Kazan and Xiang reminisced about the events after Hoshi transformed until they got him to the guildhouse.

"That's quite ridiculous. Me turning into some kind of monster with enough power to easily outshine the Fenikkusu is already unbelievable. Then you mentioned this Dorian who claimed to be the son of Xander. And he was even more powerful than I was? That's insanity," Hoshi blurted, perplexed.

"Oh yeah, he also told us to make sure you train vigorously. Apparently your biggest test will present itself three years from now," Kazan swiftly recalled.

"What? A test? Will he conduct it or send one of the demons?" questioned Hoshi.

"Wish I knew kid. I have an idea, why don't you two stay here in this city? As your reward for defeating the Fenikkusu you will be given a luxurious house and a fair share of coins. On top of that, you can work with us as hunters. This will make sure you keep taxing your body as we prepare for your test," proposed Kazan.

"I really appreciate the offer but I can't stay. I also don't need the money, Xiang needs it more than me. Besides, I must find more of my ancestor's transcripts and return to Sir Hirishima for further guidance in sword fighting," Hoshi solemnly replied.

"Sir Hirishima? The elite warrior division's sword master? Do you have a connection with him?" Kazan impatiently asked.

"Yes, he is the one kind enough to give me a home and train me for my eventual collision with the demons," answered Hoshi.

"I see. When he once visited here during some expedition, I could tell he's a tough son of a bitch. If you're with The Warriors, we have nothing to worry about. So, Xiang, what about you?" Kazan reverted his attention to the mentioned.

"I also don't want any money or house but I'd like to accept the job of a hunter. I will climb up the ranks and earn popularity and wealth on my own," Xiang determined.

"But why? Nothing wrong in skipping much hard work to improve your lifestyle now," inquired Kazan.

"My mother taught me nothing is achievable without hard work. Even if I attain what I want without working my ass off daily, I'll find no satisfaction in it. Besides, I gave up on living luxuriously a long time ago because nothing good came of it," Xiang replied with a faint smile.

"You've matured Xiang, good for you," complimented Hoshi.

"Hey! I was always mature," Xiang growled.

"I see. That actually made me emotional for a second, your mother raised you well." Kazan sat down with Xiang.

"What about you? You seemed pretty worked up facing that phoenix back there, almost if you had a grudge with it or something," queried Xiang.

"Something like that, yes. That bastard killed my first and closest friend. Actually, I led him to his death. I was young and full of shit in my head. I thought that the both of us could easily take the Fenikkusu and score all that adamantine in the cave, sell it and make a fortune. When I finally realized my mistake, my naivety had already taken his life. That's the one thing I regret so much still in my life. He was still young and had a long life ahead of him which I took from him." Kazan got disheartened as he looked down in regret.

"I am sorry to hear that. (Can't believe him of all people showing this much emotion for a friend)," sympathized Xiang.

"Well I learned something important today. It's that all blaming yourself for someone dying is good for, is discouraging you. Because of that, you will hesitate to save the next person from the same fate as you will fear failure once again. That person's dead, no matter what you call yourself, it will not bring them back. In the fight for a greater future, sacrifices will always present themselves as the foundation. (Commander Erashi, Tamura, Arien and my father all sacrificed themselves for this, I can't just weep and destroy that! So what if I couldn't save one child? I will forge a new future with my hands where shit like this will be history)." Hoshi clenched his right fist tightly.

"I'm sure your friend is at peace now, knowing your never-ending pursuit to avenge him finally paid off," spoke Hoshi calmly after a moment of silence.

"You're right. Are you really just a boy yourself? You sound even more mature than before. But I must say, I am eternally grateful to the both of you. That's why whatever you will need from me, don't hesitate to just say it." Appreciated Kazan.

"Now, if you don't mind. We must take our leave." Hoshi stood up.

"What's the rush?" asked Xiang, standing up as well.

"Xiang, I have something important to discuss," Hoshi whispered in Xiang's ear.

"On second thought I'm with Hoshi. It was a long day, we both need rest." Xiang stretched and placed his hood on.

"Understood but before you go. Now that the Fenikkusu is no longer there to protect its cave, marauders and greedy hunters will clash over all that exposed adamantine. I don't want any bloodshed because of what we did. What do you suggest we should do?" Kazan solemnly asked.

"Hand its authority to The Warriors. They could definitely use more of this material for their battle against the demons," suggested Xiang.

"Interesting decision. The Warriors are the only ones protecting this side of Pandara from the demons, a much more relentless enemy than any beast we hunt."

"On that note." Xiang and Hoshi turned towards the exit.

"Also Hoshi since we will not meet each other for sometime, it's been a pleasure. Take care and visit us again when you have the time. And Xiang, I take it we will meet soon for your official integration as a hunter?" Kazan intercepted just before the two left.

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"You bet." Xiang gave a thumbs up and left the room.

"Farewell." Hoshi quickly followed.

As the two entered the main lounge of the guildhouse, Sakura and Chika took notice of them and rushed to have an exchange of words with them.

"You two leaving?" asked Sakura.

"Yes, thank you for your help, farewell." Bowed Hoshi without realizing it would slip off the short towel on him.

His body was extremely muscular for his age, having well defined cuts and strong physique that left Xiang a bit envious.

