Cherreads

Chapter 4 - EUROMIA ARC

Michi and Airi stood before the guild receptionist, eager to embark on their long journey.

The receptionist, a warm smile on her face, handed them a package and a quest

parchment. "Deliver these goods to the adventure guild in Euromia city," she said, her voice

clear and concise.

As they left the guild, Michi turned to Airi. "Euromia… isn't that the city your father

mentioned? The one where my forehead stone was heard of?"

Airi nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yes, that's the one! Euromia is known as

the land of earth, rich in rare minerals and stones. And…," she added with a sly smile, "it's

also a city of pleasure. Dressing cafeterias and bars are always buzzing with people. One

shouldn't get lost, Michi."

Michi blushed, nodding hastily. "Oh…yeah…I won't, I won't."

Their journey began with a leisurely walk through the forest, Henu flying overhead. The trees

towered above them, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Suddenly, a faint cry for help

echoed through the trees.

"Help me!"

Michi's instincts kicked in. He called out, "Henu!"

Henu immediately nodded as if he exactly knew what to do and swooped down, his wings

beating rapidly. Michi and Airi followed, their hearts racing with anticipation.

As they burst into a clearing, they saw a broken wagon, surrounded by little goblins with

bows and arrows. The rider and horses lay dead, victims of the goblins' cruelty.

Michi charged forward, his blade flashing in the sunlight. With swift precision, he

vanquished the goblins and rushed to the wagon.

Inside, he found a girl, around his age, stunningly beautiful. But as she spoke, her voice

sent shockwaves through Michi's body.

"Thank you, mate. I'll return the favor if you visit Euromia city. Come to this place," she said,

handing him a card.

Michi's eyes look horrified as he took in her masculine voice. "Are you…a girl?" he

stammered.

The girl, Vrankan, chuckled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "No, check this," she said,

grabbing Michi's hand and placing it on her crotch.

Michi's face paled and let out a shriek as soon as he felt something unexpected. Balls.

Airi giggled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Don't worry, kiddo, you have more to

experience."

As they journeyed on, Vrankan regaled them with tales of his café, Iris, and its eccentric

customers. Michi listened intently, still trying to wrap his head around Vrankan's

unexpected gender reveal.

Airi chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "You should see your face, Michi. Priceless!"

Michi blushed, trying to hide his embarrassment.

Vrankan grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Don't worry, Michi. I'm used to

surprising people."

As they walked along the road, they encountered a group of traveling performers by the

roadside, who offered to trade food for entertainment. Vrankan, being the charismatic café

owner, offered to perform a song.

His voice boomed through the forest, a deep, rich baritone that sent shivers down Michi's

spine. Airi clapped along, her melodious laughter echoing through the woods.

Michi, however, was a different story. His attempts at dancing ended with him tripping over

his own feet, causing Vrankan and Airi to burst into laughter.

"Michi, you're a natural…at tripping!" , Vrankan chuckled.

Airi patted Michi's back, her eyes shining with tears. "Don't worry, kiddo. We'll get you

dance lessons!"

As they continued their journey, they encountered a rickety bridge, swaying ominously in

the wind. Michi hesitated, his fear of heights getting the better of him.

Vrankan, sensing his fear, offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Michi. I'll hold your

hand."

Airi snickered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, this should be good."

Vrankan shot a withering look, but Michi just blushed, his heart racing with anticipation.

Together, they crossed the bridge, Vrankan's hand holding Michi's steady. Michi's fear

began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of wonder at the breathtaking view below.

As they neared Euromia city, the air grew thick with the smells of exotic spices and freshly

baked bread. Michi's stomach growled, his senses tantalized by the aromas.

Vrankan grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Welcome to Euromia, my friends. Let's

get some food in you before you waste away!"

And so, their journey continued, filled with laughter, adventure, and unexpected surprises.

Little did they know, their arrival in Euromia city would set off a chain of events that would

change their lives forever.

