Chapter 96: Between the Dunes and the Verdant Greens

  The sun hung high and heavy in the sky, a brilliant, burning coin against a canvas of relentless blue. The air here was different from Spica; it was thick, warm, and laden with a humidity that clung to the skin like a second layer of clothes. It smelled of exotic spices, dry earth, and the salt of a different sea.

  CLANG. CLANG. CLANG.

  A heavy brass bell tolled from the bow, its deep resonance rolling over the water to signal their arrival.

  The wooden cargo ship, weathered by its journey from the watery city, sliced through the final stretch of waves. Lashed securely to its starboard side, bobbing like a sullen, defeated beast, was the jagged, iron-reinforced vessel of the Blue Beard pirates—a trophy of their chaotic voyage.

  "To all passengers," the captain’s voice boomed, amplified by a speaking trumpet. "We are now docking at Kinareh Port! Please be ready to disembark!"

  At the railing, Raito stretched his arms high above his head, his spine popping audibly. He let out a long, exaggerated groan of relief that seemed to expel the very soul of monotony from his body.

  "Finally," he sighed, leaning his elbows on the railing to watch the bustling docks draw closer. "That last day was pure boredom. I thought I was going to start counting the planks on the deck."

  "Uh, yeah, I guess," Yukari replied. She stood beside him, but her gaze wasn't on the port. It was fixed on the side of his face, her brow furrowed with a quiet, gnawing anxiety.

  "Are you sure you are alright?" she asked, her voice low. The memory of two days ago—the flash of black flame, the cold, dead look in his eyes as he nearly executed the pirate captain—was still a vivid, chilling stain on her mind.

  Raito turned to her, blinking. His eyes were their usual warm brown, the crimson and black fire nowhere to be seen. He offered her a bright, carefree grin.

  "I am," he insisted, waving a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I never felt better. Honestly, I must've just dozed off back there. Adrenaline crash or something."

  He reached out, placing a warm hand on her shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Stop worrying, Yukari. We are in a new region now! New sights, new food, new... whatever Zarateph has! Let's just enjoy it."

  Yukari looked at his smiling face, searching for any cracks, any hint of the darkness she had glimpsed. She found none. Just Raito.

  "O... okay," she answered awkwardly, forcing her own shoulders to relax, though the knot in her stomach remained.

  A short distance away, near the main mast, Bob and Mila stood amidst a pile of crates.

  "We are finally back, Master," Mila said, her gaze scanning the familiar architecture of the port with a rare hint of ease in her posture.

  "For the last time, it is not 'Master'!" Bob sighed, though his protest lacked its usual heat. He adjusted his turban, his expression turning serious as he looked toward the city. "But yes, we are back. And remember, Mila, we are very much still busy here."

  He lowered his voice, his jovial demeanor replaced by the sharp focus of a merchant with a critical deadline. "That thing must be perfect. We cannot afford any delays."

  "Understood," Mila nodded, her professional mask sliding back into place. "I'll get the men ready." She turned and marched toward Bob's crew, barking orders with her usual terrifying efficiency.

  Raito and Yukari watched them go, the mystery of Bob's "joyous occasion" still unsolved.

  Thud.

  A figure landed heavily on the deck right next to them, causing Raito to jump a foot in the air.

  "Wha!" Raito yelped, clutching his chest as his heart hammered against his ribs. "Don't do that!"

  He looked up to see Zhu Lihua straightening up from a crouch. She dusted off her red qipao, looking as unbothered as if she had just stepped off a low step, rather than dropping from the dizzying height of the crow's nest.

  "Mother?" Yukari blinked, staring at the top of the mast. "Where have you been? I didn't see you all morning."

  "Up there," Zhu said simply, pointing a thumb over her shoulder at the crow's nest swaying high above.

  "But... I could've sworn I checked up there," Yukari said, confusion clouding her face. "It was empty."

  "You must have missed me," Zhu said with a shrug and a small, enigmatic smile directed at her stepdaughter. "No worries. I'm here now."

  Then, her smile vanished.

  She turned to Raito. Her fiery eyes narrowed, boring into him with an intensity that made him want to check if he was on fire.

  "But you," she said, her voice dropping to a low, commanding growl.

  "Yes, ma'am?" Raito squeaked, snapping into an instinctive salute.

  "I don't allow you to fight from now on," Zhu stated. It wasn't a request. It was a decree. "Understand?"

