Hiro, still feeling the frustration and anger subside within him, looked at Ace and smiled. He began to stroke the white fur of the wolf and said affectionately, "You're amazing, Ace. My partner!"

Ace, with a sparkle in his eyes and wagging his two tails enthusiastically, expressed his happiness. He licked Hiro's face again, as if returning the affection, and emitted a gentle sound, almost like a purr.

Hikari and King watched the scene with a smile, glad to see the friendship between Hiro and Ace strengthen. They knew that together, they formed a formidable team, ready to face any challenge that came their way.

Hikari, admiring the harmony between Hiro and Ace, couldn't help but ask curiously, "Hiro, how did you and Ace coordinate so well in battle? You seemed to know exactly what to do for each other."

Hiro lovingly caressed Ace while smiling and explained, "We've developed a special connection through our Bond. In addition to the trust we have, we can communicate telepathically."

King, chuckling, added, "Of course, only one dog would understand another dog!"

Ace looked curiously at Hiro and asked, "Master, are you also a canine?"

Hiro lightly slapped his forehead and smiled at Ace, "No, I'm human, but we have a unique and special connection." Hiro continued to explain his strategy, "Due to our telepathic communication, I explained to Ace that he could create clones and make my physical body invisible as well. During the fight with Idenshi, I created a clone and made my real body invisible. I signaled Ace to move away, so Idenshi would focus on the clone while we attacked when both Idenshis were close."

Hikari looked at Hiro with a puzzled expression and asked, "But how did you know it was necessary to eliminate both at the same time?"

Hiro scratched the back of his head and replied with a smile, "Actually, I wasn't sure. It was more of an intuition, a feeling that it was the right approach."

Hikari was momentarily speechless but soon burst into laughter. "You and your intuitions, Hiro. You always surprise us!"

After a few laughs, Hiro looked at Hikari, King, and Ace with a serious expression and asked, "And what about the woman's body that Idenshi killed? What should we do?"

Hikari thought for a moment and responded solemnly, "I think we should pay our respects and hold a funeral for her. It's the least we can do for her since we couldn't save her..."

King nodded sadly and added, "Yes, I agree. She deserves to be honored. We can take care of it ourselves, with dignity."

Hiro agreed with the decision and said determinedly, "Then let's find a suitable place and hold a respectful funeral for her. It's a way to show that there is still goodness in this world, even in the face of so much darkness."

Ace began sniffing the air, his snout moving rapidly as he caught different scents. He let out an excited bark and said, "I smell the scent of wet grass, as if there's a lake nearby." Intrigued, Hiro, Hikari, and King decided to follow Ace's scent and investigate if the lake truly existed nearby.

Hiro carried the lifeless body of the woman in his arms as they walked along a narrow path, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the forest. The gentle sound of running water became increasingly audible, heightening their anticipation. Finally, after a few twists and turns, they arrived at a beautiful lake surrounded by tall trees. It´s waters were calm and crystal clear, reflecting the light of the stars that penetrated through the leaves.

The lake's shore was covered in green moss, providing a soft carpet for their feet. Aquatic plants danced delicately on the water's surface, while dragonflies gracefully flew around. The air was fresh and filled with the sweet fragrance of nearby wildflowers.

Hikari smiled, in awe of the beauty of the place, and said, "It's like a secret refuge, an oasis of tranquility in the midst of nature." King eagerly jumped onto the lake's shore, wagging his tail with excitement.

As they explored the lake's shores under the starry night sky, Hiro, Hikari, King, and Ace decided that this place would be the perfect location to hold the funeral for the woman who had fallen victim to Idenshi.

With care and respect, they prepared a small altar by the lake's edge. Hikari gathered wildflowers that grew nearby, while Hiro skillfully carved a small wooden memorial in honor of the deceased. King watched attentively, his serious gaze reflecting the importance of the moment.

Ace remained by Hiro's side, displaying his unwavering loyalty. His white fur shimmered under the starlight as he stood in silence, respecting the solemn occasion.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

As the funeral began, Hikari, despite not having known the woman, shared a few farewell words. The wind whispered softly among the trees, as if paying attention to the spoken words.

As the silent lake reflected the starry glow, Hiro was overcome by a wave of emotions. The flickering flames of the memorial brought forth painful memories, especially those related to his father's mysterious disappearance.

He vividly remembered the funeral held years ago, where everyone gathered to honor the memory of his beloved father. The sadness and uncertainty of that moment still echoed in his heart, reinforcing his determination to uncover the hidden secrets behind his father's vanishing.

With a determined look and a powerful remembrance, Hiro bid farewell to the lake, carrying with him not only the memory of the unknown woman's funeral but also the vivid recollection of the love he felt for his father.

"Hikari, King, and Ace, it's time for us to move forward. Our work here is done, and we must continue our journey towards the next city," Hiro proclaimed with determination in his voice.

