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  Chapter 14: Akari vs. Yuzuki**

  The forest around the group seemed to grow denser as they advanced. The wind whispered through the leaves like distant voices, creating an atmosphere of tension. Yuzuki led the way, silent as ever, while Akari walked beside him, gripping her newly acquired sword firmly. Zeke and Gotier followed close behind, with Kaien flying low, observing the group intently.

  Inside Yuzuki, Mao's presence made itself felt, and his voice echoed like distant thunder in the swordsman's mind.

  — **Yuzuki, we can solve this girl's mystery** — Mao's voice was melancholic but carried an almost predatory interest. — **Whatever she is carrying... I can bring it to the surface. But, as always, there is a price.**

  Yuzuki narrowed his eyes, keeping his face impassive as he walked. He knew Mao offered nothing without second intentions.

  — *What price, Mao? Be direct.*

  Mao laughed, a low, unsettling sound.

  — **Simple. She must fight you. Not as training, but a real battle with the intent to kill. Only at the brink of death do true hidden powers emerge. And you know that as well as I do.**

  Yuzuki stopped abruptly, and the group looked at him, confused.

  — Are you all right? — Zeke asked, furrowing his brow.

  Yuzuki ignored the question and replied to Mao in his mind.

  — *And if this destroys her? You are playing with lives as if they were chess pieces.*

  — **We are all pieces on a board, Yuzuki. Some simply have more awareness of it than others. Do you want answers or not?** — Mao retorted, his voice full of dangerous fascination.

  Yuzuki sighed, running his hand along the sword's hilt. He knew Mao was right about one thing: whatever lay inside Akari would not be revealed without confrontation.

  ***

  ### **The Challenge**

  When the group stopped to rest in another clearing, Yuzuki approached Akari. His gaze was sharp as a blade, and his posture exuded authority.

  — Akari, we need to settle something. — His voice cut through the silence, drawing everyone's attention.

  Akari frowned, confused.

  — Settle what?

  — There is something inside you. Something hidden and potentially dangerous to you and to all of us. Mao believes that to bring it to light, you must fight me. Not as training, but as if you were truly trying to kill me.

  The silence fell over the group like a stone. Zeke stepped forward, outraged.

  — This is insane, Yuzuki! She can barely wield a sword! You want her to fight you to the death? Why?

  Gotier watched in silence, his eyes analyzing every reaction, but Kaien was the first to break it.

  — Humans are complicated creatures. But he is not lying. Sometimes, what is buried can only be uncovered through pain — the little dragon said, staring at Akari with his bright green eyes. — What do you want to do?

  Akari took a deep breath, hesitating. She looked at Yuzuki, trying to understand the reason behind the request. Finally, she lifted her chin.

  — If that is necessary to discover what lies within me... I accept. — Her voice trembled slightly, but there was determination in her words.

  Zeke exploded.

  — Are you crazy? This could kill you!

  Akari looked at him, her eyes steady.

  — I trust Yuzuki. He will not kill me.

  Yuzuki gripped the sword's hilt.

  — This is not about trust, Akari. If you hesitate, we will not discover anything. You will have to fight with the intent to take my life.

  ***

  ### **Meditation and Connection**

  Akari sat at the edge of the clearing, away from the tense gazes of the others. With her eyes closed and her breathing controlled, she sought to surrender to meditation, searching the depths of her being for the lost link to her memories and the spiritual energy that, according to ancient teachings, resided within her.

  At first, a fragile calm enveloped her body. But, as she delved deeper into her inner self, an unbearable block arose, like an invisible and impenetrable wall, preventing any glimpse of the memories she sought to recover. Each attempt revealed only a restless void. It was as if a hidden force were deliberately sealing the doors of her past, keeping its secrets protected even from herself.

  For long minutes, Akari remained immersed in this inner battle. A chilling cold settled in her heart—an unmistakable sign that something deep and disturbing was being repressed. When she ended the meditation, Akari remained seated in silence. Even feeling that the barrier had been premeditated, she knew that revealing such a limitation to the group could sow fear and insecurity.

  With a contained sigh, she made the silent decision to keep this secret to herself. Thus, when curious eyes turned to her, Akari smiled softly and said only:

  — I am fine. I just need some time to understand everything that is happening.

  ***

  ### **The Combat**

  The group formed a circle around Akari and Yuzuki. The tension was palpable. Mao, inside Yuzuki's mind, watched with an almost childlike delight.

  — **This is going to be fun. Let us see what she is made of** — Mao whispered.

