"If you'd like, you can stay in one of our treehouses while we search for an alternative way to help you navigate through the fog," Mia suggested.
"That would be much appreciated," Takeshi responded with a nod.
"Well then, while you're here, why don't my daughter and her friends show you around?" Geiros offered.
"Alright, it would be our honor," Nyx replied graciously.
After their meeting with the elders, Takeshi, Nyx, and Akari were guided by the four girls through the wonders of the Great Tree.
As they strolled, they passed the training fields where Gean and Mia were sparring. Gean was locked in a fierce sword duel with a formidable elf, while Mia unleashed a barrage of precise arrows at distant targets.
Takeshi observed them keenly. For elders, they seem to be in their prime... Their strength is impressive, he thought.
Noticing Takeshi, Gean called out, "Yo, Takeshi! I see you carry a sword and a gun at your waist. Care for a spar?"
Takeshi smirked, confidence lighting his eyes. "Alright, Gean. Let's see what you've got."
The two stepped onto the training field, the air buzzing with anticipation. Takeshi unsheathed his sword, taking a side guard stance, while Gean raised his blade in a high center guard.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
The clash was immediate and ferocious. Steel met steel with a resounding clang as the two fighters charged. Takeshi's swift strikes pushed Gean back momentarily, but Gean countered with a flurry of blows that tested Takeshi's defenses.
"Not bad!" Gean grinned as their swords locked.
Takeshi replied with a sharp smile and pushed Gean back. He pivoted swiftly, delivering a slicing arc aimed at Gean's side. Gean leaped, his movements fluid, dodging mid-air before dashing behind Takeshi with blinding speed.
The crowd gasped as Gean's blade came down, but Takeshi spun just in time, parrying the strike with a loud clang that echoed through the field. Both men recoiled, breathing heavily, but neither yielded.
The crowd grew larger, onlookers whispering excitedly. The energy in the air was electric.
Gean smirked, his eyes narrowing. "Come on! Let's finish this!"
"Fine by me," Takeshi said, determination burning in his voice.
The two combatants reset their stances. Takeshi sheathed his sword, assuming a draw stance. Gean raised his blade high, adopting an aggressive overhead guard. The field fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut.
In a flash, both fighters moved. Their blades sliced through the air, colliding with a powerful shockwave of energy that momentarily blinded the spectators. When the dust settled, Gean stood victorious while Takeshi knelt on the ground, his blade buried beside him.
"The match is over! The winner is Gean!" the referee announced.
The crowd erupted in cheers, their admiration for both fighters clear.
Gean extended a hand, helping Takeshi to his feet. "You're impressive. Not many can keep up with me like that. Train harder, and you might surpass me one day."
Takeshi smirked, shaking Gean's hand. "Good match, Gean. I'll take you up on that challenge."
The four girls and Akari rushed over, their faces lit with excitement.
"That was incredible!" Nyx said, her eyes sparkling.
"Papa was so cool!" Akari exclaimed.
"I can't believe you almost beat him!" one of the girls added.
As they chatted, Mia approached, arms crossed but her expression soft. "Good work out there, Takeshi. Losing doesn't mean you're weak; it means there's room to grow. Learn from this."
"Thanks for the advice, Mia," Takeshi replied, smiling slightly.
After the match, the girls led Takeshi, Nyx, and Akari to their temporary home. It was a cozy treehouse nestled in the boughs of the Great Tree.
Once they arrived, the girls prepared a meal while the others relaxed. Over dinner, Takeshi spoke up. "By the way, I haven't asked your names yet."
The girl in green introduced herself first. "I'm Lily."
The girl in blue followed. "I'm Cyia."
Next was the one in light yellow. "Hina."
Finally, the girl in white added, "And I'm Shion."
Takeshi nodded and introduced his group. "I'm Takeshi Hiroshi. This is Nyx, and this little one is Akari."
"Is Akari your and Miss Nyx's daughter?" Shion asked innocently.
Nyx blushed furiously at the suggestion, but Takeshi chuckled. "Not exactly. I found her during a battle in Aventia, and Nyx decided to take her in."
As they spoke, Lily noticed Takeshi's sword and gun glowing faintly with mana.
"Takeshi, does your sword always emit mana?" Lily asked curiously.
"Yeah, ever since I found it," Takeshi said.
"Then it might be a Celestial Weapon," Hina speculated. "And that gun... it could be a cursed weapon."
Takeshi raised an eyebrow. "Celestial Weapon? Cursed weapon? What do you mean?"