This is my Path

“Eeeehh!?” I shout, unable to comprehend the meaning of that, “What do you mean, the King's seal?”

“I don't know… Kaiko, damn it, you had to fire that at that moment,” Daichi seems a little annoyed. “Your ability is strange and doesn't make sense with your class, what trick did you use?”

“No trick! It's not the time to keep making accusations about my luck or not," I exclaim, getting a bit frustrated.

“Although that was lucky… or rather unlucky,” Yuki says, calmer than him. “If you were aiming at that instant energy messenger bird, barely visible in the sky… we could never achieve anything like that in our lives.”

I feel a bit nervous about the situation and then look at the ground, “Guys… Why is it unfolding?” I point to the paper without being able to look away.

“It's an urgent message, immediate, and…secret. Oh my god, what did you do, Kai?”

“Calm down a bit, Daichi,” Yuki scolds him, something I've never seen her do. Just how important is the king? Well, yeah, he's important… the King of this empire, who lives in some central city or country, I don't know; good thing I didn't say that out loud.

“Let's get closer; a message like this…” Daichi takes a deep breath to calm himself and think straight. "A message like this disappears within a minute."

The letter fully opens, and we read with shock what our eyes are seeing, struggling to believe it.

"We request reinforcements in Wasteland Eden; the urgency of this request is immediate. Our plan and mission have been compromised. Notify the King directly, activate the Sky Message; the princes and the King will be summoned to the location immediately.

The Fifth Prince is in danger."

The three of us stare at each other, then read the letter again. We look at each other again, speechless.

The letter disappears, leaving behind small blue energy orbs.

"What does… the fifth mean? Of the king? From another empire, right?"

"That there… is a Fifth Prince,” Yuki speaks slowly.

"Empire Edealyon has a FIFTH PRINCE?!" Daichi exclaims, almost seeming like he might faint. I move closer to hold him up so he doesn't collapse to the ground.

"Are you okay, Dai?" I ask apologetically, not fully understanding the situation. I don't want him to pass out.

"I'm sure you don't grasp the gravity of this matter… we intercepted an immediate message…" Daichi's strength seems to be evaporating, his body growing heavier, his face turning pale. "It's a message meant for the King and the Four, with the King's seal, it's something authentic, something of such importance…"

"Breathe, Daichi; let's think," Yuki tries to remain calm, but she can't completely hide her own panic. "We intercepted an immediate message; we can't use Instax, we can't go to the guards; they won't believe us, we can't go to the King…"

I'm not sure what Instax is, but it must be some form of teleportation between cities that I've heard about. Yuki looks at both of us. "If this powerful magic was used, it means someone of a high level is in danger."

"They can handle it themselves, right?" Daichi attempts to talk.

"No, if they sent this, it means the enemies are equally powerful." Yuki is also losing color in her face and I understand what she's trying to explain. "Strong enemies… We can only go—"

"To rescue the prince."

"Are you crazy, Kai? They're super powerful; we wouldn't stand a chance!"

“Still, we can't just stand by.”

“What did I tell you about getting ahead of yourself,” Daichi regains color in his face, only to transform into pure anger, just like he was in the forest. "You're weak, a bug in this world, you can't do whatever you want and expect to live!"

“Even so, we can't let an innocent person die,” I interrupt his tirade and look him squarely in the eyes. “I couldn't live with myself knowing I could have done something.”

“BUT YOU'RE GOING TO DIE! JUST LIKE MY BROTHER!" Daichi is completely angry and I can see tears forming in his eyes. "He thought he could do everything and he was killed…” He’s panting, a whole another person for a moment before regaining some control. “Please, don't go, it's not worth losing your life for something pointless.”

“Sorry, Daichi and I’m sorry for your brother. I hope one day we can go have some Vivrras and you can tell me about him.” I speak calmly, unafraid of what's to come, I look at Yuki, a tear is rolling down her beautiful face. "But I'm not your brother. I'm Kaiko, and this is my path.” I look at my hands with pride, observing my index finger, which seems to be emitting faint rays of energy. “I will achieve incredible things and leave my mark on the world. I'm not afraid to die anymore.”

I turn around; Daichi tries to stop me, Yuki remains silent, I guess she doesn't know what to say and she knows she can't stop me. "I know where it is; I won't ask you to follow me."

I unequip a lot of items, skins, weapons and more objects from today's hunt that are weighing me down, I won't need them where I'm going. I check my gear; everything is still functional and has good durability.

As I walk, I recall the map from the tavern and activate my Minnex. I just have to traverse the forest inhabited by countless Mchafu creatures; it should be easy, no doubts about it. I smile at destiny, which is illuminating this strange path. I'm determined.

"Take care of yourselves and forgive me. I know this is the right thing to do. The Fifth Prince needs help, even though we're insignificant in this world, they need us and there's a reason for everything."

I start jogging towards my destination, not waiting for their response. It might seem abrupt, tactless even and I feel sorry for Daichi and his brother, but it's something I have to do. I hope tomorrow brings a new sunrise and I can talk to him.

For some reason, I remember something… a smile. A warm, special and fun smile. It's not Yuki's smile, nor Daichi's; it's someone else's, someone I cared about deeply. I wonder who it might be and at the same time, I feel so good remembering this. It's like something that weighed on my soul is slowly being lifted.

Without turning around, I hear footsteps behind me. A smile appears in my face, I know who they are.