The Zahari Tribe and the Mysterious Tuber

The sun blazed mercilessly over the endless dunes. Sand danced in the wind, carrying the echo of a strange silence.

 The three travelers gazed at a village in the distance—an oasis, hidden, yet tense with something unseen.

— This place gives me the creeps… it’s too quiet — Kuragane muttered, tense.

— Hey, don’t be so dramatic — Raizen shot back with a sly grin — Maybe they’re just waiting with hot tea and friendly chatter.

 Or, who knows… a demonic invasion. You’d be surprised what a boring day can bring!— If your dumb jokes summon a demon, you’re on your own — Mizuki grumbled, narrowing her eyes.

— Ouch, my heart… After all we’ve been through? You’ve got a heart of stone, you know — Raizen teased.

— S-shut up, idiot! Now’s not the time… — Mizuki snapped.

— Enough. Remember why we’re here. We won’t learn anything about Malvor if we waste time bickering — Kuragane said, his tone grave.

When they reached the village, the wind stopped abruptly. The ground trembled faintly, as if sighing.

 Suddenly, a zanari spotted them and charged. The trio fled, but someone yanked them into a house.

It was a girl—a striking figure with emerald eyes and a mane of black pearls. Beautiful, confident.

— If your demonic blood wasn’t pulsing, they wouldn’t have found you.

 If it wasn’t for me… you’d be done for — she said.

— Who are you?!

 — Kuragane demanded, raising his weapon.— I’m Chiara, princess of the Zanari tribe. You’re not here by chance. Fate brought you. And I think you can help our tribe.

 The exiled demons from the South have camped in the black tents. 

They’re planning a full-scale attack… tonight — she explained.

Kuragane glanced into the distance.— Look… the demons are gathering — he said.— They’ve got no taste in tents. 

Look like stretched-out socks — Raizen whispered.

— Focus! This is a scouting mission, not stand-up comedy — Mizuki hissed.

— We attack at dawn. Destroy the village and capture the princess. 

Split the troops and surround the place! — a demon’s voice echoed from a tent.

— Well… now they’ve pissed me off — Raizen muttered.Chiara led them to her father’s palace.

— Father, please! Let them help.

 They overheard the enemy’s plan!

 — Chiara pleaded.

— I can’t trust a demon. 

Not even a half-one — the king said.

— We’re not asking for trust.

 Just a chance to prove not all demons are monsters — Kuragane replied.

— And… Raizen couldn’t lead demons. He can barely lead himself! — Mizuki added, embarrassed.

— True.

 I even lost a sock in our last fight — Raizen grinned.

— Fine. I’ll give you a chance. But if you betray us… your blood will stain the sacred sand — the king said sternly.

— I’ll hold the front line. Mizuki, stay hidden and strike from the shadows.

 Raizen… — Kuragane began.

— I’m the distraction, right? Shocker — Raizen interrupted.

— You’re a natural at annoying enemies — Mizuki quipped — But, Kuragane, since when are you the leader?

— What’s your problem? 

You’d be lost without me! — Kuragane retorted.

— Enough! We follow Kuragane’s plan — Chiara said — And I have something for you.

She handed them a magical medallion.

— This will protect you a bit… but don’t forget: the southern demons are corrupted by hate — she warned.

— Are you ready?

 — she asked.

— YEAH! — they shouted.Night.

 The full moon bathed the Zanari village in light.

 Demons poured from their camp, howling and marching toward the walls.

— They’re coming. 

More than we thought — Kuragane said, peering from the wall.

— Good.

 It’s been a while since a proper fight — Raizen said, clenching his fists, his aura pulsing.

— Don’t fall in love with one, Raizen. 

You tend to overdo it — Mizuki said from a tower, bow ready.

The first wave of demons leaped over the walls. 

Kuragane dove into their midst, his palms glowing yellow, holy symbols tracing circles of light.

— Judgment of the Gods: Agile Palm! — he shouted.

He struck the ground with both hands—a wave of light incinerated the first wave.

— What is this guy?! 

He’s not normal! — a demon screamed.

“I’m not normal. 

I don’t even know what I am anymore… but it doesn’t matter,” Kuragane thought.

Raizen and Mizuki launched a combined attack. 

Raizen leaped onto rooftops, drawing his demonic sword, dark flames enveloping his arms.

— Shadow Blade: Phase I—Chaos Edge! — Raizen called.

He sliced two demons, then raised his hand.

 Mizuki fired a light arrow that ricocheted off his blade, exploding into a group of enemies.

— Told you we could work together! 

— Mizuki called.

— And I told you if I die, I’ll haunt you as a ghost — Raizen shot back.

Three generals emerged from the demon camp: a four-armed colossus, a witch with smoky hair, and a giant red-eyed vulture.

— Who are they?! 

That boy with the demonic aura… his power’s rare! — a soldier cried.

— Their commanders.

 We need to keep them apart! 

— Kuragane shouted.

— I’ll take the vulture! 

