They didn't waste a moment after their discussion. Within the hour, Kain, Serena, Takeru, and Advisor Abe departed from the manor, leaving the city behind.
Abe, despite his round frame and soft demeanor, led the group with surprising energy. He claimed he'd spent weeks to months gathering intelligence while searching for survivors of the fallen Rising Sun Kingdom—and it showed in how naturally he took command of their route eastward.
The air grew clearer as they moved through the rolling hills and mist-laced forests still protected by the Wuxing Elemental Sect. Here, few spiritual beasts dared to show themselves. Those that did froze at the faint pressure radiating from the group before vanishing back into the underbrush. The weakest weren't quick enough.
"Finally!" Takeru exclaimed, summoning his golden beetle with a flash of light. "Time to train!"
