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  Chapter 13: Tailax, the Dragon!!**

  Back at the castle, the group was exhausted. The long journey and the devastating battle had left marks not only on their bodies but on their souls. The castle felt cold, almost oppressive, its silence broken only by slow footsteps echoing down the stone corridors.

  Gotier spent much of his time in prayer, seeking spiritual strength. Akari isolated herself in one of the towers, observing the devastated landscape of Salem. Zeke devoted himself to sharpening his weapons, reflecting on his decision to support Yuzuki to the end.

  Yuzuki, however, sat alone in the great hall before a cold hearth. Mao and Amok were there too, the two entities watching the young man in silence for a time before trading barbs.

  — **So these humans really think they can change anything** — Mao mocked. — **They cannot even decide whether they hate you or love you, Yuzuki. It is pathetic.**

  Amok, in contrast, sounded curious and observant.

  — **You really are an interesting puzzle, boy** — he said, his deep voice echoing through the hall. — **I still do not understand why Mao hates you so much. The two of you share more than you admit.**

  Mao laughed bitterly.

  — **Do not compare this brat to me. He is just a broken remnant of humanity—a fool who thinks he can carry the weight of the world on his shoulders.** — He turned to Yuzuki. — **And you, boy? Will you tell your 'allies' what you really think of them? Or will you keep pretending you are a gentle leader?**

  Yuzuki lifted his gaze, staring at Mao without hesitation.

  — I have said what needed to be said. They know where I am, and I know where they are. That is enough for now. — His voice was cold, almost calculating, though there was something deeper hidden in his words.

  — **Interesting... very interesting** — Amok murmured, satisfied with the response.

  ***

  ### **A New Direction**

  The dawn in Salem brought a mixed sense of calm and unease. The streets were eerily empty, the silence broken only by distant footsteps and the wind blowing through the alleys.

  Yuzuki, Akari, Zeke, and Gotier walked toward the smithy, aware they needed to prepare for the next leg of their journey. Upon arriving, a burly man with strong, work-scarred arms greeted them. He recognized them immediately.

  — You... Yuzuki! You are the one who saved my life and my daughter's in the bar! — the smith exclaimed, dropping his hammer. — Please, choose whatever you wish. Consider it an eternal thanks.

  The group exchanged surprised looks.

  — You saved people in that bar? — Akari asked, incredulous.

  — I did what needed to be done, nothing more — Yuzuki replied, uninterested.

  As they browsed the shop's offerings, the smith's little daughter appeared carrying something peculiar: a black hatchling dragon, its scales gleaming like obsidian, deep green eyes, and silvery claws.

  — This is a Tailax — the smith explained, noticing Yuzuki's interest. — My daughter Isabella found it in the northern mountains. It is a rare breed, nearly extinct. They say they are imperial dragons, intelligent and with unique abilities.

  Isabella approached Yuzuki, cradling the dragon gently.

  — I want you to have it — she smiled. — You saved my father. Now it can protect you and make you smile again.

  Gotier stood agape.

  — A Tailax? Do you realize how valuable that is? You cannot just give something like that...

  The girl answered firmly:

  — My father's life and mine are worth more. And he deserves this.

  The hatchling gazed at Yuzuki intently, as if sizing him up. After a moment's hesitation, Yuzuki took the creature, betraying little emotion.

  — I have not decided on your name yet — he murmured, looking at the small being. — We will see if you are worth it.

  Meanwhile, Amok, who had been silent in Yuzuki's mind, spoke up:

  — **That little thing looks interesting. Let us see how it fares in battle.**

  Mao, on the other hand, sounded irritated.

  — **Another dead weight to carry. This is turning into a circus.**

  Yuzuki ignored them both and turned his attention to the weapons. He gave Amok free rein to choose his new sword. To the group's surprise, Amok materialized beside Yuzuki, revealing his physical form: spiky black hair, dark eyes, and a menacing appearance, clad in a black cloak trimmed with crow-feather motifs. Akari and Zeke stiffened at his presence.

  — Who... or what is that? — Zeke asked, drawing his weapon instinctively.

  — That is Amok. A long story. We do not have time for it now — Yuzuki said, offering no further explanation.

  Amok inspected the available blades, ignoring the flashier, well-crafted options. His eyes settled on a barrel of old, rusted swords slated for recycling. He pulled out a black blade bearing a partially faded serpent symbol.

  — This one.

  The smith tried to intervene:

  — These weapons are junk. They are broken and unusable.

  — It does not matter — Amok said decisively. — This one has something special.

  Yuzuki accepted Amok's choice without question. Akari selected a white blade with a serpent-adorned hilt, while Zeke acquired a sturdy shield. Gotier, for his part, limited himself to vials for herbs and potions.

  Before they departed, the smith commented on the state of the city:

  — Salem was governed by Kubo, a count subordinate to the Lepra King. Now that he is dead, there will be a fight for control of these lands. And when that happens, the king will enslave us with taxes or turn us into labor to sustain his domains.

  The group fell silent, processing the gravity of the smith's words. As they left the shop, they passed through the market, where Yuzuki continued to receive gifts and thanks. Gotier smiled, satisfied, but Yuzuki kept his expression cold, as if none of it mattered.

  At the end of the day, as the group walked to leave the city, the small dragon in Yuzuki's arms let out a soft purr. He looked at the creature and murmured:

  — Maybe you are not so bad, after all...

  ***

  ### **The Dragon Reveals Its Intelligence**

  The cold, starry night was wrapped in a steady wind that made the nearby stream whisper. The small black dragon, now nestled close to Yuzuki, observed each member of the group intently. Yuzuki, seated by the fire, cast occasional looks at the Tailax, who was gnawing on a small stone. He closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the smith's daughter. Her words echoed in his mind: *"Do good to receive."*

  Suddenly, the dragon interrupted his thoughts, lifting its head and staring at Yuzuki with a startling intensity.

  — Thank you... — murmured the dragon in a low, hesitant voice.

  Everyone around turned, surprised.

  — He... spoke? — Gotier's eyes widened. — This breed is rarer and more impressive than I imagined.

  Yuzuki observed the little Tailax with an unreadable expression.

  — It seems you are not just any animal.

  The Tailax hesitated, appearing shy, before shrinking back slightly.

  — I learn quickly... but... I only speak when necessary.

  — Do you have a name? — asked Akari, gently.

  The dragon shook its head.

  — No... Yuzuki must choose.

  Yuzuki sighed, looking back at the flames.

  — I will think about it.

  ***

  ### **Next Destination: City of Chagas**

  While the group was still processing the idea of a talking dragon, Gotier spread a map on a flat rock. He pointed to a mark in the north.

  — The next stop is the City of Chagas. It is one of the largest centers under the Lepra King's rule, but it is also controlled by the Church of the Holy Faith — his voice was laden with resentment. — We need information on Mr. Kitty and his ties to the Church.

  — Are you sure about that? It sounds dangerous... — said Akari.

  Gotier took a deep breath.

  — Dangerous, yes. But I cannot rest while that bastard remains free. It is not just about vengeance. It is about exposing the corruption of this Church that rules through fear and blood.

  — And how do we infiltrate a city controlled by the Church? — asked Zeke.

  Gotier smiled wryly.

  — We will start on the outskirts. Chagas is full of ghettos and poor districts. And where there is misery, there is information.

  ***

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  ### **Night Training**

  After dinner, Yuzuki decided to use the time to train Akari.

  — Your posture is still wrong — he said, correcting the position of her feet. — Remember, a sword is not about brute strength. It is about precision and flow. You must dance with the blade.

  Akari tried to replicate Yuzuki's movements, but stumbled a few times. Despite his constant corrections, she did not lose heart.

  Meanwhile, Amok, manifested at Yuzuki's side, observed in silence.

  — **You teach well, but you are holding back** — Amok remarked, crossing his arms. — **Your style is not as simple as it looks. You are hiding what you truly know, are you not?**

  Yuzuki cast him a cold glance.

  — She is not ready to learn everything. Not yet.

  As the training continued, Zeke watched from afar, his eyes analyzing each of Akari's movements. He felt something strange, a vibration that seemed to emanate from her. He closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating. Two distinct auras were present in Akari's body. One was familiar—her natural essence. But the other... was different. Dark and powerful.

  He opened his eyes, his heart racing.

  — *This cannot be...* — he murmured to himself, trying to process what he had felt. — *Interesting...*

  Kaien**

  On the other side of the camp, the small Tailax dragon approached Yuzuki, who was sitting and sharpening his sword. The dragon, still shy, fell silent for a few seconds before speaking.

  — You still have not chosen my name... — he murmured, looking up at Yuzuki with bright green eyes.

  Yuzuki paused for a moment and glanced at the little creature.

  — Are you in a hurry?

  The dragon hesitated before shaking his head.

  — No. But... a name defines who I am. I want to be useful. I want... to protect you.

  That last sentence made Yuzuki raise an eyebrow.

  — Protect me, eh? You are small for someone so confident.

  — Small now. But not forever. — The Tailax straightened, trying to appear larger. Gotier, passing by, let out a low laugh.

  — He has courage, I will admit that. But you should pick a name soon, Yuzuki. It is odd calling him 'dragon.'

  Yuzuki looked at the Tailax again, pondering.

  — Alright... your name will be Kaien. It means 'Flame of Destiny.' It suits you.

  The dragon blinked several times, absorbing the meaning. Then he cocked his head in satisfaction.

  — Kaien... I like it.

  Akari, overhearing the conversation, smiled.

  — That is a strong name. I think he will live up to it.

  As the camp began to quiet down, Gotier brought out the map again. He pointed to the outer margins of Chagas, where ghettos and slums encircled the wealthy core controlled by the Church of the Holy Faith.

  — We will need intel before we enter the city proper — he said, circling an area on the map. — Here, on the outskirts, live merchants, smugglers, and desperate people. Someone will know something about Mr. Kitty.

  Zeke, still distracted by thoughts of Akari, crossed his arms.

  — What if we run into trouble before we even get inside?

  — Trouble comes with the package — Gotier replied curtly. — But we must be discreet. This city is a nest of religious fanatics and the Lepra King's lackeys. One tip to the authorities and it could mean our deaths.

  Mao, inside Yuzuki's mind, interjected with an ironic tone:

  — **I love the idea of sneaking into a den of fanatics. Makes it easier to stir up chaos.**

  Yuzuki ignored Mao, focusing on the plan.

  — We will go in without drawing attention. First, we find someone who knows about the Church. Then we decide our next move.

  ***

  ### **A Forced Pause**

  When the wind began to grow stronger, Gotier suggested they set up a new camp to rest before facing the next day.

  — There is no point arriving in Chagas exhausted — he said. — We need to stay alert.

  They found a small grove sheltered by rocks that blocked much of the biting wind. While Gotier and Zeke pitched makeshift tents, Yuzuki decided to train again—this time, alone. He wanted to test the sword Amok had chosen. The black blade seemed to vibrate in his hand, almost as if it were alive.

  Amok appeared at his side, emerging from the shadows like a specter.

  — **Do you feel it?** — Amok asked, eyeing the sword with a critical gaze. — **There is something in this blade. Something ancient.**

  Yuzuki spun the sword through the air, sensing unusual resistance. It was as though the blade were drawing something from him, amplifying his presence.

  — Did you know this when you chose it?

  — **Of course I did.** — Amok smiled, a malicious glint in his eyes. — **But not everything can be explained. Sometimes you must experience it to understand.**

  Yuzuki narrowed his eyes and focused. He realized then that his connection with Mao had grown stronger. The sword felt like a channel between him and the Kugutsu, allowing energy to flow with less strain. With a single thought, he understood that he could access greater power than before, without the usual exhaustion.

  — This blade... it lessens the effort needed to use Mao's power — he murmured.

  — **Not only that** — Amok added, folding his arms. — **It was forged to streamline Kugutsu energy to its wielder. But be careful. The more power you draw, the easier it is to lose control.**

  — **Look at the symbol on the hilt** — Amok said. — **It is from the Dragon Clan. These blades were forged from ore of the Black Volcano; the quality is evident at first glance. Besides enhancing whoever wields them, the metal allows one to shape their aura. Weapons like these are rare.** — Yuzuki listened attentively.

  Yuzuki studied the blade for a few more seconds before sheathing it.

  — I hope your curiosity does not get us killed.

  ***

  ### **Gotier's Revelation**

  That evening, as the group dined around a makeshift fire, Gotier finally spoke more about Chagas.

  — The Cathedral of the Holy Faith dominates the skyline. It is where they centralize operations—and where Mr. Kitty likely passed through. If we want to find him, that is our starting point.

  — And how do we infiltrate a fortress full of religious fanatics? — Zeke asked.

  — There is another entrance — Gotier replied, a gleam in his eye. — An underground tunnel linking the black market to the cathedral's basement. It is risky, but it is our only chance to avoid drawing attention.

  — Why would such a tunnel exist? — Akari asked, curious.

  — Corruption, of course — Gotier shrugged. — Even the most devout need contraband sometimes.

  Yuzuki remained silent, studying the map intently. He finally spoke in a low, measured tone.

  — We go in through the tunnel, but we need information before we risk it. The black market will be our first destination.

  Kaien, curled up near the fire, raised his head.

  — And if it is a trap?

