Chapter 74 - Whispers of the Aku

  Shadows of the Aku

  Seven pushed his plate aside, needing a change of subject. “So… I’ve been hearing about peace talks. With the Aku.”

  The unknown always brings a sense of wariness, especially when venturing beyond familiar grounds. The War Rabbit guild, with their recent escapades outside the city walls, is a prime example of this feeling. Each thrilling adventure into the mysterious territories inhabited by the Neko titans poses unpredictable challenges. While they seek to conquer ancient ruins and engage in elimination quests, there's an undercurrent of caution. The presence of the Aku adds to this tension, as their territorial instincts create an ever-present threat. Each step into the unknown.

  Almost instantly, the energy at the table shifted. Fluffy’s bright smile faded, Arne leaned back, his expression turning serious, and Raven set her fork down, fully focused on Seven.

  “The Aku,” she said, her tone calm yet serious. “Lord Deogon has hinted at peace talks, but nothing is set in stone—just conversations for now.”

  “They’re definitely a significant concern in our area,” Fluffy added gently. “We’re strong and adaptable, ready to defend our home. However, their goal is to conquer.”

  Arne let out a low whistle, the grin slipping from his face. “The cat titans don’t pull any punches. Once they focus on something, they go for it without hesitation.”

  Seven raised an eyebrow, curiosity growing. “So, what’s keeping them from taking Novastra right now?”

  Raven steepled her fingers, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “It’s the barrier. Our city’s ancient technology protects us, and the Aku do have a strong sense of territory. For now, they seem content within their own lands.” She took a moment, her expression serious as she continued, “But if their ambitions change… the barrier might not hold forever.”

  A hush enveloped the table, the noise of the restaurant fading as the weight of Raven’s words settled among them.

  Seven leaned back, a twinge of unease creeping in. While he had yet to encounter an Aku titan in person, the intensity in his friends’ voices conveyed an undeniable truth: they were not just any adversaries; they represented a powerful storm gathering on the horizon.

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  The Village Stirs

  Far away in the Wildlands, the Aku village buzzed with a palpable restlessness. Deep in the northeast mountains, far from the city of Novastra, lies the Village of the Aku Clan.

  Kita tilted her head, observing the flurry of warriors training with newfound energy. “The village feels different lately—more alive. Even Lyra has been away for a while now.”

  Kinata adjusted her blades, her eyes scanning the training grounds. “Something is indeed shifting. Lady Lumin has been sending trackers out—Lyra, myself, even Axel and Xander. Though, to be honest, Axel’s better suited with a greatsword than subtlety.”

  “What’s going on?” Kita inquired, her interest piqued.

  Kinata’s expression hardened. “We’re noticing something odd—anomalies in magic. It’s as if there are rips in space itself. We’ve been tasked with tracking these disturbances, but…” She sighed, shaking her head. “The answers seem elusive, even for us. Lady Lumin has some fact finders observing the Novastra border to see if they’re the source, but for now, it seems like the war rabbits are simply busy with their tasks while the Aku aren’t actively hunting them.”

  Kita took a moment to process her sister’s words, realizing the village had enjoyed a period of comfort without significant challenges. The Aku Titans are the apex predators of these lands, formidable beings that have made things rather predictable. Yet, now, the air was thick with new tension, something even Kinata struggled to articulate.

  Together, they shared a sense of curiosity and concern about what was unfolding, both in their village and beyond. The future seemed uncertain, but one thing was clear: change was on the horizon, and it beckoned with potential.

  The Weight of the Trial

  The anticipation of the Survival Trial filled their table with an unspoken air of excitement and challenge. Fluffy beamed brightly, trying to mask her jittery energy, though her eager ears expertly caught each word shared in the conversation.

  “Warren crest,” she said, savoring the thrill of the phrase. “This is our chance to explore beyond the city! We’ll discover the mountains, the forests—the true wilds!”

  Her enthusiasm soared, but Arne brought a moment of seriousness to the table. “It’s more than just sightseeing, though. The trial is about showing that you can handle the responsibilities that come afterward. Scouts enjoy freedom, yes—but with that freedom comes a weighty responsibility.”

  Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms, his expression steady. “If something goes wrong out there, it’s not just a laugh. Lives are at stake.”

  Raven nodded firmly, underscoring the importance of the moment. “That’s right. If you fail, you remain recruits until you’re truly ready. Passing means that you’ll carry the guild’s reputation into the wider world. The wilds are unforgiving, and our enemies are just as ruthless.”

  Seven listened intently, his fork resting quietly in his hand. “So, passing means we’re seen as trustworthy representatives of the guild outside our walls,” he mused.

  Raven's keen gaze met his, affirming with clarity. “Exactly. And failure means you stay behind.” Her tone conveyed the seriousness of their mission.

  Lost in thought, Seven recalled the stark solitude of his first month in this world. “I survived out there,” he finally shared, his voice steady but soft. “For nearly a month before the guild found me. I wasn't sure if I’d be rescued or captured, but I kept fighting. I didn’t know anything into the unknown.”

  His revelation brought silence to the table. Fluffy felt her heart sink, imagining him alone and vulnerable. Arne whistled low, not with mockery, but in genuine admiration. “A month on your own nothing to sneeze at. Rookie, most wouldn’t last a week out there let alone a human.”

  Raven tilted her head. “You learned tough lessons early. It may be rough, but it’s effective.”

  Suddenly uplifted, Fluffy’s determination shone through. “Then we have an edge! You know how to survive—we just need to fine-tune that with guild training. We’re going to excel in this trial!”

  Arne’s smile returned, this time filled with sincerity. “Looks like our rookie is anything but just dead weight after all!”