than I expected.
Daigo glanced at Akira and teased:
— If you can move your arms, there's no problem.
Akira moved his arms with difficulty.
— I can…
Daigo nodded, satisfied.
— Good. Everyone, mount your horses.
The group mounted, riding into the red glow of the sunset. Darkness slowly crept over the sky as the wind brushed across their faces. After about three hours of travel, a city with lights appeared on the horizon. Small stone houses and a magnificent palace rising high in the center caught their attention.
Seeing the view, Akira's mind recalled Velmorya's majestic palaces. But this place was different. Instead of wooden houses, there were solid stone buildings, and the palace was a single massive structure, not a combination of twelve buildings. Akira murmured to himself:
— It's almost like Velmorya, but… very different.
When they reached the city entrance, Daigo spoke again:
— It's late; we shouldn't disturb the king. We'll stay here for now and visit the palace tomorrow.
Yui took a deep breath, smiling.
— At least we'll stay in a nice hotel.
Akira agreed.
— Exactly, I don't want it to be like last time.
Raiga snorted.
— I'm never sleeping next to these idiots again!
Akira immediately shot back.
— Are you talking, idiot?!
Daigo raised his hand and silenced them sternly.
— Stop fighting. We're going to one of the city's best hotels. The king must have reserved it for us.
Akira's eyes widened.
— What?!
As they walked through the streets, they approached a huge three-story hotel that looked like a palace. In front was a massive pool. Akira, Raiga, and Yui stared in awe.
Akira shouted excitedly.
— Th-this hotel is amazing!
Yui smiled.
— Finally, we can rest…
Raiga stretched, showing off his muscles.
— The pool will be good for my muscles.
Inside, they were greeted by luxurious chandeliers with gold accents. A sharply dressed attendant approached them.
— Welcome. How may I assist you?
Daigo stepped forward.
— Greetings. Are there rooms prepared for guests from Velmorya?
The attendant smiled politely.
— Of course. The king has arranged four rooms for you.
— Good, — said Daigo. — Let's go to our rooms.
The attendant led the way, guiding them to the third floor via wide stairs. He pointed to two doors.
— The first and second rooms are here.
Daigo turned to Yui and Raiga.
— You two take these rooms.
As Yui and Raiga went toward their rooms, the attendant pointed to two more doors.
— The third and fourth rooms are here.
Daigo thought for a moment, then spoke to Akira and Ren.
— I'll take this room, you two take the other.
Ren frowned.
— But father! Why can't we be in the same room, and I have to stay with him?!
Akira muttered.
— Like I really want to stay with you!
Daigo entered his room without responding and locked the door. Ren and Akira entered their shared room, grumbling.
Akira collapsed onto the bed, speaking drowsily.
— I'm going to sleep… turn off the light.
Ren laughed mockingly.
— It's too early. Are you a child or something?
Akira shouted in frustration.
— I'm just really tired!!!
Ren turned off the light and switched on the small lamp next to his bed. They lay quietly staring at the ceiling. Akira broke the silence first.
— If my body reacts like this every time I use Setsuna… it's not very practical.
Ren replied with a jealous tone.
— We've seen the sword's power. You got a weapon like this by luck. Don't brag about it.
Akira took a deep breath.
— I admit I'm lucky. Sometimes… it feels like something is protecting me.
Ren squinted.
— Maybe it's related to the spirit inside you.
Akira smiled, nodding.
— The spirit inside me doesn't like me much.
Ren responded after a moment of thought.
— But if you die, it'll take a long time to find another host.
Akira fell silent, then chuckled lightly and changed the subject.
— Before becoming a soldier, I used to watch you in the arena. You were amazing. Your fiery fists, the fire dragon… You are definitely very talented—
Ren suddenly shouted.
— Talent!! It took me years to do all that! Years of training! But you… you just use a lucky spirit. Setsuna chose you. At that moment… the instant you cut through that spirit, I realized I couldn't do it, but you did it by chance! And you don't pay any price!!!
Akira stared at Ren in shock. Anger was in Ren's eyes, but soon his expression softened.
— I'm sorry, — said Ren, turning his head.
Akira took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling, hand on his chest.
— Ren… I suffer every day.
Ren looked surprised.
— What do you mean?
Akira closed his eyes, voice trembling.
— After making a pact with the spirit… I started having nightmares every day. I haven't told anyone.
Ren frowned.
— I don't quite understand how nightmares connect to suffering.