Vrankan led them to his café, Iris, a cozy establishment that seemed to transport them to a

different world. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafted through the air, enticing their

senses and making their stomachs growl with anticipation. Michi's eyes widened as he

took in the eclectic décor, his gaze drifting from the vintage chandeliers to the plush

couches, adorned with vibrant cushions and soft blankets.

But what caught his attention was the clientele. Fem boys, similar to Vrankan, lounged on

the couches, sipping coffee and chatting animatedly. Michi's face turned bright red as Airi

patted his shoulder, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Just control your emotions, haha," she teasingly whispered. "You're not used to being

around so many beautiful people, are you?"

Michi's face burned with embarrassment as Vrankan chuckled, his eyes glinting with

amusement. "Don't worry, Michi. You'll get used to it. Now, let's get you something to eat."

As they sat down at a table, Vrankan presented them with a feast of iconic dishes, each one

more breathtaking than the last. Michi's eyes widened as he took his first bite, the flavors

exploding on his taste buds.

But Vrankan's flirting soon made Michi squirm, his face burning with embarrassment. Airi

noticed, her eyes sparkling with amusement, but Vrankan's expression changed abruptly,

his flirting ceasing as he bid them farewell.

"I'll see you around, Michi. Don't forget to visit me again."

Michi didn't ask questions, but he noticed the change in Vrankan's demeanor. He seemed

to sense something, but Michi couldn't quite put his finger on it.

As they approached the guild, Michi tried to read the name, but his eyes scanned the

letters in confusion. Airi seemed hesitant as she said,

"Bnas… I think you've heard of it before, Michi."

Michi's mind raced, trying to recall the name, but it eluded him. He shrugged, his eyes

locked on the guild's entrance.

The receptionist welcomed them warmly, her eyes sparkling with recognition. "Ah, Michi,

the hero who slayed Drango, the wolf. We've been expecting you."

Michi's eyes widened in surprise, but he smiled, his mind racing with memories. He

remembered the battle, the rush of adrenaline, and the sense of accomplishment.

As they waited for the guild master, Airi delivered the goods, but the receptionist

apologized, explaining that only the guild master could approve the successful completion

off their quest.

Michi and Airi were led to a special guest room, where they collapsed in exhaustion on the

sofa. Airi warned Michi not to venture out alone before disappearing into the bathroom.

But Henu's sudden growl and departure through the window sent Michi scrambling to find

his summon. He discovered Henu with a boy, Appolo, who introduced himself as a

caretaker of summoning pets.

Appolo's charming smile and contagious enthusiasm drew Michi in, and they found

themselves at a nearby café, surrounded by cute maid-clad girls. Michi's face turned bright

red as they fawned over him, his forehead stone glowing pink.

Appolo's serious expression caught Michi's attention, his voice low and urgent. "Michi, be

aware of Rishdania, the butcher. She's brutal, and the guild has offered quests to hunt her

down."

Michi's mind raced, his thoughts consumed by the mysterious butcher. He wondered what

kind of person could inspire such fear.

But Airi's sudden appearance, her voice stern, sent Michi's heart racing. "Master, I have

arranged all the bandages for upcoming journey…let's go back to the room."

As Michi's face darkened as Airi's expression turned cold, her eyes flashing with anger. "You

idiot, Michi. I told you not to go out alone." Airi dragged him back to the guild , leaving

Appolo and the café behind.

Michi tried to explain, but Airi's wrath was unstoppable. She unleashed a flurry of punches,

each one landing with precision and force. Michi tried to defend himself, but Airi's anger

was too much.

The first punch landed on Michi's jaw, sending him stumbling backward. Airi followed with a

swift kick to his stomach, doubling him over. Michi gasped for air, but Airi's blows kept

coming.

A slap across his face sent Michi's head spinning. He stumbled, trying to regain his footing,

but Airi's anger was relentless. She grabbed his hair, pulling him back into a series of rapidfire punches.

