A red blur ran through the tall grass, going as fast as it could. A dead duck dangled from its mouth, but it had no time to feast upon it. Angry shouts were thrown at it and many footsteps followed after it. The tall grass made it easier to hide yet its pursuers were determined, chasing it even if that meant getting lost. The wyvern finally reached a river bank that laid a good few meters behind the field. With one swift jump and spread of wings it took off, flying to the other side. Turning around one last time it saw three armored figures stopping at the river bank and shouting something at it, possibly cursing it. The one that cursed the most was tall, wearing dark green armor with golden trims and a crest showcasing a great dragon Seiryu. To his left were two shorter and younger warriors, wearing similar armors but in lighter color.

After the wyvern was long gone the tallest of the warriors turned to the one on his right.

- Well Tatsuya, you better come with some good excuse as for why the same wyvern plundered our field for the third time this week

- Hey, how was I supposed to know that they can jump so high

- The fence was only three meters tall

- You know Makoto, maybe we should have build it taller

- Don't excuse him Ryo

- I'm not, just saying

- Whatever- Makoto took a deep breath- Let's just go back- with no resistance the rest followed him. They were already preparing themselves for the scolding. At least the way back through the garden somewhat calmed their nerves. But first they needed to made a way back through the field of a tall grass. It always made them somewhat nervous for there was never a saying for what could hide there. But then again the reward in a form of the garden was more than worth it.

All those flowers in various colors accompanied by red, orange and yellow trees giving a shade to the bridge under which a river full of koi fishes run was something that all of them could gaze at till the end of time. Albeit all good things have to end and this time it was no different. All three samurai were standing before a great building stylized to look like a royal palace. A great wooden building standing as tall as the tallest trees. Its curved roof threw shade at the surrounding area. From behind the sliding doors the trio could see and hear two people arguing.

- Should we go in now or what?- Tatsuya asked.

- We shouldn't really interfere right?- Ryo said, scratching the back of his head.

- Yes, beside it would have been impolite from us to come in like such- Makoto agreed.

- And here you are, once again sounding like some elder

- Well someone has to-just as he said that, someone moved the sliding doors. An elderly man came out, looking rather angry as passed them. Just after him came their lord. A middle aged man dressed in light blue robes. He too looked to be rather furious. His expression only hardened as he noticed the samurai.

- Would you all mind telling me where you were!?

- Our lord, we were chasing that wyvern- Makoto said, trying to somehow save their face. He doubted that it would be enough to excuse their absence but that was the only thing worth trying.

- Which wyvern? The three that came when you left the garden?

- Three?

- Imbeciles! How many times do I have to tell you to not leave the garden unless it is urgent? And now I'm going to show you just what costs you all bring me- then he ordered the warriors to go after him. When they were outside, they all understood why their lord was so angry at them.

Taking a quick glance at the front garden or whatever was left of it one could think of some battlefield. All flowers trampled, decorative rocks looked like some kind of a beast sharpened its claws on them. Trees covered in scratch marks and two were even catching on fire. Speaking of fire, it was taking some of the bushes, which the rest of the servants tried to put out. One wyvern was even still running wild, busy climbing on the only tree that was damaged the least. The fence that was supposed to protect the garden was pretty much not existing at this point.

- Now you all will fix what you can. And for the rest you will pay from your own pockets!

- Yes my lord- Makoto said before Tatsuya and Ryo could even think about protesting. After hearing that their lord returned to his home, murmuring something about him being the only reasonable one.

- Well, what's now?- Tatsuya asked.

- First we should help with putting out the fire- Makoto said as he was going for the buckets. Taking care of the fire went smoother than expected so now the trio was busy with fixing the fence or whatever was left of it. Makoto already prepared some planks and Tatsuya went for the tools. Ryo helped with removing the destroyed parts of the fence but then he vanished somewhere. At first neither of his companions paid any mind to that, since they expected for him to get more resources or something like that. But when a good half an hour passed Makoto decided to go look for him as Tatsuya was already finishing one part of the fence.

Makoto did not need to go far as he only went to the south east side of the fence to find the missing samurai. Just as he expected, Ryo was standing there talking with some ladies.

- But of course this sword is all mine- he heard his companion's words, probably trying to impress the two women that stood beside him- It was expensive, but it gets the job done. You should've seen how I cut an Oni in half with that

- Don't you mean how we all managed to kill it?- Makoto's voice made the younger warrior flinch. He quickly apologized for any inconveniences that his younger friend could make and dragged Ryo back to the fence.