  Raito blinked. "Yes? I mean... no, not really?" He lowered his hand, confused. "I don't really want to fight, nor am I looking for a fight. I'm trying to retire, remember? But I still don't understand why you are banning me specifically."

  "Just don't," Zhu said. Her gaze softened for a fraction of a second, a flicker of genuine, deep-seated concern passing through her eyes before the stern mask returned. "Please. For now."

  Raito opened his mouth to argue, to ask what she had seen from that crow's nest, but a sharp pain in his side stopped him.

  "Just say yes," Yukari hissed, digging her elbow into his ribs. "It's for your own good."

  Raito looked at Yukari, then at the formidable War Empress glaring at him. He sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

  "Fine," he grumbled. "No fighting."

  The heavy wooden gangway descended with a groan of chains and pulleys, settling onto the stone dock with a definitive, earth-shaking thud.

  "Alright!" Raito cheered, his earlier dejection evaporating at the prospect of solid ground. "Now let's go down already. I'm starving!" He didn't wait for a response, turning on his heel and practically skipping down the ramp, leaving Yukari and Zhu standing by the rail.

  Yukari watched him go, her expression somber. She turned to the woman beside her.

  "Mother," she started, her voice quiet. "Thank you."

  Zhu Lihua raised an eyebrow, leaning against the polished wood of the railing. "For what, Linlin?"

  "For banning him from fighting," Yukari said. She hugged her arms around herself, a sudden chill running through her despite the tropical heat. "What I saw that night... that was not him. I know Raito better than most. That was different." She shuddered. "Something sinister. I don't want to see him like that again."

  Zhu looked at her stepdaughter, her own expression mirroring the girl's unease. "I know," she said softly. "That was something else entirely. Even I never saw nor heard of such a phenomenon. That is why I banned him from fighting, at least until we know what 'that' is."

  She reached out, her hand resting gently on Yukari's head, ruffling her hair with a rare tenderness. "I still don't like how he took you away," Zhu admitted with a wry smile. "But I also don't want to see you sad."

  "Thank you again, Mother," Yukari whispered, leaning into the touch and wrapping her arms around Zhu in a quick, fierce hug.

  "Now," Zhu said, gently patting Yukari's back before stepping away. "Let's catch up to that kid before he gets lost."

  Yukari nodded, wiping a stray hair from her face, and together they descended the gangway.

  Shortly after, the group had fully disembarked. The port of Kinareh was a riot of color and noise, but Bob’s caravan was an island of organized chaos within it. His wagons were already lined up on the pier, the horses stamping impatiently. Bob's personal wagon, larger and more ornate than the rest, stood at the head, with Tama the yak hitched to the front, chewing contentedly on a bundle of local grass.

  Bob stood before them, clapping his hands to gather their attention.

  "Now, kids," Bob began, his voice booming. "Me and Mila have some extra shopping to do here in Kinareh. What I want you—"

  "Hello, Bob!"

  A random dockworker passing by with a crate on his shoulder waved cheerfully.

  "Morning!" Bob responded automatically, waving back with a bright smile. He turned back to the group. "Now, what I want you to—"

  "Hello, Mr. Said!" another passerby called out, tipping his hat.

  "Hello there!" Bob beamed, tipping an imaginary hat in return. He cleared his throat. "What I—"

  "When did you come back, Bob?!" a shopkeeper shouted from a stall across the pier.

  Bob’s smile twitched. He took a deep breath and turned to face the port at large.

  "CAN YOU ALL GIVE ME SOME SPACE, PLEASE?!" he bellowed, his voice rolling like thunder across the docks.

  "Sure thing, Bob!"

  "You got it, Mr. Said!"

  One after another, the locals called out their agreement, laughing and waving as they gave the giant merchant a wide berth.

  Raito leaned over to Yukari, shielding his mouth with his hand. "Is it just me, or does everyone here know Bob?"

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  "Considering this is his homeland," Yukari whispered back, eyeing the crowd. "And he allegedly knows everyone, and is somehow the Crown Prince... that is not your imagination. This is Lily-levels of fame."

  Bob coughed into his fist, regaining his composure. "Where was I? Oh, right." He looked at Raito, Yukari, and Zhu. "Me and Mila need to do some extra shopping. You two and Miss Lihua are free to do anything you want for now."

  He puffed out his chest slightly. "And if you ever need anything, or want to buy something, just say you are part of my caravan. They know. Trust me."

  He checked a pocket watch. "Also, please come back here in two hours. We still need to ride the wagons to get to our destination, Kah-Kamun. And stay out of trouble, alright?"

