A few hours later, Joseph prepared himself to meet with the Island King for a private discussion. With the help of directions from passing islanders, he made his way to the council hall, an imposing structure that exuded both authority and tradition. As he stepped inside, he found the king addressing his council, with Princess Awaji standing beside him.
Noticing Joseph's presence at the entrance, the king paused mid-sentence. He exchanged a few brief words with his advisors before dismissing them. The council members filed out of the hall, Princess Awaji following closely behind, though a few guards remained stationed discreetly at their posts.
"Ah, Joseph! It is finally good to see you," King Awaji said warmly, his voice resonating with a blend of authority and gratitude. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me." He gestured to a chair nearby. "Please, have a seat."
Joseph inclined his head respectfully and took the offered seat, feeling the weight of the king’s gaze as he settled into the ornate chair.
"Once again, let me express my deepest gratitude for what you’ve done for my people," the king began, his tone sincere. "If not for your timely intervention, the fate of this land would have been sealed. Truly, your arrival was a blessing."
"Oh, it was nothing, Your Majesty," Joseph replied humbly, bowing his head slightly.
King Awaji nodded, his expression softening. "Princess Awaji informed me that you’re not from around here," he continued, leaning forward slightly. "Is that true?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Joseph confirmed lightly.
"Hmm, I thought as much," the king mused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Perhaps you are an adventurer?"
Joseph smiled but remained silent, allowing the king to continue.
"Either way," King Awaji said after a pause, "you are most welcome here. Warriors like you are rare, and your presence gives me hope. There is no doubt that you have the potential to achieve something great for this island and its people."
The king’s tone shifted slightly, tinged with concern. "We rarely receive visitors from beyond our shores. However, we had hoped that the Akakawa, the Red River Kingdom, might send reinforcements to aid us. For a time, I thought you might have been one of their recruits."
Joseph shook his head gently, and the king sighed, his brows furrowing.
"The delay in their aid has been unusually long," King Awaji admitted. "This has never happened before. It leads me to believe that the kingdom must be facing challenges of its own. Even so, it weighs heavily on us."
His gaze locked onto Joseph’s, a mix of vulnerability and resolve in his eyes. "You seem like a man of integrity, and for that reason, I will not hide the truth from you. This island faces many trials, and while your presence is a great boon, I understand if you must continue your journey. However, should you choose to stay, know that you will always have a place here."
The king leaned back slightly, his voice steady yet solemn. "If you decide to leave, I fear your departure might be delayed longer than anticipated. But whatever you choose, young Joseph, you have my full confidence that you will overcome any challenge that lies ahead."
Joseph nodded, meeting the king's gaze with quiet determination. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Your trust means more to me than I can express."
The king smiled faintly, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Then let us see where fate leads us both."
Hearing the king’s words, Joseph's attention sharpened, his gaze now entirely focused on the older man. King Awaji, noticing the shift in Joseph’s demeanor, knew he had his full attention. Trusting in the young warrior’s character and abilities, the king decided to reveal the secrets and struggles that had long weighed heavily on his people.
"Awaji," the king began, his voice measured but tinged with a deep sadness, "was once a beacon of innovation and harmony. Our island, nestled in the Hyogo Prefecture, served as a sanctuary for researchers working on renewable energy and sustainable living solutions. It was a model for future cities, powered almost entirely by wind and solar energy."
He paused, gesturing to the grand hall’s high windows through which the island’s three red suns and three moons could be seen in a stunning celestial alignment. "This unique energy system made us the pride of the Akakawa region in the Red River Kingdom. Alongside our sister island, Tsushima—a bastion of military strategy and alchemical brilliance—we created a symbiotic relationship. Tsushima provided advanced defense technologies, while we offered sustainable resources. Together, we thrived."
The king's expression darkened as he continued. "But everything changed when the monsters came. Our once-thriving partnership was shattered. The gateway that connects us to other regions, an interdimensional transport system essential for trade, communication, and defense, was destroyed in the attack. This gateway, which allowed instant travel between regions, is now a broken relic. Even if we repair the physical structure, the Awajion Key—named after our island—is missing. Without it, the gateway cannot function. It is a mechanism that embodies the very identity and history of Awaji, a piece of our soul lost to the chaos."
King Awaji’s voice grew softer, heavy with emotion. "I fear Tsushima may face its own challenges. Even if we repair our gateway, their connection might also be compromised. Yet, we cannot act until our gateway is operational again. This is why I must humbly ask for your help, Joseph. I know you’ve endured countless trials to reach this point in your journey, and I would not burden you lightly. But I believe your presence here is no accident. It feels... divinely ordained, a cosmic intervention in the grand tapestry of life."
