Chapter 34: Winter.
Kazuka sat on a large branch of a high tree. Higher than the others. Looking sadly East. Toward his old home. Pensive face. Legs swinging in the air.
"My grandfather was very strong, wasn't he? I wonder if I can get strong too?"
"Unexpected that he came here and met the Old Wolf too."
Kazuka remembered hearing the Old Wolf talk about his grandfather. He sat there, silent. Eyes full of admiration.
His voice went low. Sad with homesickness. Missing relatives.
"I miss home. Hope they're okay."
"It's been a while since I saw them."
Kazuka sighed. A lingering sadness deep in his heart. A cold wind blew, making him shiver. The wind signaling winter.
"Winter is coming, huh? I don't like winter at all. But it comes every year."
"Have to wait a year for spring. Sounds boring."
Kazuka was dejected.
"I have to endure the winter cold for a whole year? My god."
11 months later. Snow covered everything. Green leaves were buried in snow. Trails were hidden. Like a luxurious coat nature gifted to this place.
The three grew a bit more. Training together in the clearing behind the mountain. Snow everywhere. White as a giant silk ribbon.
The three wore simple winter clothes. Enough to keep warm outside.
Kazuka stood before a large tree. Right hand gripped the sword, shining brilliantly in the sun. Left hand clenched, hovering near his hip. Energy radiated non-stop. Black hair swayed as energy enveloped him like a light breeze.
Focused eyes. Not a single tremor. Body tilted slightly. He wanted to unleash a horizontal slash.
Right foot forward, left foot back.
Right foot took a small step.
Right hand swung the sword left to gain momentum. Right hand like a scarf draped over his neck.
He frowned. The sword swung, tearing the wind. An energy slash was released.
Whoosh!!!
An energy slash was fired. A wide arc.
Boom!!!
The slash didn't just cut the tree in front. It flew through and cut the large trees behind (15 trees).
Kazuka ran fast from the falling trees. Trees without support crashed like an earthquake.
Boom!!!!
He let out a long breath. Looking at the trees fallen in every direction like a bunch of giant chopsticks thrown on the ground. Breath rose in thin, white plumes, vanishing in the biting cold.
He smiled, satisfied.
"Done."
"Now my energy gate and well are much larger. The slash is truly strong."
Takeshi and Airi were sparring.
Takeshi bolted fast, tearing the wind. Heading toward Airi, who was surrounded by deep red chains.
Takeshi's hands held no weapon. No fists either.
His five fingers were straight and strained. Energy surrounded his hand, concentrating into a sharp point like a spearhead. Body also surrounded by large energy. Eyes glowed orange.
The red chains around Airi were like snakes of limitless length. They crossed three times. Airi was still holding back. Takeshi lunged. His thrust was blocked. The chains shifted. He bounced back from the collision momentum.
But a large rectangular stone block suddenly rose from the ground. Takeshi, flying back, immediately twisted. Both feet slammed into the block and launched off. The stone showed clear cracks.
Boom!
He bolted toward Airi again. Body straight like a spear. Right hand forward. He was a spear. But before he could focus, Airi's chains surged from both sides and underground. They coiled around Takeshi and caught him. Takeshi was flustered, not expecting to be caught.
Airi swung her hand. The chain hurled Takeshi into a large snow pile.
"Ahhhhh"
Takeshi roared and dove headfirst into the snow. Kazuka stepped over.
"Let's go back. Sun's at its peak."
Takeshi crawled out of the snow and looked up. He squinted, trying to locate the sun in the blinding light. Like a rose with thorns, the sun didn't want anyone to gaze at it easily.
The sun was indeed overhead. His voice was disappointed and bored.
"What? Only played a bit and it's time to eat?"
Airi took off her cotton coat and exhaled.
"I've been fighting, and I'm hot here."
Kazuka replied: "Winter's almost over. Not as cold as the start. I hate winter. Fast is better."
Takeshi stepped out of the snow. He shook himself hard to shed the snow. Dusting clothes, he said:
"How many times have you said that this winter, Kazuka?"
Kazuka shrugged and laughed.
"Who knows?"
Sitting around the familiar fire. The logs they sat on were worn by time and repeated use.
Airi held a wooden cup. Steam rose from the hot water. She blew gently and took a sip. Kazuka and Takeshi ran over.
"Hey Airi, want to go to the library? We can buy something to eat on the way."
Airi was calm. Uninterested.
"Go there for what?"
Kazuka, eyes sparkling, looking pitiful.
"Come on. You've only gone out a few times since then... come with us."
Airi put the cup down. Reluctant.
"Fine."
Going outside. Takeshi spoke:
"Hey Kazuka, I think we should go too."
Kazuka frowned. Didn't understand what Airi meant.
"Go where?"
Airi sighed. Looking far toward the horizon. Pensive. Expectant of the future.
"Go on an adventure."
Kazuka understood. He tilted his head, thinking.
"I think so too. We've been here over a year. Time to go outside and explore."
Airi spoke: "I've waited for you two to say that for a long time."
Takeshi looked up at the pale gray sky.
"Have you guys thought about meeting an enemy the moment we step out?"
Airi smiled slightly.
"Worth mentioning."
Kazuka laughed loud. People around looked at him like a strange creature doing something stupid.
"What's to worry? If we meet one, we just overcome it. We aren't afraid of death anyway. We promised, right?"
Airi burst out laughing. Both looked at her, confused.
Kazuka spoke first:
"Something funny?"
Kazuka was no longer curious. He stood straight. Proud voice.
"And if we stay in this city, we're safe. No one dares touch the Old Wolf's disciples."