  "Yes, Bob," Yukari answered dutifully. "But what is Kah-Kamun?"

  "Zarateph's capital," Bob explained, a wistful look crossing his face. "Where I was born and raised. That is the place where the 'joyous occasion' will take place. You two will certainly enjoy it, hohoho!"

  "Okay..." Raito drew the word out, intrigued. "That reminds me. You said you have someone you want us to meet. Is that person there?"

  Bob winked, a massive, conspiratorial gesture. "Certainly. In fact, that joyous occasion includes them."

  "Master," Mila interrupted, tapping Bob firmly on the shoulder. She pointed to the sun. "We need to start now if we don't want to be behind schedule."

  "Alright!" Bob clapped his hands again. "Now split up, kids!"

  "YES SIR!" Raito and Yukari saluted in unison, their curiosity piqued as they turned to face the new city.

  The group of three split off from Bob and his crew, leaving the bustling, salt-spray air of the pier behind as they ventured deeper into Kinareh. The transition was immediate and overwhelming. As they moved away from the open docks, the harsh, blinding sunlight was suddenly filtered, then swallowed by a vast, verdant canopy that stretched high above them.

  The open port was replaced by a lush, vibrant rainforest that seemed to have grown around, through, and over the city itself. The air here was heavy, but not with the oppressive heat of the open sea. It was a living humidity, thick with scents that tickled Raito's nose with a sudden, powerful wave of nostalgia. It smelled of roasted cumin, sharp cactus powder, and sweet, fermenting desert mangoes—the exact same rich, earthy perfume that had clung to Bob's cargo hold for weeks. It was the smell of Zarateph itself.

  Stalls and shops weren't built on the ground; they were carved directly into the massive, gnarled trunks of Zarateph's ancient ironwood trees. The massive leaves and sprawling branches formed a natural roof, shielding the people below from the relentless sun. High above, the canopy was alive. The distant, chattering calls of spider-lizard echoed through the leaves, competing with the melodic whistles of brightly colored parrots that flitted between the high branches. Rope bridges and sturdy wooden walkways crisscrossed the air like a giant spiderweb, connecting treehouses perched precariously on thick limbs. The city and the community were fully integrated with the jungle, a harmonious, magnificent sight that blurred the line between civilization and nature.

  "Wow," Yukari and Raito breathed in unison, their heads tilted back as they took in the towering green cathedral.

  "This is totally different from Hanyuun," Yukari commented, her eyes wide as she watched a colorful bird flit between the shops.

  "Yeah," Raito agreed, spinning slowly to take it all in. "I thought Hanyuun had lots of green, but this is something else entirely. It's like the forest is the city."

  "Every region we have visited so far is so distinct from one another," Yukari said, a smile spreading across her face. "I love this."

  "And somehow, it is not hot here," Raito commented, holding out his hand as if testing the air. "This is so magical."

  "I wonder why Bob didn't mention any of this?" Yukari wondered aloud.

  "That is because this is not the whole Zarateph," Zhu Lihua interjected, walking up behind them. She gestured at the sprawling tree-city. "What you are looking at right now is nothing but a small part of this massive region. For someone who was born and raised here, like Bob, they might subconsciously think this is just normal."

  "Also," Zhu continued, her gaze thoughtful, "maybe he just didn't want to ruin the surprise."

  "That makes so much sense," Raito commented with a nod.

  "Are you three perhaps tourists?"

  A voice, bright and curious, chirped from nearby.

  They turned to see a girl approaching them. She looked to be about Yukari's physical age—early to mid-twenties—though she was clearly fully human. Her skin was sun-kissed, a warm bronze that spoke of a life lived outdoors. Her hair was a striking shade of red, cut to a practical medium length that bounced with her steps. She was lean and fit, moving with the effortless grace of a dancer, dressed in a vibrant, loose-fitting outfit that seemed perfect for the humid climate.

  Her yellow eyes scanned them, lingering on each of them in turn, assessing them with a frank, unabashed curiosity.

  "Yes?" Yukari asked, her tone polite but guarded. "And you are?"

  The girl ignored Yukari completely. Her gaze locked onto Raito, and her face lit up. Before anyone could react, she darted forward and wrapped her arms around Raito's arm, hugging it to her chest.

  "You're cute!" she declared, beaming up at him.

  Raito blinked, startled, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. "No... not really, hehe," he laughed awkwardly, trying to gently extricate his arm without being rude.

