Chapter 6: Divine Blessing

  A week had passed since the incident.

  In Paraiba, on the middle mountain of Stonehead, there was a hotel for travelers. “Tour” was written plainly on the sign. Taro was sitting in one of the upper rooms, looking out the window, when there was a knock at the door.

  “Come in,” he said calmly.

  The door opened – and Shin entered.

  Taro stood up and held out his left hand.

  “Thank you for accepting my invitation.”

  Shin's gaze fell on the empty right sleeve.

  Taro forestalled him.

  “Don't worry. It's more appearance than reality.” He smiled wryly. “I'm stronger than you think.”

  Shin hesitated briefly, then asked directly:

  “And what do you hide behind your mask?”

  Taro was silent for a moment, then he slowly raised his hand to his face and carefully removed the mask.

  Shin's eyes widened.

  Only one eye. The right one – closed, two scars.

  “The mask... hides my eye,” Taro said softly.

  Shin fell silent.

  But Taro continued in a calm voice:

  “Sorry. That was certainly... unexpected.”

  He sat down and pointed to the space opposite.

  “Come, sit down. And please – just call me Taro.”

  Shin took a seat. There was a silence between them until Shin finally spoke – directly, clearly:

  “In the last few days, I have experienced a lot since I left my home. And the more time passes, the more questions arise. I don't know who those people were... or what they want. I don't know who you really are... and why I woke up on a carriage so far from Sadek. And then there's this... divine blessing you spoke of.”

  Taro leaned back and his gaze became more serious.

  “Then we'll start from the beginning.”

  He inhaled calmly.

  "Over a month ago, I found you together with my healer Sana deep in a forest. You were lying on the ground – actually already dead. But something inside you... wanted to survive. And so Sana was able to help you and tend to your wounds. I searched the area, but found no traces of a fight. Nothing. Everything was quiet. And there was no sign of a village far and wide."

  Shin blinked.

  In his mind, he said to himself: That can't be... In the fight against the demon, we almost completely destroyed Sadek... and yet he says there was nothing? Was it all... just a dream? But then where did my injuries come from?

  He whispered:

  “And... the village?”

  Taro frowned.

  “Which village do you mean? The only thing near you was this forest.”

  Shin sank into thought. Impossible... Was it all just another dream?

  But then he thought further: I have to get to know this world better... maybe then I'll find answers.

  “And what about the divine blessing?”

  Taro nodded and thought for a moment.

  “You have one yourself... don't you?”

  Shin looked at his hands and remained silent.

  “This dark mist,” Taro continued.

  “It's part of your blessing, isn't it?”

  Shin closed his eyes briefly.

  “I don't know anything about it. It was just there. Since then, it has been with me. Especially... in battle.”

  Taro nodded.

  “I see... I'll explain it to you. Thousands of years ago, three worlds were created: Celestia Lumina – the world of angels. Shikai – the world of demons. And Atlasis – our world, the world of humans. Angels and demons were born with supernatural powers by nature.”

  “The Divine Blessing?” Shin asked.

  “Exactly. A blessing given to a being at birth. It gives powers that influence the environment, the elements or even one's own body. It is said that the closer the body and soul – Ba and Ka – are in harmony, the stronger the blessing will be.”

  “Ba and Ka?”

  “The Ka is your physical radiance – your aura. Everyone has it, even without a blessing. But the Ba... is your soul. Your essence. If your Ba is strong, your body develops superhuman abilities. But even then there are limits. Only with training, with willpower... can you become stronger.”

  Shin nodded slowly.

  “Then I was born with a strong Ba. And this mist... is part of my blessing.”

  Taro looked at him thoughtfully.

  “That's right. How a blessing develops... what exactly it does... that's different for everyone. No one can predict that.”

  Shin: “And... this fog... I used it to teleport. To save others. Is that all part of my blessing?”

  Taro smiled.

  “Possible. But there is also a legend. It says... that every blessing can also be a curse.”

  Shin's gaze sharpened.

  “A divine curse?”

  “Maybe,” Taro replied.

  “But I think... you'll find out for yourself someday.”

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  He stood up, went to the window and looked out. Then he looked back over his shoulder.

  “What exactly happened to you, Shin? What caused you such wounds?”

  Shin hesitated. Then he answered,

  “I fought a demon.”

  Taro turned around abruptly.

  Shin's gaze dropped.

  “I was locked up in my village for years. Alone. And when I was finally allowed to leave... this demon killed two people in front of me. Without mercy. Without a word. Just like that.”

