Akira was sitting in his room, looking at photos of himself and his sister, Mira. He wanted to investigate her death. He was certain it wasn't suicide, but the last time he tried to probe into it, Valtherion had taken over his body. Now, an indescribable unease lingered within him. It felt like something bad was about to happen… He had never felt this way before. He stared at a photo of Mira, lost in thought.
— I have to solve this… But once I find her killer, what will I do? Will I kill them? Am I seeking justice or revenge? Then, will I truly be able to return to my old life? What if my actions put my grandmother and grandfather in danger…
Akira quietly set the photo on the table. Clenching his fists, he strapped his black sword to his waist, Setsuna on his back, and quickly left his room.
His grandmother and grandfather were surprised to see him ready to leave with his swords.
— Akira, where are you going? You just got here. Shouldn't you stay a little longer? — his grandmother called.
Akira hugged her briefly.
— I have something I need to do. I'll be back soon.
His grandfather approached him.
— Alright, but remember… If you ever need to talk or consult us, we're always here to listen.
Akira nodded and left the house. He headed toward the palace, determined to find his sister's killer. Though he had just returned, he couldn't wait. Once he found the murderer, he planned to permanently leave the palace and return to a peaceful life with his grandparents.
He walked through Eldravon at a slow pace. The city was crowded as always. After a short walk, he saw Sato and Reina at the gate and nodded politely before entering.
He headed toward Arisawa's palace. The main gates were open, almost as if the palace knew he was coming. He ascended the steps cautiously, a lingering sense of dread gnawing at him. When he entered Arisawa's room, Arisawa was sitting at his desk, looking directly at him.
— How did you know I'd come here? — Akira asked, slightly surprised.
— I was certain, — Arisawa replied seriously. — Because you want to uncover the truth and take revenge.
— Is there really a killer?
— Yes. I've been investigating for a long time, but I couldn't uncover anything. At this rate, I never would.
Akira asked curiously:
— How do you know?
— A note from an unknown source reached me. It's not clear, but it connects all the mysterious pieces. It's highly likely to be true.
— Will you finally tell me what it says?
— Be patient… Anyway, our main suspect is Council Member Daiki Hanabusa.
Akira was shocked.
— A council member?
— Yes. I suspected him before for secretly opening gambling dens in the kingdom. If that's true, he could very well be Mira's killer.
— Then why not bring him here? If he refuses to tell, we can force him.
— Are you joking? He's a council member.
— But aren't you a council member too?
Arisawa sighed.
— You really have no idea how governance works.
Akira muttered:
— Then how can we confirm the truth of this information?
Arisawa laughed lightly.
— That's why I called you. Otherwise, I would have handled it myself. And if I had discovered that he was Mira's killer… — Arisawa's face darkened — I would have killed him.
Akira thought for a moment.
— Then what will I do that you couldn't?
— Daiki is a businessman. Luckily, he recently mentioned needing a skilled young soldier.
— But I don't know anything about business!
— You'll just protect his trade caravans from thieves. During this time, you'll gain his trust. Only then will he start talking about his illegal dealings.
— Alright, I understand the plan. But what if I corner Daiki secretly and ask him? With a mask, he wouldn't even know it's me.
— That's exactly why you're approaching him secretly.
Akira started to question the plan, finding it somewhat illogical.
— So I'm approaching him…
— To be able to talk to him alone, you must be a soldier he trusts completely. That's why this is a difficult mission.
— Got it… One last question. If I confront him and learn he killed Mira, what should I do?
Arisawa's voice was cold:
— Do whatever you want… But you must clean up the mess.
Akira clenched his fists.
— When do I start the mission?
— You have at most two to three days to begin.
— Then I'll start immediately.
— You'll apply at Daiki's trade center, right in the middle of Eldravon.
Akira turned to leave, then spoke:
— You should overcome your addiction.
Arisawa said nothing.
Akira exited the room, slamming the door behind him. He wanted to avenge his sister and wasted no time heading toward the center of Eldravon. He stopped only when he saw the sign: "Daiki Trade Center." At the entrance, he noticed the job posting Arisawa had mentioned and entered.
