Chapter 45: The Clash of Generals

Transitioning away from Kirin Village, the focus shifts to Koga, who arrives at Sandy Village only to discover its complete destruction.

Koga stood before the decimated city of Sandy Village, a sense of despair washing over him. Luke emerged from the shadows, his voice filled with concern.

"This village... it's been completely ravaged," Luke remarked, his eyes scanning the ruins.

Koga's gaze shifted towards his companion, his voice heavy with disbelief. "Luke, why are you here?"

Luke patted Koga on the back, a mixture of determination and empathy in his expression. "I wanted to see Sandy Village too. But what do you think could have caused this devastation?"

Koga's mind raced, and the name Riley surfaced as a possibility. "I bet Riley is responsible."

Luke's voice hardened, mirroring Koga's frustration. "That maniac strikes again, huh?"

With determination in his eyes, Koga turned to Luke. "We need to search for clues amidst this wreckage. Help me, Luke."

Luke nodded, their shared resolve evident. "Of course, Koga. We won't leave any stone unturned."

Together, Koga and Luke scoured the ruins of Sandy Village, their efforts proving futile in finding anything of significance.

The reason why Koga wanted to come to Sandy Village was because this is where Koga first encountered Riley and where he killed a fellow military official. Koga believed there would be clues about Riley here but it looks like Riley destroyed the entire village so all the evidence is destroyed. 

Frustration etched across Luke's face as he spoke, his voice tinged with disappointment. "I don't think we'll find anything, Koga."

Koga let out a sigh, a mix of exhaustion and resignation. "It seems like our efforts have been in vain."

Luke, concerned, questioned their next course of action. "So, what do we do now?"

Koga, finding solace on a nearby rock, contemplated their next move. "I'm not sure."

Suddenly, a mysterious voice broke the silence, emerging from the shadows. "Maybe I can be of assistance."

Koga's eyes darted around, searching for the source of the voice. "Who's there?"

A figure materialized before them, transforming from a hobo in tattered clothing to a sharp-dressed individual with a masked face. "Call me Parker," the enigmatic figure stated.

Koga's gaze narrowed, suspicion evident in his voice. "Parker, huh?"

Parker, the Information Broker, flashed a smile beneath the mask. "Indeed, I have many names, many faces. But people tend to call me Parker. It's easy to remember."

Luke's apprehension grew, his words laced with caution. "Koga..."

Koga's gaze remained fixed on Parker, his voice filled with recognition. "I know who you are. Parker, the infamous information broker, one of the most dangerous people in the world, akin to Dante."

Parker's eyes gleamed with intrigue. "So, do you gentlemen seek my help or not?"

Koga's skepticism was palpable as he questioned Parker's motives. "Why are you here?"

Parker's tone held a hint of amusement. "Oh, it's quite simple. I am always present when people yearn for information."

Koga deliberated, weighing the options before him. Ultimately, his determination to find Riley prevailed. "This may be our only lead. I have to take it."

Parker's smile widened beneath the mask. "Excellent. But before I share the information I possess, I require something from you."

Koga prepared himself for the inevitable exchange. "What do you want?"

Parker's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I'm glad you asked... I must know the location of the rebel headquarters..."

Koga and Luke exchanged glances, their guarded expressions revealing the significance of Parker's request.

Koga's voice turned icy, a warning in his words. "Why do you want to know? Choose your words carefully."

Parker stepped back cautiously, his palms raised in surrender. "Please, understand that in my line of work, information is my sustenance. But perhaps if I rephrase it, it will aid you. Is the rebel headquarters in Valhalla...?"

An unsettling feeling washed over Koga and Luke, their suspicions confirmed by Parker's words.

Parker's grin widened. "Bingo! That's all the confirmation I need from the Devil's Right Hand."

Koga's fury reached its boiling point, his body tingling with frost. Parker, seizing the opportunity, disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

As Parker's presence dissipated, his voice lingered in the air. "For valuable information, I can tell you that the man known as Riley was last seen in the bustling city of News City. I'm sure you've heard of it. Farewell."

Luke, visibly shaken, questioned their next move. "He's gone. What do we do now?"

Koga's determination remained unshaken as he stared into the distance. "You go back to Dante and inform him of what happened. I'll head to News City. No matter what, I will find that bastard, Riley. And if I cross paths with that information broker again, I'll freeze him to his core."

With their paths diverging, Koga set off towards News City, while Luke made his way back to Valhalla to relay the information to Dante. Meanwhile, our attention shifts back to Christian and the group, as farewells are exchanged.

Madeline observed the preparations, a sense of nostalgia in her voice. "It seems everyone is ready to go."

Christian nodded, a newfound determination shining in his eyes. "Yes, we're prepared."

Madeline's gaze softened as she inquired about Christian's well-being. "Are you fully healed now?"

A smile tugged at Christian's lips as he responded confidently. "Yes, I'm better than ever. The next time you see me, I'll be stronger."

Madeline's voice carried a hint of warmth. "I hope so, kid."

Christian turned to Teddy and Eve, ready to bid farewell to the rest of the village. Meanwhile, Harrison and Madeline engaged in a conversation of their own.

Madeline's gaze lingered on Christian, admiration evident in her words. "That kid is something else."

Harrison nodded, a proud glint in his eyes. "Indeed, he possesses a remarkable spirit."

Madeline's tone turned affectionate as she reflected on their journey. "To be honest, all three of them are quite special. It's strange seeing you take care of them, but now that I think about it, you've always been good with kids..."

Harrison chuckled softly. "You could say that. But you're not so bad yourself."

A moment of serenity passed between them before Madeline's tone turned serious. "By the way, Harrison, I heard they've started making their move."

Harrison's expression hardened, his thoughts consumed by the impending conflict. "I see... Myth is on the move...."

Madeline's voice carried a note of concern. "Please, be careful out there."

Harrison's eyes met hers, "I will."

With farewells exchanged and emotions lingering, the village bid its final goodbyes. Only Christian and Jimmy remained.

"So, this is it," Christian says with a smile on his face.

Jimmy's voice echoed with a mix of nostalgia and pride. "Yeah, we've come a long way."

Christian prepared to part ways, but Jimmy had one last gift to offer.

"Wait, Christian!" Jimmy called out, catching Christian's attention.

Christian turned, his curiosity piqued. "What's up?"

With a heartfelt smile, Jimmy handed over his gloves. "Take these. They're yours now."

Christian's eyes widened in recognition. "But these are..."

Jimmy interrupted, his voice filled with sincerity. "It's fine. I want you to remember me as you embark on your journey to become king."

*Kirin Village Arc Ends*