Michi's eyes watered as Airi's fists connected with his face, each blow landing with

precision. His nose cracked under the force of her punches, blood streaming down his

face.

Airi's kicks sent Michi crashing to the floor. She followed, her blows raining down on him

like a storm. Michi curled into a ball, trying to protect himself, but Airi's anger was like

hellfire.

She grabbed his arms, pulling him into a series of brutal slaps. Michi's face burned with

pain as Airi's hands connected with his skin, each slap landing with a loud crack.

Airi's anger showed no signs of abating. She pulled Michi to his feet, her eyes blazing with

fury. She began to wrap him in bandages, her movements swift and efficient.

Michi's body was soon covered in bandages, his face obscured by layers of gauze. Airi

stepped back, her eyes surveying her handiwork.

"Perfect," she said, her voice cold and detached.

Henu's worried expression deepened, his fire at the ready. He tried to intervene, but Airi's

anger paralyzed him.

"Watch him, Henu," Airi said, her voice dripping with malice. "Make sure he doesn't move."

Henu nodded, his eyes fixed on Michi's broken form. Michi's face was unrecognizable, his

eyes swollen and bruised.

Airi turned to leave, a smile spreading across her face. "I'll be back soon, Michi. Don't

worry."

Michi's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Airi's retreating form. He tried to speak,

but his voice was barely a whisper.

Airi disappeared into the waiting room, leaving Michi to his misery. Henu watched over him,

his fire burning bright to heal Michi.

And so, the intense scene came to a close, Michi's body broken and bruised, his spirit

crushed by Airi's relentless anger.

The guild master's office was a grandiose room, adorned with intricate carvings and

polished wood. Michi and Airi entered, their footsteps echoing off the walls. Tadashi Ken,

the guild master, sat behind his desk, a warm smile on his face.

"Ah, Michi and Airi I presume?, please, take a seat," Tadashi Ken said, his voice gentle.

Michi and Airi exchanged glances, their faces still bearing the marks of their previous

encounter. They sat down, their eyes fixed on Tadashi.

"I apologize for being late," Tadashi said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I am Tadashi

Ken, the guild master of Bnas Guild. Nice to meet you, Michi and Airi, and you too, Henu."

Michi's eyes widened in surprise. "How do you know us?"

Tadashi chuckled, his laughter warm and inviting. "I am a guild master, Michi. I know

everything that happens around here. I have my sources, you see."

Tadashi opened the package kept on his table, his hands moving with precision. He pulled

out a letter, his eyes scanning the contents. A look of surprise crossed his face, followed by

a warm smile.

"Wow, thank you, Michi," Tadashi said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Michi's confusion was palpable. "For what? I didn't do anything."

Tadashi's smile grew wider. "But you will, Michi. Yakop recommends you to defeat

Rishdania secretly and complete the quest."

Michi and Airi exchanged skeptical glances. "I don't know anything about this," Michi said,

his voice laced with uncertainty.

Airi shook her head. "Me neither."

Tadashi's expression turned serious. "Well, if Yakop says you can do it, then I trust his

judgment. Michi, don't worry, I will support you as much as I can."

Airi's eyes narrowed. "Why can't you go, Tadashi Ken? Bnas Guild is the most powerful and

famous guild in our nation."

Tadashi's face turned grave, his eyes clouding over. "I wish I could, Airi. But I have orders

from higher-ups. You know what I mean."

Michi and Airi nodded, their faces somber. They understood the unspoken meaning behind

Tadashi's words.

Tadashi's expression lightened, his smile returning. "Michi, this quest is an SS-rank quest. If

you complete it, you will be adequately rewarded."

Michi's eyes widened, his mind racing with the possibilities. But his concern for those who

had already fallen to Rishdania's cruelty lingered.

"What about those who died fighting her?" Michi asked, his voice demanding.

Tadashi's silence spoke volumes, his anger and frustration palpable. Michi and Airi sensed

the depth of his emotions, their faces somber.