The two-story wooden building was wide and spacious. Inside, there was a reception desk, some workers, and a small restaurant for travelers from afar.
Akira walked to the reception desk. The elderly woman there was absorbed in her newspaper but spoke politely:
— Yes? What can I help you with?
— I saw the job posting outside. I'm here to apply, — Akira said immediately.
The woman glanced at him.
— Are you a soldier?
Akira handed her his emblem from his pocket.
— Yes. My name is Akira Valen.
The woman gestured to some chairs nearby.
— Please wait here. The assistant will come shortly and select a soldier from among you.
Akira nodded and sat down. Two unusual-looking people were already seated.
The short, green-haired boy studied Akira.
— Hi! I'm Shion. What's your name?
Akira thought: "What is this kid doing here?"
— I'm Akira. Nice to meet you.
Shion examined the sword on Akira's back.
— That's a beautiful sword. Can I see it?
Akira drew Setsuna.
— Touching it could be dangerous for you.
The taller green-haired man spoke sharply:
— Speak properly to my brother! He's 22 years old!
Akira was shocked.
— What? 22? And why do you call him brother?
Shion placed a hand on the man's head affectionately.
— Relax, Koharu. You misjudged me because of my appearance.
Akira apologized awkwardly.
— Understood. I'm Akira. Nice to meet you.
The two exchanged a brief silence.
— This sword is special. It harms anyone except its owner. I suggest you don't touch it for your own safety, — Akira warned.
Shion withdrew his hand.
— Got it. Thanks for looking out for me.
Koharu crossed his arms and apologized silently.
Shion asked casually:
— Why did you sign up for this job?
Akira leaned back:
— No special reason. I saw the posting and decided to work.
Koharu frowned.
— If you're a soldier, why would you take a job like this?
Akira replied:
— For the same reason as you.
Shion smiled:
— I thought soldiers like us would scold people for being scared of death.
Akira was a little surprised.
— Being afraid of death is normal. Everyone fears it.
Koharu leaned in, speaking quietly:
— Are you afraid of death?
Akira thought for a moment.
— Of course I am!
Koharu said sharply:
— You're lying.
Shion glanced at him oddly:
— Did the lie detector go off?
Koharu nodded.
— So there really are people who aren't afraid, huh.
Akira clenched his fists.
— But I'm weak…
A man with a strange hat and mustache appeared.
— Don't belittle yourself before even starting! Cheer up!
They all asked at once:
— Who are you?
The man held his mustache and replied:
— I'm Asahi, the assistant to the boss. I'll hire all of you unconditionally, but first, I have three questions.
The trio looked surprised.
— First question: Why do you want this job?
Shion answered:
— Soldiering didn't suit me, but I didn't want to be unemployed.
Koharu added:
— Same as my brother.
Asahi stroked his mustache.
— Makes sense. And you?
Akira answered:
— I got tired of being a soldier. Always stuck in the palace.
— Second question! What kind of energy do you use? Show me!
Shion and Koharu produced electricity from their hands.
Akira smiled:
— I'm a soul bearer. But I also have a strong energy of my own.
Asahi was curious:
— Can you show it?
Akira drew Setsuna.
— It's dangerous to show my energy directly, but I can channel it through this sword.
Asahi nodded.
Akira held the sword with both hands and closed his eyes. It glowed dark purple, radiating immense energy. Everyone in the restaurant stared in shock.
Asahi almost fell, holding onto the chair.
— Okay, that's enough.
Akira put Setsuna back on his back.
Shion and Koharu were amazed.
— Last question! What are your dreams?
Shion answered:
— To live happily in a beautiful house in the capital with my brother.
Koharu nodded:
— Same for me.
Asahi looked at Akira.
— And yours?
Akira thought, then said coldly:
— To have a lot of money.
Asahi smiled, arms spread wide:
— You're all hired! Take your first delivery immediately, then meet the boss!
Akira was surprised; he hadn't expected it to be so easy.
— The boss?
Asahi slowly walked away.
— Yes! Boss Daiki! Get your delivery instructions from the consultant!
Shion and Koharu exchanged a glance and laughed:
— Finally, we get to do this.
