EPISODE 8 – SCENE 1: THE DAWN OF AN EMPIRE

Location: Main Caravan, Black River Gorge

The world slowly stirred to life.

The first light of dawn pierced the horizon, painting the valley in shades of orange and purple. The black mountains stood like silent sentinels, watching the mist slither over the ground, muffling sounds and distorting shapes.

The biting wind slithered between the rocks, creeping into every crack like an invisible blade. It carried the scent of burning wood and morning dew, mingling with the leather and iron fumes that clung to the camp.

In the dimly lit interior of the main caravan, a movement.

William's eyes opened.

His gaze pierced the darkness, glowing with a deep, steady intensity. His breath was slow and measured. He was awake, but not truly rested. Not really.

A sigh escaped him as he sat up, every muscle protesting under the accumulated tension of the past days. A familiar pain. A dull burn, the residue of recent battles. Yet, he paid it no mind.

He ran a hand through his face, brushing aside the locks of his dreadlocks that cascaded over his shoulders. A shiver ran down his bare skin as the cold air hit him.

"My kingdom for a decent mattress..."

He let out a tired smile, his voice little more than a whisper. But deep down, it wasn't just a joke.

This morning was different.

He instinctively placed his hands on the edge of the bed, preparing to rise. A simple action. Repeated a thousand times.

But this time... something had changed.

His fingers sank slightly into the wood. He felt the tension build in his arms, the pressure under his palms. Smoother. More stable.

A jolt of adrenaline surged up his spine.

Without hesitation, he rose in a fluid motion. No dizziness. No weakness. Total control.

He cracked his neck, savoring the sensation. It was subtle, almost imperceptible... but he was certain of one thing.

His body was adapting.

Every day, he was growing stronger.

He briefly closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. The cold morning air filled his lungs, cutting through him like a finely sharpened blade. That simple act, that breath... it was a victory in itself.

A small smile tugged at his lips.

"Just the fact that I can get up every day... that's already a victory."

But today wasn't like any other day.

Today, he was going to register with the Explorer's Guild and had to make a good impression in Chamarel.

He moved toward the window and slightly pulled back the curtain. The camp was already alive.

In the pale light of dawn, members of the Shinsengumi Oni moved with almost military precision. Some were repairing the caravans, others preparing the bedding and provisions. Villagers shared hot bread, exchanging laughter.

Just yesterday, these men and women were fighting.

Today, thanks to a second chance, they moved forward together.

A cold satisfaction spread through him. They were learning to trust each other. They were now part of his pack.

— Ash (calmly overseeing the loading):"Felicia, check the stocks for the bedding. Those returning to the site will need it."

— Felicia (nodding):"Yes, I'll handle it, Master Leyland. Master Kassim has already been notified and reports readiness for the next steps."

Nearby, Kassim and his men were finishing up repairs on the carts. Their coordination was flawless. Further ahead, Haku scanned the surroundings, followed by the children, while Nero stood in the heights, silent but alert.

The scene was perfect.

William ran a hand across his chin, lost in thought.

— "One hand makes no sound, but when two meet, they form harmony..."

He let that thought settle within him.

More than an empire, he was building an ideal.

He lowered his gaze to his own reflection, captured in the window.

The morning light sculpted his face, casting deep shadows over his features. A different image from the one he knew.

His eyes were no longer those of a paraplegic confined to a hospital bed, passing his days in a digital world. They were the eyes of a leader.

— "I need to make a good impression."

Some might see it as a trivial detail. But he knew that appearance was a weapon.

With a simple motion of his hand, he activated his holographic menu.

The blue interface materialized in front of him, casting a cold light over his face. Equipment, stats, performance... Everything was in order. But something was still missing.

An instant.

A familiar voice slipped into his mind. A golden light flickered across the interface.

— Iris (with a soft, analytical tone):"Good morning, Master Cheezy. My sensors indicate some agitation in your mind."

William let out an amused breath. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was already analyzing his options.

Iris, with her almost maternal attention, always perceived what he tried to hide.

— "Good morning, Iris. Yes, today we register with the Guild in Chamarel, and I need to look presentable."

This wasn't just a mission. It was a message.

His gaze fixed on his reflection one last time.

The outlines were sharper. More defined.

This morning was no ordinary morning.

This morning marked the beginning of a new chapter.

And he was determined to make sure everyone would remember it.