  His voice trailed off.

  “Just like back then... when my village was wiped out by the divine. As if our lives were worth nothing.”

  Taro said nothing.

  “I dream about it... all the time. I see everything as if I were there again. Even though I was just a baby. But the images keep coming.”

  Shin clenched his fist.

  “I swore to myself that I would wipe out everything divine in this world. To destroy all evil. So that my village... my family... and the Fugare can be proud of me. If I ever meet them again.”

  Taro approached, moved by Shin's words.

  Shin looked at him.

  “Maybe this mist is my destiny. Something that devours evil. Something that will help me achieve my goal.”

  Taro knelt before him, on one knee.

  “Then I have a request.”

  Shin frowned.

  “A... request?”

  “Let me accompany you. I want to fight by your side. I want to train you. Help you master your blessing. And let you... go your way.”

  A moment of silence.

  Shin stared at him - surprised.

  Then his gaze relaxed.

  A first, quiet smile.

  “Thank you. Then let's go this way together, Taro.”

  In the Paraiba Temple, in the heart of the central mountain of Stonehead.

  The great hall was filled with a slight flickering of the stone torches on the walls. The guardian of the highest mountain, Zircon, was already standing at the huge map of Stonehead, together with Lazuli, the guardian of Paraiba. Both waited silently as the heavy doors opened. Jaseol entered.

  Zircon turned to him. “Now, Jaseol, tell us what has happened recently.”

  The Citrine Guardian walked forward a few steps, calmly. “We have received support from an outlaw of the Flores kingdom.”

  Lazuli's eyes darkened in surprise. “An outlaw?”

  Zircon nodded calmly, almost reverently. “They are members of the King's Army—chosen warriors who answer directly to the king. They are above the law. No judge, no decree can judge them. In return, they are bound by absolute loyalty—they will carry out any order, no matter how ruthless.”

  “And we're supposed to trust someone like that?” Lazuli's voice was calm but clearly concerned. “What if he's here for a completely different reason?”

  Jaseol replied matter-of-factly but firmly: “That possibility exists. But after all these years without progress... we have no other choice. I trust him. Besides... I'll have him watched. He has assured me that he will share any information he has with me. Any betrayal against us will not go unpunished."

  Zirkon nodded approvingly. ‘I've only heard the best about these warriors... talented fighters. Tell me... what is his name?’

  At that moment, the door behind Jaseol opened again – Taro entered. Right next to him: Shin.

  “My name is Taro,” he said calmly, stepping forward. “One of the outlaws of the Flores Royal Army. It is an honor to meet you, Guardian of Alexandrit. I have heard nothing but good things about you in the entire kingdom.”

  Lazuli turned to him in surprise. I didn't even notice him enter the room... she thought in puzzlement.

  Zirkon's expression showed keen interest. “A one-armed, masked outlaw... I didn't think I'd ever see these rumors with my own eyes.”

  Taro grinned slightly. “I'm glad that even you have heard about it, Guardian Zirkon.”

  Jaseol interrupted the conversation. “Taro. Thank you for coming.”

  Taro nodded and introduced Shin. “May I introduce Shin. He is part of my family – in our own way. Our meeting was a coincidence, but from now on he will accompany me.”

  Shin bowed respectfully. Lazuli looked at him briefly, then said, “If you have received an invitation from Keeper Jaseol, then you already know that our meeting has two purposes.”

  Taro replied in a calm voice, “Of course. I have been informed of everything.”

  Zircon approached the stone figure of Stonehead in the middle of the hall again. She spoke in a serious voice, “In a week's time, the Festival of Hope will take place in Alexandrit. It is an ancient tradition – a celebration in honor of the rock on which we live. A celebration of faith, unity... and light. But this year... we expect an attack by the Black Orlov."

  Jaseol added, ‘Taro told me that he had to fight one of their members – one of their stones – at the hospital. It was the pink stone. Unfortunately, she escaped... and was able to kill a man and seriously injure one of his companions. We couldn't get any more information.’

  Taro took over the conversation, giving Shin a quick, familiar glance. “I was able to find out more, though: another of her stones has the ability to create portals – a Divine Blessing. And they have a Weapon Master in their ranks. She is proficient in long sword, bow, iron fan – at least those three. I don't yet know what other weapons she can use.”

  Lazuli and Jaseol exchanged a glance – visibly impressed.