Michi broke the silence, his voice firm. "Okay, for everyone's sake, I will defeat her. But first,

I need information, all of it, hidden or not. Who can provide me that?"

Tadashi's smile returned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "You have already met him,

Michi. Here is a town map. And this is Appolo's house."

Michi's eyes widened in surprise. "That guy? I didn't know. How do you know all this,

Tadashi ?"

Tadashi's laughter filled the room, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Don't forget who I am,

Michi!"

And with that, the meeting ended, Michi, Airi, and Henu departing the guild to meet with

Appolo, their journey to defeat Rishdania beginning in earnest.

As Michi, Airi, and Henu approached Appolo's home, they noticed a heartwarming scene.

Appolo was feeding kittens, his face filled with joy and kindness. The kittens purred and

snuggled around him, their tiny paws waving In the air. The room was filled with the sweet

scent of catnip and the soft hum of contented felines.

Appolo looked up, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Welcome, Michi! I knew you'd come

soon. And who might you be, Michi's wife ?" He glanced at Airi, his curiosity evident.

Airi's face turned bright red as she punched Michi out of nowhere. "No!" she exclaimed.

"Don't get any wrong ideas , Michi!"

Michi fell to the ground, rubbing his left cheek. "Ow, Airi… What was that for?"

Airi's expression softened, and she smiled. "Sorry, Michi. I just didn't want any

misunderstandings."

Michi stood up, his eyes locked on Airi's. "She's Airi, my adventurer life's boss."

Appolo's smile grew wider. "Hello, Airi! It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Airi replied, her voice still laced with embarrassment. "Nice to meet you too, Appolo."

Appolo gestured for them to enter his home. "Please, come in. I have a lot to share with

you, especially about your forehead stone, Michi."

As they sat down, Appolo began to explain the truth about Rishdania. "She was once a

powerful adventurer from Raphtor City, but after gaining unknown stone powers, she went

berserk and killed her own brother. Now, she's a merciless killer, sparing no one."

Michi listened intently, his face somber. He couldn't believe the atrocities Rishdania had

committed.

Appolo continued, "For now, she has no visible weaknesses, but we need to investigate

further. Only I can locate her for you, so you must take me with you."

Michi and Airi exchanged glances, and Michi nodded. "Okay, but stay close, friend."

Appolo smiled, his eyes sparkling with determination. "Yes, I will. I won't let you guys face

this danger alone."

Appolo then asked Michi to follow him to another room, locking the door behind them.

"Michi, you're not from this world, right? Your forehead stone is mentioned in our history.

It's said that when the hero comes with a forehead stone, a new age will dawn, and the old

rust will be destroyed."

Michi's eyes widened as Appolo revealed the truth about his stone. "Your stone can not

only show your emotions but also manipulate them."

Appolo's eyes locked onto Michi's, his gaze intense. "I've been searching for you, Michi.

You're the key to unlocking a new era."

Without warning, Appolo hugged Michi tightly. "I've finally found you, my hero…"

Michi's stone turned pink, and he felt a strange sensation wash over him. He hugged

Appolo back, unsure why he felt compelled to do so.

As they hugged, Appolo whispered, "Please don't leave me, Michi. I want to see the new era

with you and cherish your cheeks."

Michi blushed, feeling a flutter in his chest. He didn't understand his emotions, but he

couldn't deny the connection he felt with Appolo.

Appolo's breath tickled Michi's ear, sending shivers down his spine. Michi's heart raced,

and he felt himself leaning into Appolo's embrace.

Just as they were about to share a kiss, they heard a thud on the door, followed by Airi's

voice. "Hey, you two! We should hurry, or the light will pass soon."

Appolo and Michi separated, their faces flushed with embarrassment. Appolo smiled and

whispered, "Later, Michi."

As they rejoined Airi and Henu, Michi couldn't shake off the strange feelings Appolo had

awakened within him. The journey ahead would be perilous, but with Appolo by their side,

they felt a glimmer of hope.

