Chapter 10: The Princess, the King, and the Wanderer

Y entered the familiar tavern at midnight.

The owner looked up and said in a flat tone:

— “We’re closed… come back later.”

But she quickly froze, eyes widening as she recognized him:

— “Oh… it’s you.”

Y smiled:

— “I’m glad you still remember me.”

The owner raised an eyebrow:

— “There aren’t many who can match King in raw strength.”

(The rest of the staff watched in silence, intrigued by the exchange.)

Y pulled out a chair and sat down calmly:

— “‘Match’ is the right word… if it weren’t for the table, I would’ve lost.”

The owner, a hint of admiration in her voice:

— “It’s rare to see someone admit to weakness.”

Y, quietly:

— “Acknowledging your weaknesses… is the first step to growth.”

The owner leaned forward:

— “Care for a drink?”

Y:

— “Water will do.”

The owner:

— “You don’t like alcohol?”

Y:

— “Never tried it… and I don’t intend to.”

The owner:

— “Then how can I help you?”

Y:

— “I’m looking for new members to join my team.”

She chuckled, lifting her glass before taking a sip:

— “Hunters? And you think you’ll find them in a tavern?”

Y, calmly analyzing:

— “From the moment I walked in, you were studying my weaknesses. Not just you—everyone working here stands out. Especially… the hidden one.”

The owner’s expression shifted slightly:

— “As I thought… you can sense her.”

Y:

— “I can’t see her, but I can feel her. Thanks to Leona, my senses have sharpened a little.”

The owner smiled faintly:

— “Sharp senses. But in this world… they’re not enough.”

Y:

— “I agree.”

The owner studied him:

— “… Are you an assassin?”

Y:

— “As a profession? No. And I’m not a hunter either… just a wanderer.”

Suddenly, a voice came from behind him:

— “What’s your goal? Why are you looking for me?”

A small girl, no taller than Leona, stepped out of the shadows, twin daggers gleaming in her hands.

Y turned to her, unfazed:

— “So that’s your weapon.”

The owner thought to herself:

“I never imagined Liz would react to him…”

Y, confidently:

— “My goal?… I’ve thought about it for a long time, and found no clear answer. Recently, all I want… is to learn more about my weapon. Perhaps that’s a goal in itself.”

Liz:

— “Why me?”

Y:

— “Pure chance.”

Liz frowned:

— “… I don’t understand.”

Y rose from his seat, looking straight at her:

— “Mond Kingdom has begun a long-term plan… one that may take two years. Its aim: to rise on every front.”

The owner:

— “That’s why so many hunters with bad reputations were expelled.”

Y:

— “Correct.”

The owner:

— “So… you’re the one meant to protect the kingdom?”

Y:

— “Not protect. Assist. That’s where the hunters come in—discard the corrupt, and work with the talented.”

The owner smiled knowingly:

— “A long-term plan, new recipes, gifted hunters, secret deals… and all of this within just a week of your appearance.”

Y:

— “I’m not a hunter… so they don’t need me.”

The owner:

— “I’ll accept your offer… but on a few conditions:

First, free meals—for you alone.

Second, only three meals a day.

Third, if your recipes fail… the agreement is void.

And last—you must help anyone working in this tavern.”

Y objected firmly:

— “That last condition doesn’t sit well with me. Helping others is a choice… not an obligation.”

The owner:

— “Very well… then anyone working here is free to join you. How about that?”

Y:

— “Agreed.”

The owner, smiling:

— “By the way… my name is Margaret.”

Y:

— “And I’m… Y.”

As he passed Liz on his way out, he said casually:

— “See you later.”

Margaret stared at Liz in surprise:

— “I didn’t expect you to react to him.”

Liz, softly:

— “… I’m surprised too. He’s strong.”

Margaret smiled with a serious edge:

— “Unlike others… he doesn’t neglect his defense. That alone is a trap. I’d wager fighting him is both thrilling… and exhausting.”

Then she raised her voice to the staff:

— “To bed, all of you! We have a tavern to run tomorrow!”

As for Liz… she vanished into the shadows without another word.

Y, Ares, and Kaguya were preparing to leave Mond, setting their sights on the Dwarven Kingdom.

Ash, with a calm smile:

— “I wish I could go with you… but it’s better if I stay behind, just in case something happens.”

L, her tone firm:

— “She’s right. With you three gone, King will be left alone to protect the kingdom… and we can’t take that risk.”

After a brief farewell, the three climbed into a sturdy carriage drawn by powerful horses, and set off toward the south.

The journey was long, yet steady… until the towering peaks of the Dwarven Kingdom finally came into view, massive walls of stone rising like a natural fortress.

