Krad stepped forward, the weight of anticipation pressing on his chest. Mist walked calmly beside him, while Hanan, Miss Vice, and Drugo followed closely.
"So," Drugo grumbled, his arms crossed. "Off to get your face smashed again?"
"Not if I can help it," Krad shot back. "This time, I'm ready."
"That's the spirit," Mist chuckled. "Though I wouldn't get too confident. You're still slow."
Krad clenched his fists but held his tongue. He knew Mist wasn't just mocking him. It was a reminder that the Rage was closing in, and failure wasn't an option.
Miss Vice gave Krad a measured glance. "Your resolve is admirable. But strength isn't the only thing you need, Krad. Control, discipline those will keep the Moon Eater's mark from devouring you."
Krad nodded. He'd felt the darkness stirring within the mark before, the raw hunger that threatened to consume him. He couldn't let it win.
Hanan, standing silently to his side, finally spoke, her voice soft. "The castle… I still remember its halls, the laughter that once echoed there. But what remains now is a shadow of what it was."
"We're not going there to dwell on the past," Mist said firmly. "We're going to forge something new. Strength. Resolve. And the will to stand against the gods."
Hanan's hands trembled, but she nodded. "I understand."
Krad stepped closer to her, his voice low. "When I come back strong, Hanan… after I defeat Liyab in the Rage, I promise." His eyes burned with determination. "I'm going after the Goblin Lord. Damos will pay for what he did to your kingdom."
Hanan's silver eyes widened, tears threatening to form, but she quickly blinked them away. "Thank you, Master Krad."
"No need for thanks." He tried to smile. "Besides, I've got a score to settle with that ugly bastards."
Drugo snorted, though a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Just don't get yourself killed, idiot."
Miss Vice turned her gaze toward the town gate, her voice commanding. "Enough talk. You all know what needs to be done."
Mist's eyes narrowed as he traced the route to their destination. "The Narda Stone," he murmured. "It's nearby. Perfect."
"The Narda what now?" Krad asked, peering over Mist's shoulder.
"A teleportation stone," Mist explained briskly, his voice steady as he zoomed in on the map. "It's a safe zone and a gateway to other key locations. We'll use it to get to the Kingdom. Let's move."
He followed Mist in silence, the faint glow of the map's residual light lingering in his mind. Behind him, the Kubo village grew smaller, he stopped abruptly, glancing over his shoulder one last time.
The path ahead cleared as Mist picked up the pace, his movements smooth and precise, like someone who'd walked these trails a hundred times.
"So," Krad said, trying to lighten the mood, "this Narda Stone thing... is it, like, a magical teleportation rock? Or some sci-fi alien tech?"
Mist glanced at him, his face unreadable.
"It's a Crescent Stone. A point where energy converges. To us human, it may seem like advance technology. To someone else, it might look like magic. What it truly is... depends on how you perceive it."
Krad groaned, throwing his hands up. "Do you always talk like the wise old mentor in a fantasy movie, or is today just special?"
Mist smirked faintly, not answering as they arrived at the clearing.
"Whoa," Krad whispered, his voice tinged with awe. Each step he took toward the huge crescent shaped stone seemed to deepen the weight of its presence, a palpable aura that was both intimidating and irresistible. "This thing is… crazy. Like it's alive or something."
Mist didn't bother to look back as he approached the obelisk with practiced confidence. "This Stone is more than just a waypoint. Use it wisely, and it will take you far. Use it carelessly, and it will rip you apart."
Krad blinked, his awe quickly replaced by nervous skepticism. "Rip me apart? Great. That's exactly what I wanted to hear before stepping into the glow-y murder rock's personal space."
Mist cast a sidelong glance at him, "You survived the Moon eater's mark without damage. If anything, the Stone might be afraid of you."
Krad scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, well."
Mist didn't respond. Instead, he placed a hand on the obelisk's smooth surface. The blue runes flared to life, shifting like liquid script as they rearranged themselves into a new pattern. A pulse of energy radiated outward, rippling through the ground in waves that stopped just short of Krad's feet.
The air grew heavier, charged with a power that made his hair stand on end. His eyes darted to the glowing circle that had formed around the base of the Stone, a ring of light that seemed to hum with anticipation.
