As the morning rays pierced the sky, birds chirped, and the rivers flowed majestically. Today was the day—the day where the first step was going to take place.
The group walked through the enchanted forest, each feeling a mix of emotions. How would everything turn out? Would they really be able to defeat the enemy? Or worse... would more lives be lost?
These were the thoughts racing through Hayase's mind as he followed behind Yusuke and Pepper. Over the past few days, Yusuke had changed drastically. He wasn't the same person Hayase once knew. It felt like he was an entirely different person now, and Hayase's concern only grew deeper.
"Are you okay, Hayase?" Amber asked, tapping him gently on the shoulder.
Hayase halted and turned back to look at her.
"Are you nervous? Because if you are, that's totally fine, you know."
"I'm just worried about my brother, that's all. I do feel a bit nervous about all of this. What if we don't make it?"
"But what if we do?" she replied with a soft smile. "I understand your concerns, but you don't have to worry. Look around—we're a party of four, and we're going against one. I think we have a solid chance."
"Numbers don't mean anything, Amber. I know we have Pepper on our side, and as strong as he is... do you really think he's strong enough now? He ran away the first time. Now he's going back for redemption."
"Then put your faith in all of us. But more importantly, put faith in yourself. Because if you can't even believe in yourself, you might as well be a damn goner."
"Are you guys going to keep us waiting or what?" Yusuke shouted from up ahead.
The group continued through the forest, climbing small mountains and passing waterfalls, until they reached their first destination: a village camp. The people were all dressed in identical uniforms—the same as those who had once taken them captive.
As they walked through the village, they attracted the attention of the townsfolk. Suddenly, a large man approached.
"Do you know where you are, boy?" the man said, placing a heavy hand on Yusuke's shoulder.
Yusuke looked up at him, disgust written all over his face.
"Take your hands off me. Now."
"You don't give orders around here—especially not when you're not even from here."
The man swung a punch, but in an instant, he was on the ground, pinned by Yusuke.
"Never touch me again. You disgust me," Yusuke said coldly, releasing the man.
The onlookers watched in horror, rushing to check if the man was alright.
"Let's go. Now," Pepper ordered.
The group entered a small tavern and sat down, waiting for Pepper to return. A man wearing the same uniform approached their table.
"I got what you wanted, Pepper. It was tough, but I managed to get the directions," the man said.
"I knew I could count on you. Good call trusting you with this."
"Who are these kids, though? Just traveling companions? New friends?"
"Nah, they're coming with me. They've been through a lot and felt compelled to help. If you think they're weak—well, they certainly aren't."
"You take them under your wing?"
"Sure did. I have to get going now. Who knows what nightfall will bring. But thanks again for helping me out, General."
"Of course. We're in this together—we have to be. I'm counting on you."
"Your wish is my command, General."
The General handed Pepper three scrolls and walked away. Pepper returned to the group, and they headed out. Just as they were leaving, a mob of angry civilians carrying weapons blocked their path. The group prepared for a fight, but Pepper stepped forward.
"Now, now… why such a big group, huh? Are you all such cowards you can't take me one-on-one? That's okay! I'm ready for you!"
He leaped into the air and crashed down with tremendous force.
Wind Style: Bursting Wind!
With his hand extended, Pepper emitted a gust of Seikai energy at the mob. The wind swept through them, scattering them. Pepper rushed in. Blades came at him from every direction, but they were no match. Effortlessly, he disarmed the men and dropped them one by one.
"Let's go, kids. We don't have time for this," he said, brushing dust from his cloak.
They followed him, continuing up the trail.
"That was amazing, Master!" Yusuke said, eyes gleaming.
"It was nothing. But with these scrolls, we should be able to locate all the Forest Keepers."
"If you don't mind me asking," Amber said, "who was that man at the tavern? A friend of yours?"
"No... Don't worry about it. It wasn't anything serious."
The scenery shifted drastically as they continued. The lush forest turned into a wild jungle, with vines swaying and unfamiliar animals watching them silently. Hayase remained lost in thought—he was worried. Uncertain. Afraid.
Pepper suddenly raised his hand, signaling the group to stop. He pointed forward.
"We're here," he said. "We've reached the first round. It's different than I remember..."
"That's the palace?" Yusuke asked.
Hayase looked ahead. A massive palace stood tall in the distance—the place where it would all begin. Amber noticed Hayase's discomfort and moved beside him.
"Still worried?" she asked gently.
"Sort of. I just hope we make it out alive."
"We will! Don't you remember what I said? Have faith in us—and more importantly, in yourself, Hayase Souta!" she said with a grin. "I'll do whatever I can to help. I'm Amber Flintsteal. I am my parents' daughter. I am my own person."
Hayase turned and looked into her eyes. She smiled—genuine and pure.
"Let's do our best, okay? I'll protect you with my life."
Hayase's heart lit up. She didn't know it, but he'd loved her since they were kids. He never had the courage to tell her, but one thing was certain: he would protect her, no matter what.
Pepper pointed toward a bridge, where two guards stood blocking the entrance.
"Let's see what you've got, kid," Pepper said, releasing Yusuke to confront them.
Yusuke's eyes sparkled with energy. He stepped forward, ready to fight. Though small in stature, he was brimming with strength and determination.
The guards sneered at him.
"Get lost, kid. This isn't your playground."
Yusuke swung first, landing a clean strike.
"Now you've done it!" one shouted as they lunged with claws.
Yusuke dodged swiftly, kicked one back, and smirked.
"How's that for a little kid?"
But the fight wasn't over. The guard he kicked dashed forward, slashing his arm.
"Gah!" Yusuke cried out.
He staggered, and the other guard clawed him across the chest, tossing him aside.
"Stop now, boy. Go home before we really hurt you."
