In Shoun's hand materialized a sheathed katana. The hilt was wrapped in worn black leather with visible tears, while the guard appeared in good condition. When drawn, the blade revealed itself as a beautiful silver surface marred by black scratches resembling tiger stripes. Despite these flaws, the entire sword radiated a lethal aura.
—Oh great...it's a sword— the young man voiced with clear disappointment.
—You don't like swords?
—I don't know how to use them, that's the main issue. But I guess now that I have one, I've no choice but to learn...tch.
—What can it do?
—Let's see... Interesting. Its name is "Iron Fang". Its core trait is that the sword itself is a predator, the more determined the wielder is in combat, the sharper and deadlier it becomes. Conversely, it grows heavier and duller when the user hesitates. Its secondary feature enhances the wielder's reflexes and instincts the longer a battle lasts. The final ability could be called a "last resort", when overwhelmed but still determined to win, it boosts the user's perception to ridiculous levels—He explained while reading the weapon's description.
—Hmm...I must admit, this weapon seems much better suited to your current fighting style than Iron Serpent.
—That's the hard truth...Can you teach me the basics starting tomorrow?
—It'll be problematic considering your sword can't teach you like mine does, but I'll do what I can.
—I've never really understood that. How exactly do your swords teach you?
—You wouldn't understand even if I explained. Get some rest, good night Shoun—The masked one bid farewell without further explanation, leaving the young man confused while staring at his new artifact.
—So...Iron Fang. Hope we can work together from now on—Shoun felt slightly foolish introducing himself to an object this way. After all, it likely didn't possess the same "vitality" as Iron Serpent. Yet he could distinctly sense something resembling disdain from the new blade—Hmmm...Yeah, learning to use you will definitely be tough.
Without further thought, he dismissed Iron Fang and lay down, falling asleep almost immediately.
**
The next morning, everyone gradually woke up to find a calm Shoun preparing breakfast for them all.
—Morning Shoun...— the youngest greeted somewhat shyly before sitting at the table.
—Good morning Sein. Sleep well?— he asked with his usual demeanor while serving the food.
—...Great! And you?— Seeing Shoun back to his normal self noticeably brightened the boy's mood.
When the others arrived and saw the young man, they relaxed just like Sein had, enjoying a pleasant breakfast together.
—Seriously Shoun, you've got to tell me your secret. How do you cook this well?— The scientist asked, with Kaze nodding in agreement—they'd both stuffed themselves with the pancakes the young man made.
—Well it's simple—just practice for years until cooking becomes second nature...honestly though, you all should eat out more often if you think my cooking's this special.
—That's not true Shoun! You really are an amazing cook!
—You really do cook well— Deuz added finally. Though the young man remained unconvinced about his culinary skills, all his companions seemed thoroughly delighted.
—Alright then, let's pretend I believe you. How about we discuss today's plans?
—Right— Robin adjusted in their seat— According to both Defenders' descriptions, we're very close to uncovering a lost history. Now, based on past experience, we know this could be extremely dangerous. So what's our move?
—Hmm... Considering this secret history was guarded by brutes, I doubt we'll encounter an Executor's seal this time— the beret-wearing boy said with some hesitation— So I think we could take the risk.
—I agree! Besides, we've come too far to turn back now!
—...— Shoun remained silent for a moment. The last time they'd had a similar discussion, it ended with him fighting a brute alone. It wasn't until Kaze spoke in his usual monotone that he reconsidered.
—I also believe we can do it. This time we'll make sure to be more careful— Everyone turned to look at the masked one— ...What?
—I-it's just...you don't usually speak up during these discussions— the scientist clarified.
—After what happened yesterday, I think it's appropriate— Following these words, all eyes shifted to Shoun, the only one who hadn't voiced his opinion.
—...Let's go. But like Kaze said, extreme caution— The young man smiled, still remembering his socially awkward companion. But since forming Clover Flush, Kaze had made tremendous progress. If he'd been considerate enough to account for Shoun's feelings—clear growth—why not reward that?— That said, if I get attacked by another brute alone, I'm never following you anywhere again.
Everyone prepared themselves. The young man decided not to summon Iron Fang for now—after all, he didn't know how to fight with a sword—so he let his new katana rest peacefully within his core. Upon exiting, they found themselves in the same rubble-filled area where Shoun had toppled a building.
—...I thought the building I collapsed was taller— the young man commented, comparing the debris to the intact structures in the area—Alright team, let's move forward.