- Couldn't you have waited a little longer?

- And let you tell more fake stories? Not a chance

- Oh come on. I know you hate fun, but you could let me have this one

- First of all, I do not hate fun. Second, I need to keep you in check

- And who are you, my old man?

Makoto ignored that and ordered Ryo to help with the fence. While he wasn't eager to do so, one stern gaze made him quickly take up the planks. It took a good two hours but the fence was standing in one way or another. They all were rather proud from the fruits of their work. This time they made sure for the fence to be taller than only three meters. There still was the back fence that needed the fix, but that could wait for another day.

The trio decided to go to the lake, taking a break from work. It wouldn't have been so bad if they weren't working right at noon, as the sun was scorching. Thus after asking their lord, they have left to cool themselves down.

- Come on, the water isn't so bad- Ryo said to Makoto, who stayed on the shore still wearing his armor. Tatsuya too called him to join them, yet he himself stayed only in the shallow parts of the lake. His companion on the other hand enjoyed the deeper parts- Seriously, come on in or I will drag you there with the armor

- I would rather not- the oldest samurai replied sheepishly

- Fine, if you want to stay there and melt in that armor then do it. But don't call me for help if you faint from the heat-

Makoto only rolled his eyes at the remark. It's not like he feared water anyway, he just preferred to stay on land. It was so simple yet his friends never understood that. But there were some reasons as to why one should be careful in the deep water. A shadow coming closer to Ryo was one of them. Before Makoto could warn the younger samurai, it caught his leg, trying to drown him. Tatsuya tried to help him get out of the water yet whatever caught him was tightening its grip. Makoto quickly took off the top of his armor and rushed to help his friend.

With two of the samurai, the monster let go only to resurface. It was rather big black slime that disguised itself like a squid. It squirmed, made some noises similar to boiling water and ran from them.

- You know Ryo, I am starting to think that slimes have some vendetta against you- Tatsuya said.

- I know right. Also can you let me go- both warriors dropped their friend into the water- but not like that! Shit Makoto, what's with that scar?- he asked as he looked at the older samurai. The eldest had a great scar that looked to be from a claws that was on his left side.

- It's nothing, really. A simple scratch mark, that's all

- That was from Oni wasn't it?- Tatsuya questioned. Seeing how Makoto turned his head away in shame only confirmed that.

- Why haven't you told us?- Ryo asked, slightly irritated.

- It wasn't anything serious, see I am fine now

- Right, so we need to tell you about each and every little scratch and yet you can keep things like that a secret- Ryo scoffed- Would think a little about your own well being for even a minute?

- I am terribly sorry for keeping that for you, but I have not wanted to make you worry- Makoto bowed, slightly embarrassed. After all he was supposed to be the oldest and by that the most responsible of them all and here he was acting like some young brat.

- Listen, just tell us if anything happens, okay?

- I promise that

- I think that we should return- Tatsuya said getting out of the water. It was already past noon and they still had some training to do. Thus the other two followed him with Ryo saying something about not wanting to stay there any longer either way. Tatsuya guessed that it had to do with the slime. He couldn't really blame him. After all, it was the third time this month.

Both of them were still worried about their so-called leader. The fight with the Oni was tough and they all were wounded after that, but neither of them had such scars. Yet Makoto seemed to not really mind them as he always took the hardest tasks for himself. He and Ryo always admired their senior for that but they have agreed that sometimes he was overworking himself. Like today with the fence where he made a good half of it by himself.

They could only hope that he wouldn't overdo it at the training. He might have been the strongest of them all, but that didn't mean that he is invincible. Both his juniors knew that he tried to appear unfazed by any wound dealt to him for their sake, yet they knew it was slowly wearing him down.

In silence the trio made their way to the training field, which was a simple empty square field with a shed filled with some spare weapons and armors nearby. At the field they were greeted by a woman in white robes. Her dark brown hair nicely contrasted her pale face. On her left was an old basket full of various herbs. They knew her really well, for she always tended their wounds when her mother was busy. Yukari, just like her mother, was a herbalist and a healer of their village. She was around their age and easily could have been called the most beautiful maiden in this village or even the world. Or so Tatsuya always thought.

- You know that it is not elegant to keep woman waiting?