— The people Valtherion and I killed… I see them every day. At first, I thought it was a nightmare, but it wasn't. Every day, every night… I suffer among the corpses. When I sleep, they attack me, trample me. I just want to sleep, but I can't. I know if I sleep, I'll suffer. Sleep brings only fear now!!
Akira's scream echoed through the room. Ren's face changed, softening into understanding.
— This… is because of the spirit?
— Yes.
Ren remained silent for a moment, then asked:
— If you suffer so much, why keep the pact?
Akira clenched his fists.
— Because I want power. I want to grow stronger. I want to protect my friends. I… am actually useless without the spirit.
Ren was affected by Akira's words. A small smile appeared on his face.
— You are… a better person than I thought, Akira.
Akira turned to him, smiling.
— Thank you, but…
Ren interrupted.
— I was mean to you, just out of jealousy. But you truly deserve that sword.
Akira laughed.
— I think you deserve it too.
Ren nodded.
— Maybe one day I'll have a sword like that.
— I hope so, — said Akira.
Soon, Ren closed his eyes and fell asleep. Akira hesitated for a long time, but fatigue overcame him, and his eyelids grew heavy.
The next morning, Akira woke up in a nightmare, sweating. He jumped up and shouted:
— Aghhhh!!
Ren was already awake, preparing himself. He turned to Akira.
— Are you okay?
Akira took a deep breath.
— I'm fine… just another nightmare.
— Understood. Let's get ready, we're going to the palace.
Akira dressed quickly and went to Yui's room, knocking on the door, but no one answered. The door wasn't locked. Inside, the room was empty. He went to Raiga's room. Raiga was still asleep.
— Come on, Raiga, wake up!
Raiga mumbled drowsily.
— Just a little more…
Akira got frustrated.
— Come on, we're going to the palace! Also, where's Yui?!
Raiga opened one eye.
— Isn't she in the next room?
Akira spoke sternly.
— No, she's not!
— She said she was going to the market. It's very important.
Akira shouted angrily.
— Are you kidding me?! We're going to the palace, and she's at the market?! I'll tell Daigo immediately! You get up too!
Raiga reluctantly got up, got ready, and left. Akira saw Daigo and Ren in the courtyard. Ren smiled at him.
— Finally, you made it.
Daigo looked at his son in surprise.
— So you became friends.
Akira nodded.
— We're starting to get along.
Daigo smiled.
— I knew this was a good idea.
Akira became serious.
— Yui left her room.
— Do you know where? — asked Daigo.
— She went to the market.
Ren shouted angrily.
— Seriously?!
Daigo took a deep breath.
— Someone who values the market more than her duty… If you say we should wait for her, my answer is no!
Akira tried to object.
— B-but…
— My answer is final, — said Daigo.
Raiga joined them.
— I wish we had stayed a bit longer at the pool…
Daigo mounted his horse.
— Akira! Find your teammate and meet us at the exit. We're waiting for you.
Reluctantly, Akira mounted his horse and followed the group.
Thus, they reached the palace. The garden was much larger than Arisawa's, and well maintained. Passing through, they encountered huge stairs. A man in white robes and glasses greeted them.
— I will guide you to the king's chambers.
At the top of the stairs, in front of a massive golden door, they stopped. The man knocked. A cold voice came from inside:
— Enter.
They entered to see someone in a magnificent throne, wearing a red cloak and black mask, approximately 1.70 m tall.
Daigo turned to the children.
— Akira, Raiga, Ren. You wait outside.
The masked man interrupted, his voice altered:
— Stay here. I have no problem with that.
Daigo frowned.
— I thought I would see the king of Karathos.
The man laughed mockingly.
— I wear the mask for security. To be honest, I don't trust Velmorya.
Daigo responded angrily.
— We've helped you constantly. Do you still not trust us?!
The king's voice remained cold.
— No. I trusted your king… but unfortunately, he is dead.
Daigo clenched his teeth.
— Anyway. You know why I'm here. Tell me what you will do.
The king spoke in a deep voice.
— Don't doubt that we will support you against Kaos.
— Good, — said Daigo. — How will you support us?
The king smiled.
— I will send my best men.
— Aren't they here?
The king replied immediately.
— I planned to send them with you, but they are still on duty.
— When will they return?
— In a few weeks.
Daigo couldn't hide his anger.
— Then let's go. Let's not waste time with a masked coward like you.
At that moment, the king looked at Akira.
— Setsuna chose you?
Akira replied politely.
— Yes, my lord.
The king spoke excitedly.