Takeshi nodded "um... um."
"So have you guys thought where we'll go? And when?"
Airi jerked her head toward Kazuka.
"Ask him."
Kazuka was thinking. Two pairs of eyes stared with expectation. Then Kazuka smiled.
"I don't know."
Takeshi turned to Airi. Hoping she'd say something. Asked her:
"What do you think? Airi?"
Airi shook her head.
"I don't know."
Then she remembered something. Got angry.
"Why ask me? You two suggested it. Now you don't know. Are you serious?"
Takeshi and Kazuka smiled awkwardly. Didn't dare look at Airi.
Airi sighed.
"If you guys don't go, or choose to work in the royal city—like soldiers or generals..."
"Then I'm leaving. I'm only interested in traveling everywhere. Hear that?"
Kazuka answered calmly. He understood Airi's expectation for the journey.
"Don't worry. I won't do that. We'll become unemployed wanderers, like beggars traveling everywhere. Deal? Basically, won't do what you just said."
Takeshi raised an eyebrow and smiled:
"Huh? Beggars?"
Airi sighed: "Yeah, that's fine. But no begging."
They went to a simple house. Not too big. The sign read: Book Library.
They pushed the old door. Wind chimes jingled "cling clang." A greeting. Inside, right by the door, a girl sat reading.
She wore large glasses. Silky black hair. Gentle face. Wearing a white shirt and a brown skirt.
Seeing Kazuka's group, the girl stood up. A cute smile. Welcomed them warmly.
Kazuka and Takeshi shouted in unison:
"Hello, Sister Yurika!"
"It's you kids? Come in."
Yurika looked surprised seeing Airi.
"Oh, haven't seen Airi in a long time."
Airi bowed.
"Hello, Sister. I had a lot of work, so I couldn't come."
Yurika: "You kids here to read again?"
Takeshi walked among the bookshelves. Looking around.
"As usual, Sister. Only I find books. Those two are here to play."
Airi followed Takeshi. She took an old book from a low shelf. No patterns or decorations outside. Kazuka peeked at what Airi was doing.
"What book, Airi?"
"Just reading some stories. Why do you care?"
Hearing that, Kazuka stopped peeking. Turned away.
"Oh, maybe I should find one to read? But my reading is poor."
Yurika called Kazuka: "Kazuka, you can read the picture stories in the last row."
It was nearly dark. They stepped out of the library. Expressions of shock. Eyes wide in surprise. A long line of slaves was moving. The sound of iron chains hitting the road echoed. The final attention of those nearing the threshold of suffering.
The slaves were covered in wounds and blood. Children were in the line. Even old men.
Every face was bowed. Fear and sadness enveloped them. Their fate was sealed the moment the iron collar was put on. Their downcast eyes matched their status: none, no more, unrecognized, unable to live as humans.
Yurika stepped out. Seeing the dazed group, she spoke as if this were common:
"It's normal to react this way seeing this for the first time."
All three turned. Airi spoke first: "I knew this was a slave-trading city, but this is barbaric."
"It happens every year. You probably didn't see it last year."
Around them, many normal people and adventurers just stood and watched. No one spoke up. No one did anything. Their emotions were calloused from seeing this too much.
If it was just pity, no one wanted to help. Helping often leads to more danger. Without a purpose, why help?
At the end of the line, a group was walking. Three men with evil, cunning faces. Dressed somewhat luxuriously. Likely wealthy. Five men in shining silver armor, no helmets, swords at their hips. In the middle was a young girl, seemingly very noble.
She wore a short black dress, above the knees. Exquisite patterns and sparkling gems meticulously sewn. They reflected the weak setting sun. Multi-colored silk ribbons swayed behind the dress. Striking red hair. A beautiful face exuding nobility and arrogance. She walked as if the ground itself must bow. No one dared look straight at her. Everyone bowed slightly, avoiding a gaze that could kill them for any slight.
A slave trader with a cunning face stepped level with her and bowed.
"How do you like this batch, Milady? This is our finest 'stock'. Muscles rippling, right? The kids and old men are my gift to you."
Her voice rose as if despising everything in the world. She glanced at the trader with annoyance.
She knew he was dumping useless, old stock on her. But her eyes showed an intent for the old ones. She nodded slightly.
"Hmph. Passable. Men?"
A young soldier stepped forward, bowing respectfully.
"Yes, what is it, Mistress?"
"Go to our carriage. Take a chest of gold and pay them."
Voice without resistance, as if fearful and forced.
"Yes, Milady."
The three men's eyes lit up. Joyful faces. Bowing with fake respect.
"Thank you, Milady. You are most generous."
Her face showed clear contempt. She spoke out.
"Scram."
The slave traders got their money. Joyful. No annoyance in their expression or eyes.
"Yes, we shall scram."
They retreated, following a guard.
Walking, she shifted her gaze to Kazuka's group. Eyes fixed on Airi. She gnashed her teeth. Rage clear.
She pointed a finger adorned with small gems at Airi.
"Why is there someone in this damn city prettier than me? Guards, seize that girl with the pale pink hair over there for me."
The townspeople around were whispering.
"That girl is finished."
"Being noticed is certain death."
"I even had to hide my own daughter."
Hearing this, she smirked triumphantly.
"Brat, dare to be prettier than me? I am the prettiest here."
Four soldiers approached Kazuka's spot. All three were dazed, not understanding.
Takeshi growled: "What do you want?"
One soldier spoke, face slightly apologetic.
"Boy, we only want the pink-haired girl behind. Better not interfere. Or there will be no good end."