After traveling for a while, the icy kingdom of Borealis finally came into view. The entire kingdom was made of ice; even the houses were carved from it. Akira was astonished. How do they even live here… he thought.
Shion, examining the kingdom, spoke.
— Borealis looks beautiful, doesn't it?
Akira replied.
— Yes, but doesn't it ever get warm here?
Shion grinned.
— The weather here never warms up. In fact, it keeps getting colder.
Akira pondered.
— Then why do people live here?
Koharu spoke in a firm voice.
— Because this is their kingdom, and everyone here protects it.
— That's amazing! I wish Velmorya were like this…
Shion continued observing the kingdom.
— Unfortunately, in Velmorya, the nobles grow rich by exploiting the lower class instead of protecting their kingdom.
Rikuya shouted from the front of the carriage.
— We've arrived!!
Akira looked outside. They were already at the gate. A few guards were waiting. Rikuya handed them a paper. After glancing at it, the guards allowed the caravan to pass without hesitation. Slowly, the horses entered, moving along the icy roads. The city wasn't crowded. Unlike Velmorya, there were no beautiful markets—only a few stalls selling fish.
Rikuya spoke in an informative tone.
— This kingdom, unlike Velmorya, is famous for gambling and alcohol.
Akira looked around. Indeed, there were many bars and gambling halls.
— So people who want to gamble come here from Velmorya, right?
Rikuya nodded.
— Exactly.
Shion asked curiously.
— While you sell the alcohol, what are we supposed to do?
Rikuya laughed.
— We have a place here that distributes and sells alcohol to bars. You'll just deliver the packages, and we'll stay here tonight.
Shion grinned.
— We'll earn good money without doing anything.
Rikuya looked at Akira.
— If it weren't for him, we'd lose dozens of coins.
Akira remained humble.
— No need to exaggerate. I didn't do much.
Rikuya gently tapped Akira's shoulder.
— Don't worry, we'll give you extra money.
— Really, it's not necessary… I'm just doing my job.
While Rikuya and Akira were talking, Koharu noticed a sign that read "Daiki Trade Center" and showed it to his brother.
Shion turned to Rikuya.
— Is this your center?
Rikuya folded his arms, a strange excitement on his face.
— Yes! We've arrived!
The carriages slowly approached the building. They dismounted and tied up the horses. At the same time, six men began moving the cargo inside. Rikuya walked toward the entrance and called to Akira and Shion.
— Come on in.
Akira and Shion entered slowly, while Koharu followed behind them. They were surprised upon entering. Unlike Velmorya's cozy little inns, this place was a packed bar filled with women and gambling tables.
Rikuya excitedly went toward the bar.
— You can have a drink, it'll help you relax a little.
Akira brought his hand to his head.
— I'm only sixteen.
Rikuya's expression changed, becoming serious.
— Children don't belong here! Go upstairs immediately.
Akira climbed the wooden stairs next to the bar. Shion and Koharu, thinking it wasn't suitable for them either, followed him. Upstairs, there were a few rooms. Akira approached a man in the hallway.
— Hello, we've come from Velmorya for deliveries. Is there a room under Rikuya's name?
Without saying a word, the man pointed toward a room.
— Four-person room under Rikuya's name.
Akira thanked him and entered. Inside were four beds side by side. Instead of a luxurious hotel in Karathos, it was an old wooden inn room. Akira placed his swords on the table and collapsed onto his bed, still feeling tired despite having rested on the road. Shion and Koharu also lay on their beds.
After a short silence, Shion spoke.
— Akira, you're really strong, and you're only sixteen.
Akira's expression fell.
— I'm not really as strong as you think… I can't do anything without other people's power.
Shion asked curiously.
— By other people, do you mean spirits?
Akira nodded.
Shion added.
— But the purple energy you showed us—wasn't that your own?
Akira looked at the ceiling.
— Yes, it's my power, but against truly strong enemies, it's almost useless.
He thought of Kael. His power hadn't been effective, and without Ares, he knew he would have certainly died.
Shion pondered.
— I'm not sure I fully understand, but I guess you've fought really powerful enemies.
Akira laughed.
— Yeah, something like that.
Shion started producing electricity from his hands.
— As you can see, I can turn my energy into electricity. But what exactly is your power?
— I don't even know…
Shion glanced at Koharu and saw he had already fallen asleep. Turning off his energy, he said:
— Well, I'm going to sleep. Good night.
For a while, Akira stared at the ceiling, thinking. Meeting Daiki will be easier than I expected, but how will I gain his trust? Anyway, I should rest now instead of overthinking.
He closed his eyes and soon fell asleep.
⸻
Suddenly, Akira found himself in a vast forest. Wondering how he got there, he started exploring. After a short walk, he saw the Volgrath Manor in the distance. Realizing it was a dream, he tried to punch himself awake—but couldn't. Accepting it, he began walking toward the manor. As always, the full moon illuminated the surroundings beautifully.