— May I examine it? I haven't seen it in a while.
Akira was surprised.
— Can you also use the sword, or…?
The king took a deep breath.
— No. But I know its previous owner.
Akira objected.
— But… when you hold it—
— Bring it here.
Akira approached hesitantly and handed the sword. The king drew it from its scabbard. The glowing Setsuna immediately went dark.
— I cannot use it, — said the king. — It doesn't choose me. But it's strong enough to sever my arm.
Akira whispered.
— Wow…
Daigo interrupted impatiently.
— Done? Then let's go.
The king nodded silently. The group quickly left the palace.
Daigo was furious.
— Despite all our economic help, he responds with a mask and voice changer!
Raiga growled.
— I think that guy's a real scoundrel.
Akira was cautious.
— Maybe there's another reason…
Daigo mounted his horse.
— Akira! Find your teammate and meet at the exit. We're waiting.
Akira returned to the hotel. Yui's horse was still there. After searching for a while, he found her on the horse.
— Yui!! What are you doing?! You said you were going to the market while we're going to the palace!
Yui looked embarrassed.
— I-I'm sorry… it won't happen again.
— Anyway, we're leaving now!
— Okay… let's go.
They returned to the exit, where the others were waiting. After Daigo scolded Yui, they set off toward Velmorya.
After a long journey, they reached a strange area with a few trees in the middle of the dirt road. The air seemed to change; the wind's howl gave way to a suffocating silence. Daigo frowned, scanning the area.
— Be careful.
Ren immediately pulled his horse back and looked at his father.
— But why, father?
Daigo took a deep breath.
— These trees… weren't here before.
Akira looked around and realized.
— True… we didn't pass through here. This place is new!
Suddenly, a chilling sound of slicing blades echoed. All the horses' legs were cut. They screamed in pain as riders threw themselves to the ground. Dust, blood, and chaos filled the air.
A movement appeared at the treetops. Daigo's eyes sharpened. His voice boomed:
— Battle positions!!
Raiga sighed, muttering as if cursing fate.
— Why do we have to go through this again…
Ren stepped forward, shouting:
— Whoever is there, show yourself without causing trouble!
From among the trees, a brown-haired man emerged, about 1.80 m tall, walking slowly with a mocking smile. His voice had a false politeness.
— I apologize for the disturbance…
Daigo squinted.
— Who are you?
The man replied calmly.
— Spirit.
Daigo's gaze hardened.
— Are you one of those Kaos things?
The man remained silent, only observing them.
Raiga's pupils dilated. His hands trembled involuntarily. His breath quickened.
Akira looked at him immediately.
— Raiga, what's happening? Are you… very scared?
Raiga nodded, voice trembling.
— No… but my body… is reacting on its own.
Akira frowned.
— What does that mean?
Daigo interjected, looking at Raiga.
— You must have encountered it before.
Raiga screamed inwardly: Yes… I definitely have. But when?! Where did I see it?!
Daigo clenched his fist, resolute.
— Anyway, there's no time to think. We'll take it down as a team, just like last time!
Ren shouted loudly:
— Understood!!!
The brown-haired man suddenly burst out laughing. His laughter echoed ominously through the sky. Then, suddenly, his voice broke, and he roared:
— KAAEELLLLL!!!!
A short snow-white-haired man suddenly appeared before them. He seemed to have teleported. At that moment, a roar rang through the air. It was as if he had materialized from nowhere.
Everyone's eyes widened in horror.
Daigo whispered to himself: "Who is this...? He's definitely different from the others!"
The man looked up, his cold, dull eyes fixed on them. Then an icy sentence escaped his lips:
— Four more...
Daigo muttered in surprise:
— Four?
A moment of silence... then Daigo felt a sharp pain in his right hand. His eyes widened in horror. His throat tightened as his hand fell to the ground, covered in blood. His astonishment was all the greater because then he realized: his right hand had been severed.
This was the first time, the first time he had ever been so frightened. But at the same time, his eyes darted to his son. I must protect him... I must protect Ren! The thought struck him like a spark. He raised his left arm, and flames began to shoot out from it.
But at that moment, Akira's scream echoed behind him:
— RENN!!! NOOOOOOO...THIS CAN'T BE!!!
Daigo turned around before he could comprehend what was happening. His knees buckled at the sight. His heart shattered.
He fell to the ground. Tears streamed from his eyes. The sight before him was etched into his mind:
His son Ren's head was severed from his body.
As Daigo's heart shattered, the world suddenly went silent.