As Akimitsu followed Akira through the winding alleys of Hoshizuro, the sun dipped low, washing the territory in a warm orange glow. Lamps flickered to life, and the evening breeze carried the scent of cedar wood.
"Where are we headed, Akira?" Akimitsu asked, trying to match the older warrior's brisk pace.
"To the Blacksmith's Guild," Akira replied. "Guildmaster Kaito has requested your presence."
They arrived to find Kaito Koromo standing at the entrance, arms folded, his expression stern yet welcoming.
"Akira," Kaito began, "your strength has already become a topic across the guilds. I have a task only you can handle—retrieve the legendary Starsteel Ore from the Crimson Mines."
Akimitsu's eyes widened. "The Crimson Mines? They're filled with toxic mists… and deadly creatures. No one goes in there."
Kaito nodded gravely. "Yes. But without the Starsteel Ore, we cannot forge the weapons needed for the coming age. You'll have to navigate the dangers and bring back the ore."
Akira inhaled deeply, then nodded. "I accept the challenge."
Akimitsu stepped forward. "He won't go alone. I'll accompany him."
Kaito smiled. "Good. You'll need each other and also the price for it I would you is 25000 Rious."
As they prepared for the journey, Akimitsu's thoughts drifted to Rina. Will she join us…?
---
The Next Morning — At the Crimson Mines
Akimitsu, Akira, and Rina stood before the towering crimson-colored cliffs.
"Let's do this," Akimitsu said, grip tightening on his axe.
They ventured inside, the air growing cold and the walls glowing faintly red. Moments later, a horde of beasts erupted from the shadows.
"Akira! Rina! Watch your backs!" Akimitsu shouted, charging forward.
Claws slashed, teeth snapped, and the cave echoed with roars and steel. Akira's blades danced, Rina's strikes were swift and precise, and Akimitsu's axe carved through the chaos.
Suddenly, a beast lunged at Akimitsu from behind.
Before he could turn, a scarf whipped through the air, wrapping around the beast's neck and yanking it aside.
"What—?" Akimitsu swung his axe, finishing the creature.
He turned to find the source, but before he could speak, a sword flashed through the darkness, flying straight toward him.
Akimitsu blocked it with his axe—but the impact forced him backward.
"Akimitsu!" Rina ran to his side. "Are you hurt?!"
"I'm fine… but who threw that sword?"
Akira scanned the shadows. "Someone else is here."
A soft crunch echoed behind them.
A figure stepped forward—hood low, presence heavy, voice calm yet dangerous.
"So," the stranger said, "Hoshizuro's young saviors finally show themselves."
Akimitsu narrowed his eyes. "Who are you?"
The figure lifted his head slightly, revealing a faint, cold smile.
"I am Kuroba, heir of the forbidden arts… the one who walks with the shadows of the past."
He gestured toward the scarf and sword lying near them.
"And I see Akatsuki no Shinsei and the Shinowara Scarf have chosen you. Hah… Interesting. Those artifacts never approached anyone willingly. You must be quite special."
Akimitsu picked up the sword—feeling a strange energy pulse through it.
Rina examined the scarf. "This symbol… it's from the ancient Shinowara clan…"
Akira's expression tightened. "This could be a warning—or a trap."
Before they could question Kuroba further, the mines trembled. A low humming vibrated through the air. Dark energy rippled across the walls.
Kuroba's smile twisted into something sinister.
"Ah… you found them. Good. Now the return of the Devourer can finally begin."
Akimitsu stepped forward. "The Devourer? What are you talking about?"
Before Kuroba could answer, Akira shouted:
"Akimitsu! The Devourer is the ancient calamity that nearly destroyed Hoshizuro centuries ago! Legend says the savior Ryugun sealed it deep inside these mines. If it's freed… everything we know will be wiped out!"
Rina gasped. "Kuroba… you're trying to unseal it?"
Kuroba spread his arms wide.
"Of course. Hoshizuro's era of peace is pathetic. The Devourer's rebirth will bring true evolution. And with you—Akimitsu—its vessel will be perfect."
Akimitsu clenched his fists. "We won't let that happen."
Kuroba's aura surged. "Then perish."
---
The Battle
Dark energy exploded toward them. Akimitsu dodged, countering with swift strikes from Akatsuki. Akira and Rina fought off shadow creatures emerging from the cave walls.
Akimitsu charged at Kuroba, their weapons clashing with a thunderous spark.
"Akatsuki… mezame!" he shouted instinctively.
The sword glowed—awakening.
A burst of power surged into Akimitsu's body. His stance steadied, his strikes sharpened.
He slashed, landing a critical blow that sent Kuroba stumbling.
"You dare use the Devourer's power?!" Kuroba roared.
"The Devourer's… power?" Akimitsu whispered, stunned.
Kuroba laughed. "You still don't understand? You're already connected to it."
Another blast hit Akimitsu, forcing him back. The cave shook. Dust fell from above.
Akimitsu regained his footing, gripping Akatsuki tightly.
"Akatsuki," he whispered, feeling its pulse sync with his heartbeat, "I understand… Let's end this."
He charged forward once more—determined to stop Kuroba, protect Hoshizuro, and face whatever truth awaited him.
To be continued…