  "Huh?" Yukari's eyebrow twitched. A flicker of irritation sparked in her chest.

  "Let me show you around!" the girl said, ignoring Raito's discomfort. She began swirling a finger playfully on Raito's chest, her voice turning sultry. "As a native, it's my obligation to show Bob's caravan's newest member the sights."

  "How did you know we are with Bob?" Raito asked, his awkwardness momentarily replaced by alertness.

  "Oh, everyone knows Bob!" she said cheerfully, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

  "Makes sense," Raito muttered, relaxing slightly. It seemed Bob's fame was truly universal here.

  "ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

  Yukari exploded. She marched forward, grabbed Raito's other arm, and yanked him away from the girl with surprising force. She positioned herself between them, fuming.

  "I don't know who you are, or what you want," Yukari hissed, her eyes narrowing dangerously. She thrust her left hand forward, practically shoving her ring finger into the girl's face. The silver wedding band and the sakura-shaped core ring glittered in the filtered sunlight. "But you are NOT hugging my husband's arm!"

  The girl blinked, looking at the rings, then at Yukari's furious face. Then she giggled.

  She stepped around Yukari with fluid ease and hugged Raito's arm again, clinging even tighter this time.

  "Oh, you are married, huh?" she said to Raito, completely ignoring Yukari's existence. Her smile widened. "Even better! Now let's get started sightseeing, shall we?"

  She began to drag Raito away, pulling him deeper into the market with surprising strength.

  Yukari stood frozen for a second, her mouth agape. The sheer audacity was stunning. As the absurdity settled, a low hiss escaped her lips. Steam—actual steam—began to rise from her shoulders, distorting the air around her. It was a testament to her fury that an Ice Core user was generating heat hot enough to boil water.

  "YOU!" Yukari roared, her voice echoing through the tree-lined street. "GET BACK HERE! I'M WARNING YOU!"

  She stomped after them, her possessiveness flaring like a beacon. "HEY! ARE YOU DEAF, GIRL?! HEY!"

  Raito, caught in the middle, looked back with a desperate expression. He tried to pry his arm loose while simultaneously fanning his wife's direction, hoping to cool her down before she froze the girl or, worse, melted the entire marketplace.

  Behind them, Zhu Lihua facepalmed, letting out a long, weary sigh.

  "Who does she take after?" she muttered to herself, shaking her head. She began to follow them at a safe, leisurely distance, content to watch the chaos unfold.

  True to her words, the girl did bring them sightseeing, dragging Raito (and a furiously following Yukari) deeper into the verdant heart of Kinareh. The air was rich with the smells of Zarateph—roasted cumin, sweet dates, and the sharp tang of desert lime. They ventured to stalls carved into the roots of massive trees, sampling native delicacies that made Raito's eyes water and Yukari's nose wrinkle in suspicion before she grudgingly admitted they were delicious. They ate skewered lizard meat, grilled over charcoal until the skin crackled, and chunks of tender desert goat kebab, seasoned with spices that danced on the tongue.

  They watched carpenters, their muscles gleaming with sweat, skillfully carving out a hollow in a colossal tree trunk, preparing a new home for the next resident. They climbed ladders and traversed swaying wooden walkways high in the canopy, marveling at how the treehouse system connected the entire community like a living organism. Everywhere they went, the natives greeted them with warm smiles and open hands, their hospitality as abundant as the foliage.

  Eventually, the girl led them to a local seamstress, a small shop nestled in the crook of a giant branch.

  "You need to blend in!" the girl declared, pushing Yukari and Zhu Lihua toward the racks of colorful fabrics.

  Despite her initial protests, Yukari emerged wearing a flowing outfit similar to the girl's, but in a striking turquoise that color of the land back in Spica. The fabric was light and airy, perfect for the humidity. Zhu Lihua, much to her dismay, was coaxed into a similar garb, but in a deep, vibrant red. She tugged at the hem, looking uncomfortable and slightly embarrassed, but Yukari insisted she looked regal.

  Raito wasn't spared either. He stepped out wearing a loose, comfortable set of robes—a striped shirt under a deep red vest, loose-fitting trousers, and pointed leather boots. But the crowning glory was a comically large turban that sat on his head like a mushroom cap.

  "Looking good!" the girl chirped, clapping her hands.

  Yukari's rage had subsided somewhat during the shopping trip, distracted by the new sights and the surprisingly comfortable clothes. But her peace was short-lived. As soon as they left the shop, the girl was back at Raito's side, her hand slipping through his arm, her voice dropping to a flirtatious whisper.

