After two weeks of training in Aura usage in the Great Vargrim Pine Forest, Miles south of Takeshi's usual area at a crossroads near a rocky formation known as "Mountain View," the landscape was comprised entirely of solid stone—ground, slopes, and cliffs—to the point that even the trees avoided growing there.
The weather was sunny and ideal for a morning journey; the sky was clear, the sun shone brightly, and a gentle, refreshing breeze blew. In front of a wooden sign that read "Galleon City," with a smaller, neglected sign beneath it reading "Eldra Village," stood Takeshi and Orfin, waiting for something.
Takeshi's clothes were new and different. Previously, he had worn a long brown shirt stained with mud and blood, faded black pants, and torn shoes. Now, he wore a black shirt and a long, slightly tattered gray scarf that reached the back of his knees, though he kept his original pants and shoes. Orfin had brought him these clothes during the past two weeks.
During that period, the two divided the labor: in the morning, Takeshi searched for food and trained alone; in the evening, Orfin trained him in the use of Aura; and at night, Orfin took over the watch. Since Takeshi's sword had been stolen, the number of Revarge monsters in the area had increased significantly. Takeshi suspected the cause was related to his sword—a theory supported by the Royal Skull Gang's intent to steal it.
Monsters weren't his only concern; he was gripped by anxiety that his sword might be sold, meaning he might never find it again. He had urged Orfin to leave throughout the two weeks, but Orfin always refused, acting as if he knew the gang would never sell the sword.
Orfin had intended to train Takeshi for a full month, but the boy mastered in two weeks what Orfin expected a human to take three months to learn. Even if the techniques weren't high-level, they were practical. Orfin realized Takeshi had a powerful talent and wanted to polish it rather than leave it to the world's whims. He wanted to make Takeshi someone who could surpass the gifted at the world's peaks, as well as those born into the worst circumstances who achieved power through sheer hard work. Takeshi was a mix of both: talented yet living in intolerable conditions.
Amidst the heavy silence between them, Orfin spoke in a voice barely audible:
"The carriage will arrive soon. I hope you are ready, Takeshi..."
Takeshi nodded and replied calmly:
"So, it will take about 3 or 4 days to reach that city."
Orfin looked up at the sky, the clear blue reflecting in his eyes, and said:
"Will you be able to manage in that city full of danger and criminals?"
Takeshi stared at the stony ground and scattered pebbles.
"I haven't told you this before, but I visited that city once years ago. It was... a bad experience. But I do know someone there. If he hasn't left that cursed city, he will likely help me..."
The relationship between them remained tense. Takeshi knew nothing about Orfin, and whenever he asked, Orfin would change the subject. Takeshi did the same out of a lack of trust and excessive caution.
On the horizon, a small horse-drawn carriage appeared from the depths of the forest and entered the rocky area. Orfin nudged Takeshi's shoulder and asked:
"I know the time isn't right—even the question isn't right—but... I heard every 'calamity' has a reason for being called that. Is it true? Why were you named 'The calamity'?"
Takeshi shot a sharp look at Orfin. Something was unusual; Orfin wasn't acting like his usual playful self. The mischievous smile was gone, replaced by great seriousness. Orfin likely wanted to gain some information before Takeshi left, as there was no guarantee of his return.
Takeshi showed no emotion; his rage had subsided since that day. He took a deep breath.
"Why do you want to know?"
Orfin didn't answer. Silence returned as the carriage drew closer, only seconds away. Takeshi closed his eyes, leaning against a giant rock behind him.
"You aren't acting like yourself."
He opened his eyes, directed at Orfin, and continued:
"You told me before that some believe Aura is a spiritual energy the body cannot live without."
Orfin nodded. Takeshi moved from his spot.
"Do you believe that?"
Orfin scratched the back of his head, looking at the sky then the ground, and said hesitantly:
"I'm not sure, honestly—"
Takeshi interrupted him in a low, steady voice as he watched the carriage approach:
"The reason for my title... is that I lost my aura once in my life. I think that answers your question and determines your faith in that legend, old man."
Before Orfin could show his shock, the carriage reached them and stopped. Orfin settled for a smile that hid his stunned disbelief.
"Good morning, Master Isousha!"
the driver said cheerfully—a young man about Takeshi's age with brown hair and bright grass-green eyes, wearing old tattered clothes. His name was Sota, a merchant working under The Scorpion.
"Isousha?"
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, staring at Orfin, but Orfin quickly placed a hand over Takeshi's mouth and spoke instead:
"It has been a long time since we last met, little merchant Sota!"
Sota smiled brightly.
"So, Master Isousha, do you need a ride?"
'A ride?'
Takeshi thought, but he was interrupted by Orfin's laughter as he patted Takeshi's head.
"No, but my friend needs one. His name is Takeshi."
Takeshi froze for a moment. I understand why he used a fake name since he is wanted... but why didn't he do the same for me? Still, few people know 'The calamity' in the center of the forest is named Takeshi...
Sota hopped down and extended his hand to Takeshi.
"Takeshi then? Pleased to meet you! How old are you?"
Takeshi replied, "Pleased to meet you too... I am seventeen."
Sota's eyes widened.
"You're the same age as me?! I thought you were older!"
He thought so because of Takeshi's sharp features, serious gaze, strong build, and perfect height. Takeshi wasn't incredibly handsome, but his features gave off a strange vibe that made him look at least in his twenties.
Orfin placed his hand on Takeshi's shoulder.
"I will wait for your return, Takeshi."
Sota sat at the front holding the reins, while Takeshi sat inside the carriage, leaning against a pile of hay Sota intended to sell in Galleon City. As the carriage moved away, Orfin shouted:
"Sota!! Takeshi!! Have a safe journey!"
Sota raised a hand in farewell, while Takeshi remained silent, lost in thought about what awaited him in Galleon—the City of Chaos. He knew little about the gang there, and Orfin's information wasn't enough. He would have to find locals to talk to.
When the carriage vanished from Orfin's sight, his smile vanished with it, replaced by a cold, stern face. He turned back toward the forest shadows with steady steps, glancing out of the corner of his eye at a large rock, but he ignored it, maintaining his guard. Behind that rock, someone was hiding silently, though Orfin had noticed them. Once Orfin disappeared into the forest, that person rushed after him.
***
Hours passed since the journey began. They reached a part of the forest where Revarge monsters usually didn't venture, making the situation safe for Sota and semi-safe for Takeshi. Neither had spoken a word. Sota wanted to break the silence but hesitated repeatedly until the sun began to dip, casting golden sunset rays.
"That forest was terrifying, wasn't it?"
Sota asked.
Takeshi paused before saying,
"Yes."
The sun disappeared behind the mountains, painting the peaks gold. The carriage finally reached the outskirts of a small village far from the woods called "Eldra." The only sound was the whisper of wind through golden wheat fields. It was a traditional village with wooden houses of various sizes.
Sota smiled, relief and exhaustion in his voice.
"We've reached Eldra! Finally, we can rest!"
Takeshi straightened up and looked through a small opening. He felt something strange.
"Sota, stop the carriage."
Sota was surprised but obeyed.
"What's wrong? Do you need to... you know?"
Takeshi didn't need a bathroom break; he wanted to investigate a gut feeling. He stepped down silently, brushing hay off his clothes, and looked toward one of the small houses.
... Nothing happened. Perhaps it was just a feeling, but his intuition wouldn't let him relax his guard.
Suddenly—
"AAAAAAAAAAH!!"
A woman's scream tore through the silence. Without waiting, Takeshi bolted at full speed toward the source: one of the larger houses. Sota remained frozen on the carriage.
"What the hell is happening...?"