"Stop? Why should I stop? You aren't my mom. You aren't my dad. You don't tell me what to do. I'm not hurt—and I'm not going to be! You two are the ones who are going to be slaughtered!"
Fury in his eyes, Yusuke took a stance—the stance Pepper had taught him. The guards laughed and rushed him again.
Yusuke focused, releasing his Seikai and clenching his fists tightly.
Seishen Technique: Howling Beast!
In a flash, the two guards hit the ground as Yusuke pummeled them.
"Don't ever tell me what to do again. You mutts disgust me."
Amber and Hayase rushed over, congratulating him. Amber patched his wounds. Standing before the palace doors, they all knew: this was it.
"Whatever happens here, we make it out alive," Pepper said. "You've all trained hard. You can win."
He flung the doors open, revealing a vast throne room. At its center sat Leon the Beastmaker—massive and menacing.
Without warning, Leon lunged. Pepper blocked him, sending him flying back.
"My, my, my… You've gotten faster, Pepper. Been training?"
"That's none of your concern, Leon," Pepper replied, motioning the others into position.
"And you brought me new prey! How thoughtful! It'll be fun dismembering you all!"
Leon charged again but was punched back by a furious Yusuke. Pepper followed with a strike, bouncing Leon between them. Amber and Hayase waited for their moment.
Leon shifted his gaze to Amber and lunged with claws raised.
"Wind Style: Razor Cutters!" Hayase shouted.
Two wind blades struck Leon. Amber followed with a blazing fireball. Pepper seized the moment and threw Leon across the room.
"You kids okay?" Pepper called.
"We're alright—for now," Hayase replied.
"That was quick thinking, big bro. I didn't know you had it in you."
"There's not much choice in a life-or-death situation!"
"Hey, what's he doing?" Amber asked, pointing to Leon.
Leon's body began to swell, muscles bulging.
"You didn't think I was the only one who learned something new, did you?!"
He dashed at Pepper, slashing furiously. Pepper caught one of his claws.
"Don't get too cocky!" he growled, launching Leon into the air.
Yusuke leaped up and kicked Leon down. Amber followed with a new attack.
Fire Style: Burning Arrows!
Three flaming arrows shot forward, slamming Leon to the ground. Pepper closed in but got caught in Leon's grasp.
"You've gotten stronger, Pepper. But last time you ran... and this time, you're not leaving alive."
Leon roared, shaking the room. Yusuke charged but was thrown back by the force.
Pepper broke free and punched Leon, but—
Predator's Rush!
A beastly aura surrounded Leon as he struck Pepper, hurling him into a wall. Yusuke jumped in but was kicked away. Amber launched fireballs with little effect.
"You damn btch! Can't you see I'm busy?!"
Leon lunged at Amber. Hayase, too far to reach her, froze.
"Don't give up, Hayase!" Kimiko's voice echoed in his head.
"Kimiko?!"
"Stick your hand out and imagine it!"
Hayase envisioned a barrier—an emerald one.
He extended his hand, releasing his Seikai.
A glowing emerald shield formed around Amber. Leon staggered back.
"An Emerald Barrier? But how?!"
Amber took the chance—striking Leon with a blazing burst of Seikai-infused flames.
"You dumb whre!" Leon howled.
Pepper dashed in with a heavy blow. Yusuke followed. Leon fell to his knees, finally showing fear.
Then rage.
He roared again and attacked wildly. Pepper and Yusuke held their ground. Amber and Hayase assisted from afar.
Predator Bite!
Leon bit into Yusuke's shoulder, tearing flesh. Pepper moved in but was kicked away. Amber launched more fireballs.
Hayase saw Leon preparing another strike. He threw up a barrier.
"You annoying f*ck!" Leon shouted. "Mind your own business!"
He was about to pounce on Hayase when—
"Stay away from my big brother!" Yusuke cried, grabbing Leon and slamming him into the wall.
Yusuke collapsed from exhaustion. Amber patched him up as Hayase readied Pepper's potions.
But Leon wasn't done.
He charged.
Seishen Technique: Con... Conquer...!
Out of nowhere, Pepper collided with Leon, knocking him through the palace wall.
He fell beside Amber and Hayase, unconscious.
"Don't die on me! We still need you!" Amber cried, tearing up.
Hayase placed a hand on her shoulder.
"They'll be okay. Pepper made these potions for this reason. Have faith in us—especially in yourself."
Amber's eyes sparkled.
Outside, Leon stood, bloody and beaten.
"I… I'm going to kill you all!"
Amber and Hayase exchanged a look. No words needed.
Emerald Style: Emerald Shuriken!
Hayase formed a glowing shuriken, which Amber lit with flames. He launched it—
Leon's body split in two.
It was over.
Hours passed. Amber and Hayase waited beside their fallen comrades.
"I didn't think we'd make it out alive," Hayase said.
"Well… luckily, we did. And… thank you. For your words back there."
"They were your words, Amber. I just remembered them."
"You're silly," she said, kissing his cheek.
"W-what was that for—?"
"Your reward, silly."
Yusuke and Pepper stirred.
"What happened…?" they asked weakly.
"Hayase did it, Mr. Pepper," Amber said proudly.
"It wasn't just me. It was all of us."
"I knew we could do it. The first step is finally over."
Yusuke stood and walked out.
"Where's he going?" Hayase asked.
"Don't worry," Yusuke replied.
Pepper chuckled.
"Oh man… I can't believe it. We WON!"
Amber and Hayase laughed too, his joy contagious.
Outside, Yusuke stared at the moon, tears in his eyes.
"It happened again... I'm still too weak. I have to be stronger."
The moon faded. The sun rose.
Their first victory…
But more awaited.
Next stop:
Bea the Icebreaker Elf.