Chapter 5: The Path to Home

Chapter 5: The Path to Home

Somewhere in an unknown location.

Three people have gathered in a throne room made mostly of stone, two of whom are males and one of whom is female. One of the males is sitting on a throne, staring at the other two with anticipation. His tan-colored hair puffs up to both the left and right. An eyepatch covers his right eye, and his red uniform has two vertical gold stripes, signaling some kind of high ranking.

Leader of the unknown group – Kogen.

The young woman of the group has black hair in a ponytail that extends down to her lower back. Her blue uniform has red sleeves.

Second in Command – Udana.

The other male stands tall at a whopping seven feet, and his body is quite bulky, muscles bulging throughout his upper body. His hair is black and spiky, but also quite short. He lacks a formal uniform and wears a gray button-up shirt that is not buttoned up, showing his pecks and 6-pack abs. His pants are tan-colored and are held up by a belt.

Kogen’s Underling – Goro.

“I have come with news, Master,” Goro says. “The bandits who you had given power to have been wiped out.”

“Yes, I already know,” Kogen replies.

Kogen focuses his attention on Udana.

“Udana, have you finished analyzing the power of the four that took out the bandits?” Kogen asks.

“Yes, Master,” Udana answers. “The one who took out the leader, Zeth, has magic power that ranks as a low G-Rank. The other three that were with him are all a high H-Rank. Based on what we heard, Zeth had been in a Hawk Clan prison until about a month ago and had just started using magic.

“They are very low in power,” Kogen states. “However, Zeth has only had his power for a month and is already a G-Rank. He may be one to keep an eye on.”

Goro steps forward. “If need be, I could take him out.”

“You could, but he could also be a valuable asset if we show him the way to our side,” Kogen suggests.

Goro bows before standing firm. “I see. I will accept your judgment.”

Kogen smirks, leaning forward. “Well, this should turn out interesting. The Enigmus Project needs to progress further.”

***

Back with the travelers, who have just arrived back from the bandit base.

Back in town, the travelers head to Kurt’s house, walk up to the front door, and enter.

“Father, we’re back!” Kurt calls out.

“We come with good news,” Zeth adds.

“Did you defeat the bandits?” Beck asks.

“Yep, and we already took their leader to prison where he will be questioned further,” Kurt replies.

Beck stares at Kurt, eager to know. “But how did you do it?”

Zeth proudly smiles. “Easy. We gave them a good ass whooping.”

Beck chuckles. “You are all a very impressive bunch.”

Zeth’s smile turns serious. “Now that that is solved, I need to find out how to get back home.”

“That’s right!” Emily realizes. “We need to get back to doing that.”

Beck walks over to a shelf, opens a drawer, and pulls out a map.

“This will be useful,” Beck says.

He walks over to the table and lays it out. The map shows the layout of the country of Harmone.

Kurt points at the southeast portion of the country on the map. “So, here we are at Shango Town. Where do you live?”

Zeth points at a more northeastern portion of the country on the map. “There in the city, Kunasha. The city of the Eagle Clan.”

Kurt rubs his chin, fully focusing on the map while in deep thought for a few moments. “Well, that will take us some time, so let’s get going.”

Zeth’s eyes widen in surprise. “You are coming with me?”

Emily gives Zeth a thumbs-up. “Sure. We just met you, so we are not going to just say goodbye now.”

Joe grins. “It’s settled then. I’m sure it will be an interesting trip.”

Zeth smiles and nods. “You guys are great people, that’s for sure. I’m sure my parents will think so too. Come on! Let’s head out!”

The other three travelers nod, and they all head outside. As soon as they do, they are greeted by a round of applause from many people in the town that are gathered around Kurt’s house. The travelers all widen their eyes in surprise.

“What is this about?” Kurt wonders.

An old man steps forward, genuinely smiling. “We’ve all learned that you folks were the ones who finally put a stop to those bandits. We’re all here to thank you for what you’ve done.”

Emily smiles while rubbing the back of her neck. “We’re just a few travelers. You don’t need to thank us. We just did what we felt was right.”

“To us, you are more than a few travelers,” the old man replies. “You’re heroes.”

“That’s a little much, don’t you think?” Joe asks.

The old man chuckles. “No. I think it’s perfectly fitting. Isn’t that right, everyone?”

All the gathered people begin cheering and start chanting the word ‘heroes’ over and over again. The travelers watch the gathered people chant and then look at each other.

Kurt shrugs. “Heroes it is then. If that’s what you want to call us, then go ahead.”

***

A bit later.

Ready to leave the town, the four heroes have gathered at its exit with Beck.

“So, you’re leaving now?” Beck asks.

“Yes,” Kurt replies. “ Zeth has been away from his home for long enough, so we need to leave now.”

“Then I wish you a safe trip, son.”

Beck and Kurt hug, Beck patting Kurt on the back. Once they end their hug, the heroes start walking away.

“And one more thing,” Beck calls out.

Kurt turns around to face him. “Yes?”

“You remember Sandy Rockswell, right?”

“I do.”

“Maybe she has been missing for so long that it’s too late but if you see her again, let her know that we all miss her and want her to come back home.”

“I will be sure to do so.”

With that, Kurt turns around to continue walking with the heroes away from the town while he waves back at Beck.

“Bye, father!” Kurt shouts.

“Be careful out there! Thank you all for your help!” Beck shouts back.

With the bandits defeated, the ones known as travelers are now referred to as heroes. The heroes are now moving on in an effort for Zeth to return home.

Chapter 5 END

To Be Continued in Chapter 6: Troubled Young Lady in the Forest

END OF ARC

Author's Note: This first arc is known as the "Beginning Arc". The second arc begins in the next chapter.