Hikari, King, and Ace nodded, understanding the importance of moving forward on their quest. They quickly regrouped and prepared to leave that tranquil place, heading towards Night City to retrieve their wagon and resume their journey.

As they bid farewell to the lake and the nocturnal scene that surrounded them, Hiro felt a mixture of gratitude and melancholy. The place had been a temporary refuge, a point of reflection and renewal. But now it was time to face new challenges and unravel the mysteries that still awaited them.

Upon reaching Night City once again, Hiro, Hikari, King, and Ace headed straight towards their wagon, where their belongings were stored. As they prepared to depart, a familiar figure approached cautiously. It was Amelia, the bartender from the establishment "BERE."

Amelia approached, visibly concerned, and spoke with a trembling voice, "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I needed to speak with you before you left. I know that you defeated Lord Idenshi."

Hiro, curious and alert, looked at Amelia and replied, "How do you know?"

Amelia, tears welling up in her eyes, responded to Hiro, "Those stories of drunkards seeing two Idenshis, it was actually me who saw them, but I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't raise false suspicions, especially because Idenshi was a longtime friend..."

After a moment of silence, Amelia continued, shedding a few more tears before calming down, "But he changed when a group wearing a blue cloak with a symbol appeared here. I knew he was no longer the same, but I didn't want to believe it. When Idenshi suddenly disappeared from the bar, I knew it was connected to all of you... Thank you for facing this situation. Can you tell me where his body is so I can hold a funeral?"

Hiro, understanding Amelia's pain and the importance of a proper farewell, replied with a gentle voice, "Amelia, I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. His body is in the lake near the city, where we found the body of the woman he had murdered."

Hikari and King expressed their support for Amelia, while Ace, the loyal wolf, lowered his head as a sign of respect. They understood the importance of the farewell ritual and what it meant to Amelia.

Amelia thanked everyone for their support and, with a sad look, asked, "Are you already leaving?"

Hiro responded with seriousness, "Yes, I am searching for the truth about my father's disappearance, and they are helping me on this journey."

Amelia, listening to Hiro's words, replied, "I understand. I won't ask you to stay longer, then. But Hiro, be careful... The truth is rarely pure and never simple. I wish you good luck."

Hiro nodded, grateful for Amelia's concern, and said, "Thank you for your wishes and wise words, Amelia. We will carry your words with us as we continue our search for the truth. If you ever need our help, don't hesitate to find us."

With a farewell wave, Hiro, Hikari, King, and Ace set off towards the next city, aware that their journey was only just beginning.

Inside the carriage, Hikari, with a worried look, said to Hiro, "A blue cloak with a symbol... it seems it really was them, Hiro."

Hiro, with a determined expression, agreed and replied, "Yes, it was them. Two cities we visited, and they were already under their control... we have to put an end to this before more people get hurt."

Hikari nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. She knew that the responsibility of stopping the nefarious influence of that group fell upon them. It was a daunting task, but they were willing to face any challenges that came their way.

"Let's continue our journey, Hiro," Hikari said with determination. "We need to find answers, unravel the secrets behind those blue cloaks, and put an end to this threat. We cannot allow more people to suffer."

Curious about their next destination, Hiro asked, "What's the next city, Hikari?"

Hikari replied confidently, "Mizugameza. It's a prosperous and bustling city known for its inventions."

Hiro, in a sarcastic tone, joked, "Well, that's a complicated name. I hope the city isn't as complex as it´s name."

Hikari laughed and responded, "I'm sure we'll adapt. Mizugameza has a lot to offer, and I'm confident we'll find important clues there."

Hiro then suggested, "Let's take turns driving the wagon. You can tell me which way to go, and you can rest with King. Later, it will be my turn to take the reins with Ace."

King, seizing the opportunity to tease, interrupted, "Great, now we'll have two dogs in charge. It'll be a real adventure!"

Hiro lightly pushed King, causing him to fall from Hikari's shoulder. King started complaining, while Hiro flashed a playful smile.

"Come on, King. I thought a tree rat would hold on better," Hiro said, teasing even more.

"You!!!" King responded angrily while stomping his foot discontentedly.

With the team gathered and a new destination ahead, they pressed on through the starry night, where the sky was dotted with sparkling stars. The calm, starlit dirt streets created a serene and mysterious atmosphere.

The wagon moved at a steady pace, the horse´s hooves echoing softly along the path. The night wind whispered through the trees, creating a gentle melody that accompanied their journey.

Hiro held the reins firmly, skillfully guiding the wagon while absorbing the tranquility of the night. With each breath, he felt a mix of determination and anticipation for what awaited them in the next city.

As Hikari rested alongside King, both of them took advantage of the night's silence to recharge their energy. King, with his bright eyes, remained vigilant to any movement around, faithfully protecting his companion.

What awaits our heroes in the next city?