The sun had barely risen when four figures stood at the forest's edge, facing the long road ahead. Behind them, the quiet village slowly disappeared into the mist, and before them, stretched a journey that would last up to six months — a path leading all the way to the capital city.
Their goal: to take part in the Imperial Festival, a grand event where warriors, performers, and gifted individuals from across the Empire came to prove themselves. Those who impressed Emperor Lajin might be offered a place among his elite — the Imperial Warriors.
But none of them cared about glory.
Each one had their own reason for joining the journey — hidden, unspoken, and deeply personal. For now, the goal was simple:
Reach the capital. Survive the road.
Because the journey would not be easy.
There would be monsters, thieves, hunger, exhaustion — and possibly worse.
Nycto, Tomoe, Lena, and Al Haitham stood side by side as they said goodbye to the village.
They were well prepared.
- Lena carried her cooking kit, herbal medicine pouch, and a small basket of strange-looking seeds.
- Al Haitham had the map and a compass, both of which he had memorized in detail.
- Tomoe bore the heaviest load — food, water, and spare supplies. She didn't complain.
- Nycto carried nothing — not even a bag. His role was to move ahead, swift and silent, scouting for danger. That was the plan.
But in reality, they never needed Nycto to sense monsters.
Because Haitham's legs always started shaking long before danger arrived.
It didn't matter whether the creature was weak or strong — his trembling became the group's early warning system. The others teased him for it, but they relied on it more than they'd admit.
Because of his fear, Haitham had been advised to use a bow — something that let him keep distance from the fight. He wasn't a coward, just someone who knew his limits.
Tomoe, on the other hand, had trained with a heavy Ōtachi, but in the end chose something that felt more familiar — her fists. She didn't speak much, but when she moved, the air trembled. Her strength was raw, barely contained.
Nycto used twin katanas — a style that demanded agility, balance, and flawless timing. He made it look easy, though it wasn't.
And then there was Lena — the group's support and quiet heart. She didn't need weapons. Her connection with the earth allowed her to grow plants that slowed enemies or boosted her allies' movements. Some of her flowers could heal minor wounds, while others could store spirit energy, acting as natural batteries for the group's future battles.
They left the village behind without ceremony — no cheering, no tears.
Just four young travelers, each carrying their own secret.
Their eyes were fixed on the road ahead, and the distant spires of the capital — hidden beyond valleys, ruins, and shadowed forests.
The journey had begun.