— Raizen said — Handle the others!

— Half-demon, your blood will awaken our ancestors!

 — the demonic vulture hovering above taunted.

— Then I hope they like my flavor! Want some garnish with it? 

— Raizen retorted, hurling his sword.Kuragane battled the colossus, dodging but tiring.

— He’s too strong… — he muttered.

— Thought you could beat me? — the colossus laughed.

On the verge of defeat, Kuragane slipped into a dark slumber. 

Familiar shadows urged him on.

 He surged up, roaring, slicing the colossus’s tendons.

 The giant fell to its knees. 

Kuragane chanted a powerful incantation, severing its arms one by one.

— Didn’t think you had it in you… — the colossus smirked, collapsing.

Kuragane, exhausted, collapsed too.

Mizuki was trapped in an illusion—mists and shadows everywhere.

— Make your last wish, archer… — the witch cackled.

— My illusions are better. 

Mind Arrow: Reflection! 

— Mizuki countered.

Her arrow bounced between magical mirrors, striking the witch from behind.

— What… what着的 happening? — the witch stammered, caught in Mizuki’s illusion of her painful past.

 She began to break down.

— You don’t mess with me — Mizuki said with a cold smile.

Night. 

The sky glowed red from the fires consuming the village.

 Above, the giant demonic vulture soared, its red eyes burning. 

Raizen, wounded and weary, stood in a dusty street, his cracked sword in hand.

— Finally alone… Half-demon. You reek of fear. 

You’re at your limit. I feel it in your blood — the vulture’s deep, mocking voice rang out.

— Might just be sweat… from all the running to not die. 

So, what’s it gonna be? A jog or straight to fighting?

 — Raizen panted, smirking faintly.

— You’ve joked your way to the end. 

You won’t laugh when I tear out your heart and deliver it to my masters — the vulture sneered.

— You… don’t get it. I don’t fight to win. 

I fight… to protect. And you’ve got no idea how stubborn I can be when it comes to those I care about — Raizen said, his face serious, profound.

The vulture dove, its claws ripping through rooftops.

 Raizen dodged narrowly, unleashing a dark wave from his sword.

— Shadow Blade—Reverse Spiral! — he shouted.

The vulture’s wing was hit, but it spun, unleashing a sonic blast from a demonic screech.

 Raizen was thrown into a wall. 

He rose slowly, blood on his cheek.

— You ever think… you’re neither human nor demon?

 Just a mistake… an anomaly — the vulture taunted.

— I know. 

I hated myself for years because of it.

 But them—Mizuki, Kuragane, everyone I’ve met—they made me feel… real.

 Like I belong somewhere — Raizen shouted, trembling but with a fiery gaze.