  Yuzuki drew his sword, his movements precise and controlled. Akari did the same, her hands trembling slightly as she gripped her blade.

  — Remember what I taught you — Yuzuki said before assuming his fighting stance.

  Akari nodded, trying to ignore the fear pounding in her chest. When Yuzuki surged forward, she barely had time to react. He moved too fast, and his blade was about to strike her when she instinctively parried.

  The clash of steel echoed through the clearing. Akari struggled to keep up with Yuzuki's movements, but something inside her began to awaken. Her breathing steadied, her motions grew fluid. It was as if another force were guiding her.

  Mao laughed in Yuzuki's mind.

  — **Yes... it is happening. Keep pressing her.**

  Yuzuki picked up the pace, attacking with rapid, precise strikes. Akari blocked and dodged, but there was something odd in her posture. Suddenly, her sword glowed faintly, and she unleashed a strike that nearly caught Yuzuki off guard.

  Gotier's eyes widened.

  — This is not normal. She is being guided by something else.

  Zeke narrowed his eyes, muttering to himself.

  — That is it. There is something inside her.

  Akari cried out, lunging at Yuzuki with a ferocity that did not seem her own. Her movements were nearly flawless, but there was a strange gleam in her eyes. Yuzuki noticed the change and adjusted his stance, blocking her attacks with renewed seriousness.

  — Enough! — he shouted, disarming her with a precise blow. Akari's sword clattered to the ground, and she dropped to her knees, gasping for breath.

  — What... what was that? — Akari murmured, staring at her trembling hands.

  Yuzuki looked at her, his eyes filled with concern.

  — Something inside you is awakening. But we still do not know what it is.

  Mao spoke again, his voice brimming with satisfaction.

  — **Interesting. Very interesting. That was only a glimpse. But I can say one thing for certain: whatever it is, it is not human.**

  Zeke watched Akari with lingering distrust. Gotier remained quiet, but Kaien stepped forward and placed a paw on Akari's shoulder.

  — Are you all right? — the little dragon asked, softly.

  Akari nodded, still catching her breath.

  — Yes... but I think things are only beginning.

  With those words, the group knew their journey to Chagas would be even more dangerous than they had imagined.

  : Zyon**

  Akari stood facing Yuzuki, gripping her sword tightly. The blade caught the moonlight as she adjusted her stance. The night's chill made the wind cut at her skin, but none of it seemed to distract her. Yet, as she looked at Yuzuki, something inside her wavered.

  She glanced down at her sword, and a wave of memories flooded her like a whirlwind.

  *"Why does he want me to fight him?"* she wondered for a brief moment, but her thoughts were quickly pulled into the past.

  She remembered her childhood, the moment her life fell apart.

  At ten years old, Akari sat in a narrow alley at the heart of the Alcali clan. With tangled pink hair and a worn tin can in her hands, she watched passersby stroll by without so much as a glance.

  — One coin... just one coin — she begged in a weak voice.

  It was useless. Everyone knew who she was.

  An elderly woman whispered to the man beside her.

  — *She is the traitor's daughter. What did you expect? That they would care for her?*

  — *She should have been sacrificed along with her mother* — the man replied.

  Akari bowed her head, squeezing her eyes shut to hold back tears. The physical pain seemed less than the weight of her emotions. Some merchants had beaten her that day, shouting that she had no right to steal. Her legs ached, and she could barely move.

  As the day dragged on, the sounds of the street blurred together. Her vision grew hazy, and the cold of the night seemed to swallow everything around her. That was when she felt a presence.

  — What happened to you? — asked a low, deep voice.

  Akari raised her eyes slowly. A tall man stood before her. His white hair shimmered in the moonlight, and his crystal-blue eyes seemed to see right through her. He said nothing more, simply kneeling to meet her at eye level.

  Akari tried to speak, but her voice failed her. She was too exhausted. The man extended his hand, and after a moment's hesitation, she took it.

  When she opened her eyes again, she lay in a warm bed. The scent of herbs filled the air, and for the first time in a long while, she felt comfort. She tried to move, but a sharp pain shot through her leg.

  — Do not try to get up yet. You need to rest — the same deep voice said.

  She turned and saw the white-haired man. He sat in a simple chair, slicing pieces of bread. His expression was calm, but his eyes were full of determination.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  — Who are you? — Akari asked in a hoarse voice.

  — My name is Zyon.

  — Why... did you help me?

  Zyon looked at her for a moment without answering. He stood, fetched a bowl of soup from a nearby table, and handed it to her.

  — Eat — he said simply.

  Akari did not argue. She was starving and devoured the soup so quickly she nearly choked. Zyon remained silent, watching her.

