Arc: DX kindom
Chapter 12: Stirring Shadows
Far beyond the known lands, hidden deep inside a cursed forest, stood a dark, decaying castle. Its black stone walls were weathered by time and sorrow, its towers shrouded in an eerie mist. This place was known as Kagashiro, the home of the most feared man in the world—Kazan Kaga.
Inside the cold and echoing hall, six towering figures stood silently before a massive black throne. And on it sat Kazan himself, half-hidden in shadows, his red eyes glowing like dying embers. The silence was heavy—until he crumpled a scroll in his hand.
His voice cracked the air like thunder:
"Fushiken is dead."
The general with long white hair and chains wrapped around his arms stepped forward. "Master, he underestimated the enemy. Perhaps he was not ready to face the new generation of Scriptors."
Kazan stood up slowly. His long cloak trailed behind him, scraping the floor. His gaze pierced through all six generals—each one a former warrior, now reincarnated under his dark power.
"Fushiken was the weakest of you all," Kazan growled. "And yet, those children still dare to defy me?"
He lifted one hand. The entire hall ignited with a hellish red flame. His generals did not flinch—they had long surrendered fear.
"Let them celebrate. Let them think they've won. But now… now begins the real war."
He raised his other hand, revealing a crimson-black shard. "The Book of Enlightenment… it will soon be mine."
Celebration at the Temple
Meanwhile, the Scripter Temple was glowing with joy. Word had spread quickly—Fushiken, one of Kazan's generals, had been defeated by Team 7.
In the courtyard, teachers, students, and warriors gathered for the celebration. Lanterns lit the skies, food was shared, and children danced. For the first time in months, hope returned to the eyes of the weary.
On a central stage, Grand Master Yamu, the temple head, raised his voice:
"This is more than a victory. It is a reminder—that darkness can bleed, and fear can fall."
Cheers erupted. Team 7—Bokuro, Kitsui, Nensudo, and the others—stood humbly on the platform, applauded by all.
But not everyone was smiling.
Behind the cheers, in a quiet corner near the meditation stones, Bokuro, Kitsui, and Nensudo sat together in silence.
"Everyone's celebrating," Bokuro said, staring at his hands. "But we couldn't protect Yusugo. He got hurt… and we couldn't stop it."
Kitsui sighed, her eyes serious. "We fought well. But… we weren't strong enough."
Nensudo clenched his fist. "That wasn't even Kazan. It was just one general. What will we do when he comes himself?"
Their hearts were heavy—not with pride, but with responsibility. That's when a black-robed Scriptor walked into the courtyard. In his hand, he held a scroll sealed with dark red wax.
He approached Grand Master Yamu and bowed. "A message… from Kazan Kaga."
The Warning
Everyone fell silent as the seal was broken. The message was read aloud:
> "Scriptors of the temple, you have won a battle, not the war. Fushiken was but the weakest ember in my inferno. You have touched my wrath, and now, you will burn in it.
I am coming—to take the Book of Enlightenment, and to erase your legacy from this world.
Run, hide, resist—it will change nothing. The era of Scriptors is over."
The paper burned to ash in the reader's hands. Gasps, murmurs, and terror swept through the temple. The laughter from before turned to whispers of fear.
Yamu did not waste time.
He called forth two squads: Team 7 and Team Kaji.
Team Kaji:
Captain Rokuhei
Students: Odataro, Fujinobu, and Itori
Yamu spoke with urgency:
"There is only one place where the original Book of Enlightenment is secured—the Kingdom of DX. We believe Kazan will try to steal it next."
He turned to the two teams.
"Your mission: Reach the Kingdom of DX before Kazan's forces do. Warn them. And defend the book at all costs."
Bokuro nodded. "We won't let him take it."
Rokuhei's eyes sharpened. "If Kazan wants war, we'll give him resistance."
As the two teams prepared to depart, the temple stood behind them—watching, hoping, and praying.
The battle had only just begun.