  "So, does that turban make you feel like a prince?" she teased, leaning in close.

  Yukari's eye twitched. The steam began to rise from her shoulders again.

  There was a moment, just a flash, where Yukari’s hand snapped up. A spear of solid ice materialized in her grip, aimed directly at the girl's back. But Raito was faster. His hand shot out, catching Yukari's wrist mid-swing.

  "Whoa, easy!" he hissed, giving her a pleading look. "Let's not commit murder on the first day!"

  Yukari glared at him, then at the oblivious girl, then back at him. She let the ice spear dissolve into a puddle of water, but the look she gave him promised a long, detailed lecture later.

  Finally, they arrived at the other edge of the town. The lush, overarching canopy of the rainforest thinned, then abruptly ended as the path led them to an open, windswept cliffside.

  The change was jarring. As soon as the forest ended, the world opened up. What greeted them was not more green, but an endless, shimmering sea of gold.

  The Golden Desert.

  It stretched out to the horizon, vast and undulating, the dunes rippling like waves frozen in time. The heat, which had been mitigated by the jungle canopy, slammed into them with full force, a scorching, physical wall that made the air waver.

  "That is the Golden Desert of Zarateph," the girl said, her voice taking on a rare, somber tone as she gestured to the vast expanse. "We call it golden because it is widely believed that there are still more hidden knowledge and riches lie beneath the sands than any kingdom possesses."

  Yukari went still. Her hands came up, clutching the fabric of her new turquoise dress tight to her chest. Her eyes were wide, fixed on the unforgiving horizon.

  "Are you okay?" Raito noticed immediately, his voice soft with concern.

  "Yeah," Yukari whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "Just... this is where my father supposedly went missing."

  The girl turned, finally addressing Yukari directly for the first time since their meeting. "Oh, your father is an adventurer?"

  Yukari nodded silently, unable to speak.

  "I see," the girl said. Her flirtatious demeanor vanished, replaced by a quiet understanding. "I can't say much, to be honest. Adventuring is a very high-risk, high-reward job." She looked out at the sands. "Many young and upcoming, full of hope adventurers came here. But one by one, they all got swallowed by the harshness of the desert."

  She turned back to them with a small, pragmatic shrug. "Though we still scour it for more mundane stuff like fruits, animal meat, and spices."

  "I know," Yukari said, her voice barely audible.

  Zhu Lihua stepped forward, placing a firm, consoling hand on Yukari's shoulder. She didn't say anything, but her presence was a solid anchor. Yukari leaned into the touch, nodding once more, steeling herself.

  "Now then," the girl said, clapping her hands to break the heavy atmosphere. She pointed to the right.

  There, dominating the skyline, was a massive, dark silhouette against the blue sky. A colossal volcano, its peak shrouded in a perpetual plume of thick, black smoke.

  "That is the famous Tur-Uga Volcano," she explained. "The biggest volcano in all of Calvenoor. Located perfectly in the middle of the region, essentially separating the two biomes—the rainforest and the desert."

  Raito shaded his eyes, looking up at the smoking giant. "Is it active?" he asked.

  "Who knows?" The girl shrugged again, a casual gesture for such a terrifying prospect. "We've never seen it erupt in hundred-thousands of years. But it keeps smoking, so... maybe it's just sleeping."

  The girl pulled a small, ornate pocket watch from the folds of her sash. She flipped it open, and her eyes widened.

  "Oh, shoot!" she exclaimed, snapping the watch shut. "It's about time!"

  She took a step back, her body already turning toward the dense foliage of the city. "Sorry, got to go! Nice meeting you all!"

  And just like that, she was running, her red hair a streak of fire against the green as she darted back toward the town, her movements as swift and sudden as a desert wind.

  "Hey, wait!" Raito called out, taking a step forward. "We haven't asked your... name!"

  But it was too late. She had already vanished into the shadows of the trees, leaving only the rustle of leaves in her wake.

  Raito stared at the spot where she had disappeared, scratching his head. "What was that all about?" he asked, genuinely confused.

  "Who knows?" Yukari said.

  Raito turned to find her standing right next to him. Her earlier sadness was gone, replaced by a fierce, possessive glint in her silver eyes. She wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly as if she were trying to physically anchor him to the ground.

  "But I prefer that she is far, far away from where you are," she declared, squeezing him a little tighter than necessary as if declaring that Raito is hers.