  Days passed, and Zyon continued to care for Akari. He spoke little, but his actions were constant and kind. He cleaned her wounds, prepared meals, and when she tried to walk and stumbled, he lifted her without a word.

  — Are you always this quiet? — Akari asked once, with a faint smile.

  Zyon shrugged.

  — Words are loud. I prefer silence.

  Akari laughed—a sound she had not made in a long time.

  One night, as she sat in bed, Zyon entered the room carrying a book. He placed it on the table beside her and prepared to leave.

  — Where are you going? — Akari asked.

  — Work.

  — What kind of work?

  Zyon paused. His usually calm eyes were dark.

  — Things that need doing.

  — Are you... are you an assassin?

  Zyon looked at her, his expression inscrutable.

  — I do what is necessary.

  Akari did not press further. She felt he carried a heavy burden—one he would never admit.

  A month later, Akari was already walking by herself again. Zyon continued to leave at night, always returning at dawn. He never explained himself, but Akari did not mind. She saw him as a father figure, someone who had lifted her out of misery when no one else cared.

  One night, she waited for Zyon to return and confronted him again.

  — Why did you save me? — she asked, looking directly at him.

  Zyon hesitated for a moment before answering:

  — Because no one else would.

  Those words were etched into Akari's heart. Zyon never explained more than that, but she knew there was something in his past he kept hidden. Still, she began to love him as a father.

  ***

  ### **The Second Father**

  Zyon was everything to Akari. For seven years, he had raised her, taught her, and protected her in ways no one else ever had. There was no doubt he was more than a guardian—he was her dad.

  Among ordinary days, there were moments of tenderness. Zyon, despite his quiet nature, showed affection in simple ways. He would play with Akari, improvising games with stones or twigs, and tell short jokes that always made her smile. He was a strict teacher but a fair one.

  Akari remembered the first time she held a sword.

  — You do not fight to harm. You fight to survive — Zyon said as he adjusted her hands on the blade.

  She trained every day under his watchful eye, learning precise movements and developing quick reflexes. Over time, her technique became refined, and Zyon seemed increasingly proud, though he rarely showed it in words.

  — One day, you will need to protect yourself. The world is cruel, Akari, and no one will care about your pain but yourself.

  Those words echoed in her mind with every strike she practiced.

  One day, while running errands, Akari noticed something.

  — Zyon, no one will sell anything to you. It is better if I stay home...

  Zyon looked at her for a moment, his crystal-blue eyes shining with determination.

  — No. You are coming with me.

  — But...

  — No matter what they say or do. I will handle it.

  Akari knew he was resolute. Still, she felt the weight of others' judgment whenever she accompanied him. People avoided Zyon, averted their eyes, whispered behind his back. He was feared, almost like a legendary, dangerous figure.

  In the markets, the tension was palpable. Merchants hesitated before serving Zyon, but a single severe glance from him was enough to make them comply.

  — Why are they so afraid of you? — Akari once asked as they walked home.

  Zyon did not answer.

  — Did you... do something in the past? — she pressed.

  — The past is just the past, Akari. Do not worry about it.

  Akari asked no more. Despite the mystery surrounding him, Zyon was her safe harbor.

  Years passed, and their bond only grew stronger. Akari no longer saw Zyon as just her savior—he was her father, her mentor, her family.

  — I never thought I would have someone like you — Akari said once as they shared a simple dinner.

  Zyon looked at her, his expression gentle.

  — And I never thought I would find someone who needed me as much.

  One night, Akari woke from a nightmare. Sweat dripped down her forehead as she struggled to catch her breath. Thirsty, she got up to drink water.

  In the kitchen, she heard sounds from the backyard: clashing swords, muffled cries, and finally a deafening roar of energy. Her heart raced. *"Zyon?"* she thought, frozen in place.

  Not knowing what to do, she climbed a hidden stairway to the attic. There, a small window overlooked the yard. Akari approached cautiously and peered out.

  What she saw left her paralyzed.

  Zyon stood in the center of the yard, surrounded by bodies. He wielded a terrifying weapon: a massive sword nearly two meters long, fused with a chainsaw. The blade hummed with deadly energy as Zyon fought several men in Alcali and Kugutsu clan armor.

  Zyon's strikes were precise and brutal; every swing of his weapon brought destruction. He seemed unstoppable, moving like a predator in the chaos.

  Akari covered her mouth to keep from screaming.

  Then Zyon looked up. His eyes met hers at the attic window.