Proceeding with caution, the group retraced their original path. They walked through streets choked with ominous black roots, unsettled by the sinister aura they emitted. Despite this, no one let their guard down, remaining alert for any signs of movement. The journey proved relatively peaceful.
At one point, they noticed all the roots—even those embedded in structures—began converging into what resembled a path. Warily, Clover Flush followed it, eventually arriving at an isolated clearing in the middle of the street. A patch of gray grass grew there, dominated by a massive tree with black eyes. The mysterious roots seemed to originate from this tree, its trunk forming a sort of altar supporting a thin red-bound book. Carefully, Shoun approached and lifted it slightly. When no immediate reaction occurred, he retreated to rejoin his companions.
—Just a book?— asked the youngest, sounding somewhat disappointed.
—Well, if what we were looking for was a hidden history, it makes sense it would be a book— the scientist explained enthusiastically— What's its title, Shoun?
—It says... "History of the Ancients and Their Fall"... The author is just "Kai"— The young man flipped to the back cover, but it was completely blank except for the title.
—Their entire history!? Even their downfall!? This will definitely be a major discovery!
—Just "Kai"...? Considering there's no surname, it's likely a pseudonym. Let's go back to base to read it— Everyone agreed with the beret-wearing boy's suggestion. Kaze opened the base portal, and they gathered around the dining table, spreading out the book so everyone could read as they began unpacking the history of the Ancients. The short book contained the following:
The Ancients were a civilization of humans who ruled their planet for 1500 years. During that millennium and a half, various forms of governments rose and fell, but in the end the civilization's demise was led by the Kalgoros monarchy.
The Kalgoros was the name given to the king or queen in command during that period, along with the title used to distinguish them from their predecessors and successors. The last Kalgoros in the line was the Tyrant of Adversity, a title granted due to the element that ultimately led to the extinction of all life on the planet: Chaos.
Chaos was a rare type of disease. Studies at the time showed it initially had a gaseous form, similar to black smoke. When large amounts of Chaos gathered, they could create black roots that would eventually become a large tree with black leaves. When a human came into contact with Chaos, two things could happen. The first was that the infected would succumb to the Chaos disease, which transformed their bodies into unrecognizable, evil monsters - enemies of all intelligent beings. The second option was that the infected would survive the disease. From that moment on, Chaos would grant them powers beyond anything humans had seen at that time. But in the end, they shared the same fate as the first case - if that human died or went insane, the disease still remaining within their body would transform them into an unrecognizable monster.
The monarchy led by the Tyrant of Adversity fought against Chaos in multiple ways, such as eliminating the black roots and trees, but ultimately Chaos would reappear as smoke, restarting the cycle anew. At some point, the king became infected by Chaos. He survived the first wave of the disease, but growing uneasy about his condition, he gradually began making more radical decisions—such as killing all infected individuals (whether they fell under the first or second case) or intentionally infecting masses in an attempt to find a cure. These extreme and contradictory outbursts were signs of his gradual descent into madness, meaning it was only a matter of time before he turned into a monster.
Despite this, the king continued resorting to any method possible. He committed atrocities just to glimpse even the faintest hope of a cure or a way to eradicate Chaos. Some of his people saw him as overly harsh, a ruler corrupted by power, while others viewed him as a savior—someone who did what was necessary to protect his people, no matter the opposition. These events ultimately shaped the title of the last of the Kalgoros: the Tyrant of Adversity—the one who ruled with an iron fist during times of hardship. Though, for those who look back on history now, his legacy might be interpreted differently.
The end of the Ancients came when the Tyrant of Adversity finally succumbed to the Chaos disease. In his final moments, his kingdom burned under its flames, and all life on the planet perished, leaving nothing behind but Chaos.
—
At what appeared to be the story's conclusion, everyone prepared to comment—but upon checking, they discovered one remaining page: the author's personal notes:
I find it curious how easily history can be recorded. Just ink on paper, page after page, as if that could convey anything beyond the suffering the Ancients endured. Yet I must admit, this civilization's story failed to move me.
I witnessed their birth, their glory. I saw their wars and famines. When Chaos came, it was no different—they clawed for hope with tooth and nail. The last Kalgoros was undoubtedly the most fascinating: balanced on the razor's edge between sanity and madness, consumed by the very plague devouring his world. Some may debate whether he was savior or tyrant, but it matters not—all burned in his flames.
I wonder... how will others react to this history? Perhaps they'll hope their fate differs from the Ancients'. Maybe they'll grieve. There's even a chance they'll weep... Regardless, I'll keep recording these stories. Perhaps one will finally stir something within me.
—Kai.
—