The Big Plan

We had made our preparations and were getting ready to leave. We visited Master Yix again to say goodbye to him. Master Yix smiled when he saw us and said,

"Looks like you're about to hit the road. And I hope you slept well where I showed you."

"Actually, yes, it was quite comfortable, so we don't know what to say. Thanks again, Master Yix."

"It was a pleasure for me. But before you all set off, I want to ask you something: Where are you going now?"

I had forgotten to look at the map for our next stop. I immediately took my map out of my pocket and looked at where we should go for the next person.

After a brief silence, Hiroshi said,

"Hey, kid! Our next target better not be the mines. Or I won't last long with these lungs."

"It's not in this kingdom. According to the map, across the sea, it shows that we have to cross the sea." I replied in surprise.

Hiroshi said with a surprised expression, "What?"

"That means our next member is in the second kingdom," Babu said.

I was hoping to find more people in this Kingdom, but it looks like we will continue with four for now. It was a bit frustrating given the number of enemies. But it's better than nothing. We had to get to the second Kingdom to find the fifth person.

Lezlie looked at us and said,

"If that's the case, we must cross the sea to reach the second Kingdom."

"It's not that easy. There are huge seas between the kingdoms. And even if we get to the ports, if the First Epic or elite soldiers catch us, we'll be in a difficult situation," Hiroshi said.

Babu said, "Hiroshi is right. There has to be another option, we can't just walk away from this kingdom. They'd catch us in an instant and I don't think you have a boat to get us across the sea."

They were right; it was challenging for us to get there. For this, we had to do something else first. But fortunately, I had an idea.

"Then let's fight. If this is the only way to cross the sea, let's attack them first."

Everyone looked at me, surprised and scared.

"Are you crazy? There are only four of us! Who knows how many of them there are? And we don't even know what they can do," Hiroshi objected.

"He's right, Ryuu. If Master Yix couldn't beat him, we can't either," Babu said.

"I know what I'm saying. If we don't act now, we'll face an extra enemy when we're cornered later," I replied.

"I understand, Kid, but we're talking about fighting an army and an Epic."

Master Yix stood up.

"Ryuu is right. If you go to the second Kingdom now, you'll die. But here you have a chance to beat the First Epic."

Lezlie looked at Master Yix. She was as curious as the rest of us about what he meant.

"Really? How is that possible?"

"Yes. The Naiton lineage lives in the mountains ahead. They hold a grudge against elite soldiers and Epics because of past events. They're numerous. If you can convince them, they'll fight with you against the First Epic. I'm sure of it."

Hiroshi lit his cigar. "He's probably right. We need more people to beat him, and this may be our only chance. After what we have done, we are all wanted in their eyes. I've been hiding all my life, I'm not going to spend a few more years hiding."

"Also, considering the people we've encountered before, we've defeated two out of five elite soldiers. That leaves only three elite soldiers and one Epic. I mean, how hard can it be."

Master Yix said, "So you were the ones who beat them. Impressive, but they're nothing compared to the first and second elite soldiers. When together, they're unbeatable. I watched their movements when they attacked here. They always stay close to the First Epic. So your job is not easy. That's all I know about them, but they're dangerous."

I asked, "But Master Yix, what about the First Epic? Can you tell me anything about him?"

"He's too strong to fight. He carefully examines his opponent's moves and adapts to combat areas. He's good at using his surroundings. Be careful; fighting it carelessly can lead directly to your doom."

I knew how powerful the Epics were, but if I was going to fight him, I had to prepare accordingly. If I chose the battlefield and alliances well, I might have a chance against him. I trusted my friends, but I had to deal with the epic problem myself. Because I was the one who asked them to come.

"Babu, if you want to complete your Ki training, remember what I have told you, so you can become stronger. And if you go to the third kingdom, visit the original home of our lineage, they will help you where you are lacking, I am sure of it," said the master.

Babu hugged Master Yix. "I'll be back again, Master Yix. But I don't know when."

"Don't worry, Babu. I trust you'll find your way back home like always."

After talking with Master Yix, we learned some information. The kind of information that could change our war.

We'd faced difficulties before, but the journey ahead would be even more challenging. Things were getting more and more serious.