Before the Journey Continues

Rachel clutched the letter like it might disappear if she loosened her grip. The group just watched her read it in silence. No one said anything—they wanted her to have this moment. They knew she hadn’t heard from her father in six months.

She broke the seal. The parchment felt old, but her father’s handwriting was the same—quick, heavy strokes, a little messy at the edges. Her eyes scanned the first line.

✦✧✦

If you're reading this, it means you made it to the village. I won't be there when you get this letter. I wanted to tell you everything in person, but I had to move on. I can’t slow down on my quest.

Don’t worry. I’m safe—and it’s safer for you not to be with me. I didn’t want to drag you into danger. As the elder might have told you, I came here seeking the Immortals... but that was just a small part of my journey. I can’t explain everything in a letter.

I’m sure you’ve made good friends and are on a journey of your own. Cherish your companions. Keep this letter with you—I'll be able to find you again, as long as you have it.

—George

✦✧✦

Rachel took a quiet breath. She didn’t get all the answers, but at least she knew now—her dad was alive. Safe. That alone brought her peace. The others didn’t ask what the letter said right away. They could see it in her face. She folded the letter slowly and kept it close, like it was the last warm thing in the world.

Raizo returned with some village servants, offering warm food and drinks to the group. They were heroes now—the ones who had saved the Village of the Immortals. The group took the time to rest. No one had expected a village war when they started this journey. But that’s how real adventures went. You never knew what you were walking into. And even when it ended well, it still left marks.

“So... what now?” Kazuma stretched out his legs, looking up at the sky. “Does our journey end here?”

No one answered. It was quiet. They had started this path chasing a mystery, chasing rumors... and it felt like they were still far from reaching the end. Like this village, as wild as it was, was just one stop among many.

“We still don’t know if Ren is really from that warrior race,” Rachel said, finally breaking the silence.

Raizo looked at them with a soft smile. “You know, sometimes I wish I had gone on an adventure with my friends when I was younger,” he said. “If it weren’t for my duties, I might’ve seen the world.”

The group smiled. They understood. They’d all chosen something—sometimes out of duty, sometimes out of desperation. But for now, they were still free to walk forward.

“And... maybe I can point you in the right direction,” Raizo added, looking at Ren this time. “A place where you might just find your answers.”

Everyone turned to him.

“In the capital of the Northern Continent, there’s going to be a tournament. Not just any tournament—it’s the biggest fighting event in the world, hosted by the king himself. Fighters from every corner of every continent show up. Even the Demon Continent sends warriors.”

“Wait—Demon Continent?” Ren blinked. That was new. But then again, after everything he’d seen in this world, nothing really surprised him anymore.

Raizo nodded. “You’ll find the strongest people there. Strange beings, rare talents, all sorts of wild fighters. If your kind—the warrior race—still exists, there’s a good chance someone might show up there. And if nothing else... the prize is enormous. The competition brings out only the best. You might even meet someone stronger than you.”

Ren didn’t answer, but something lit up behind his eyes.

It was getting late. The sky had turned dark, stars gently peeking through the clouds above.

Raizo asked them to join the villagers for a celebration. A small festival was already happening near the village center—a way to honor their survival, their victory, and the safety of their sacred elixir. It was quiet, but alive. Soft laughter, music, and flickering lanterns filled the night.

After some rest at the shrine and a warm meal, the group walked into the heart of the village together.

The center was lit up with small fires, stalls, and simple decorations. Children played around. Some elders shared drinks. Food simmered in pots. In the middle, people danced around a bonfire with bright smiles—trying to forget the chaos from earlier.

The moment felt almost unreal. They weren’t used to peace. Not anymore.

“To the heroes who saved us!” Tatsumi raised his mug high, his voice echoing through the night.

The villagers cheered. People clapped. Hiyori ran up to them and danced in circles with childlike joy, dragging a few kids along with her. Her laughter sparkled louder than the music.

The group sat near the fire, letting the warmth soak in. It had been a long day. A long few weeks, honestly. Rest felt overdue.

Kazuma grabbed Alex and Melissa and pulled them toward the dance.

“I’m not dancing alone! That’s just depressing!” he yelled.

Ren and Rachel stayed back.

Rachel looked at the stars for a moment, then said softly, “He’s chasing something out there… just like we are.”

Ren nodded slowly. “Aren’t we all chasing something in life?”

The fire crackled. The sounds of dancing and music faded into the background for a moment.

She had stopped him from killing a man earlier. And they hadn’t talked about it. But sitting there, in that silence, it felt like they didn’t need to say much. They were just… there. Not friends yet, maybe. But not strangers either.

Eventually, Kazuma came back—sweaty, laughing, and carrying food in both hands.

“Haven’t you had enough?” Rachel raised an eyebrow.

“Nah, I’m just getting started,” Kazuma grinned.

He sat down and took a huge gulp from a wooden mug.

“Ren! We’re entering that tournament. Let’s show the world how strong our guild is!” he declared proudly.

“Yeah, I think I’ll participate too,” Alex added.

“If they allow idiots, you’ve got a real shot,” Rachel teased.

Everyone laughed.

Raizo came over and joined them, taking a seat beside the fire.

“Did your brother escape?” Melissa asked.

Raizo nodded. “Yeah. He realized it was over and ran when he had the chance. But he won’t try this again. He knows what he’s up against now.”

He looked at Ren. “So? Are you entering the tournament?”

Ren paused. “I’m not sure. Maybe.”

Raizo smiled. “You don’t have to decide right away. Just go. See the world with your own eyes. Whether you enter or not… you’ll know what to do when the time comes.”

Ren nodded again. “We’re going to keep traveling. I think we’ll find Rachel’s father out there. He left her that letter for a reason.”

Rachel looked at him, surprised for a moment. Then she smiled. A quiet smile—warm and real.

Melissa leaned forward. “Let’s just enjoy tonight, yeah? We leave tomorrow morning.”

Everyone agreed.

They had found many answers on this journey.

And many more still waited for them ahead.

To be continued...