- Forgive us- this time Tatsuya was quick to act, making a deep bow. Makoto and Ryo simply exchanged glances, as if they knew what was going on. Herbalist giggled and said that it was alright. His friends decided to go sparring first to give Tatsuya a chance to talk with Yukari in four eyes. Now they were sitting at a large cut down tree trunk observing how his companions were fighting. Makoto easily was overpowering his opponent as their swords clashed.

- Do you think they will overdo it again?- Yukari asked, already searching for some hand made potions.

- I don't think so, after all rebuilding a fence is somewhat tiresome

- Ah, I have heard about that one

- We still have to pay for it, but hey, this time we made it taller- Yukari wanted to say something, but a loud crash interrupted her. Ryo was on the ground and Makoto held his blade over him.

- You still have much to learn Ryo- Makoto said as he helped the younger samurai get up- Tatsuya, are you coming or what?

Being a proud warrior that he was, Tatsuya simply couldn't decline the challenge. Thus drawing his sword he met his senior on the field. Both samurai took a battle stance. Then with a blink of an eye leaped at each other, blades crossed with such ferocity that a few sparks were sent flying. Then they retreated and repeated the attack. Once again their swords met with each other, but this time Makoto was gaining a slight edge. Tatsuya, seeing that, quickly withdrew. The older warrior had known what his younger friend was planning so he chased him, not giving him a chance to leap at him again.

Tatsuya now had his back against a metaphorical wall. Makoto's katana, Hachiman, was dangerously pushing his own blade to his throat. As much as he wanted to keep this duel free of martial arts, he needed to use them if he even wanted to think about winning. Bishamonten covered itself in red aura. Tatsuya used the strengthened blade to push his opponent back.

- Already using magic, are we? Fine by me then- just then a red vein like pattern appeared on Makoto's body. As he lunged at his junior, even the strengthened blade had difficulties to endure the strike from the senior. Tatsuya then sent a few blue hit waves which were countered by the ones sent from his opponent. Then he tried to go for a direct hit, but Makoto dodged it by ducking. Using the opportunity he kicked Tatsuya's leg, making him flinch.

The younger samurai in the last seconds managed to regain his footing. He had no time to think of a strategy as he needed to block a strike aimed at his head. He casted a spell that took the form of a blade of wind and ordered it to attack his senior. Makoto effortlessly blocked it. Then came another two just right after his back. Turning around and destroying them before they could even attack him, he lost Tatsuya from his eyesight. Turning back he found an empty field. Now being at full alert he carefully took a step left.

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Just as he did so, something came from his own shadow. But before Tatsuya could finish the fight, Makoto grabbed his hand and threw him over his shoulder. The younger samurai was on his back as the oldest one had his blade over his head.

- I must admit, using shadow steps to strike from behind is an interesting tactic. But you need to stop making it so obvious- he then helped him get up. Tatsuya just wiped out the dust from his armor and sat on the trunk, with Makoto following him shortly after.

- Say Tatsuya, do you really think being an umbramancer is for you?- Ryo asked as he made sure that neither of the weapons was badly cracked. While he himself wasn't the best fighter of the three, that title would belong to Makoto, being a son of a blacksmith made him the most knowledgeable about weapons and armors of all of them. He also possessed some spells that could fix broken weapons as long as all parts were present.

- If it was for my father, and his father and father of his father then why shouldn't it be for me?

- Because the only art you have mastered is shadow steps. And then nothing for the whole four moons- Makoto added.

- And I am still working on that part. Besides, I am still young, so I have a lot of time to learn some more arts. Give me a month and I will be able to beat you with nothing but shadow steps

- You are being overconfident again

- No, I just believe in my skills

- Yeah sure. Why don't you just focus on the wind magic? You are rather good with that

- Ha, I can see the look on my father's face. "Tatsuya, the only wind magic that you will use is the one that will make fly out of the village if you don't take umbramancy seriously"- Tatsuya stood up as he mimicked his father's tone of voice. The rest laughed at that. He continued that for a good while. After the longer break, the trio trained until the sun started setting.

- Yukari, would you mind if I walked you home? I mean we live in the same part of the village so...- Tatsuya kept on fidgeting his fingers as he spoke. His companions also noticed a slight blush that appeared on his face.

- Sure, it's nice of you- Yukari smiled as she started leading the way. Tatsuya quickly followed her, turning back one last time to say goodbye to his friends. They simply gave him thumbs up which confused the younger samurai.