  For a moment, everything froze. The world seemed to stand still as father and daughter stared at each other. Zyon showed no surprise, no anger—just looked at her as if speaking without words.

  Slowly, Akari backed away and returned to her bed. Her heart pounded, and tears streamed down her face. She did not know what to think.

  That night, she barely slept.

  When she woke the next morning, the house was silent.

  Zyon was gone.

  Days turned into weeks, and then months. He never returned.

  Akari understood that, in some way, Zyon had fulfilled his mission. He had raised her, trained her, and prepared her for the world. Now, she had to continue alone.

  As she looked at the sword he had given her, Akari felt a mixture of sadness and gratitude.

  — Thank you, Zyon — she whispered, pressing the blade against her chest.

  He was not just her savior. He was her father. And even in his absence, Zyon continued to guide her.

  ---

  The Limit of Body and Soul**

  The tension in the air was palpable as Akari and Yuzuki faced each other, each gripping their swords firmly. Moonlight bathed the battlefield, and the night wind hissed through the trees. The group gathered around felt the weight of the moment. Every strike was not only physical but emotional, and the outcome of this fight could change everything.

  Gotier, Zeke, and Kaien watched with expressions ranging from worry to fascination.

  “Is this really necessary?” murmured Gotier, crossing his arms uncomfortably. “It seems he’s trying to break her.”

  Zeke, his gaze fixed on Akari, shook his head slightly. “It’s more than that. There’s something inside her—something he’s trying to bring to light. I feel… two presences, two auras. One is fierce, unstable. I don’t know how this will end.”

  Kaien, claws lightly digging into the ground, looked uneasy. “She is… divided,” Kaien said in a timid voice yet filled with a primal instinct. “As if she’s fighting something she doesn’t understand. I… feel it. It’s frightening.”

  On the battlefield, Yuzuki advanced with deadly precision, his sword slicing the air toward Akari. She could barely keep up, parrying at the last moment, but each impact left her more worn down.

  “Do you think you can go on like this, Akari?” Yuzuki shouted, his voice charged with determination. “If you want to discover what’s inside you, you must do more than this! Show me your strength!”

  Akari gasped, her arms trembling as she held her blade.

  “I… I don’t know if I can…” she murmured, almost inaudible.

  “If you don’t fight with everything you have, you’ll never know what you’re capable of!” Yuzuki pressed again, his blade stopping inches from her face before veering sideways and gouging a deep mark in the ground. “Fight, Akari! Prove to yourself that you are more than the weight of your past!”

  Gotier took a step forward, but Zeke stopped him with an outstretched arm. “He knows what he’s doing, Gotier. Yuzuki wouldn’t risk her life without reason.” Still, Zeke clenched his fists. “But this fight… it’s crossing the line.”

  Yuzuki continued to press Akari, who gradually showed signs of change. Her strikes grew faster, more precise, but also more aggressive, almost feral. Her eyes, usually filled with determination, now glowed with something darker.

  “It’s not just strength. It’s as if… a part of her is taking control. Something that isn’t entirely her own. This could end badly,” said Zeke.

  “Then stop this!” Gotier finally shouted, his patience exhausted. “Yuzuki, this is madness!”

  Yuzuki did not answer. He leapt back, wiping sweat from his brow, yet his stance remained as solid as a rock.

  “If you don’t understand what’s inside you, Akari, it will consume everything around you—including those you love. Is that what you want?”

  Those words pierced Akari like a blade. She cried out, launching a swift strike that forced Yuzuki to block with all his might. The impact echoed through the forest.

  “She’s reaching her limit,” Zeke said, now visibly tense. “But is it her limit… or something else’s?”

  ***

  The night felt even denser as the fight intensified. Yuzuki showed no mercy. His goal was clear: to reveal what lay hidden inside her, even if it meant breaking her in the process.

  After a particularly violent strike from Yuzuki, Akari fell to her knees, gasping. Her sword slipped from her hands and buried itself in the ground.

  “Why… don’t you stop? Is this what you want? To completely break me?” asked Akari, her voice ragged.

  Yuzuki lowered his sword slightly but did not lose his stance.

  “You don’t understand yet, Akari. Sometimes you have to get lost to find your way.”

  Gotier shouted, “Akari! That’s enough!”

  Zeke frowned, watching the auras around them. “My God…”

  Kaien, uneasy, stepped forward. “We have to stop this! If it goes on, she’s going to—” Kaien faltered, unable to finish the sentence.

  Gotier, unable to contain his frustration, stepped forward with his sword drawn.

  “If you don’t stop, Yuzuki, I will…!”

