As Axel walked through the village, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. "Axel, what's up? How's Takeru?" Axel turned to see who was addressing him, and his eyes widened in surprise. It was Ryker, the master-at-arms, who had called out to him.
Axel's instincts kicked in, and he immediately jumped into a fighting stance. "How do you know my name?" he asked, his eyes narrowing.
Ryker's expression turned surprised, and he said, "You don't know who I am?" Axel's confusion turned to suspicion, and he launched a kick at Ryker's face. Ryker held Axel's leg, and Axel quickly retreated, launching another kick at Ryker's head.
Ryker was taken aback by Axel's speed and agility. "Stop!" he shouted, holding up his hands. "If we're going to fight, I'll take you as an enemy and kill you."
Axel froze, his eyes locked on Ryker's. "For the last time, who are you?" he demanded.
Ryker sighed, rubbing his face. "Okay, okay. You caught me. I'm Takeru's childhood friend."
Axel's expression changed from anger to shock. He couldn't believe that Ryker was connected to Takeru. He knelt down to apologize for attacking Ryker, and they both sat down to talk.
As they spoke, Ryker revealed that he and Takeru were like brothers, training together and protecting Axel and Hana when they were younger. Axel's eyes welled up with tears as he told Ryker about Takeru's death at the hands of the Kurokami.
Ryker's expression turned somber, and he vowed to honor Takeru's memory by killing a Kurokami, even if it cost him his life. Axel nodded in agreement, sharing his own goal of seeking revenge against the Kurokami.
As the night wore on, Axel and Ryker trained together, learning how to tap into their inner energy. Hana slept peacefully, unaware of the intense conversation that took place between Axel and Ryker.
As they sat together, watching the stars, Axel asked Ryker about his relationship with Takeru. Ryker's eyes lit up with memories, and he spoke fondly of their adventures and training together.
Axel listened intently, feeling a sense of connection to Ryker through their shared loss. He realized that Ryker was more than just a master-at-arms; he was a friend, a mentor, and a fellow seeker of justice.
The night air was filled with a sense of determination and purpose, as Axel and Ryker vowed to honor Takeru's memory and take down the Kurokami.