Chika was the first to fix her gaze on his body and comment in liking. "How is your body like that? Can I touch your? (No you dumbass, resist! He is not at a legal age right now.)"

"(This dense bastard doesn't even realize a hot girl is already after him!)" Xiang clenched his teeth under his hood.

"Oh sorry, umm can you please give me some space?" Hoshi was about to pick up his towel but was restricted by Chika's face right in front of him.

"What? Oh yeah, go ahead." The admirer giggled before stepping back.

"You two won't be coming back soon, will you?" Inquired Sakura as Hoshi picked up the towel and wrapped it around his torso once again.

"He won't be, but I have decided to work here as a hunter. Sorry but you will have to see my ugly ass face regularly." Xiang laughed, nervously.

"Your face doesn't matter, it's what's inside that matters. I'm fine with you as long as that doesn't show an ugly side," spoke Sakura.

"Can't you stay? Kazan didn't offer you work like him?" Chika stressed towards Hoshi.

"Sorry I can't. I have some business to take care of," Hoshi solemnly answered.

"Hmm if that's really important to you. But don't you think you have gotten rid of me. When you reach legal age, come back here at once! If you don't, I'll seek you and make you mine forcefully," asserted Chika.

"I don't get what you are trying to say. Legal age? Legal for what exactly?" Hoshi was quite confused.

"Oh this nativity of yours is what I like so much." Blushed Chika.

"Hoshi no time for questions like these, you wanted to talk right?" Xiang whispered in Hoshi's ear.

"I'll be taking my leave now, farewell." Hoshi immediately started walking briskly towards the exit after saying that.

"Wait! Is he deaf now? Just remember what I just said!" yelled Chika but Hoshi paid no attention.

"I'll better go as well. Need some rest and all. See you around them." Xiang also bid the two farewell for now and joined Hoshi.

Sakura nodded and then asked Chika, "You upset?"

"Not at all. He'll be back, I think." Chika poked her fingers nervously.

"I'm sure he will," assured Sakura.

After leaving the guildhouse, the two of them noticed it was night time already with stars easily visible as the platform they were on ascends way above ground level.

"So what did you want to talk about?" Xiang quickly cut to the chase.

"First things first, you found that transcript I was looking for in the cave?" asked Hoshi.

"Yeah. It was lying beneath a rock beside the boy in the cave. It's quite astonishing it lasted in almost perfect condition all those years in," answered Xiang.

"Give it to me, quick!" Hoshi said, impatiently.

"Don't be hasty now. I placed it alongside your rucksack and katana back at my place," stated Xiang.

"Let's go then, I'll tell you everything at your house." On that note, both of them started moving towards the addressed area.

Some time later….

Hoshi and Xiang successfully reached the latter's house.

"Huh? All the lights are out?" Noticed Hoshi as both entered the house sunken in darkness.

"My mother probably had slept already. She doesn't really like any form of light at night, must be part of her bad memories from when she shared a bed with that shit show of a king," Xiang spoke, in a low tone.

"I see. Let's not wake her then and talk outside," advised Hoshi.

"Agreed. Let me grab a candle in order to find your stuff real quick." As Xiang was about to enter, Hoshi intercepted.

"No need."

He channeled a faint bit of aura in his right palm and ignited a small ball of red flame on it. His eyes glowed a glint of red the entire time he held on to it.

"There's absolutely nothing you can't do heh? Well, come with me." After picking up the transcript from the house, Hoshi and Xiang sat on a fallen wooden log and continued their conversation under the former's red flame which also kept them warm.

"Here, read it out loud if you want to." Xiang handed over the piece of transcript he found after he took down his hood.

"Thanks." Once Hoshi laid his left hand on it, text in illuminating red ink appeared on its previously blank surface.

"The fourth or rather cursed state, evokes a gamut of pure rectitude or malevolence thy ancestors cultivated. To beest exalted, seeketh the edges, while the latter being peerless. Beware, each verge can either leaveth thy muddled or composed behind the four ever-changing visages of life."

As Hoshi read the text out loud, the paper crumbled into crimson red ashes before accompanying the gust in the rather chilly air.

"Do these always burn away like this? Also I didn't understand a word of that," puzzled Xiang.

"That form of mine you witnessed, it's about that. I think it says it's basically a burst of positive and negative energy that my ancestors produced. Also, anger seems to be the triggering point of harnessing that power," speculated Hoshi.

"Could be, you were incredibly frustrated seeing that boy die but now that I think about it, there seems to be an another side mentioned. I am not sure what that can be," wondered Xiang.

"Another side huh? Lastly, it mentioned four visages of life. What could that possibly mean?" inquired Hoshi.

"Hmmm, maybe the four seasons? That's when the features of the land and life all around it change drastically." Xiang snapped as it just occurred to him.

"That must be it. Looks like I can only transform to that form once every four months. I will test this further to be sure somewhere far from here," said Hoshi.

"Alright on that note, let's head back to sleep. This was a long ass day and I'm beat." Xiang got up and yawned.

"Wait, one more thing." Hoshi also got up.

Xiang diverted back to the Exilirian as he spoke, "Back at Kazan's office, I lied. I actually remember everything that happened in that form."

Silence fell between the two for just a moment, making the chirps of crickets all around clearly audible.

End of chapter thirty-eight.