While he was supposed to walk her home, at the moment it seemed like she was the one walking him home. Yukari stopped for a while at the edge of the field to collect some herbs and Tatsuya helped her, picking those he knew were good, so like three, maybe four at most.

- You are sure that you don't want to learn more about herbs?

- I know which I can't eat so that's enough for me- Tatsuya said giving Yukari shiso leaves. She thanked him and put the herb in her basket. After being done they continued their way to the village. A longer while has passed and many old wooden buildings rose at the horizon. Here it was, a rather small village hidden between two hills.

Entering the village a guard that was stationed at the entrance stopped Tatsuya for a while to tell him that his father wanted to talk with him. He thanked his father's friend and simply continued his walk with Yukari.

- What do you think your father wants from you?

- Probably something about umbramancy. Can I be honest with you?

- I am all ears

- They were right about me. I am not a good umbramancer. I'm pretty much the first Kudo that can't master it. And I guess that is what pains my father

- I never understood why warrior clans were always so fixated about certain magic

- My father says it is tradition or something, but for the love of it I don't see it

- You can always help with herbs if you want to- Yukari smiled as he went to her house. Her mother was already waiting there for her. Not wanting to meet with her, he quickly went to his own house. While Yukari's mother wasn't a bad person by any means, after a certain incident with a red wyvern she didn't want to see him or any other of his friends in her house or shop. To his own defense, how were they supposed to know that red wyvern had a taste for some herbs?

Finally returning home he saw his father waiting for him with a stern gaze on his scarred face. His father was a well known warrior in their village. He was much taller than his son, being also bulkier. His face was covered by scars and the parts that weren't had been hidden by his now gray and black beard. And here he was sitting in his dark green robe as his son awkwardly stood before him.

- Mind telling me what happened today?

- Nothing really...- Tatsuya then saw as his father gave a look that said that he knows all- Alright, maybe there was a slight problem with wyverns, nothing to worry about

- Is that so? Master Sanada had told me something different

- Fine, we haven't guarded the garden very well. But that's all

- And this is all you have to say?- his father asked, raising his brow.

- I guess. We fixed everything that we could

- You still don't understand. While you could fix that mistake, someday you will find yourself before a mistake that you won't be able to correct. What will you do then? Beside I've also heard that it wasn't a first time it happened

- It was the second time okay?- his father only shook his head- Maybe third. As for the mistake, I just won't allow it to let it ever happen- this earned a slight laughter from the older man.

- And how are you going to do that? Don't tell me you know everything that will happen?

- Well no, but...- Tatsuya then stopped to think for a while. He hated to admit that, but at the moment he had no idea how to answer that. He just blurted it out in hope to end the discussion and gave no bigger thoughts to what he said. Of course he had no future sighting, if that was the case then today fiasco wouldn't have happened.

- You don't have an answer to that, do you?- he nodded- Of course you don't, want to know why? Because there is no way to do that. No matter how hard to try you can't be prepared for everything

- Then why even do things?

- I haven't said that it is in vain. While you can't prepare for everything there are some things that you can foresee. Like for example the punishment I have for you- Tatsuya really didn't like the smirk on his father's face. He knew exactly what was about to happen next. And three hours long training with his father was equal to three days of a normal one. Of course there was still dinner to be had before that, but it only made the young samurai more nervous.

Both men went outside to a simple garden that was used as a training field. Albeit small it had four dummies and a tree that could have been used for climbing.

- Now son, show me what's you got- his father said standing near the tree with his arm crossed. Tatsuya seemed to vanish in the shadow beside him. Then he appeared in the shadow of the tree. His father only gave a satisfied grunt and nodded. Tatsuya then placed his hand in a shadow. He closed his eyes and focused. A sweat was coming down his forehead as in the shadow of one of the dummies something was rising. A human sized hand made of shadow appeared and tried to grab the dummy. But it vanished as the younger samurai stood up and wiped the blood that was coming from his nose. He didn't even need to look at his father to know that his brows were furrowed at this display.

- Hmm, I see you still have problems with summoning. But it is hard art to learn, so how about others?- the older man tried to somehow lift up the spirit of his son, but he too felt somewhat hopeless when he saw that Tatsuya only shook his head. While he had not expected for his son to master all shadow arts at such a young age, after all he himself still had much to learn, he hoped for at least three or four.

