The journey to the city of Takamatsu was a grueling twenty-day endeavor, a trek undertaken with the lingering weight of their previous mission in Kochi. While their outward demeanor suggested success, an undercurrent of unease persisted among the group. Joseph, Yoshi, and Lyra each wrestled with the revelations imparted to them by the late archdemon. The cryptic words about their futures hung heavily in their minds, a burden they bore silently yet perceptibly.Joseph, ever observant, recognized the subtle tension etched in his companions' expressions—an understanding forged through the battles they had faced together. Though no words were exchanged, the shared silence was far from comfortable. Their chariots clattered along the uneven path, the stillness amplifying the unspoken thoughts swirling within.Joseph, determined to break the spell of brooding quiet, resolved to lighten the mood. Gathering his courage, he cleared his throat and spoke, his tone laced with an awkward cheerfulne

During their long journey to the city of Takamatsu, they often sought shelter among other refugees in camps they encountered along the way. They would offer their services to aid the camp before continuing their journey the next day. When no camps or travelers were nearby, they would set up their own camp, sometimes using these moments to rest or take a break. Occasionally, they encountered rampaging monsters, which they would defeat whether camping alone or with other refugees. If the creatures were edible, they would turn them into delicacies and share the meal with other travelers.Yoshi and Lyra also dedicated time to helping Joseph hone his abilities. One evening, after sixteen days of arduous travel, they decided to camp in an open field where tall grass swayed with the gentle flow of the wind. Under the fading light of dusk, it was Yoshi's turn to train Joseph.Standing opposite each other in the clearing, Yoshi spoke with a calm but firm tone. "Your meditation skills have impr

Lyra had come to discuss something with Yoshi, but when she didn’t find him in his room, she decided to search elsewhere. Passing by Joseph’s room, her attention was drawn to the partially opened door. She noticed the shadows of two figures moving in unison—motions unmistakably intimate. Curiosity piqued, she moved closer, her suspicion growing.Inside, Yoshi and Joseph were caught in the heat of the moment, unaware of Lyra's approach. When they finally noticed her standing at the doorway, their eyes widened in shock. They hastily broke apart, each scrambling to grab a nearby sheet to cover themselves.“Lyra!” Joseph exclaimed, his voice trembling. “Yoshi came onto me!”“What?” Yoshi blurted, his gaze snapping toward Joseph, a mix of betrayal and disbelief on his face. “It’s not what you think, Lyra!” he added, turning to her, desperation in his tone.Lyra raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting between disbelief and disappointment as her eyes flickered between them. “How long has

"Prince Yoshi and the royal witch Lyra! It is an honor to have your presence grace our humble city," said the city lord, bowing respectfully. "Perhaps we could continue this discussion at the council hall?"Yoshi and his companions nodded in agreement, and they were promptly escorted to the grand council hall. Inside, the group sat at a long, intricately carved table surrounded by the city’s leaders. Once everyone was settled, Yoshi handed the relic of will to the city lord, who accepted it with gratitude before summoning a female knight to safeguard it."Allow me to introduce someone of great importance to our city," the city lord said, gesturing to the knight who stood tall and resolute by his side. "This is Eri Mika, Knight Huntress, rank C (Tier 9), and leader of the esteemed warriors of Tsu. She has proven herself time and again, not just through her bravery but through her unyielding leadership during the darkest of times. She stood by my side when others faltered, and her coura

“You know,” Joseph said between strikes, “for someone with all this power, you sure talk a big game. Let’s see if you can back it up!”The demon roared, his duplicates swarming Joseph from all sides. Yet, Joseph fought on, undeterred. His speed, power, and determination kept him in the fight, even as the odds seemed insurmountable.Yoshi and Ririka, seeing Joseph’s unwavering resolve, doubled their efforts against the duplicates, their teamwork and strategy holding the line.The battle raged on, and Joseph took a series of devastating blows from the demon’s seemingly endless duplicates. One particularly massive clone seized him by the face, slamming him hard into the ground. The demon clone dragged him across the jagged terrain, crashing through debris and sending shockwaves through the battlefield. With a final toss, Joseph was hurled into the air, only to be struck mid-flight by a titanic punch that sent him spiraling across the cavern.Joseph hit the ground hard, groaning in pain a