  “A remarkable collection of information,” Zircon murmured. “Your reputation precedes you.”

  At that moment, footsteps sounded. Granite, Lazuli's closest advisor, entered the hall and handed her a sealed letter. “Guardian Lazuli... this just arrived.”

  Lazuli took the letter, opened it – and read. Then she paused briefly, read again. Her forehead furrowed.

  Zirkon stepped closer, took the letter from her. She read the few words aloud:

  “You are mine. Festival of Hope – and we are one.”

  The tension was suddenly palpable.

  “A message from the Black Orlov...” whispered Lazuli. “They're going to strike at the festival...”

  “Then we have to cancel it,” shouted Jaseol immediately, the concern in his voice unmistakable.

  But before Zirkon could say anything, Lazuli stepped forward – determined, clear.

  “No. The festival must take place.”

  Jaseol looked at her in horror. “But that would be a risk for our people!”

  Lazuli replied calmly, but with glowing seriousness: “This festival gives people hope. It makes their worries fade and their faith grow. We must not give that up. Instead, we will prepare everything – down to the last detail. We will be ready.”

  Zirkon looked at her for a long time. Then she nodded.

  “Then we will fight. And we will protect the Festival of Hope with everything we have.”

  Taro stood calmly before the Stonehead guards, his gaze respectful but determined. “I would like to make a request of you,” he said in a calm voice.

  Zirkon turned to him. “State your request.”

  Before Taro could answer, Shin took a step forward. His expression serious, his voice firm: “I would like to use one of their halls for training with Taro. I want to prepare myself... for what is coming.”

  Jaseol and Lazuli exchanged surprised glances. But Zircon seemed more pleased with this direct approach. “I don't think there will be any objections. But it is ultimately up to Guardian Lazuli to decide – after all, it is her domain.”

  Before Lazuli could answer, Taro piped up. “We would like to use the halls in Citrine if Guardian Jaseol has no objections. Since we are in constant communication, it would make it much easier for us to stay in the area.”

  Jaseol nodded calmly. “You have my consent.”

  —

  Five days before the Festival of Hope.

  In the deep training halls of Citrine, metallic blows echoed off the stone walls. Shin stood in the center of the room, his upper body bandaged, sweat running down his forehead. With mighty sword strokes, he brought down his black sword on the training blocks carved into the rock, splitting rock like paper. Taro stood a few meters away, watching his every move closely, his left hand deep in his coat pocket. His voice was stern but calm: “You have to be faster on your feet. And don't shift your weight so much forward when you attack. You open yourself up too much and lose your footing.”

  Shin was breathing heavily, nodded, corrected his posture. Taro now entered the arena with a wooden sword, stood opposite him, relaxed – but the tension in his body betrayed the experience. “Let's move on to single combat.”

  Shin looked up in surprise. “You said your left hand is the weaker one.”

  A brief smile flitted across Taro's face. Without answering, he attacked. His strikes were precise, fast and so powerful that Shin had to block with all his might. Metal scraped against wood, and every blow pushed Shin to his limits. Then, an unexpected slash – and Shin fell. Taro stood over him, his sword pointed at his forehead.

  “I've already told you once... I'm stronger than you think.”

  At that moment, the door to the hall opened. Sana entered. Her gaze immediately fell on Shin, who was struggling to get up. “Oh... hello Sana,” he said with a smile marked by exhaustion.

  But just as he momentarily lost his concentration, Taro spun around and kicked with all his might. Shin was hurled across the hall and crashed against the rock wall with his back. Dust swirled.

  “Eyes on your opponent!” Taro shouted while Shin was lying on the ground, bleeding slightly, breathing heavily. Sana ran to him. “Wait, I'll help you,” she said and immediately knelt down.

  “But... your injuries...” Shin began, but she interrupted him firmly: “Shut up. I'll take care of you quickly.”

  Taro stood a few steps away and watched the two of them. In his mind, he spoke to himself. She had always been like that. The lives of others... were always more important to her than her own. Two days ago, she was still in the hospital herself...

  Then he stepped closer and extended his left hand to Shin. “Come. Now you fight with your divine blessing. I want to see your current limits.”

  Shin looked up at him. Something flickered in his eyes. Not just the familiar will or determination – but something darker, deeper. A shadow that rested in him slowly awakened. A whisper inside. The air became heavier, the room darker. Something began to stir within him.

  And the dark fog returned.

  Divine Blessing: /

  Name: Shin Juuji

  Divine Blessing: Unknown