Forth, The Plaguebringer.

After recalling his memories, Kyotani awoke slowly, bloodied and battered, his vision blurry and hazy. In the distance, he saw a white cloth against Jinghai, then two of them, with indistinct pink and blue blurs swirling around. The pain in his body was excruciating, his muscles screaming with every twitch. His vision went black again, pulling him back into the void of unconsciousness.

A while later, the sound of rapid, animalistic footsteps shook the ground beneath him. The rhythm of the hoofbeats was relentless, a pounding cadence that reverberated through his bones. He stirred, his senses returning with agonizing slowness. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself inside a carriage, the interior dimly lit by the soft glow of lanterns. The carriage swayed gently, the wheels rumbling over uneven terrain. Two powerful horses galloped at the front, their breaths visible in the cool night air, muscles straining under the weight of their charge.

The scent of healing herbs filled the enclosed space, mingling with the musty odor of old wood and leather. Kyotani's head throbbed, but he forced himself to focus. He could feel the coarse fabric of bandages wrapped around his wounds, the rough texture a stark reminder of the recent battle. The carriage was sparsely furnished, with only a few essential supplies and a small cot upon which he lay. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings, depicting scenes of ancient battles and mythical creatures, hinting at the rich history of the land.

As his vision cleared, he noticed the presence of two figures seated across from him. They wore elegant white qipaos with pink and blue outlines, intricate designs flowing across the fabric. Their large arm sleeves displayed their respective colors, enhancing the beautiful texture of the garments. The twins' skin was flawless, almost ethereal in its perfection. One twin had gorgeous pink hair, gathered into a bun at the back, while the other had fluffy, long blue hair draped to her shoulders. Both had hair above that was pure white, styled to resemble larger bunny ears that poked up adorably. Their eyes shared a mesmerizing purple daze, ethereal and captivating. Their hair held ethereal relics in their hair, one of roses with ribbon textured yellow and red attachments.

Despite their serene and delicate appearance, an air of authority and power radiated from them. Their identical gazes bore into him, filled with recognition and purpose. They felt oddly royal, their presence commanding yet comforting.

"You are safe now,"

one of them said, her voice calm yet commanding. "Rest and regain your strength. Your journey is far from over."

The rhythmic clatter of hooves continued to soothe him, the carriage rocking gently as it moved. Kyotani's body slowly mended, each breath bringing him a step closer to recovery. Perhaps it was regeneration. As Kyotani lay in the carriage, recovering from his ordeal, he gazed out through the window. The scenery outside flowed past in a blur of colors and shapes, gradually transforming into a breathtaking landscape. Within minutes, the carriage arrived at the entryway of the Jade's Grail Land, where a massive, bright, and bustling city greeted him.

The city was a marvel of contrasts—vibrant and lively yet calm and tranquil. Its ethereal beauty was enhanced by the blend of Chinese-oriented architecture, with traditional homes and buildings seamlessly integrated into the urban landscape. The streets bustled with activity, yet there was an air of serenity that permeated the atmosphere.

Kyotani marveled at the sights unfolding before him. Lanterns adorned with intricate designs illuminated the pathways, casting a warm glow over the bustling markets and winding alleys. Cherry blossom trees bloomed in clusters, their delicate pink petals dancing in the gentle breeze. Pagodas and temples stood tall amidst modern skyscrapers, creating a harmonious fusion of past and present.

As the carriage traversed through the city, Kyotani felt a sense of wonder and anticipation. The journey to this enchanting place marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—a chapter filled with mysteries, challenges, and perhaps, the answers he sought.

" This must be what father used to write about. "

" The Grailed. " 

Kyotani murmured in his cold, soft, matured voice as he observed the bustling townscape unfolding before him.

He reminisced about Jinghai's fighting style, which bore a striking resemblance to his father's. The memories of intense training sessions and the echoes of his father's teachings flooded his mind. Jinghai's techniques, sharp and disciplined, mirrored the same ruthless efficiency Kyotani had grown up witnessing.

They finally arrived at their destination, making their way through the guided path to the royal palace. The journey through the guided path to the royal palace was fraught with contrasts. Kyotani couldn't ignore the glimpses of violence tucked away in alleyways, stark reminders of the city's dual nature. His gaze, dull yet marked with concern, reflected the uneasy atmosphere that clung to their surroundings. Despite the long walk, he found himself grappling with shifting ideals, contemplating the discovery of his own morality amidst the complexities of this unfamiliar realm.

Arriving at the palace gates, they entered with a ceremonial spell, crossing into a realm of opulence and intricate beauty. The palace's richly adorned interiors dazzled with bright colors and ornate decorations, a stark contrast to the grim realities glimpsed outside. The air was heavy with significance as they moved deeper into the heart of royal power.

Finally, Kyotani stood before the throne room, where the king awaited. The grandeur of the chamber was palpable, with every corner adorned with symbols of authority and history. As he approached the throne, Kyotani sensed a shift in the atmosphere. The king's demeanor transformed abruptly, shedding the solemnity that often veiled royal audiences. His face lit up with a warm smile, and his eyes sparkled with genuine delight as he welcomed Kyotani into his presence.

"How wonderful to meet you,"

the king exclaimed warmly, his voice carrying a tone of genuine hospitality and intrigue. "You have arrived at a crucial juncture for our prosperous town. Your strength and resolve are greatly needed."

Kyotani was momentarily taken aback by the king's unexpected warmth and charm. He remained composed, his guard tempered by cautious curiosity. As the king continued to speak, outlining the challenges facing their kingdom and the role he envisioned for Kyotani, a sense of purpose began to stir within him. Despite the strangeness of the situation, Kyotani felt a compelling pull toward the king's vision, sensing that his journey in this planet was far from over.

" Is that why you sent someone after me? To force me in? I already won, i'm out of here. "

Kyotani's words sliced through the tension with a defiant edge, challenging the king's motives. He scoffed, his voice betraying both skepticism and frustration.

The king's expression softened, understanding the misunderstanding. He spoke with a solemnity that matched the weight of their predicament

"No, my young warrior," the king began, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of leadership. 

"You have shown great skill, but our challenges run deeper than a single duel."

As the king continued, the grandeur of the throne room seemed to fade, replaced by a stark reality of political intrigue and imminent danger. He explained that their city, despite its opulence and advanced society, stood as a coveted prize among the world's upper echelons. It was a beacon of power and innovation, attracting envy and aggression from neighboring tribes and lands.

The city's societal structure was complex and hierarchical, divided into four prestigious classes: the Elite, the Blessed, the Overlord, and the Storm. Each class represented a pinnacle of achievement in military prowess, arcane mastery, or spiritual authority. The Blessed were particularly rare, gifted with extraordinary abilities that made them essential in the ongoing conflicts ravaging the land.

"Blessings are not ordinary gifts like your village. "

the king continued, his voice tinged with urgency. 

"They are coveted, fought over, and sought after by every corner of our realm. The wars we face are not just battles for territory but for the very essence of our existence."

Kyotani listened intently, absorbing the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and ceaseless warfare that defined their world. He began to grasp the scale of their challenges: the constant threats from rival kingdoms, the political maneuvering within their own ranks, and the relentless struggle to maintain their coveted status.

As the king spoke, Kyotani felt a weight settling upon his shoulders. The king's plea was not just a request for aid but a call to arms against the forces threatening their way of life.

Despite his initial skepticism and desire to walk away, Kyotani felt a stirring within him—a sense of duty and responsibility that transcended personal ambition. He knew now that his path was intertwined with the fate of this city and its people. With resolve hardening in his heart, Kyotani prepared himself for death and for a war on itself.