— Yes, something we've been planning for years.
Akira realized they had plans but didn't push. He approached the consultant, the elderly woman, who handed him a paper without much attention.
He went outside to the horses. Six wagons were loaded with many wooden crates. He approached one of the men.
— Hello, I believe we're supposed to give this paper to you.
The man examined the paper, then looked at Akira.
— Yes, we've been waiting for you. I'm Rikuya, the owner of this caravan.
Shion cheerfully introduced himself:
— I'm Shion, this is my brother Koharu.
Akira added:
— I'm Akira. Nice to meet you.
Rikuya noticed Akira's attention on the crates.
— These contain alcohol. We're transporting it from Velmorya to the Borealis Kingdom. After a day there, we bring it back.
— I see… this will be tiring.
Shion chimed in:
— Traveling to Borealis will take a day. It's exhausting, and the kingdom is covered in ice!
Rikuya laughed:
— If you didn't want this job, you wouldn't have taken it.
Shion touched his head:
— I know… I think I can handle it.
Rikuya nodded:
— Then help load the last crates, and we'll depart.
Shion immediately started loading the wagons. Akira and Koharu helped. Once the wagons were full, the drivers held the horses, ready to depart. Akira, Shion, and Koharu sat in an empty spot on the wagons, observing the surroundings and trying to get to know each other.
Shion asked Akira:
— Do you have siblings?
Akira replied:
— I had a sister. She passed away when I was young.
Shion looked saddened:
— I'm sorry.
Akira asked:
— Do you have other siblings?
Shion and Koharu's faces fell.
— We had another sibling… died on a mission… — Koharu said coldly.
Akira turned to him:
— I'm sorry…
Shion changed the topic:
— As a child, I dreamed of becoming a soldier as strong as the council members. At first, it was fun. But as I faced death, it became terrifying. I abandoned that dream. Akira, do you have any dreams?
Akira clenched his fists, expression serious:
— I wanted to be a king in a world of peace, where the rich don't oppress the poor, and everyone lives happily. That was my dream.
Shion looked at him in astonishment.
Akira chuckled:
— Isn't that a shameful dream?
Shion smiled supportively:
— I think it's a wonderful dream.
Akira froze, remembering his deceased friend Yui, who had said the same. He felt tears welling up and quickly wiped them away.
Shion asked:
— Are you okay, Akira?
Akira nodded:
— Yes… just a little tired.
Koharu said:
— Let's take shifts. The road is long.
Shion nodded:
— Good idea. Akira, you and I can sleep. Wake us if there's danger.
— Okay. You can rest.
Akira lay down and closed his eyes.
When he opened them, Shion and Koharu were shouting, trying to wake him:
— Enemy! Thieves appeared! Hurry!
Akira got up slowly, rubbing his eyes:
— What happened?
Koharu shouted:
— There are twenty of them! Come quick!
Akira grabbed his swords and ran outside. The attackers had surrounded them. The masked leader spoke to Rikuya.
— Are you really going to fight? You're outnumbered.
Rikuya replied coldly:
— What do you want?
The masked man pointed to the wagons:
— We'll take five of them.
Rikuya snapped:
— There are six wagons already!
The man laughed:
— Then we'll leave one for you.
Akira arrived, sword raised.
Rikuya signaled him to lower it, but Akira ignored him:
— Why should I lower my sword? My mission is to neutralize thieves, right?
Shion whispered:
— Akira, there are twenty of them. We can't win.
Akira stared at the masked man:
— Rikuya, give the attack order. I guarantee I'll take them all down.
The masked man laughed:
— Fine, let him try. Otherwise, you'll lose your last wagon too.
Rikuya reluctantly gave the order.
Akira thrust Setsuna forward, releasing his purple energy. A massive shockwave erupted, uprooting trees. Everyone froze. The masked man trembled, knowing one hit would kill him. He ordered his men to retreat, and they fled. Akira sheathed his sword.
— We can continue our journey now…
Rikuya thought: This time, we have a solid soldier. This is good.
Everyone mounted the wagons. Akira noticed the snow outside—they were approaching the icy Borealis Kingdom.