- I know, I know. I bring shame and all- Tatsuya said already going home. But before he could take more than three steps he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

- And why are you saying things like that? I never ever thought like that. I too wasn't the best umbramancer in my youth- this earned a curious gaze from his son- Believe or not, this old man hadn't mastered any shadow art until he was your age

- You never told me about that

- That's because you have never really asked me about my youth. I might tell you some stories later, but now let's focus on umbramancy. How about we start with something like this?- his father then closed his eyes. A small shadow was making its way to his hand, wrapping around it like a snake. Then it rose up and acted like a real one, preparing itself to launch at a nearest target- So, can you do that?

Tatsuya then closed his eyes and kept his hands together like someone would do in a prayer. At first shadows seemed to not respond to his calls. He stood like that for a good fifteen minutes until a small shadow finally decided to coil itself around his legs. It was a rather weird sensation if he was being honest. It was cold and even a little bit like a slime but at the same time it was just like a breeze that covered his legs. Then the shadow was going upwards, yet it had fallen to the ground, returning from where it came.

- You have done well this time. I'm sure after few more casts you will finally master it

- Dad, you are talking like that about every umbramancy art I have

- That's because it's true. Now for something more complicated- the older warrior then took a deep breath. Then he stomped with all his might on his own shadow which acted like a puddle and splashed in every direction. He then grabbed one of the parts of the shadow. At first it was like a mere stick but then it turned into a fine shadowy spear. His son only looked in awe at his father's most famous art. It was the one that saved him many times and had not yet failed him even once.

The younger samurai copied his father, but no matter how many times he had stomped on the shadow it had not wanted to splash. After what seemed like an eternity his father had finally stopped him.

- Maybe this one is to difficult for the moment

- Just give me some time, I will do it even if I will have to sit there till morning

- No, you surely are not. You won't learn anything if you will exhaust yourself and completely drain down your magic aura. Thus we will resume the training at the very sunrise- both men then returned to the house. Tatsuya despite his claims about still being able to train, he quickly lay himself down on the floor. His father did the same, but before drifting away into the land of the dreams, he saw that his son was still uneasy about something.

- Son, is there anything you would like to talk about?

- No, I've just thought about my mother. Do you think that she would be proud of me?- his father just chuckled at that.

- I am more than sure of that. You have grown to be a fine man, now I only have to wait for a grandson

- You might wait a long time for that

- Not if you will keep sneaking out in the early mornings to see that herbalist's daughter. Who knows what you two are doing

- How did you...?

- I might be old but not stupid. Beside only you in this house keep on clanging in that armor when roosters are crowing

- Just don't get your hopes high dad- Tatsuya then quickly fell asleep, the exhaustion from the training finally catching up to him. His father fell asleep shortly after that, but not before a proud smile visited his face. He always thought of himself as lucky for having a son like Tatsuya. He might have caused some problems from time to time, but he always tried to make up for those. He only hoped that his wife too was seeing him right now.

When the sun started to rise, one could feel that something wasn't right. Normally at such early hours no horsemen would return or go out of the village. But this time something like thirty or so horses were closing in. Their riders clad in blood red armors and their faces covered by monstrous masks looked like demons charging straight from Hell. There still was some time before they would have got to the village, but each second made the threat closer and closer.

It wasn't until the first rooster crowed when the gate guards noticed a movement coming from the south side. Indeed a red mass was closing in at an alarming rate, their battle cries becoming louder and louder. Before any of them had a chance to warn the villagers about what was approaching, a rain of arrows fell upon them.

In a meantime Tatsuya once again had sneaked out, but this time instead of meeting with Yukari he went to his lord's backyard in order to finally fix that fence. Doing so alone would have taken him some time, but at least he and his friends could then focus on more important things. The only problem was looking for the right planks. If he wanted to make that garden protected from wyverns he needed to make it as tall as possible. But most if not all of the bigger planks were used in the front yard. When he went to the shed to check if perhaps even one was left he noticed a smoke rising from above the south gate. He didn't know what caused it, but it surely wasn't good.

Running as fast as he could, he finally got to the source of the smoke. There was fire. Lots of it. Charred corpses stained the streets. Even those who weren't burned have died, their guts on the ground. The stench of burned bodies lingered in the air, mixing with the smell of blood. Tatsuya with a great effort managed to not vomit on the ground here and now. Then he noticed horseshoes. All of them lead from the gate to the north. Right to the most populated area. Right where his house was. Quickly following them he saw even more corpses. Both the villagers and raiders were on the ground, cut down with clean strikes. Then he heard the clanging of metal. That was followed by screams, both enraged and in pain.

