Gratitude

A few more months have passed within the world Tsukuyomi, but not even a second has passed in the outside world.

The shadowy figures numbers have diminished from 10 to a now mere 3. The seven either died on the way due to fatigue or died by the hands of others.

The now weak and shrivel shadowy figures stayed as far away from each other but occasionally glanced at the other two with an insane glint in their eyes as if thinking about how he or she would taste.

This wasn't going to end well for anyone of the shadowy figures.

---

"N-No more food…" the last shadowy figure within the maze stared at the raw bone of his final comrade in despair, its flesh was completely scrapped off.

"Please…, no more…" his hoarse voice cried.

And suddenly, as if this was all but an illusion, the world of Tsukuyomi, the world of red and white, shattered like a mirror.

---

"...Tsukuyomi."

Touma's calm voice sounded. His left eye brightened up for a split-second with the black spiraling triangle rotating counter-clockwise.

The shadowy figures seemed to have paused for a moment as if their consciousness wasn't there but soon came back in the next instant.

Immediately, the shadowy figures fell down and started to scream, as if insane.

"Aaaaaaahhh! It hurts! It hurts so much!" a shadowy figure kneeling on all fours clutched his stomach, as if he was injured internally, or externally.

"Water! Please, I need water!" another figure sprawled all over the floor, groaning.

"No, we're going this way, no, that way!" the weaponless cultivator pointed in walked and pointed in random directions as if leading an invisible pack.

Every shadowy figure was suffering, but not physically. Their minds were broken. Their souls were broken. They felt pain when there was none.

The guards were completely stunned while staring at this situation.

All this mysterious youth said was, "Tsukuyomi," and yet that was all it took for the shadowy figures to turn insane and wail in agony.

'What did he do?' they wondered in fear.

If a mere word was all it took for such strong cultivators like the shadowy figures, what would happen if it were them as the victims instead?

The cold, mysterious youth closed his eyes and spoke, "You are incredibly shameful to have dragged a mere child into a battle between kingdoms. If you were to have fought legitimately and not use such underhanded tactics against the Blazing Wind Kingdom, I would have not tortured you like this."

Touma's words were true. What did the little Princess do besides playing with her toys? She meant no harm.

Hearing his words, the guards felt relieved that this mysterious youth seemed to fight against injustice and that he meant no harm.

Eventually, the shadowy figures grew exhausted and fell into deep sleep. However, this would be the last time they would ever sleep peacefully. After all, living for months inside a world of white and red, walking aimlessly while always being on the alert against others, would surely traumatize someone.

Looking at the pile of bodies, the mysterious youth merely swept his hand, sending a gush of wind that cleared them away, meters away from the road.

After doing so, the mysterious youth finally turned around and faced the guards. And when they stared into his captivating red eyes, they felt like they could hide nothing from him and took in a cold breath.

'W-What a powerful eye-bloodline…' they thought.

"Guards of the Blazing Wind Kingdom, the reinforcements of the Dark Rising Kingdom are most likely already on their way here. You should probably get ready to head back to the kingdom. The safety of the Princess is at risk," his calm, mysterious voice sounded.

"R-Right. T-Thank you for your help Young Master Touma. How could we ever repay you?"

Although the guards knew they probably could do nothing to repay someone who could have the power to torture a Soul Reformation Stage cultivator and multiple late-stage Core Establishment cultivators, they at least wanted to express their gratitude.

The mysterious youth seemed to think for a moment before replying, "I'd actually like to go to the Royal Capital. Just the general direction is fine."

The guards were confused. 'How does someone with his strength not know where the Royal Capital is' but then they thought it would make sense if he was a Young Master from afar.

Hearing the youth's request, the guards' faces immediately lit up, but they felt conflicted. They could at least repay this mysterious youth, but they knew this paled into comparison to practically saving a kingdom.

However, before the captain could speak up and suggest if anything else could be done, the carriage door opened and out came an older guard with gray hair with a little figure behind him.

Behind him was the cute little nine-year-old Princess and when she saw Touma, her eyes lit up in curiosity and admiration. Though she seemed to be conflicted about something.

The older guard immediately walked toward the mysterious youth and bowed down in respect and admiration, as if he was meeting the king.

"Thank you, Young Master Touma, thank you," he couldn't express his gratitude enough.

Touma ushered him to not to bow and said, "It's fine. I was just on my way and heard what was happening. Just the directions to the Royal Capital is enough for me."

Understanding his request, the older guard promptly offered an alternative.

"Young Master Touma, as we are also heading to the Royal Capital, would you be so kind as to grace us with your presence for the remainder of the journey?"

"Sure." the calm mysterious youth answered without hesitation. He wasn't in a hurry and the sooner he understood the situation of this cultivation world, the better.