The king leaned back, his eyes clouded with both sorrow and hope. "Our troubles began long before the monsters appeared. Ever since the people of Awaji lost their queen—my wife and the mother of Princess Awaji—we have struggled to find our way. She was not just a queen but a warrior, brave and selfless. A demi-human of unmatched strength. She gave her life during the first wave of monster attacks when the island was still in its infancy."
He paused, his voice breaking slightly. "I told the people she died of illness. Even my daughter was led to believe this, for I could not bear to let her grow up with the burden of knowing her mother’s tragic end."
Unbeknownst to the king, Princess Awaji had long known the truth. Though she had been an infant, she had witnessed the final moments of her mother’s heroic stand. Hidden away by her mother during the battle, she had seen the queen fight valiantly, taking down countless monsters with her last breath to ensure her daughter’s safety.
While Princess Awaji had never confronted her father about the lie, she had quietly accepted it. She understood why he had chosen to protect her from the pain of such a harsh reality, though it had hurt her at the time. Even now, she held no resentment, only a quiet determination to honor her mother’s legacy.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
King Awaji, unaware of his daughter’s silent understanding, looked at Joseph with pleading eyes. "I dismissed everyone, even my own daughter, so I could speak with you freely. You are the only one I can trust with this truth and with the task of helping us reclaim what we’ve lost. Will you aid us, young master Joseph?"
The weight of the king’s words lingered in the air, heavy with history, loss, and hope. Joseph felt the gravity of the moment settle on his shoulders, knowing that this decision would shape not just his path, but the fate of Awaji itself.
The king’s discussion with Joseph concluded just as Princess Awaji, who had been eavesdropping from a secluded spot, quietly slipped away. She had overheard every word but chose not to confront her father or Joseph. Moments later, Joseph agreed to aid the king, his determination evident in the slight bow he offered in acknowledgment of the task ahead.
"Thank you," King Awaji said, his gratitude apparent as he returned the gesture. Before parting, he informed Joseph that a team of warriors had been assigned to accompany him on his mission.
After returning to his quarters to prepare, Joseph stepped out to find the warriors already assembled outside, armored and ready for battle. At their forefront stood Takahiro Nozomi, their leader.
Takahiro, a hybrid of elven agility and zombie resilience, stepped forward to introduce himself. At 35, he was an F-Rank Knight-Hunter (Tier 12), skilled in dealing with mountain-level threats and tasked with protecting isolated regions. His unique lineage and expertise made him a key asset to the mission.
"Joseph," Takahiro began, his tone formal but steady, "I am Takahiro Nozomi, and these are my comrades. We have been sent by King Awaji to aid you in retrieving the Awajion Key."
Joseph listened, his eyes briefly flicking over Takahiro's comrades before focusing on their leader. Internally, he couldn't help but find some humor in Takahiro's hybrid nature. "An elven zombie," Joseph mused silently. "Even his surname sounds like a zombie."
After introductions, Takahiro laid out the plan for the journey, explaining their strategy and the potential dangers they might face. As the group was about to set out, a familiar voice called out from behind them.
"Joseph!"
He turned partially, then fully, to see Princess Awaji approaching. Her expression was soft, her tone warm as she spoke. "Be safe, Joseph. And to all of you, return safely."
The warriors and Joseph nodded respectfully before departing, the princess’s words lingering in the air as they began their journey.
The group relied on an unstable tracking device to guide them to the location of the missing Awajion Key. The journey took them across the vast expanse of the island, through lush forests, treacherous mountain paths, and abandoned island villages.
However, as they moved deeper into the wilderness, the device's signal grew stronger, leading them toward a region infamous among the island's inhabitants. It was a forbidden place, shrouded in fear and superstition—a land no human, demi-human, or lesser monster dared to tread.
Whispers and legends spoke of a terrifying greater monster that resided there, its power so immense it could level a city with a single whim. Few had seen it and lived to tell the tale, and those who did spoke of destruction and despair.
Joseph glanced at the trembling device in Takahiro’s hand, the blinking signal urging them forward toward the foreboding region. The group exchanged uneasy glances, their resolve tested by the realization that their path led straight into the heart of the monster’s domain.
Takahiro's curiosity got the better of him as he turned to Joseph, his eyes alight with wonder. "I’ve never seen anyone like you," he said, his voice carrying the amazement of the group. "The way you took out that monster boss in a single strike… It was unreal."