The vulture lunged again, piercing Raizen’s chest with a claw. He fell to his knees, blood pooling. He looked up, barely conscious.— Mizuki… sorry I… wasn’t better — he thought faintly.From behind, Mizuki sped forward, tears in her eyes, her bow glowing blindingly.— NO! DON’T YOU DARE DIE, IDIOT! — she screamed.She fired an arrow that split into dozens of illusory copies, all striking the vulture’s eyes. It roared and retreated.— Once again… you run off alone and nearly get yourself killed! How many times do I have to tell you… we’re a team?! — Mizuki said, cradling him.— First time… I’ve seen you cry for me — Raizen, barely audible, gave a weak smile.— Shut up… Say something cocky again, and I’ll smack you. I’m not crying for you, it’s the dust you’re covered in — she snapped.She placed her hand on his chest, and Chiara’s artifact glowed. Raizen’s power surged.Full Transformation—Living Demon RebornRaizen’s body was engulfed in black flames and red light. He rose slowly, eyes blazing, energy wings sprouting behind him. His sword reformed, larger, etched with demonic-holy runes.— I’m neither human… nor demon. I’m what you never understood: a choice — his voice, deep with a demonic echo, declared.He shot upward with incredible speed, appearing before the vulture.— Shadow Judgment—Silent Dawn! — he roared.A cross-slash—one of light, one of darkness—tore the vulture’s body in two. The sky blazed. The vulture dissolved into ash.Raizen descended beside Mizuki, exhausted but alive. She punched his chest lightly.— Do that again, and I’ll tie your legs! — she warned.— If you do it… I promise I won’t mind — he teased.She turned away, embarrassed, but smirked faintly. Kuragane and Chiara appeared, gazing at the now-blue sky.Morning. A small, sunlit room with three beds. Raizen slept with his mouth open, Kuragane meditated on the floor, and Mizuki woke with a pillow in her face.— Why do I smell smoke and stupidity? — Mizuki groaned.— No soup… I wanna crush demons… — Raizen mumbled in his sleep.— We’re awake. We’re alive. And Raizen’s dreaming about food. So, everything’s normal — Kuragane said.Raizen bolted upright, hair a mess, a blanket draped over his head like a cape.— I’m alive?! Mizuki, you saved me? That means you love me now! It’s warrior law! — he exclaimed.— You’re a law of embarrassment. Go wash—you smell like a week-old sock! — Mizuki said, hurling the pillow.Kuragane chuckled quietly. The door opened, and Princess Chiara stood in the doorway, a warm smile on her face, holding a glowing object—a flower-shaped crystal with a pulsing red core.— Glad to see you… mostly functional. Raizen, the blanket’s not a weapon — she said.— Maybe not, but with enough imagination and laziness… anything’s dangerous — Raizen said, posing like a superhero.— Your jokes are comforting… but I want to give you something truly important — Chiara said, growing serious.She handed them the artifact.— This is the Zanari Soul Core. Forged with the combined power of our kingdom’s oldest guardians. It unlocks your true potential… up to 100% — she explained.— 100% of a half-demon, an illusionist archer, and a glowing-palm moralist. Sounds… destabilizing — Kuragane said, raising an eyebrow.— If I turn too epic, don’t be shocked if I demand a throne and a crown. Gold. Maybe a talking cat — Raizen said, grabbing the crystal, awestruck.— If he turns dangerous, I’m tossing him in a well, powers and all — Mizuki said.— Take it. You saved our village. You deserve to discover who you truly are — Chiara said, laughing.The three touched the artifact. A wave of light enveloped them. Their auras surged, a new power—controlled, stable, immense—filling the air.— This… is next-level. I feel like I could… move mountains — Raizen said, eyes wide.— I feel like you could destroy the planet — Mizuki said.— I feel like I need to keep you both in check — Kuragane said.Stepping outside, sunlight bathed their faces. The village was calm. A new beginning.— Hey… next time you save me, maybe… no crying? — Raizen said, slapping Mizuki’s shoulder.— Shut up. It was the wind in my eyes — she replied.— The wind, obviously. And the one who slashed the vulture was probably the wind too… — Kuragane said.They all laughed, walking off, stronger, closer.The desert stretched vast beyond the village. Raizen, Mizuki, and Kuragane strolled casually, carried by the warm midday breeze. The sun blazed overhead, but the air was oddly calm.— After saving a village and slaying a demon-vulture, we deserve a vacation. Three days of sleep, at least — Raizen said, stretching and yawning.— I’d love that… but I’m sure you’d ruin it in five minutes — Mizuki sighed.— Something’s off. I hear something strange… — Kuragane said, slowing, his voice calm but tinged with concern.From the sand burst a short old man with an enormous mustache, dressed in traditional robes and a frying pan on his head. His face was pure panic.— HELP! They stole my golden potato! The Hopping Dune Monster took it! — he wailed, voice trembling.— Wait… what? — Raizen said, freezing, baffled.— Hopping… Monster? — Mizuki said, raising an eyebrow, eyeing the old man with amusement and confusion.— It was holy! It glowed! We fried it once a year, and it brought prosperity to our village! But a green creature… with a hat! It stole it! Jumps out of the sand like a rabid frog! — the old man said, nearly sobbing, wringing his hands.— So you’re saying a golden potato… was stolen by a frog with a hat? — Raizen said, bursting into laughter, unable to contain himself.— This is an insult to all our serious missions — Kuragane said, rubbing his forehead, exasperated.— Still… you look like the type to fight for a potato. Just saying — Mizuki said, smirking at Raizen.— If it’s golden and crispy, count me in. Let’s go! — Raizen said, shrugging, grinning wide.The three trekked through the dunes. Suddenly, a small green monster with a straw hat and bulging eyes leaped from the sand.— BLOOP-BLOOP! DON’T TAKE MY POTATOOOO! — it shrieked.— Okay, officially the most ridiculous day of my life — Raizen said, doubling over laughing.A hilarious chase ensued: the monster bounced between rocks, Raizen tripped over a camel, Mizuki’s illusory arrows made Kuragane punch a bush, and Kuragane ran calmly but visibly frustrated.— I’ve fought demons, seen dark magic… but I wasn’t ready for… a runaway potato — Kuragane said, panting.The monster reached an oasis, holding the potato aloft like a treasure.— It’s mine! It makes me hop! I love it! — it squealed.— Dude… if I promise to fry you another, will you hand it over? — Raizen said, hands on hips.— Nobody holds a potato hostage while I’m around! — Mizuki said, clenching her fist.— It’s just… a potato — Kuragane said, raising a hand.After a brief, comical fight—Raizen covered in mud, Mizuki caught in an illusion of flying potatoes, and Kuragane calming the monster with… a flute melody (?!)—they recovered the potato.— To think I turned into a half-demon… for this — Raizen said, holding the potato, caked in mud.— You are what you eat. You’re a potato with bad jokes now — Mizuki said, laughing.— I’m going to meditate. Praying we don’t get called for the ‘Enchanted Onion Mission’ — Kuragane said, chuckling.The potato was returned, the old man’s village rejoiced, and the three walked on, laughing but wary of what bizarre mission awaited next.