"Step into the circle," Mist said, his voice steady and commanding.
As soon as Krad stepped into the glowing circle, the atmosphere around him seemed to shift, like the moment before a storm breaks.
The hum of energy deepened, resonating in his chest, and the ground beneath him vibrated faintly. The runes on the obelisk flared with light, their flowing patterns spinning faster, almost as if they were alive.
Mist's expression remained calm, though his eyes were sharp, he knew that if the vessel accidentally used the power of the Moon eater, the narda stone would surely react and they would be cut in pieces. "Brace yourself," he said, his hand steady against the obelisk's surface.
Krad shot him a wary look. "For what?"
He didn't reply. Instead, the circle under them burst with light. A force burst up suddenly, wrapping around them like a current.
Krad's stomach growled as he was pulled upward, weightless, into the air. The world melted into a radiant colors that swirled and curled, as if he'd been flung into the center of a kaleidoscope.
His feet slammed onto solid ground, the impact jolting him. The blinding light receded, leaving him disoriented but unharmed. He blinked rapidly, trying to make sense of his surroundings, and his breath caught in his throat.
They stood in the middle of a vast plaza, its stone tiles cracked with age but still radiating an aura of majesty.
Towering marble columns surrounded the space, their surfaces wrapped in glowing green vines that pulsed faintly, as if alive. The air was cool and damp, carrying the earthy scent of moss mixed with something metallic and faintly sweet.
In the distance, the remains of a grand castle loomed, its jagged spires piercing through a layer of thin, drifting mist. Massive, ancient trees framed the horizon, their trunks impossibly wide and their golden leaves shimmering as though lit from within.
"Whoa…" Krad breathed, his voice barely audible. He turned in a slow circle, his head craned upward to take it all in. "This place is insane."
Mist stepped forward, his posture relaxed but his eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet vigilance.
"Welcome," he said, his tone even and measured, "to the Kingdom of Luntian."
Krad's mind replayed the potion seller's words as if they had been spoken moments ago:
The Kingdom of Luntian… they're famous for their unique materials. Rare ores and enchanted gems that can be forged into permanent weapons. Weapons strong enough to last a lifetime, imbued with properties that grow alongside their wielder.
He could still hear the old man's voice, steady yet firm.
You need a permanent weapon that can be upgraded as you grow stronger. Squad's won't accept members without adequate equipment and skills.
His fists tightened. Every word echoed with purpose, fueling his determination. This was the moment he had prepared for.
He glanced at Mist, who stood with quiet confidence, his gaze fixed on the distant castle ruins. The way he carried himself. Calm, commanding, and always a step ahead made Krad feel both in awe and slightly inadequate. The thought struck him like a thunderbolt: This guy... he's too powerful. Too experienced.
He hesitated, then decided to voice his suspicion. "Hey," Krad began, his voice tinged with curiosity, "are you... by any chance, a Squad Captain?"
Mist's shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly, but he didn't turn around immediately. For a moment, Krad thought he'd overstepped. But then Mist glanced over his shoulder, his piercing eyes locking onto him.
"Yes," Mist said simply.
Krad's jaw dropped. "Wait, what? Seriously? You're the Captain of Tiger Squad?"
Mist turned fully now, his expression unreadable. "Was that not obvious?"
Krad stumbled over his words, his excitement bubbling over. "I mean, I thought you might be strong or something, but a Squad Captain? That's a whole other level! How many members do you have? Can I join---"
Mist held up a hand, silencing him. "Calm yourself. This isn't the time for a fanfare of questions."
Krad flushed but couldn't stop the grin spreading across his face.
"Still, that's amazing! You must be insanely strong. I mean, I knew you were no ordinary guy, but a Squad Captain? That's incredible!"
Mist sighed, though a faint smirk played on his lips. "Strength alone doesn't make you a Captain. A Squad is built on trust, teamwork, and leadership. Titles mean little without those."
Krad nodded fervently, though his thoughts were already racing. If Mist was a Captain, then maybe he could help him get closer to his dream of joining a squad. He hesitated for a moment, glancing down at his fists, "What kind of weapon do you think would fit me... Captain?"