And so, their quest began, with Appolo feeding Henu special chocolates for pets, and Airi

and Michi exchanging determined glances. The fate of their world hung in the balance, but

together, they would face whatever lay ahead.

As Michi, Airi, Henu, and Appolo ventured into the rocky valleys at the outskirts of Euromia

City, they encountered a plethora of warning signs. The old signs creaked in the gentle

breeze, their weathered surfaces bearing ominous messages. "Danger: Do Not Enter," "Turn

Back Now," and "Death Awaits" were just a few of the dire warnings that lined their path.

Appolo led the group, his eyes fixed on the terrain ahead. "We're getting close," he said, his

voice low and steady. "Stay alert."

Michi and Airi nodded, their hands on the hilts of their swords. Henu perched on Michi's

shoulder, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

As they pressed on, the warning signs grew more frequent, the messages more urgent. But

Appolo pushed forward, his determination unwavering.

"Everyone halt" Appolo said suddenly, his hand raised in a stopping motion. "I can sense

her presence nearby."

Michi and Airi drew their swords, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.

Henu's grip on Michi's shoulder tightened, his tiny heart racing with anticipation.

But before they could react, the ground gave way beneath them. Rocks tumbled down,

blocking their path and separating Henu from the others.

"Henu!" Michi screamed, his voice echoing off the rocky walls.

But there was no response.

Michi's face contorted in worry, his eyes scanning the rubble for any sign of his beloved

companion. Airi and Appolo rushed to his side, their faces etched with concern.

"We'll find him, Michi, for sure" Airi said, her voice soft and reassuring.

Appolo nodded, his eyes locked on the rocks. "He's safe, Michi. I can feel it."

But Michi's tension only grew. He tried to summon Henu back, but the magical

disturbances in the air prevented him from doing so.

Michi's heart sank, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. But Airi and Appolo stood

firm, their faces set in determination.

"We'll get him back, Michi," Airi said, her voice steady.

Appolo nodded, his eyes locked on the figure. "Yeah, We won't let anything happen to him."

As they waited, a shadow loomed in the distance, its presence growing larger by the

second. Henu, still separated from the others, flew erratically, his tiny form silhouetted

against the darkening sky.

And then, a figure emerged from the shadows, its presence menacing .The figure loomed

over Henu, its darkness enveloping him like a shroud.

Henu's tiny wings fluttered wildly as he tried to escape the clutches of Rishdania. But it was

too late. She had already snatched him from the air, her long fingers closing around his

fragile body like a vice.

Henu's scream echoed through the valley.

"Henu! No!" Michi and others charged forward, but the rocks blocking their path seemed

impenetrable.

Airi and Appolo joined him, their swords flashing in the sunlight as they hacked at the rocks.

The sound of their blades striking stone echoed through the valley, a rhythmic beat that

fueled their determination.

As they broke through the rocks, a burst of light illuminated the dark cavern beyond. Michi's

heart raced with hope as he saw Henu, his tiny form struggling In Rishdania's grasp.

But their joy was short-lived. Rishdania's eyes gleamed with sadistic pleasure as she raised

Henu to her lips, her jaws opening wide in a gruesome smile. Michi's heart shattered into a

million pieces as he watched, helpless, as Rishdania's teeth sank into Henu's tender flesh.

The sound of Henu's terrified squeals still echoed in Michi's mind as Rishdania savored

each bite, her eyes closed in rapture. The little dragon's struggles grew weaker, his body

trembling with fear and pain.

Finally, Henu's tiny form went limp, his life extinguished by Rishdania's merciless cruelty.

Michi's world went dark, his vision blurring with tears of grief and rage.

But the nightmare was far from over. Rishdania's eyes snapped open, her gaze locking onto

Michi and the others with a twisted grin. "Thank you for the little dragon," she said, her voice

dripping with sadistic pleasure. "He was quite delicious."