While walking, he heard some noises and rushed toward them. Soon, he saw a child lying on the ground with three men nearby. Their hands were covered in blood, and the child's body was filthy.
Akira approached the child and shouted at the men.
— What's going on here?!
No one answered. It was as if they couldn't hear him. He shouted again, and when still no response came, he touched one man's shoulder—but his arm fell through, as if he were a hallucination. The men's faces looked shocked; one's hand trembled. Slowly, the child stood up, and with a terrifying voice, shouted:
— I will kill! I will kill all of you! I WILL KILL!
⸻
Akira awoke, sitting upright in bed, panting heavily.
Shion, while tidying his bed, looked at him in astonishment.
— Akira, what's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?
Akira brought his hand to his left eye; it hurt.
— Yes… it was a strange dream.
He noticed that Shion was already ready. Koharu was awake too, quietly sitting on his bed.
Akira slowly got up, washed his face, and changed clothes. Finally, he strapped on his swords and prepared for the journey.
He stepped outside toward the horses and Rikuya. They were almost done loading the packages, with only one left. Seeing Akira, Rikuya called out.
— Are you all ready?
Akira looked back. Shion and Koharu nodded.
— Yes, we're ready to depart.
Rikuya mounted the carriage.
— Then let's head home!
The three mounted their horses, slowly leaving the kingdom behind.
Akira asked.
— Mr. Rikuya, are we going directly to Mr. Daiki from here?
Rikuya laughed.
— No, I'm only taking you to the center. Asahi will take you from there to Mr. Daiki.
— Got it.
During the long journey, Akira, Shion, and Koharu watched out the window while Rikuya guided the horses. As they approached Velmorya, Shion and Koharu were inexplicably excited. Akira didn't understand why, but he knew something was about to happen.
When they arrived at the trade center, they dismounted. Akira relaxed his body. Asahi was waiting at the gate. Seeing them, he approached, holding his peculiar mustache.
— Hello, welcome!
Akira was about to speak when Shion interrupted.
— So now you're taking us to Daiki?
Asahi laughed.
— I didn't realize you were so excited and impatient.
Shion's expression was serious.
— After all, we're about to meet a council member.
Asahi began walking.
— Follow me.
He left the restaurant with slow steps, heading outside the center. The three followed, not knowing where they were going. They exited the center and arrived at a large town. Asahi stopped on a long wooden bridge in the middle of the town. On the other side stood a man.
Akira asked.
— Is that Mr. Daiki?
Asahi crossed the bridge slowly.
— Yes, that's Mr. Daiki. Be careful how you speak to him.
Akira moved forward silently. When they reached the middle of the bridge, they came face to face. Daiki was surprised to see Akira.
— You're the kid from the council, right? Your name is Valen?
Akira nodded.
— Yes, my name is Akira Valen. Pleased to meet you.
Daiki looked around.
— Weren't you bringing three people? There's only one here.
Asahi was startled and immediately turned around. Shion and Koharu weren't behind him.
He whispered.
— They were here…
Daiki tried to cross his arms but couldn't move. A yellow energy held his body in place. Koharu, standing at the far end of the bridge, clasped his hands and stared at Daiki. He shouted sharply.
— Now, brother!!
Suddenly, a lightning-fast spear shot from the end of the bridge, heading straight for Daiki's head. Daiki tried to move, but couldn't. Asahi didn't even see the spear coming.
Just as it was about to pierce Daiki's head, Akira lunged forward and caught the spear. Shion and Koharu were shocked.
Shion shouted at Akira.
— Don't interfere with us!
Koharu spoke firmly.
— Throw it faster!
Another spear formed in Shion's hand. This one flew even faster toward Daiki, but Akira caught it effortlessly again.
This time, Koharu shouted.
— Don't get in our way! He killed our brother!
Akira looked behind him and saw ten soldiers running toward them. He thought to himself:
"If what he says is really true, then they have to do this. I could even interrogate Daiki here. But we're in the middle of the town and soldiers are coming—we might not be able to escape. And there's no telling if Daiki will speak. If I kill him without knowing whether he's the culprit, not even Arisawa could protect me from the council."
As Akira continued thinking, Daiki called out to him.
— What are you waiting for, soldier! Catch them!
Akira stopped thinking and made an instinctive decision—he ran toward Shion and Koharu.
Shion was shocked.
— Why? Why are you doing this?!
Akira didn't reply and kept running. Shion and Koharu climbed the nearby building's roof to escape, with Akira chasing them. After a while, he cut them off.
They jumped down and started converting their energy into electricity. Akira stood before them and raised his right hand.
— Calm down. I won't do anything.
Shion didn't believe him.
— Then why did you chase us?
Akira answered calmly.
— I moved you away from them, and now I can apologize for stopping you.
Both were surprised.
Shion, still skeptical, asked in a suspicious tone.
— If you're going to apologize, then why didn't you let us kill him?