As they stepped down from the carriage, Ares gazed at the scene with eyes gleaming in wonder:

— “So… this is the Dwarven Kingdom. Kaguya, where’s your home?”

Kaguya, quietly:

— “Not inside the kingdom itself… but close by.”

Suddenly, a group of guards rushed forward, surrounding them from all sides.

Y, coldly, his hand resting on his weapon:

— “I don’t believe we’ve broken any laws… but if it’s a fight you want, then so be it.”

The three drew their weapons, bracing themselves.

Then, a thunderous voice cut through the tension:

— “Stand aside… this one is mine!”

A massive man appeared, mounted on a white stallion. His silver armor gleamed beneath the sun, a crimson cloak billowed behind him, and a golden crown rested proudly upon his brow.

He leapt from his horse with surprising agility, drew a colossal blade, and charged straight at Y.

Y, a sharp smile forming on his lips:

— “Straight to the king, huh?… This should be fun.”

Their weapons clashed in a deafening explosion of force, the air itself bursting with violent energy, shaking the ground and sending dust spiraling high into the sky.

The king’s booming voice resounded:

— “Welcome… to the Dwarven Kingdom!”

The soldiers, caught in his presence, slammed their spears against the earth, filling the air with a rumbling chorus of dust and thunder.

Y, smiling:

— “Quite the welcome… and from the king himself.”

Both men stepped back, then clasped hands firmly, leaving the onlookers stunned.

The king, grinning broadly:

— “Forgive me… but it’s the best way to test a man.”

Y chuckled:

— “You’re not the first to try.”

The king, with playful resolve:

— “Every great warrior has his own way of greeting another.”

Their shared laughter echoed, carrying a sense of mutual respect.

The king:

— “I like you. My name is Ragnar, King of the Dwarves.”

Y gestured to his companions:

— “I am Y… and these are my sisters. The first, bearer of the golden shield: Ares. The other… Kaguya.”

Kaguya, whispering shyly:

— “My… sisters.”

Ares placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder:

— “Come on, sister. Let’s go.”

At the Borders of the Kingdom

King Ragnar was still mounted on his horse, raising his hand toward Y as he called out in a booming voice:

— “Do you need help with anything?”

Y, with a calm smile:

— “I’ll think about your offer.”

Ragnar leaned forward with a confident grin:

— “What about joining my kingdom? I will give you everything you need—and more.”

Y shook his head quietly:

— “I’m sorry… but I already have a home.”

Ragnar chuckled lightly:

— “At least I tried. If you ever need anything… come to the castle.”

The king rode off on his white stallion, heading back toward the castle. Y stood watching him with a faint smile, murmuring to himself:

— “A remarkable king indeed…”

He then turned to Kaguya:

— “Your home is close by?”

Kaguya, softly:

— “Yes.”

Y, in a firm yet gentle tone:

— “Good. You and Ares go ahead—I’ll catch up later. I want to explore the Dwarven Kingdom a little.”

Ares nodded with a smile:

— “Understood.”

And so, Y parted ways with them, entering the kingdom on his own.

Within the Dwarven Kingdom

Y walked through the streets of the kingdom, his eyes shifting in silent wonder at every detail. Every stone, every carving, every archway spoke of a history forged in strength and artistry.

He ran his hand along a wall of intricately carved stone and whispered:

— “The Dwarves… true masters of stonework and smithing. Who else could carve an entire kingdom into the heart of a mountain? They are not building a city… they are shaping an eternal fortress, a work of art that defies time.”

The wide passages were paved with dark stone, streaked with glowing veins of gemstones that lit the way with a soft radiance—like scattered stars in an underground sky. Towering pillars rose into the unseen heights, each etched with ancient runes and patterns that echoed forgotten legends.

Y observed in awe:

— “There is no room for error here… everything is calculated, precise, alive.”

The rhythmic pounding of hammers echoed through the air, coming from the smithies that lined the avenues. Sparks burst with every strike, blades took shape beneath tireless hands. The scent of heated iron, leather, and oil clung to the atmosphere, as if part of the kingdom’s very identity.

A faint smile curved Y’s lips as he watched:

— “A people who don’t merely live to survive… but to achieve perfection. They love their drink, thrive in battle, and honor strength. No wonder one feels as though he is walking within a living legend here.”

Inside the Castle

At that same time, King Ragnar sat upon his throne, surrounded by an aura of majesty and command. His massive sword rested against his side, a silent testament to his power.

The sound of knocking broke the silence.

Ragnar, his deep voice resonating through the hall:

— “Enter.”

