The journey to the city of Takamatsu was a grueling twenty-day endeavor, a trek undertaken with the lingering weight of their previous mission in Kochi. While their outward demeanor suggested success, an undercurrent of unease persisted among the group. Joseph, Yoshi, and Lyra each wrestled with the revelations imparted to them by the late archdemon. The cryptic words about their futures hung heavily in their minds, a burden they bore silently yet perceptibly.
Joseph, ever observant, recognized the subtle tension etched in his companions' expressions—an understanding forged through the battles they had faced together. Though no words were exchanged, the shared silence was far from comfortable. Their chariots clattered along the uneven path, the stillness amplifying the unspoken thoughts swirling within.