Akira gripped his sword at his waist.
— Because I'm looking for my sister's killer, and this man is the only suspect.
Shion slowly reduced her electricity and gestured for Koharu to do the same.
— Fine, but promise us you'll kill him!
Akira nodded and returned to Daiki.
Daiki could move again and, seeing Akira, asked:
— Where are the traitors?
Akira bowed his head.
— I'm sorry. They escaped my grasp.
Daiki lifted Akira's head.
— It's alright. You saved my life. I owe you for this.
Akira laughed.
— No need. I was just doing my job. But a raise and a promotion wouldn't hurt.
Asahi scowled.
— You've just started working, and you're already asking for that?
Before Akira could reply, Daiki took Asahi's hat and placed it on Akira's head.
— Fine. From now on, you're one of my personal soldiers.
Asahi was surprised.
— What are you doing, Mr. Daiki?
Daiki turned to him.
— Go get yourself a new hat.
Asahi asked curiously.
— Where are you going?
Daiki answered.
— I'll tell my personal soldier more about myself.
Asahi grumbled and walked away.
— Telling all this to someone you just met… one day, you'll really get caught.
Akira asked.
— Get caught? Where are we going?
Daiki put his arm around Akira and started walking toward Eldravon.
— You'll see.
Along the way, Daiki asked Akira questions, which he answered carefully, raising no suspicion. After retracing part of the route, Daiki entered his own trade center. Akira didn't understand what they were doing here or why they returned. Daiki greeted a female advisor and then headed toward the restaurant's kitchen, with Akira following.
Daiki opened a door at the very back of the restaurant—it led to the sewers. After walking a short distance inside, he turned left and reached another door. This one was locked. Daiki unlocked it and entered.
Akira was amazed. It was a huge gambling hall. Tables, a bar, women—everything was there. Daiki handed a hood to a man and took his sword from his belt. Then he gestured for Akira to give him his swords as well.
Daiki took off his coat, put on the hood, and walked toward the bar. He sat on a chair and called to the bartender.
— The usual.
Then he looked at Akira and gestured for him to sit.
Akira sat down.
Daiki spread his arms.
— This is the gambling hall I created. So, what do you think?
Akira was impressed. Building such a large hall beneath Eldravon wasn't easy. Despite the music being loud, soundproofing on the walls prevented any noise from reaching above.
— It's amazing!
Daiki raised his glass and smiled at Akira.
— I knew we shared the same taste!
A woman approached Daiki politely.
— Welcome, my love.
Daiki called to the bartender.
— Another one, please!
Then he turned to the woman.
— Thank you.
The woman noticed Akira beside Daiki and asked curiously.
— And who is this young man?
Akira smiled.
— My name is Akira Valen.
Daiki raised his glass again.
— You know, I was looking for a soldier I could trust. I found him. This boy just saved my life.
The woman was shocked.
— He saved your life? Yours?
Daiki replied.
— Yes, two fools almost killed me.
The woman looked at the table in front of Akira.
— The boy saved your life, and you're not even buying him a drink?
Daiki turned to Akira.
— Do you want something to drink?
Akira answered.
— No, I don't drink, but I can have a soda.
Daiki immediately called the bartender, then grabbed the woman by the waist and asked again.
— And the ladies?
Akira laughed.
— I already have someone I love; I don't like betraying.
Daiki slammed his glass on the table.
— Exactly the kind of soldier I need!
Daiki stood up, grabbed Akira by the arm, and dragged him toward a gambling table.
— Let's play some games.
— But I don't know how to gamble.
Daiki seated Akira at one of the tables.
— Don't worry, we'll teach you!
They played for hours without leaving. Eventually, Daiki began to fall asleep from drinking too much. Akira helped him put on his coat, collected his swords, and left. He remembered the route well, so finding the exit was easy.
Outside, night had fallen. Akira started walking toward the twelve palaces through Eldravon's quiet streets. Daiki was barely awake, staggering slightly. Akira supported him, preventing him from falling.
At the entrance, Sato was waiting. Akira approached him.
— Sato, where is Daiki's palace?
Sato jumped back, surprised.
— Y-you mean this is him!?
Akira nodded.
— Yes, this is Daiki. He's had a bit too much to drink, and I need to take him to his palace.
Sato pointed the way with his hand. Akira walked in that direction. When they reached the palace, he knocked on the large door. Two female servants opened it, shocked to see Daiki in that state.
Akira entered and asked them where his room was. Then he climbed the grand red staircase. Seeing Daiki's room, he slowly opened the door. The room was very tidy. Akira brought Daiki to his bed.
Daiki opened his eyes and looked at Akira.
— You can stay here, Akira.
Akira spoke gratefully.
— Thank you.
He slowly left Daiki's room and asked the servants where he could sleep. Then he entered the room and laid down on the bed prepared by the staff.
Everything was going much better than he had expected. In just a few hours, he had earned Daiki's trust and managed to stay in his palace.