As Kiato's eyes drooped, a triumphant smile spread across his face.
"Yahh, I finally did it,"
he drawled, before succumbing to unconsciousness. Merlin, who had been sleeping nearby, fluttered over to rest on his chest.
Later at midnight, in a veil beyond reality, Kiato found himself standing amidst a vast expanse of isolated mountains. The air pulsed with an otherworldly aura, distinct from any he had ever encountered.
"Where am I?" he murmured, his confusion deepening as he realized Merlin was nowhere around.
A thunderous voice boomed through the landscape, echoing off the mountains.
"Kiato..."
Kiato's instincts kicked in, and he formed a bow and arrow with his aura, scanning his surroundings with a mix of caution and curiosity.
"Who's there?" he warned, his voice firm.
The voice replied,
"I mean no harm to you, my son. Drop that fragile weapon of yours, and let me show you a real weapon."
Kiato hesitated, lowering his guard and sensing a familiar resonance in the voice, but unsure of its origin.
A frozen path materialized before him, leading to a distant mountain. As he walked along the path, drawing closer to his destination, the mountain's majesty unfolded—its peak aflame with a fiery intensity that seemed to rival the sun itself. The base, however, was a frozen citadel, its regular shapes suggesting the hand of a master craftsman.
Within the mountain, Kiato discovered a cave entrance, and as he poured out his aura to illuminate his surroundings, he spotted markings on the walls that seemed familiar, yet elusive. He slowly emerged at the center of the mountain. It was shaped like a cone, with thick air all around. The mountain revealed a sword at its center, partly buried into the ground—its silver surface reflecting rays of light, its sides sharp and untouchable.
The voice echoed once more:
"I have kept this sword here for you for a long time now. Its strength powers the whole of this mountain, giving it its distinct temperature. Every sword has its sprite, and this one's name is Kakuriyukimaru, possessing the ability to rise and fall temperature, and capable of everything within temperature's reach."
Kiato approached the sword, noticing a familiar marking on its hilt. Despite his efforts to pull it out, the sword wouldn't budge.
"You'll need a lot of aura to pull that out,"
the voice cautioned.
"I'm not sure you have that much, but let me lend you some—under the condition that you wouldn't look back."
Kiato fixed his gaze at the sword and gave a nod in agreement.
A massive dragon materialized behind Kiato, its pale blue skin and sharp golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. It laid its long tail on Kiato's shoulder, passing aura from itself to Kiato. As Kiato pulled the sword, the mountain began to collapse—and the sword finally yielded to his efforts.
"Kakuriyukimaru!" he roared, the sound echoing through the realm.
Reality
Kiato's eyes snapped open, jumping up from his sleep, and he found himself in the forest. Merlin stood beside him, trying to regain her balance.
"What was that about? And who is Kakuriyukimaru?"
she asked, her voice laced with anger and curiosity.
But Kiato gave no answer. Picking Merlin by her tail, he headed for the Kenji's residence.
Dining Hall of Kenji's Residence
Kiato left his room after refreshing. Closing the door, he spotted Veronica for the first time in his last three days at the Kenji's residence. He paused for a brief moment, letting all his memories replay in his head. Tears began gathering in his eyes—just before they could pour out, Gundrick noticed his presence.
"What are you staring at? Come, join us,"
he demanded, with a tone of authority.
Kiato shook off the emotions. As he approached them at the table, he took one of Veronica's hands and kissed it in a noble way. Moving to his father, Gundrick, he gave a slight bow, showing respect.
"Have a seat, my son," Gundrick said.
"Thank you, father," Kiato replied with a gentle tone as he sat at the dining.
Seeing the way Kiato looked at Veronica, he asked,
"Is there a gem in your mother's face?"
Kiato quickly adjusted, scratching the back of his head and murmured nervously,
"Nothing really... she just looks great today."
Gundrick, letting that slide off his mind, passed an information to Kiato:
"Today, all the nobles will be going to the Aetherial Sanctum, in order to get a sword for our kids participating in the Gallus Tryouts."
Kiato opened his mouth to ask a question, but Gundrick interrupted him sharply,
"No need to ask many questions. You will be picking a sword for yourself according to your aura capacity—and you'll see every other thing when we get there."
Kiato simply gave a slight nod as the name
Kakuriyukimaru rang in his head.
"Meet me at the chariot once you're done with your meal," Gundrick ordered in a gentle but unwavering tone as he stood up and went for the door.
"Yes, father,"
Kiato replied, rushing his food while curiosity surged through his blood.
Just as his father left, Kiato's room door slightly opened. The little half-light flew out lazily. Coming out from the room, she spotted Kiato at the dining.
"You fool, you left me, huhhhh!"
She flew towards him dramatically, with a fist ready to land a punch below her head. But Kiato blocked her effortlessly with one palm to her face and exhaled with a gentle voice,
"Compose yourself in the presence of nobles, you short-handed dragon."
Merlin, letting go of the insult, flew to the table and gave Veronica a dramatic bow—with one hand on her chest and the other far away.
"Greetings, my lady."
Veronica smiled and answered her,
"Nice to meet you, Half-Light."
Then she turned to Kiato.
"So, you manifested a Half-Light?"
Kiato cleared his throat, downplaying the significance,
"Not really a big deal."
Just then, he stood up, picking Merlin by her tail and waved his mother goodbye as he headed for the chariot. Merlin struggled to get out of his hands and bit him. Both were fighting but slowly approached the chariot.
A few minutes later
The chariot began to move, headed for the Aetherial Sanctum. Kiato sat inside, filled with curiosity and impatience—his feet tapping out a staccato rhythm on the floor.
"Kakuriyukimaru, huhhh..." he exhaled, giving a deep breath.