A guard stepped in, bowing respectfully before speaking gravely:

— “My king… an urgent message has arrived from the Kingdom of Mond.”

The guard approached and whispered a few words into the king’s ear.

Ragnar’s expression changed, his features hardening as silence stretched for a long moment…

Inside the Carriage

The small carriage rattled along the road, Ares seated beside Kaguya, quietly observing the calm that veiled her companion’s face.

Ares, curiously:

— “Your home isn’t in the Dwarven Kingdom, is it?”

Kaguya, softly:

— “That’s right… but my homeland and the Dwarves share a long history. We are more like family.”

The carriage passed by a row of half-collapsed houses, their stones scattered on both sides of the road.

Ares, eyes widening:

— “What caused this destruction?”

Kaguya, her voice low:

— “The fire… years ago. When I was a child, a large band of criminals attacked us. They were the ones who set the flames.”

Memories of the Past – Under the Moonlight

The night was illuminated by a full moon, while houses burned as if hell itself had descended upon the earth. People struggled desperately to put out the fires, working together in vain—until the criminals appeared in overwhelming numbers.

Young Kaguya gripped her sword with all the courage she could muster and rushed into battle.

— “But my strength was pitiful… I was foolish to think criminals would ever fight fairly.”

Many of the villagers were taken hostage, and the rest surrendered under threat. All hope seemed lost.

And then…

A black dragon appeared.

With its arrival, the fires froze in an instant, and the air turned to biting frost. Towering in size, its eyes glowed a menacing crimson. A natural armor shielded its chest, and a deep scar ran across its body. Its horns glimmered under the pale moonlight.

With a single glance, it let out a thunderous roar—and in the blink of an eye, all the criminals were slaughtered, their blood evaporating in the chill of its breath.

It spread its massive wings, the full moon rising behind it like a crown, and its voice thundered through the night:

— “Do not misunderstand, humans… these flames are not for you. I despise only the weak who pretend to be strong.”

Then, flames ignited once more, melting the ice, and the dragon ascended into the sky—leaving behind a silence so heavy it felt eternal.

Return to the Present

Kaguya, exhaling slowly:

— “That was the last time we saw him.”

Ares, stunned:

— “A black dragon… I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

Kaguya gestured toward the horizon, her voice calm yet resolute:

— “We’ve arrived… welcome to the Kingdom of the Samurai.”

Inside the Workshops

Y wandered between the workshops, presenting his weapon to the blacksmiths, testing their reactions.

Each one bargained with a different price:

— “Ten gold pieces.”

— “Don’t believe him, I’ll pay fifteen.”

But their answers all sounded the same—empty, lacking any true knowledge.

Y (to himself):

“All the same words… none of them know its real value.”

At last, he entered an old workshop at the edge of the market. A young man greeted him with a hesitant smile:

— “Welcome, how can I help you?”

Y pulled out the weapon and placed it on the table:

— “I have this sword.”

From behind the door came the hoarse voice of an old man:

— “Apologies… we’ve stopped repairing weapons.”

But when the young man caught sight of the sword, his eyes widened:

— “Father… you need to see this!”

The old man emerged—short in stature, his body honed like steel, his beard light but his eyes sharp as a blade. He froze in place, as though time itself had stopped. Slowly, he stepped forward, running his rough fingers across the sword as if unable to believe it.

— “How… did you get this?”

Y:

— “You won’t like the answer… it just appeared with me.”

— “Appeared… out of nowhere?” (his voice dropped, as if facing an old memory).

— “The sword isn’t finished yet, is it?”

Y smiled:

— “Looks like I’ve found the right place.”

— “This blade… is one of the Ancient Weapons. Forged by an entire tribe working together, each hand pouring its spirit into it. But it was never completed… because its wielder never appeared.”

Y:

— “Then why was it left unfinished?”

The man sighed, his voice heavy with bitterness:

— “There used to be a secret gathering, where blacksmiths from all tribes came together. The custom was simple—no weapon would be completed without its destined bearer. But then… the demons attacked. They sought to abduct the smiths to forge weapons for them. A great battle broke out… hundreds were slain, and countless secrets were lost. The Ancient Weapons were scattered, hidden in places no one remembers.”

Y:

— “Can you complete it?”

The old man turned his back and walked out of the workshop:

— “Why should I?”

His son exhaled and explained:

— “Forgive my father… he once forged an Ancient Weapon. But its wielder turned into a merciless monster, known as the Black Knight—an immortal human, taller than you. Since then, he’s sworn never to forge such weapons again.”

Y (quietly):

— “I understand… I’ll return later.”

⸻

Behind the Workshop

As Y left, he heard the sound of rocks shattering behind the workshop. Following it, he found the old man stacking several stones together. With a single punch, he struck the first one—yet only the last stone at the end of the stack shattered into pieces.

Y (astonished):

— “Incredible… how did you do that?”

The old man looked at him coldly:

— “You again.”

Y:

— “Can you show me again? I want to try.”

The old man smirked:

— “It takes years of experience to grasp.”

Y:

— “Try me.”

The man pointed toward a tree:

— “Place your hand on it.”

Y stood behind the tree, hand pressed against the trunk. The dwarf struck the tree with his small but sturdy body. The tree itself was unharmed, but Y felt the blow reverberate through his chest, shaking him from the inside.

Y (shocked):

— “The strike… transferred to me? How?”

The old man:

— “This is a trade secret of the dwarves. A refined technique that relies on mastering your aura. Not difficult… but it requires the calm and precision only a lifetime of smithing can bring.”

He paused, then added:

— “What I did was transfer the effect. The strike doesn’t touch the surface… but whoever is connected to it.”

Y:

— “So if I lifted my hand… it wouldn’t reach me?”

— “Correct. And if three people stood behind the tree, the effect would split among them.”

Y (excitedly):

— “Amazing… this must be the dwarves’ technique Leo once mentioned.”

The old man turned away once more:

— “There are many uses for it… but I have no intention of teaching you.”

Y (smiling):

— “Your explanation is enough. I’ll figure it out myself. I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Just then, a guard appeared at the gate:

— “Sir Y, King Ragnar requests your presence… there’s an urgent message for you.”

The old smith glanced back, muttering to himself:

— “Ragnar?… wants this man? Who is he really?”

The Return to the Samurai Kingdom

The carriage emerged from a narrow mountain path, revealing a breathtaking city bathed in light. Blossoms and ornate rooftops shimmered, and the ancient Japanese-style buildings glistened under the sun. Banners bearing the crest of the moon swayed gently, as though bowing in welcome.

Ares, her eyes wide with awe, whispered:

— “So different from the Dwarven Kingdom… this place is so full of color!”

Kaguya’s lips curved into a faint smile, her eyes glimmering with a mix of pride and nostalgia:

— “We’ve arrived… this is my home.”

Before them rose a massive stone gate, carved with entwined dragons and blooming cherry blossoms. Beyond it towered the grand palace, rising like a mountain of ornamentation and spires.

— “That’s… a palace?!” Ares muttered in disbelief.

Before she could say more, the guards lined up in perfect formation, their uniforms woven of silk and iron, their swords gleaming. Their captain stepped forward, bowing with stern reverence:

— “Welcome back, Princess Kaguya.”

Ares gasped aloud:

— “Princess?!!”

Kaguya only offered a faint, enigmatic smile, offering no explanation.

Cherry blossoms drifted with the breeze, while the bells hanging from the towers chimed faint, melodic tones. As they approached the great gate, it creaked open slowly, the sound echoing like an ancient summons.

First came a long shadow, then measured footsteps, until a commanding figure appeared—his gray kimono embroidered with golden threads shaped like swords and clouds, an imperial crown gleaming upon his head. His gaze fell upon his daughter, his voice resonating with stern pride:

— “Have you become a strong warrior, Kaguya?”

Before she could respond, a woman emerged gracefully behind him, her pink silk kimono swaying with every step. Her smile was warm, her voice gentle:

— “Of course she has… after all, she is your daughter.”

Kaguya bowed with disciplined precision, though her voice trembled slightly:

— “Mother… Father… I’ve returned—for a visit.”

The Empress stepped forward, drawing her into a deep, heartfelt embrace:

— “I’ve missed you, my little one.”

Kaguya lifted her head shyly:

— “My friend is here as well.”

The Empress turned toward Ares with kind eyes:

— “Welcome. I am Kaguya’s mother, the Empress… and this is her father, the Emperor.”

Still caught in surprise, Ares bowed respectfully:

— “I am Ares… Kaguya’s sister.”

For a brief moment, silence lingered. A soft smile bloomed on the Empress’s face, while the Emperor’s gaze shifted to his daughter, silently questioning. Kaguya lowered her eyes, recalling Y’s words during their journey, and a faint blush colored her cheeks.

The Emperor let out a light chuckle, breaking the weight of the moment:

— “It seems there’s quite a story here… let us speak of it inside the palace.”

The grand doors closed behind them with a heavy thud, while the air carried the sweet fragrance of blossoms—

as though the palace itself was welcoming back its daughter.