The next day after the conclusion of the tournament, Hikaru woke up with the goal of assisting Masaki in her quest to restore her right hand. Throughout the night, he wrestled with the idea of secretly venturing to the High Elf settlement within the Misty Grove to seek out Arael. He needed to do it secretly because he was aware of Lydia’s stance against him engaging in dangerous endeavors. But he realized that if he secretly went there, Lydia would undoubtedly report him, and he could possibly be branded as a Bailey fugitive. Therefore, he decided to find a reason that would grant him the opportunity to venture there.
As Hikaru sat down for breakfast with Loyd and Lydia, he hesitated for a moment before clearing his throat. “Lydia, I've been thinking,” he began cautiously. “The last time I met with Kaito in the Misty Grove forest felt rather suspicious. The fact that he chose that particular area suggests he may have been hiding something there. Perhaps I need to investigate the area to gather more information, especially now that I know there is a High Elf settlement there.”
Lydia then responded to Hikaru’s statement with a gentle tone. “You know, you can be honest with me, Hikaru. You wanted to go to the settlement to find Arael, isn’t it?”
Continuing, Lydia assured him: “You don’t need to worry, Hikaru. Not only will I allow you to go there, but I’ll also permit you to go on adventure missions, under one condition!”
Taken aback by Lydia's sudden change of stance, Hikaru exclaimed: “Really? You’ll even allow me to do adventure missions?”
“Yes,” Lydia confirmed, “but you must bring me along! And as for our trip to the settlement you need to wait for a while until I complete my tasks here!”
Hikaru hurriedly agreed to Lydia’s condition, recognizing he had no other alternative options. In his mind, he reasoned: ‘Well, there’s no rush to head to the settlement. Arael may not have returned yet, even if I go immediately!’
After their breakfast together, the doors of the Purple Walnut shop swung open for business. Loyd entrusted its operations to his employees before proceeding to teach Hikaru illusion magic in their living room upstairs. Unlike other types of training, learning illusion magic doesn’t require much explanation, equipment, or space. Loyd simply instructed Hikaru to memorize the basic illusion magic diagram, while they used mice to experiment on its effect. Over the past couple of days, Hikaru pretty quickly absorbed all the basics taught by Loyd, thanks to his high intelligence attribute. At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before Hikaru can use level 1 Illusion Magic skill.
While training Hikaru, Loyd suggested: “If you’re concerned about Masaki, your cousin, why not visit the Kaya residence? Most of the surviving trainees should have returned to Bailey by now.”
Hearing Loyd’s question, Hikaru thought to himself: ‘Loyd is right. During the tournament, I was wearing attire with royal insignia, potentially risking exposure through association. But now, I’ll wear my casual attire and pack some of my old belongings, pretending I’ve just returned from the Aran war.’
After considering it, Hikaru responded: “Thanks for the suggestion, Loyd. I’ll probably head there later today and pretend I’ve just returned from the Aran War.”
Loyd smiled warmly and said: “No problem. Just remember that both Lydia and I are at your side. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Later that day, Hikaru packed some of his belongings, mostly consisting of unused items like his worn-out clothes. He packed these items mainly to portray himself as just returning from the Aran War, deceiving Hideo’s family, whereas all the items he was still using were kept at the Purple Walnut. With his bag slung over his shoulder, he set off to the Kaya residence on foot to avoid arousing suspicion.
*Knock –Knock –Knock* Once Hikaru reached Hideo’s house, he knocked on the door.
Shortly after, the door swung open, revealing Kaede, Hikaru’s aunt, who stood stunned at the sight of him returning home. Hideo noticed Kaede’s prolonged pause at the door, approached and was taken aback by the unexpected sight of Hikaru. But he quickly regained his composure and invited Hikaru in.
As the evening settled in, all the members of Hideo’s household, along with the patriarch of the Kaya clan, Kaya Shigeo, gathered in Hideo’s living room, discussing Masaki’s predicament. As Hikaru entered, he respectfully greeted Shigeo before swiftly putting his bag in his old room and joining the circle. Both Masaki and Masaru were shocked to see Hikaru suddenly come, but didn’t voice their opinions. Soon after, Hideo and Kaede also joined the circle, adding their presence to the deliberation.