As she licked her lips, Michi's horror turned to fury. He charged forward, his sword flashing

in the sunlight, but Rishdania just laughed, her eyes glinting with amusement.

"You're too late to save your beloved pet," she taunted, her voice dripping with cruelty. "But

don't worry, I'll make sure you join him soon enough."

And with that, she vanished, leaving Michi and the others to pick up the pieces of their

shattered hearts. The memory of Henu's brutal murder would haunt them forever, a

constant reminder of Rishdania's sadistic cruelty.

Michi's heart was shattered into a million pieces, his mind consumed by grief and trauma.

He couldn't eat, couldn't sleep, couldn't think of anything but Henu's brutal murder.

Back at Bnas guild , Days turned into weeks, but Michi's pain never faded. He became

withdrawn, isolated, his eyes haunted by the memory of Henu's death.

But deep down, a burning determination grew. He vowed to avenge Henu's death, to make

Rishdania pay for her cruelty.

And so, Michi began to train, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he practiced his moves.

He trained day and night, his body honed to perfection, his mind fixed on one goal: to kill

Rishdania.

The stage was set for a final, brutal showdown between Michi and Rishdania. The fate of

the world hung in the balance, and only time would tell who would emerge victorious.

As Michi trained, he felt a strange energy building inside him. It was as if Henu's spirit was

fueling his determination, driving him forward.

And then, one day, Michi alone went to the rock valley without discussing anything with Airi

and Appolo. He saw Rishdania stood on the horizon, her eyes fixed on him with a twisted

grin.

"Looks like it's time," she said, her voice dripping with malice. "Let's end this once and for

all."

Michi's heart raced with anticipation. He knew that this would be the final battle, the one

that would determine the fate of the world.

With a fierce cry, Michi charged forward, his sword flashing in the sunlight. Rishdania

laughed, her eyes glinting with amusement.

The battle had begun.

The air was electric with tension as Michi and Rishdania faced off against each other. The

memory of Henu's brutal murder still freshly etched in Michi's mind, he charged forward

with a fierce cry, his sword flashing in the sunlight like a beacon of vengeance. Rishdania

laughed, her eyes glinting with amusement, as she drew her own sword. The blade seemed

to shimmer with a malevolent energy, as if it too were eager to taste Michi's blood.

The two enemies clashed, their swords meeting in a shower of sparks. Michi's

determination fueled his every move, his heart burning with a fierce desire for revenge. He

remembered Henu's terrified squeals, the sound of his tiny body trembling with fear and

pain. But Rishdania was no pushover. She was a skilled fighter, her sword slicing through

the air with deadly precision. Michi found himself on the defensive, his sword trembling

with the force of Rishdania's blows.

As the fight wore on, Michi began to tire. Rishdania's relentless assault was taking its toll,

his breath coming in ragged gasps. His muscles screamed in agony, his vision blurring with

exhaustion.

But he refused to give up. He remembered Henu's lifeless body, the sight of his tiny form

lying limp and still. He remembered the sound of Rishdania's laughter, the cruel pleasure in

her voice as she savored each bite.

With renewed determination, Michi launched himself at Rishdania, his sword flashing in

the sunlight like a bolt of lightning. The blade crashed against hers, sparks flying as the two

enemies clashed.

The battle raged on, the outcome hanging in the balance. Would Michi emerge victorious,

or would Rishdania's cruelty prevail?

As they fought, the air grew thick with tension. The ground trembled beneath their feet, as if

the very earth itself were trembling with fear.

And then, in a flash of steel, Rishdania struck. Her sword sliced through Michi's defenses,

biting deep into his shoulder. Michi cried out in agony, his vision blurring with pain.

But he refused to yield. With a fierce cry, he launched himself at Rishdania, his sword

flashing in the sunlight like a beacon of vengeance.

The fight would continue, the bloodshed far from over. The outcome was far from certain,

but one thing was clear: only one of them would emerge victorious.

