Kingsland Arc: Chapter 9 - The Journey Begins
The rhythmic creak of the ship's timbers and the gentle slap of waves against its hull were the only sounds accompanying Ronin's thoughts. He stood by the railing, the sea breeze cool against his face, watching the endless expanse of the ocean. Two weeks had passed since the incident at the Royal Academy, since the terrifying surge of power had nearly consumed him, leaving Kazuma trembling and Ronin himself unconscious. The memory of crimson eyes, of a raw, untamed fury, still sent a shiver down his spine.
He gripped the cold, salt-sprayed wood of the railing, his knuckles white. Rose had explained little, only that a master in Kingsland could help him understand the dual powers warring within him – the sacred light from his mother's elven lineage, and the volatile demonic energy from Zorde's blood. It was a terrifying prospect, yet it was his only path forward. He closed his eyes, picturing the burning castle of Vasmos, the faces of his parents, Elias and Margaret, forever etched in his memory. Weakness is no longer an option, he vowed silently, the sea wind carrying his resolve. I will become strong. Strong enough to control this power. Strong enough to reclaim what was lost. Strong enough to face Zorde.
Days later, the ship finally docked in Kingserene, the bustling capital of Kingsland. Unlike the fortified, mountainous sanctuary of Finslia, or the grand, yet tragically fallen, Magnolia, Kingserene was a tapestry of serene farmlands meeting a vibrant port. The air here hummed with the cheerful calls of merchants and the salty tang of the ocean, a stark contrast to the oppressive quiet of Finslia's hidden halls. Rows of sturdy wooden buildings, adorned with colorful banners depicting bountiful harvests and trading ships, lined the cobblestone streets. It felt peaceful, almost idyllic, a stark contrast to the storm Ronin carried within him.
"Kingsland is known for its tranquility and trade," Rose explained, pulling the hood of her dark cloak further over her face as they disembarked. Her voice was low, almost a murmur, a habit of Shadow Knights in foreign lands. "Their main strength lies in their resources and their neutrality. Master Baelish's abode is quite far from here, nestled deep in the Zevery Forest. We'll find a tavern for the night and set off tomorrow morning."
They found a cozy tavern near the docks, its interior smelling of roasted meat, stale ale, and the faint sweetness of pipe tobacco. Ronin, still feeling the lingering exhaustion of the journey and the mental strain of his recent outburst, quietly ate the simple stew Rose ordered. He watched the other patrons – a mix of hearty farmers, boisterous traders, and a few rough-looking adventurers with worn leather and scarred faces – wondering if any of them knew the true dangers lurking just beyond their peaceful borders. Rose, ever vigilant, kept her hood low, her eyes scanning the room, missing nothing.
The next morning, under a sky painted with soft dawn hues, Rose hailed a sturdy wagon. It was a simple, open cart, pulled by a pair of strong, shaggy horses. She pulled her dark cape tighter, ensuring her face remained obscured – a Shadow Knight's identity was a secret, especially in foreign lands.
"Zevery Forest, near the foothills," Rose instructed the driver, a burly man with a weathered face and kind, but wary, eyes.
The driver's grip on the reins tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his features. He glanced nervously at Ronin, then back at Rose. "Zevery Forest, you say? I... I think you folks should reconsider. It's gotten dangerous out there lately. The monsters... they've been attacking more often, and they're stronger than usual. The Adventurers' Guild has even sent out a special request for help, offering big rewards."
Rose's expression remained calm, her voice even. "We appreciate the warning, but we have urgent business. Just take us as close as you safely can, or to the very edge of the forest."
The driver still looked hesitant, his gaze lingering on the distant, dark treeline. But a glinting silver coin, pressed into his palm by Rose, seemed to persuade him more than her words. "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn ya. It'll take us about half a day by wagon. A full day if you were walking."
With a sharp crack of the whip, the wagon lurched forward, carrying them away from the bustling port and towards the distant, ominous green of Zevery Forest. Ronin watched Kingserene shrink behind them, a knot forming in his stomach. The driver's words echoed in his mind, painting the forest ahead as a place of unseen threats.
The wagon rumbled on for hours, the landscape gradually shifting from open fields dotted with farms to rolling hills covered in increasingly dense woods. The air grew cooler, carrying the scent of damp earth and ancient trees. By noon, they reached a clearing at the very edge of the Zevery Forest. A thick canopy of gnarled, ancient trees loomed, casting deep, impenetrable shadows even in the midday sun. An unsettling quiet hung in the air, broken only by the chirping of unseen insects and the rustle of leaves in a faint, unseen breeze. It felt different from any forest Ronin had known—older, darker, almost watchful.
Rose paid the driver, handing him another shining silver coin. "Thank you for getting us here safely," she said, her voice firm. "And you, go safe."
The driver, visibly relieved to be leaving, still cast a nervous glance at the treeline. "Just... be careful. That forest ain't right. Don't go deep unless you absolutely have to." He didn't wait for a reply, turning his wagon sharply and heading back the way they came, the sound of his retreating wheels quickly fading into the silence.
Ronin watched the wagon disappear, then turned to face the forest. A shiver traced his spine. He gripped the hilt of Sei, his twin blade, a faint tremor in his hand. The forest seemed to breathe, a silent, living entity.
"Let's go," Rose said, her voice cutting through the silence, devoid of any fear. Without hesitation, she stepped into the encroaching shadows of Zevery Forest, her dark cloak blending seamlessly with the gloom. Ronin took a deep breath, the scent of damp earth and something wild filling his lungs, and followed close behind, his heart pounding with a mix of trepidation and grim determination. His journey to master his power, and ultimately, to seek vengeance, had truly begun.
[To Be Continued In Chapter:10 The Zevery Forest Encounter]