After everyone was present, Hideo refreshed Shigeo’s memory about Hikaru and informed him that Hikaru was among those sent for the Aran War.
Shigeo was visibly surprised by the revelation about Hikaru, so he leaned forward with curiosity etched on his face. “So, how was the war?” he asked, probing Hikaru. In his mind, he thought: ‘Why is he the only Kaya clan member who made it through unscathed?’
Hikaru’s replied with a formulated response he prepared beforehand, each word carefully chosen to obscure the truth. “The war...” He paused, as if searching for the right words. “It was brutal, to say the least. But our survival was owed to our squad leader. She was... exceptional. We faced countless challenges, but her bravery and quick thinking got us through.”
Shigeo’s eyes softened as he nodded in understanding. “I see,” he murmured thoughtfully. “In that case, please extend an invitation to her when she has the time. I would like to personally express my gratitude for her role in ensuring your safety.”
Hikaru replied with a grateful nod. “Of course, Patriarch,” his voice laced with appreciation. “I’ll be sure to convey your invitation to her.”
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Hikaru’s gaze flickered to Masaki's bandaged hand, his brow furrowing with concern. “Masaki, what happened to your right hand?” he inquired softly, already knowing the answer but used it to shift the conversation.
Before Masaki could respond, Hideo’s solemn voice cut through the air. “Her hand was amputated during the tournament semifinal at Bailey University,” he interjected, his tone heavy with regret. “We’ve found a way to restore it. But unfortunately, it comes at a price. Hikaru, could you...”
Shigeo interrupted Hideo swiftly so he didn’t ask something of Hikaru without giving him a full explanation first. “Masaki’s hand can indeed be restored,” he explained, his words weighted with uncertainty. “But it requires three willing individuals to be sacrificed. These three will serve the Celestial and be bound by a Divine Contract. Although I mentioned ‘sacrificed,’ we’re unsure of the treatment they’ll receive. There is a high chance they will have a better life there, as Celestials usually show favor towards their followers. Two Kaya clan orphans have decided to take the chance, but we’re still one person short.”
Note: Divine Contract
Definition: A contract overseen by the Universe Law. Therefore if the involved parties breach any of the contract’s clauses, they will immediately be punished according to the type of the divine contract without recourse.
Hideo then pleaded: “Hikaru, you’ve been close to Masaki since you were a child. Will you let her become disabled for the rest of her life? She was even willing to give her university tuition fee for you, hoping to spare you from the horrors of war. But alas, it was my complete mistake. If I had known things would turn out this way, I would have allowed Masaki to use her tuition fee for you. Can you forgive me and step forward as the third person?”
After absorbing the situation, Hikaru reflected: ‘So that was Arael’s demand! Well the thing is that I can’t even do it even if I wanted to due to my secret mission. Lydia wouldn’t permit me to go there alone, let alone permanently serve Arael. Such an action would only drag the Kaya clan, including Masaki, into the messy situation I find myself in!’
Masaki’s voice broke through Hikaru’s thoughts: “Brother, please don’t worry about me. You’ve already done so much. I’ll volunteer as the third person myself.”
Kaede's response was swift and firm: “Absolutely not! You carry our clan fiery fowl bloodline. It’s your duty to pass down our clan bloodline!”
Turning to Hikaru, Hideo asked: “What do you say Hikaru?”
Hikaru replied: “I can’t be the third…”
Before he could finish, Masaru cut in sharply, his voice dripping with disdain. “You ungrateful bastard! How dare you refuse? If I didn’t have the clan bloodline, I’d volunteer myself. I challenge you to a duel. If I win the duel, then you’ll be the third. How about it?”
Kaede wanted to add something, but Hideo’s stern glance silenced her.
Shigeo interjected gently but firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. “Hikaru, don’t let Masaru’s words get under your skin. He’s just looking out for his little sister. You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. We won’t force you.”