  — Then we do what we always do. We survive — Yuzuki replied coldly.

  As everyone prepared for sleep, Yuzuki watched Akari from afar, his thoughts heavy. He knew something was wrong, but was not sure how to address it. Amok appeared at his side, as silent as ever.

  — **Are you worried about her?** — Amok asked.

  — No. I am worried about what it might mean for the group — Yuzuki answered.

  Amok offered an enigmatic smile.

  — **No drama. You can kill her easily if she loses control.**

  Yuzuki shot him a hard look but said nothing. The new sword hung at his waist, promising greater power and greater risk. And as the firelight danced across the camp, he could not shake the feeling that something was about to change—something that could determine all their fates.

  ***

  ### **Echoes of the Unknown**

  The nighttime silence was broken only by the sound of the stream and the soft rustling of the trees. Zeke stood for a long time, his eyes fixed on the campfire as thoughts of Akari and the auras he sensed swirled in his mind.

  Kaien, lying near the fire, lifted his head and watched him.

  — You are worried. Is it because of the girl? — he asked in his gentle, hesitant voice.

  Zeke looked at the little dragon and nodded.

  — Yes, but it is not something I can resolve easily. There is something inside her... or perhaps bound to her. It is not normal.

  Kaien tilted his head, curious.

  — Maybe she does not know she is carrying something. Or... maybe she is hiding it from herself. Humans have a strange ability to ignore important things, do they not?

  Zeke said nothing, but the dragon's words echoed in his mind. He knew Kaien was right. Perhaps Akari carried a burden she did not even understand.

  At dawn, the group slowly awoke. Yuzuki was the first to rise, organizing his weapons. He was focused on training Akari, but also knew he needed to lead the group with caution.

  In the clearing by the stream, Yuzuki began teaching Akari to execute combinations of attacks and defenses.

  — Breathe deeply before you strike. Focus on the motion, not the strength. Your blade is an extension of your body — he instructed.

  Akari struggled to follow his guidance, but Yuzuki could see that something distracted her. He halted, lowering his sword.

  — What is bothering you? — he asked directly.

  Akari hesitated, but finally spoke.

  — I feel... as if something inside me is awakening. When I fight, sometimes it seems it is not just me. There is a force... something that wants to guide me, but I do not know if I should let it.

  Yuzuki frowned.

  — And when you feel that, is it a sense of control, or does it feel like you are being controlled?

  She shook her head.

  — I do not know. It is like... familiar, but unknown at the same time.

  Before Yuzuki could respond, Zeke, who had been watching from afar, stepped forward.

  — Perhaps it is time we talk about what is really going on here — he said, crossing his arms as he looked at Yuzuki and then at Akari. — Two auras. I feel it every time she fights. Something inside her is awakening, and it might not be good.

  Akari looked at him, confused and alarmed.

  — What do you mean by 'two auras'?

  — I mean you carry more than just a sword and a fighting spirit. There is something in you, Akari. Something that could be dangerous, for us and for you.

  Yuzuki intervened, his voice firm.

  — That changes nothing. If there is something inside her, we will discover it in time. Until then, she is one of us. No more speculation without proof.

  Zeke did not look convinced, but he nodded reluctantly.

  — Fine. But stay alert. We do not know what we are facing.

  Kaien approached Akari and nudged her with his snout.

  — Are you worried?

  Akari smiled slightly and scratched his head.

  — A little. It is strange to think there might be something inside me that I do not know.

  Kaien tilted his head, his green eyes shining.

  — Maybe you should listen to yourself more. Sometimes the answers are there, but you do not hear them.

  Gotier, who was nearby the stream gathering herbs, stopped when he heard the dragon speak.

  — That little one knows more than he seems — he remarked, somewhat impressed.

  Kaien turned his snout toward Gotier and raised a draconic eyebrow.

  — I know many things. I just do not speak all the time because I do not like to complicate things like you humans do.

  ***

  ### **On the Road to Chagas**

  With training concluded and the group once more assembled, they began to break camp. Gotier checked the map again.

  — Chagas is two days from here if we keep up this pace. We must watch for church patrols. If we are caught, there will be no negotiating.

  Yuzuki looked at the group, his expression serious.

  — Prepare yourselves. This journey will be different. It is not just a city—it is a seat of power for the Church and the Lepra King. We must keep our objectives clear: information on Mr. Kitty and the Church. No distractions.

  With that, the group set off, leaving the stream behind and venturing into a dense forest. The tension hung in the air, but each of them knew that the road to Chagas would bring more than answers—it would bring challenges that could change everything.