The fight between Michi and Rishdania raged on, their swords clashing in a deadly dance.

Rishdania laughed, her eyes glinting with amusement, as she declared Michi a true fighter.

But her words were laced with cruelty, her voice dripping with sadistic pleasure.

"You're a worthy opponent, Michi," she said, her sword slicing through the air mere inches

from Michi's face. "But you'll be defeated soon enough."

Michi's forehead stone turned golden, a fierce determination burning within him. He

remembered Henu's brutal murder, the sound of his tiny body trembling with fear and pain.

With renewed strength, Michi launched himself at Rishdania, his sword flashing in the

sunlight like a bolt of lightning. The blade crashed against hers, sparks flying as the two

enemies clashed.

The fight reached a heavy point, both fighters exchanging blows in a flurry of steel and

blood. Michi's sword sliced through Rishdania's defenses, biting deep into her shoulder.

But her healing abilities kicked in, her wounds closing before Michi's very eyes.

Rishdania retaliated, her sword slicing through Michi's chest. He cried out in agony, his

vision blurring with pain. But he refused to yield, his hits becoming more powerful with

each passing moment.

The battle raged on, the two fighters trading blows in a deadly dance. Michi's sword sliced

through Rishdania's arm, her cry of pain echoing through the air. But she countered swiftly,

her sword biting deep into Michi's leg.

Michi stumbled, his vision blurring with agony. But he refused to fall, his determination

fueled by his desire for revenge.

As the fight wore on, both fighters suffered heavy damages. Michi's chest was a mess of

blood and steel, his leg trembling with pain. Rishdania's arm hung limp, her shoulder a

mass of bruises and cuts.

But still they fought on, their swords clashing in a deadly dance. The outcome was far from

certain, but one thing was clear: only one of them would emerge victorious.

And then, in a flash of steel, Rishdania struck. Her sword sliced through Michi's defenses,

biting deep into his side. Michi cried out in agony, his vision blurring with pain.

But he refused to yield. With a fierce cry, he launched himself at Rishdania, his sword

flashing in the sunlight like a beacon of vengeance.

The fight would continue, the bloodshed far from over. The outcome was far from certain,

but one thing was clear: only one of them would emerge victorious.

As they fought, the air grew thick with tension. The ground trembled beneath their feet, as if

the very earth itself were trembling with fear.

And then, in a flash of steel, Michi struck. His sword sliced through Rishdania's defenses,

biting deep into her chest. Rishdania cried out in agony, her vision blurring with pain.

But she refused to yield. With a fierce cry, she launched herself at Michi, her sword flashing

in the sunlight like a bolt of lightning.

The battle raged on, the two fighters trading blows in a deadly dance.

Michi's body was a mess of blood and bruises, his nose broken by Rishdania's heavy

punch, his ribs cracked and splintered. He looked like he had been through a blood bath,

his clothes torn and stained with crimson.

As he lay there, he remembered the day they had broken through the rock walls and found

Henu. The little dragon had been so full of life, his scales shimmering in the sunlight.

But Rishdania had taken that away, brutally murdering Henu and eating him. Michi's heart

burned with rage and sadness as he thought of his fallen friend.

Rishdania stood over him, her sword raised high. "This will be the final strike," she said, her

voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Why don't you tell me your last wish?, Michi."

Michi smiled, a fierce glint in his eye. "My last wish is to play with your beheaded head," he

said, his voice cold and detached.

Rishdania laughed, but Michi's forehead stone suddenly turned black, as well as his eyes.

The air seemed to grow colder, the shadows deepening and twisting around him.

The last fierce battle started, Michi's body moving with a speed and ferocity that belied his

injuries. Rishdania was pushed back, her sword flashing in the sunlight as she tried to

defend herself.

But Michi was unstoppable, his sword slicing through her defenses like paper. He delivered

blow after blow, his movements swift and merciless. Rishdania's healing abilities were

weakening, her cries of pain growing louder.