A few other warriors exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "What’s your ranking, exactly? You’ve got to be way above planetary level," one of them ventured.
Joseph chuckled, the sound low and self-assured. "You’re not wrong," he replied, his confirmation earning a collective gasp from the group. Their expressions ranged from awe to disbelief as he briefly recounted his past adventures in Fujimori, the Wisteria Forest Kingdom.
“Whoa!” a hunter exclaimed, his voice thick with admiration.
“Awesome,” another chimed in.
“No way! You fought alongside the princes of Fujimori and the royal witch?” a knight huntress asked, her tone both incredulous and envious. “That is incredible!”
Takahiro nodded, his tone turning reverent. “Fujimori, Wisteria Forest Kingdom… It’s ruled by the most powerful and ancient family in all the lands. To fight by their side is an honor beyond words. And to witness their powers firsthand?” He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Their family’s history is legendary.”
Joseph smiled faintly, his gaze distant. “You’re not wrong about that.”
The conversation shifted as Joseph posed a question. “Why does each region in Akakawa have its own planet? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Takahiro’s face lit up, eager to explain. “Ah, that’s because of the Akakawa Red River Kingdom. It’s the third most powerful of the four great lands. Long ago, they decided to separate all regions into individual planets while keeping them under the kingdom’s authority. The kingdom’s mastery of advanced technology and alchemy has created a civilization that thrives on scientific exploration and innovation. It’s their pride and joy.”
Joseph tilted his head, intrigued. “Does magic still exist here?”
“It does,” Takahiro replied, “but it’s seen as outdated. Alchemy and technology have taken over as the primary ways to understand and shape the world.”
“That’s fascinating,” Joseph murmured, his thoughts spinning.
Takahiro continued, his tone growing serious. “Akakawa’s advancements are remarkable, but they still don’t compare to the Shensei New Star Empire, the first and most powerful kingdom. That empire laid the foundation for everything, blending magic and science in ways that are beyond comprehension. Even Katsuragi, the Victory Empire, can’t rival them.”
“Whoa, that’s… a lot to take in,” Joseph admitted, his voice tinged with astonishment.
Takahiro chuckled lightly. “Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. You’re an adventurer, after all. These things should come naturally to you.”
He then grinned, his enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. “Here’s something you’ll love about Akakawa. Each gateway in the regions acts as an interdimensional transport mechanism. They allow instant transmission, not just between the regions but also to the kingdom itself. To reach Akakawa, you have to pass through these gateways, and your route depends on your last known location.”
Joseph nodded slowly, his amazement evident. “That’s incredible.”
“It is,” Takahiro agreed, his tone almost wistful. “The blend of magic, science, and innovation in Akakawa is unlike anywhere else. You’re in for quite the adventure.”
As they journeyed onward, getting better acquainted with one another while navigating a thick, foggy route, their tracking device suddenly emitted a sharp, ear-piercing whine, crackling with bursts of static as if its circuits were on the verge of frying.
Its signal growing stronger with every step. The persistent beeping signaled that they were nearing their destination. However, just as they approached the climax of their search, the device's sharp, ear-piercing high-pitched whine grew even more intense, escalating into a shrill, grating screech. Suddenly, a spark erupted from its side, followed by a small explosion. Takahiro barely had time to fling the tracker away as it disintegrated mid-air, leaving a trail of smoke and burnt circuitry.
"Damn it," he muttered, shaking his hand as the last remnants of smoke curled into the air.
In the same instant, the dense fog that had enveloped them began to dissipate, melting away like a curtain being drawn aside. Before them stood the entrance to their destination, its towering gates looming ominously against the pale gray horizon.
“Well,” Takahiro said, breaking the tense silence, “I guess this is it—the end of the line for the tracker.”
He turned to his comrades, his expression stern. “Stay sharp. We don’t know what’s waiting for us beyond this point.”
Joseph’s eyes scanned the entrance, his grip tightening on his weapon. “Looks like we’ve found it,” he said, his voice steady yet filled with resolve. “If the key is here, we’ll retrieve it—no matter what’s guarding it.”
Without another word, the group moved forward, their steps measured and deliberate. As they crossed into the shadow of the unknown, the air around them grew colder, carrying with it a strange, oppressive weight. The eerie silence pressed against their ears, broken only by the crunch of their boots on the ground.
The atmosphere was thick with foreboding, an almost palpable sense of dread hanging in the air. Each of them could feel it—the certainty that whatever awaited them ahead would push their strength, courage, and unity to their limits. Yet, none of them faltered. With weapons drawn and hearts steady, they ventured deeper, prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead.