Finally, the day had arrived when they would reach the mainland.

It had been a long and arduous journey, but at last, Kawao would be able to explore the seemingly endless expanses of the continent Unas.

His first destination was the capital city of the country Kasaka, Kaisan.

But to even get there, he and Koru would have to sneak through the port city of Kurani, where they would dock today.

Since they had stolen their ship from Paikon, the commander of the 18th unit of the Kasakan army, they had to take turns keeping watch throughout the night.

The two had had more comfortable nights, and it showed on them this morning.

In addition to keeping watch, they had to devise a plan to enter the city unnoticed without being detected by the army.

After some time, they agreed on a plan and now hoped they would reach the city without trouble.

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As they reached the main deck, the blazing sun greeted them.

The mainland was not yet in sight, but they knew they had to prepare for what was to come.

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The ship's soldiers only helped them out of fear of being thrown overboard or worse.

"Can they swim?" Kawao wondered as he leaned against the ship's railing, gazing at the seemingly endless blue of the ocean.

"Are you alright?" Koru approached him.

His worries were visibly apparent.

After a brief pause, Kawao replied, "Yes... I'm fine!"

"Really? You don't seem like you're unaffected by all this!"

"Who wouldn't be?... You understand, don't you?... At least a little... why I'm doing this. Why I have to do it!"

"Yes... and no."

A brief pause ensued.

Both tried not to show their emotions.

"I understand why you want revenge. And I understand why you believe you have to do it. But still, you must realize how much this will consume you. Maybe you already feel it, but... I believe if you continue like this... you won't reach Kaisan alive."

"What do you know about how much this 'consumes' me? This whole thing is none of your business. I just thought it was better to tell you since we've gotten along so well so far... I don't like lying to my friends, you know."

"That's why I want to understand! Don't forget my promise! I will steer you away from your path of revenge before it destroys you!"

Kawao sighed.

"Do what you must. But remember this very well, okay?... If you get in my way or my revenge... you will regret it! And deeply!"

For a moment, Koru felt a chill.

"Okay... let's talk about something else. Oh, look! There's the mainland!"

He looked up.

Indeed!

On the distant horizon, they could see the long stretch of the mainland.

Kawao's eyes sparkled at this sight.

Even though he was on a path of revenge, he was still eager to witness the wonders of the continent.

"Look at him! Only when it comes to his revenge does he become a beast.... How can I destroy this beast that slumbers deep within him without destroying him too?" Koru wondered.

"Come on!" Kawao interrupted him.

"Let's get going!"