The aftermath of Kuro's revelation to the beast folk left the kingdom in a state of awe and reverence. Though he was now seen as a hero and a protector, Kuro knew that his journey was far from over. The time had come for him to move on, to seek out the next realm in his quest—the elusive Fairies.

As Kuro stood at the edge of the beast folk's capital, gazing out at the vast, untamed wilderness that lay before him, the Empress approached him one final time. The air was thick with unspoken words, but it was the Empress who broke the silence.

"Before you depart," she began, her voice soft yet firm, "there is something you must know about your sword."

Kuro furrowed his brow in confusion. "My sword? It’s just an old, rusted blade. It’s served me well, but… what more could there be to it?"

The Empress smiled faintly, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light. "The sword you carry, Kuro, is far more than it appears. What you see—the rust, the worn stone embedded in the hilt—is not the true form of your weapon. It is a Rune sword, a weapon forged by gods, or so the legends say. The stone and rust you see are seals, placed to contain the immense power within."

Kuro stared at the sword in disbelief, feeling its familiar weight in his hand as if for the first time. "A Rune sword... A weapon of the gods?"

"Yes," the Empress nodded. "It is said that such swords choose their wielders, bonding with them in ways that are beyond mortal understanding. Your sword has chosen you, Kuro, but its true power remains dormant until you are ready to unleash it. There is a blacksmith in the realm of the fairies, one who can awaken the sword's true nature. Seek him out, and he will help you unlock the weapon’s potential."

Kuro’s grip tightened around the hilt, a sense of awe washing over him. "I never imagined... Thank you, Your Majesty. I will seek this blacksmith and unlock the sword's true power."

The Empress placed a hand on Kuro's shoulder, her expression warm yet somber. "You have already done so much for our people, Kuro. But your journey is far from over. Go, with the blessings of the beast folk. We will always remember you as one of our own."

Kuro bowed deeply, his heart heavy with gratitude. "I will never forget what you and your people have done for me."

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As he turned to leave, preparing for the long journey ahead, a familiar voice called out from behind him.

"Kuro! Wait!"

Kuro turned to see Raga running toward him, his eyes filled with determination. The beast kin warrior skidded to a halt in front of Kuro, panting heavily.

"Kuro," Raga began, his voice steady but laced with emotion, "I can't let you go alone. Not this time. I’ve made up my mind—I’m coming with you. Wherever you go, whatever dangers lie ahead, I’ll be there by your side."

Kuro blinked in surprise. "Raga... Are you sure? This journey won’t be easy. We don’t know what we’ll face in the realm of the fairies. You’ve done so much already—"

"I’m not doing this because I feel obligated," Raga interrupted, his gaze unwavering. "I’m doing this because you’re my best friend, Kuro. You’ve always been there for me, through thick and thin. And now, it’s my turn to be there for you. No matter what happens, we’re in this together."

Kuro felt a lump form in his throat as Raga’s words sunk in. For all his strength, for all the battles he had fought, it was moments like these that reminded him of what truly mattered. Friendship, loyalty, the bonds they had forged in the fires of adversity—these were the things worth fighting for.

"Raga," Kuro began, his voice thick with emotion, "you’ve always been like a brother to me. I can’t imagine going on this journey without you. Thank you—for everything."

Raga grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, you’re stuck with me now, whether you like it or not."

The two friends clasped hands, a silent vow passing between them. They would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, as they always had.

With their farewells said, Kuro and Raga set out on the ten-day journey to the realm of the fairies. The path was long and arduous, winding through dense forests, treacherous mountains, and vast plains. But thanks to Nyxara’s guidance, they knew the way.

Nyxara, the Riftyato with godly powers, had been a constant source of strength and wisdom for Kuro. Her knowledge of the realms was unparalleled, and she led them unerringly toward their destination.

As they traveled, Kuro couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had happened. The battles they had fought, the people they had met, and the secrets that had been revealed. He thought about the sword at his side, the Rune sword that had been with him all along, waiting for the right moment to reveal its true power.

And he thought about his companions—Raga, Lyra, Nyxara—who had stood by him through it all. They were more than friends; they were his family, bound not by blood, but by something far stronger.

By the time they reached the borders of the fairy realm, Kuro felt a renewed sense of purpose. Whatever awaited them in the days to come, he knew they would face it together.

As they crossed into the fairy realm, the air shimmered with magic, and Kuro knew they were entering a world unlike any they had seen before. The journey was far from over, but with his friends by his side and the Rune sword at his hip, Kuro was ready for whatever lay ahead.