Just then he saw his father cutting down two raiders. Their heads have rolled on the street, shock painted on their faces. Albeit the older Kudo had not come out unharmed. A gushing wound was on his chest.

- Tatsuya! Thank gods you are alive- his father quickly came to him, albeit he had troubles with doing so. Tatsuya quickly helped his father, helping him stand straight. As much as the younger one tried to hide it, his open wide eyes and pale face revealed that he was scared. And his father was too, but he couldn't show it right now. Not in front of his son.

- Father, what's happened?

- Those damn Suzaku bastards came in with their fire magic. I guess the entire south side was turned to ash- Tatsuya only nodded slowly- Damn them, I swear when I'll get to them- then he coughed something wet. And red.

- Father! We must get you to a medic

- First we must get rid of those red devils

- But!

- Listen, I must do my duty. Beside I had worse wounds

- No, you listen. You cannot fight them with that wound- he then noticed tears forming in his son's eyes- You can't die, so please let me take you to a nearest medic, I beg you

Just right before he could say something, even more Suzaku soldiers came from the west side, burning everything that they could. Then he vanished in the shadows, much to the protest of his son. Raiders confused by that stopped. Then a giant figure rose behind them, accompanied by any hands that held them down. Tatsuya just looked as his father cut down seven men with only two spells, before falling to his knees. Younger samurai rushed to him, but stopped when he saw what was approaching them.

Few meters before them stood a giant that came from the flames. It stood as tall as a house. Its head, like a boar, rested on its mighty neck. The body of the creature was covered in ever burning fire. It wielded a great stone mace that was hung over its shoulder.

- Tatsuya, I need you to go find as many survivors and run- his father ordered as he slowly stood to meet the beast. He tried to not show it, but his hand was trembling. It was the first time that he saw such a beast. He doubted he could win with it. But before Tatsuya could even say anything he continued- Listen, I can handle this beast, but there is no saying what these savages will do to our people. So I beg you, find them and run as fast as you can over the hills. I will meet you there when I'm done. Now go!

Tatsuya didn't answer that and just did as he was ordered. He took off to the north, seeing even more burned bodies. It wasn't long until he found more Suzaku soldiers, who seemed to take a small group of people hostage. Most of them were women of all ages. Then he saw Yukari being dragged on the ground towards them.

- Leave them alone!- he shouted as he charged at the raiders. With a swift draw he stabbed one of them in the back. Blood of the raider was dripping in the ground and going onto his harm. Then he clashed swords with another one as the third one prepared some fire spells. Just as he thought he got the second one, a forth one came from behind. Tatsuya then felt something cold going through his back. With horror he looked at his chest from which pierced an old metal spear. Before he could recoil from the shock another one pierced him. As he fell on the ground he heard many terrified screams. Just before everything went black he saw the hostages being taken on horses which came rather quickly.

For a moment he could believe that. It had to be a bad dream. It had to be. He was going to wake up and find out that everything was okay. He was going to meet with his friends and talk with Yukari. He just needed to wake up. He felt something wet going down his face. Now he wasn't sure if it was sweat, blood, tears or maybe everything at once. With his last effort he tried to crawl up to the red soldiers to try and stop them from running off, but before he had a chance to do so, he saw a shining blade over his head. And then everything went black.

When Samukai woke up, he saw no fire, no burned bodies. Just a forest that was moving. Or rather that he was moving on a giant wolf.

- Took you long enough- Phantom said as he sat on the front- Seems like some had a nice dream- demon added sarcastically.

- You were twisting so much that I wondered if I shouldn't tie you down so you wouldn't fall off- Noktum added.

- It was nothing. So where are we now?

- Dunno, we just went forward

- But now since you are with us again, then we have someone who can operate a map- Noktum said cheerfully- Honestly I'm glad that you woke up so soon. Even the master was concerned about you- magician whispered to the samurai. He had a rather hard time imagining Phantom of all people being concerned. Before he was able to question that, demon sent them such a cold gaze that shut them both.

Despite what he thought of this team, he was glad that he had them. And he guesses they too were glad. Now taking a map from the shadow he finally could lead them somewhere where they won't end up against some deity. If only the dreams had left him, he would have been quite a happy samurai. It was a good thing that hadn't questioned him too much. He might have pressed the demon to talk about himself, but he knew that some things are too personal to say them out loud. And the fate of his village was one of them.