Hikaru’s response was steady. “Don’t worry, patriarch, I’m not provoked.” He turned to Masaru with determination. “Fine, I accept your challenge.”
Shigeo turned back to Hikaru, concern etched on his face. “Are you sure about this? You don't have to accept the challenge if you don’t want to. We won’t push you into anything.”
Hikaru said with conviction in his eyes: “Yes, I'm sure. Trust me.”
Shigeo nodded thoughtfully. “Since you’ve both made your decisions, I’ll referee the match.”
Masaki persuaded both Hikaru and Masaru not to fight, but alas, they had already set their minds on their duel. With their minds set, they headed to the Kaya clan training ground. Hikaru and Masaru stood opposite each other, while Shigeo stood in the center of the training ground as the referee, ready to oversee the duel.
Masaru then declared: “To keep it fair, I won’t even show off my Fire Sovereign innate skill. So don’t say I bullied you when you lose miserably!”
Hearing Masaru declaration, Hikaru thought to himself: ‘What a lie. I also have the Fire Sovereign innate skill. The first level only has phoenix wings, without a weapon he can’t attack his opponent just by flying. I also refuse to believe he has mastered the second level, so all his saying is just a bluff!’
After Shigeo initiated the match, Masaru run toward Hikaru unleashing a fury of punches with his chi-covered hands.
*Whoosh – Whoosh – Whoosh – Whoosh – Whoosh* All of Masaru’s punches were avoided by Hikaru easily with minimal movement. As a human lord, Hikaru’s attributes were about double that of a regular human his own age, so his reaction speed is much higher than Masaru’s.
Masaru attacked using the same pattern for two more rounds, while Hikaru continued to dance around his flurry of punches, evading each one effortlessly.
After Masaru unleashed the same flurry of punches using the same pattern for the third time, Hikaru retaliated with a sharp and powerful hook to his chin.
[Hook] (Common Skill)
*Bam* the punch landed on Masaru’s chin, knocking him unconscious.
As Masaru lay unconscious on the ground, Shigeo announced Hikaru as the winner of the duel. Throughout the duel, Hideo and the rest of his family were left utterly flabbergasted by the stark contrast in their level of skill.
Once Shigeo made the announcement, Kaede hurriedly tried to wake Masaru up, while glaring at Hikaru in the process. About ten seconds later, Masaru woke up on his own not knowing what had happened.
They chatted among themselves for a while before deciding to head back home. On the way there, Masaru kept staring murderously at Hikaru.
Shigeo wanted to ensure Hikaru’s response, so he decided to ask: “I guess you don’t want to be the third person then?”
“Oh, about that,” Hikaru began, his words measured, “Masaru didn’t let me finish my answer before. What I want to say is I can’t be the third person because I promised my squad leader, who is now the leader of my adventure party, to do quests with her. However, she has extensive connections throughout Bailey, so she should be able to find one additional person!”
Meanwhile, Hikaru’s mind raced with thoughts. ‘Lydia is backed by Clay, so finding one individual or even a hundred, won’t be hard for her. The problem now is if Lydia will be willing to help?’
Shigeo then proceeded to ask another question, his tone curious, “If you have the solution, then why do you even need to fight Masaru?”
Hikaru shrugged casually. “I don’t know, maybe because he seemed so eager to fight me, so I just gave him what he wanted.”
Hearing Hikaru's response, a wave of shock washed over them, each for their own reasons.
In his mind, Hikaru thought: ‘This duel was revenge for the former Hikaru’s loss during his first duel, and for getting the former Hikaru enlisted in the Aran war. Besides, Masaru definitely needs a reality check. Putting him in his place now, while he’s young, will help deflate his overinflated ego and ensure he doesn’t become insufferable later in life!’
Shortly after arriving at Hideo’s house, Hikaru and the rest of them had their dinner together. During their conversation, Hikaru told them that he would be staying with his party leader as he was being trained by her for their adventures. As their conversation progressed, Shigeo told Hikaru that once he found someone willing to take the third spot, he should go directly to his house instead of Hideo’s. After they finished their dinner Hikaru’s bid his farewell as he went back to the Purple Walnut.