In this world, strength is not a gift… it is the price one pays to stay alive.
The Kara is the vital energy that flows through all things. Some shape it to create, others to destroy… but all depend on it to survive.
When the breath of Kara fades, the heart stops beating, and the soul disappears into the eternal shadow.
(Raizen's inner narration begins, paced by his running.)
One year. It's already been a year since that night. A year since Ashley's blood was spilled on that floor. A year since everything changed.
He leaped from roof to roof, his movements fluid, almost instinctive. Every step, every jump was the result of endless repetition.
We stopped counting the days. We just trained. Until we threw up. Until our bones screamed. Adams pushed us beyond our limits, and we asked for more. The pain of training was gentler than the pain of memories.
He left the last roofs of Goma, plunging into the dark forest that separated the cities. His speed did not falter, his feet finding purchase on the thick branches with feline agility.
We're not Luminaries anymore. We passed the test. We're Astroforges now. Danky, Diana, and me. We carry out missions. 'Cleanups,' as they call them. Killing Kageyami before they can do more damage. It's become our routine. Our new normal.
The silhouette of the Zenith sanctuary, hidden in the heart of the mountains near Kazemori, finally appeared on the horizon.
We're stronger. Faster. But sometimes I wonder... have we become better? Or just... more efficient at killing?
He arrived at the outskirts of the sanctuary, his run stopping as abruptly as it had begun. The question hung in the air, floating in the cool night.
Raizen passed through the sanctuary's invisible barrier and headed for the common room. The large room, usually bustling, was quiet at this late hour. Only a few lanterns lit the space.
He wasn't the first to return. Sitting at a table, Diana Kurogami was meticulously cleaning a small ice dagger, which didn't melt despite the relative warmth of the room. She looked up as he arrived. Her face, still gentle, had gained a new confidence.
Diana Kurogami:
Goma?
Raizen:
Two Kageyami. Weak. And you?
Diana Kurogami:
The northern mountain pass. Three. Nothing serious.
Their exchange was brief, factual. The camaraderie was still there, but it was deeper, quieter. They no longer needed many words.
The door opened again, letting in Danky Norland. He yawned loudly, stretching his arms.
Danky Norland:
Done for tonight. I chased one of those bastards all the way to the outskirts of Seiran. He was fast, the bugger.
He sat down heavily next to Diana, grabbing an apple from a basket. His impulsiveness was still there, but it was channeled, less explosive.
They sat in silence for a moment, savoring the brief moment of calm. Three survivors. Three Astroforges. A family forged in blood and tragedy.
The common room door opened again, but this time, it wasn't a hurried Zenith, but Hana. She stopped at the threshold, a tray of steaming tea in her hands, and gave them a warm smile, one of those that seemed capable of pushing back the shadows.
Hana:
I saw you come back. I figured you could use this.
She placed the tray on the table. The soothing scent of tea filled the room. She sat with them, her gaze moving from one to the other with unconcealed pride.
Hana:
So, it's over. Your basic training with Adams is officially finished. You survived.
Danky let out a small laugh.
Danky Norland:
'Survived' is the right word. I thought he was going to kill us a good hundred times.
Diana Kurogami:
He was tough, but... he was fair. We owe him a lot.
Raizen simply nodded, taking a cup of tea. The silence returned, but it was different. Less serene. Heavier. Hana felt it immediately.
Hana:
However...
All three heads turned toward her.
Hana (her smile fading slightly):
Given the increasing frequency of attacks, and... everything that has happened, your mentors have made a decision. They believe your training as a unit is complete. It is time for you to return to them, to complete your training individually and in a specialized manner.
A chilling silence fell over the table. The idea of separating, after spending a year rebuilding themselves together, was like a cold shower. The light in Danky's eyes faded, Diana's gaze clouded with sadness, and Raizen gripped his cup a little tighter, his face closing off.
They had become a unit. A family. And now, they were being asked to separate.
Seeing their reaction, Hana placed her hand on Diana's, her voice becoming softer.
Hana:
Hey, this isn't goodbye. You will always be a team. But Takashi needs to teach you strategy, Raizen. Duck needs to help Danky channel that incredible power. And Emma must guide Diana to master her two Kara without exhausting herself. This is the next step. It's necessary.
She looked at them in turn, a mischievous smile returning to her lips.
Hana:
And besides, despite the distance, you can still run into each other here from time to time... for healing.
She paused, her gaze becoming mockingly stern.
Hana:
But no serious cases, okay? I've had enough with you three for the next ten years.
A small smile finally broke through on Diana's face. Danky let out an amused grunt, and even Raizen managed a barely perceptible smirk.
The bond that united them was stronger than a simple training team. And even separated, they knew they would meet again. The Path of Kara was long, but they would never walk it alone again.
Next scene...
The soft glow of the moon reflected on the surface of the hot spring, its steam rising in lazy wisps into the cool air.
Hana was already immersed in the water, her eyes closed, savoring the rare moment of calm. The sound of light footsteps made her smile even before she opened her eyes.
Diana Kurogami appeared, a simple towel tied around her. She untied it without a word and placed it on a stone before slipping into the hot water with a sigh of contentment.
Diana Kurogami:
You're already here.
Hana:
Yeah. And you took your time joining me.
Diana didn't answer, content to let the heat envelop her. But her silence was heavy.
(Flashback)
The image changes. We are in Diana's room, just after Hana announced their separation. The room is simple, decorated with care. Diana is sitting on her bed, holding a small wooden frame in her hands.
The photo inside is slightly yellowed with time. It shows a much younger Diana, perhaps ten or eleven years old, a wide, bright smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with joy. Standing next to her is a tall, protective young man. We don't see his face, hidden by backlighting or the angle of the shot, but his posture exudes an aura of quiet strength. His hand is placed on little Diana's head, a gesture full of brotherly tenderness.
(Return to the hot spring)
A single tear rolled down Diana's cheek and fell into the hot water, creating a tiny ripple. Hana, who was watching her, gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
Hana:
Hey... why are you crying?
Diana quickly wiped her cheek, a little embarrassed.
No, it's nothing... just...
Hana (in a soft but firm voice):
Alright, come with me. I was going to give it to you tomorrow before you leave, but... come on, follow me.
Hana got out of the water without further explanation. Surprised, Diana followed her, quickly wrapping herself in her towel. They walked through the silent corridors of the sanctuary to Hana's room.
The room was filled with scrolls, medical books, and dried plants. Hana went to a small wooden chest of drawers and took out a lacquered box. She opened it and took out a letter, carefully sealed.
Hana:
Here. It's from your brother.
Diana's eyes widened. She took the letter with slightly trembling hands, as if holding a fragile treasure. She broke the seal and began to read.
Hey there, my little Diana,
But what am I saying, you've probably become a grown woman. I hope you're doing well... I heard you became an Astroforge. I wanted to tell you that I'm super happy for you, you did great... and I sincerely apologize for not being able to be there for your rank-up ceremony. I'm really sorry, but from what I've heard, you're doing very well.
I promise to come back soon, and we can make up for the time we've missed these last three years.
Signed,
Ryo Kurogami, your brother who loves you very much.
The words were simple, almost clumsy, but filled with sincere affection. As she read the last line, Diana couldn't hold back her tears. They flowed freely down her cheeks, tears not of sadness, but of a mixture of joy, longing, and relief. Hana stayed by her side, silent, offering her a comforting presence.
End of Chapter 18