  Before Gotier could finish his threat, a deep roar echoed through the forest. It was not a human sound. Everyone froze.

  Akari, collapsed on the ground, felt the energy around her pulse violently, like a dark heart about to explode. She looked at Yuzuki, who now stared back at her with a mixture of anger, coldness, and something else—perhaps fear.

  Just as he was about to deliver a strike that would have gravely wounded Akari, he thought:

  *"She’s at her limit. If I push now, she may not rise again. But if I stop… she might never discover what controls her. I promised to help you, Akari. And as cruel as it seems, this is what I’m doing now."*

  Yuzuki raised his sword, ready to deliver the final blow. Akari knew she had no strength left to defend herself. She closed her eyes, bracing for impact—yet it never came.

  A metallic clang rang out, and when Akari opened her eyes, she saw an imposing figure between her and Yuzuki. Yuzuki’s blade had been blocked by a gigantic weapon: the chainsaw-sword. Akari’s eyes widened in disbelief.

  “Zyon…” she whispered, her voice faltering.

  Zyon said nothing. His eyes, as cold as crystal, fixed on Yuzuki. He easily shoved the blade back, forcing Yuzuki to stumble several steps.

  “Who are you?” Yuzuki demanded.

  Zyon tilted his head slightly, his presence commanding the space. “Someone who’s already lost too much. I won’t let you take anything else from me.”

  Gotier, Zeke, and Kaien watched in stunned silence. Finally, Zeke broke it: “That aura… he’s… a Kugutsu?”

  Kaien, eyes wide, added, “No wonder people are afraid of him. He’s not just a warrior. He’s a living legend… or a nightmare.”

  Zyon turned to Akari, his expression unreadable. “You’re not ready for this, Akari. Not yet. I trained you to survive what was coming, but I never thought you’d face it so soon. Still, here I am… keeping the only promise that truly matters.”

  Akari wanted to respond, but words would not come. Tears streamed down her face as her body trembled.

  ***

  ### **The Truth About Zyon**

  Zyon advanced slowly, his presence overwhelming.

  “You… you’re not human, are you? What the hell is this, a Kugutsu in human form, even more so than Amok…” said Yuzuki, still in fighting stance.

  Zyon looked directly at him.

  “No. I am the reflection of Akari’s pain. Her fury, her resilience… and what remained of her humanity when everything was taken from her. I am her Kugutsu.”

  The revelation struck the group like lightning.

  “A Kugutsu…? Does that mean he’s… part of her?” Zeke whispered, terrified.

  “But he seems so… real,” said Gotier, narrowing his eyes.

  Akari finally managed to stand, leaning on her sword. She looked at Zyon with a mixture of fear and understanding.

  “You… you were always with me? All this time?”

  Zyon nodded slowly.

  “Since the moment you were abandoned. When no one else was there, I took form. You created me, Akari. And I protected you.”

  Yuzuki did not back down.

  “If you’re part of her, then you know what I’m trying to do is help her. I won’t stop now.”

  Zyon raised his chainsaw-sword, his aura growing even more intense.

  “Help? By hurting her to the limit? You don’t understand what you’re trying to awaken.”

  Yuzuki lunged again, his blade clashing with Zyon’s. The collision sent a wave of energy that forced the group to shield their eyes.

  “They’re going to destroy everything!” Kaien shouted.

  “Akari, do something!” Zeke yelled.

  Akari watched the fight with a heavy heart. Each blow between Yuzuki and Zyon seemed to reverberate within her. It was as if she were witnessing two parts of herself colliding.

  Finally, she summoned the last of her strength and yelled:

  “Stop!”

  Zyon and Yuzuki backed off, but their weapons remained raised. Akari stepped forward, positioning herself between them.

  “This… is not about you. It’s about me,” she said, panting but determined.

  She looked at Zyon, tears in her eyes.

  “You were always there. You always protected me. But now… I need to face this alone.”

  Zyon hesitated, his expression softening.

  “If that is your choice, Akari… then I will respect it.”

  He took a step back, his form beginning to dissipate slowly.

  “But remember: I will always be with you, even if you cannot see me,” Zyon said, before vanishing completely.

  When Zyon disappeared, the battlefield fell into silence once more. Yuzuki lowered his sword, looking at Akari with renewed respect.

  “You found your answer,” he said, softly.

  Akari nodded, gripping her sword tightly.

  “I found it. But this is only the beginning.”

  The group approached slowly, each reflecting on what they had witnessed. The clearing, now at peace, still seemed to carry Zyon’s presence as a reminder of the strength Akari had discovered within herself.