Dakur led Ibaki to the peak of the tallest mountain in those lands. The air was peaceful, the scent of nature filled the moment, and a nearly surreal calm warmed Ibaki's heart. His hair drifted in the wind like a caress from the gods.
For a fleeting, wandering instant, a thought crossed his mind: to leave vengeance behind, to return to Zaara and Nael—especially to see Zaara again.
The warmest smile he had ever received came from her; her eyes shone like two lit stars in a moonless night, and that honest heart made his own beat harder. He took a deep breath and lowered his gaze—he wanted to be happy, to be someone normal.
But the implanted memories in his head tormented him: he saw blood, swords piercing women and children alike, without mercy. And that audible voice, a blend of every voice in his clan, demanded vengeance—urging him to be relentless. That whisper cried out for justice.
—Well, kid. It's been several days. I assume you're fully recovered now —said his host, arms crossed.
—That's right —Ibaki replied firmly—. I think it's time to leave.
—Perfect. Although, I'd like to check something. Will you allow me? —he asked seriously.
Ibaki nodded, the way a child would before his teacher.
—Would you be willing to have a training match with Pikur? —Dakur asked, with a look that was somewhere between playful and challenging.
A flicker of doubt crossed Ibaki's face. Pikur, proud and tense, folded his arms. From the moment they'd met, Pikur had wanted to fight him.
—Do you accept? —Dakur pressed.
Ibaki took a deep breath… and accepted.
—Perfect —Dakur exclaimed, giving two quick claps.
What Dakur sought in this match wasn't just to measure the young Tenchi's potential. He wanted to see if Ibaki could be as dangerous as the Tenchi of the past… or if, on the contrary, he was something else entirely—someone with a fascinating will.
But then, something shifted.
In the distance, the trees began to shake violently. Flocks of birds burst into the sky with sharp cries, fleeing the forest. The air grew heavy, as if the mountain itself was holding its breath.
Ibaki turned his head.
—Did you feel that? —Dakur asked, surprised.
—Yeah… something's coming. A big group.
—That's right —Dakur confirmed, his voice now sharper—. Get ready!
Suddenly, a thunderous crash echoed like a dry clap of thunder. The ground trembled. A massive creature burst from the forest, roaring with savage fury. All three dove to the sides to avoid it.
—I thought they couldn't attack within these territories… —muttered Dakur.
—What the hell is that?! —Pikur snarled, muscles tense, hand gripping his weapon's hilt.
—Don't attack it head-on. If you do, you're dead —Dakur warned firmly.
—What is that thing? —Ibaki growled, eyes locked on the beast.
—It's a Draguld. But this one's different. It's already been tamed by a human—someone who uses cursed energy as their power source. That energy lets them control creatures like this… just as an Arkano would.
The boys fell silent, staring at the creature. The Draguld turned its empty black gaze toward them, readying for another strike.
But before it could charge, a shadow descended among the trees. In a flash of ghostly speed, a human figure emerged from the darkness and kicked Pikur squarely, hurling him into the rocks beside the waterfall.
—Good observation —the intruder said in a calm, cutting voice—. You know my clan's abilities well.
He hovered in the air for a moment before landing with overwhelming elegance, as if the ground itself had been waiting for him.
—Pikur! Are you alright? —Dakur shouted, rushing to him.
—I'm fine… —Pikur replied, shaking the dust from himself—. Who the hell are you?
The figure watched them with a faint, almost amused smile. His eyes glimmered with a dark light.
Ibaki, Dakur, and Pikur met his gaze, tense, knowing they might not be facing an ordinary enemy.
What was the reason for his attack?
The mountain fell silent once more. And that silence promised something far worse.