Chapter 13: The Journey Begins
Arc:DX kingdom
: Farewell to the Temple
As the first light of dawn touched the stone walls of the Scriptor Temple, there was no celebration — only silence and tension. Bokuro, Kitsui, Nensudo, and the warriors of Team Kaji stood ready at the great gate, their packs loaded and weapons secured.
Grand Master Yamu stepped forward, his face carved with lines of wisdom and worry. "This mission is not just a race — it is a battle against time itself. If the Book of Enlightenment falls into Kazan's hands, our world's fate is sealed."
Bokuro glanced at his father, Raiko, who stood among the crowd. Raiko nodded once, no words needed — his eyes spoke of pride and belief. Kitsui clenched her fist. "We will return… victorious."
Captain Rokuhei of Team Kaji tightened the grip on his twin swords. "If Kazan wants a war, we'll show him resistance he won't forget."
Without another word, the two teams set off. The temple gates opened, and their silhouettes disappeared into the rising dust, leaving behind warriors who watched and prayed.
Shadows in the Forest
Three days passed as they journeyed eastward, their path cutting through the treacherous Kurosawa Forest — a place whispered about in fearful tones. The trees here were twisted and dark, their branches reaching like claws. Even the air felt heavy, as if the forest itself breathed.
Nensudo kept his hand on his blade. "This place… it's watching us."
Kitsui's sharp eyes scanned the shadows. "Stay alert. Kazan's spies could be anywhere."
Suddenly, Bokuro froze. "Movement… to the left."
Captain Rokuhei raised his hand. "Form up! Prepare for contact!"
A rustling sound grew louder — and then, from the undergrowth, masked figures leapt out. Clad in black armor marked with red sigils, they were Kazan's scouts — low-ranking, but deadly.
Blades flashed in the dim light. The battle was swift but fierce. Rokuhei parried a strike and countered with a clean slash that dropped an enemy. Kitsui unleashed a burst of ink-like energy from her script, pinning two attackers against a tree. Nensudo roared and broke through their line with raw strength.
Bokuro faced the last scout, their blades clashing in a flurry of sparks. With a sharp twist, Bokuro disarmed the enemy and knocked him out cold.
Breathing heavily, the teams regrouped. Rokuhei examined one fallen enemy and muttered, "Kazan's reach is longer than we thought. These scouts were already waiting."
Bokuro picked up a broken insignia from one of the attackers — a black fang symbol. His eyes narrowed. "This isn't just about the book. They're guarding the path to Dx Kingdom. They've already made their move."
First Glimpse of the Dx Kingdom
By the fifth day, as the sun dipped low, they reached the high cliffs overlooking the valley of Dx Kingdom. What they saw made every heart pause.
Golden domes sparkled under the last rays of sunlight. Tall sapphire-blue banners danced in the wind atop marble towers. The city stretched wide, protected by massive white walls laced with ancient sigils. Bridges arched over rivers of crystal-clear water, and distant bells chimed a melody that echoed softly across the valley.
Nensudo's eyes widened. "It's… beautiful. Like something from an old legend."
But Rokuhei's voice was cold. "Don't be fooled by appearances. Even the grandest kingdom can rot from within."
Kitsui, still cautious, scanned the distant gates. "We have to warn them. Kazan's forces could strike at any moment."
Bokuro's hand tightened around his script. "We'll get inside. We'll protect the book. No matter what."
Eyes in the Dark
But far below, in one of Dx Kingdom's shadowed alleys, a figure watched the approaching teams from afar. He wore a cold iron mask that hid his face, and his eyes burned with blue flame.
In his hand, he held a book wrapped in black smoke.
"The Scriptors have come," he murmured, voice like gravel. "But Dx Kingdom… it is not what they remember."
He closed his palm, and the smoke thickened.
"The King has already made his choice. Soon… these outsiders will see. This war is bigger than Kazan and the temple. It will consume everything."
The figure turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving behind only the faint scent of ink and ashes.