As they fought, Michi remembered the days they had spent searching for Henu, the hope

and joy they had felt when they finally found him.

But it had all been taken away, brutally and senselessly. Michi's heart burned with rage and

sadness as he thought of his fallen friend.

"Stop!" Rishdania screamed, but Michi didn't seem to hear. His eyes were black as coal,

his face twisted in a snarl.

He stabbed and slashed, his sword biting deep into Rishdania's flesh. She tried to defend

herself, but Michi was relentless.

Finally, with a scream of triumph, Michi slashed off Rishdania's head. He picked it up, his

fingers closing around her hair like a vice.

He touched his forehead to hers, gaining her healing powers. Then he screamed, his voice

echoing through the valley.

Airi rushed to his side, hugging him tightly. "Please stop, Michi," she said, her voice

trembling. "It's over. Please stop, don't let your powers consume you."

Michi's forehead stone turned normal, his eyes returning to their usual color. He looked at

Airi, shock and horror written across his face.

He had defeated Rishdania, but at what cost? He looked down at his hands, still clutching

Rishdania's head.

Appolo came up behind them, his face grim. "Well done, Michi," he said. "But now, let's get

back to the guild. You need rest."

Michi nodded, still in shock. Appolo carried him on his back, Airi walking beside them,

Rishdania's head in a bag.

As they walked, Michi couldn't shake the feeling of horror and sadness. He had won, but at

what cost? He thought of Henu, and the price they had paid for their victory.

Michi, Airi, and Appolo returned to the guild, exhausted but triumphant. They had finally

defeated Rishdania, the ruthless killer who had terrorized the land for so long. As they

entered the guild hall, they were greeted as heroes.

Guild Master Tadashi Ken approached them, a broad smile on his face. "Well done, Michi. I

knew only you could do this." He shook Michi's hand, his eyes shining with pride.

Michi smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. It was finally over. The endless killing

had stopped.

Tadashi's expression turned somber, "I'm also deeply sorry for your loss. The head is empty,

I assume you've taken her power?"

Michi nodded, still trying to process the events that had transpired. He remembered the

day they had broken through the rock walls and found Henu, the little dragon who was like a

brother to him.

But Rishdania had taken that away, brutally murdering Henu and eating him. Michi's heart

still ached with grief, but he knew he had to move forward.

Tadashi handed Michi a badge, "Take this, Michi. With this, you can visit any city in the

Kingdom of Prussaria without concern." He also handed Michi a pouch of gold coins and a

letter, "Give this to Yakop, and have him read it in front of you."

Airi's curiosity got the better of her, "What is it?"

Tadashi's smile grew wider, "Let it be a surprise for later. You all should rest here, and

Appolo, good job." Appolo bowed, his face flushed with pride.

As they left the room, Tadashi's smile grew even wider, "Hmm… The new age will be a bright

one, I assume."

The announcement of Michi's victory spread like wildfire through the land. People rejoiced,

knowing that the endless killing had finally stopped.

Back in their room, Airi told Appolo to stay with Michi while she fetched food. Michi soon

fell asleep, exhausted.

Appolo sat beside him, gently stroking Michi's hair, "Michi, I'll surely help you get Henu

back. Just wait a little." He leaned in, kissing Michi's right cheek, "Don't worry, Michi. I can't

do the main thing while you're unconscious."

Unbeknownst to Appolo, a pair of dark eyes watched them from the shadows, a creepy

smile spreading across the face.

The next day, Michi felt better, but the sadness still lingered. He visited Henu's grave, paying

his respects, "Goodbye, my little friend. You're still the best friend to me." He cried, Airi

joining him, holding his hand.

Later, they met with Appolo, who chose to journey with them. They welcomed him with big

smiles, their party now complete.

As they left Euromia City, they carried with them a mix of experiences and encounters,

some joyful, others heartbreaking. But together, they faced the unknown, ready for

whatever lay ahead.

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