Mist froze mid-step, then let out a low, amused chuckle. It grew into a full-bodied laugh, his voice echoing across the ancient plaza. Krad frowned, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"What's so funny?" he demanded, his tone defensive.
Mist wiped a tear from the corner of his eye, his grin mischievous. "I heard about a kid once. He told a potion seller bold as brass that he didn't need a weapon because his fists were his weapon."
Krad's eyes widened as the memory hit him like a lightning bolt. "Your fists?" the old man had echoed, his laugh shaking the shop. "Against Devourer Slimes?!"
His face turned bright red. "Wait... how do you know about that?"
Mist smirked knowingly, crossing his arms. "The potion seller? He's an old friend. He told me the story of a crazy kid who walked into his shop claiming to fight Devourer Slimes bare-handed. Said the kid was so confident he nearly choked on his tea."
Krad groaned, burying his face in his hands. "You've got to be kidding me."
Mist's laughter softened, though his eyes still sparkled with amusement.
"Relax, Krad." His voice dropped, carrying a weight that silenced the humor in the air. "But here's the thing. He wasn't laughing at you. He was preparing you."
Krad frowned, lowering his hands.
"Preparing me? For what?"
Mist's smirk vanished, replaced by an expression of quiet intensity.
"For this. For the truth of who you are."
Krad blinked, confused. "What do you mean? I don't have a weapon. That's why I'm here...to find one and get stronger."
Mist stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto him. "You're wrong. You already have one."
"What?" Krad's heart skipped a beat. "What are you talking about?"
Mist gestured to Krad's clenched fist. "This. Your fists. Your body. They are your weapon."
He opened his mouth to argue, but Mist held up a hand to stop him.
"Think about it," Mist continued. "You've always relied on your strength, your instinct, your determination. You've faced challenges that most wouldn't dare to take on at level 0, and you've done it without a blade or bow. We saw it in you. That's why we sent you here."
Krad's breath caught in his throat.
"You're saying… you knew? That I wouldn't need a weapon?"
Mist nodded slowly. "Exactly. Luntian isn't just a place to find weapons. It's a place where warriors are forged. It's where those with unique potential come to unlock their true power. The potion seller sent you here because this is your training ground. Your proving ground."
The weight of Mist's words pressed down on Krad's chest. Memories of the potion seller flooded his mind: the way the old man had smiled knowingly, the way his words had seemed to carry hidden meanings.
"A permanent weapon… one that grows with you…"
It wasn't just advice. It was a prophecy.
He looked down at his left hand, flexing his fingers. Could it really be true? Could his fists be the weapon he'd been searching for all along?
"But…" Krad's voice wavered. "How can fists be enough? Against monsters? Against Liyab… Against player like you?" He looked up at Mist, his insecurities spilling out. "You've got magic. Swords. Entire guilds backing you up. What do I have? Just these?" He raised his fists, frustration evident in his voice.
Mist's expression softened, but his tone remained firm. "You have more than you realize. And Luntian will prove it to you."
Before Krad could respond, the ground beneath them began to tremble. The glowing green vines wrapped around the columns pulsed brighter, and a deep, resonant hum filled the air. Mist's eyes narrowed as he turned toward the source of the disturbance.
"It's starting," he said grimly.
"What's starting?" he asked, his voice tinged with panic.
Mist didn't answer immediately. Instead, he pointed toward the ruins of the castle. The mist that had been drifting lazily moments ago now swirled violently, forming a vortex that seemed to pull the very light from the air.
"This is your first trial," Mist said, his voice steady but urgent. "The guardians of Luntian are awakening. They'll test you... not just your strength, but your resolve. If you truly believe in your fists as your weapon, you'll prove it here."
He swallowed hard. "And if I fail?"
Mist's gaze was unyielding. "Then this place will devour you, together with the Moon Eater."
A chill ran down Krad's spine, but he clenched his fists tighter, the weight of his choice pressing down on him. The potion seller's words echoed in his mind once more.
"Weapons strong enough to last a lifetime… imbued with properties that grow alongside their wielder."
This wasn't just a journey for a weapon... it was a journey to understand himself.
"Alright," Krad said, his voice steady despite the fear coursing through him. "Let's see what this guardians has got."