Chapter 24: The Path of Flames & The Hunt for Revenge
The biting winds of the Ashen Peaks howled as Kairo stood in front of the Phoenix Master, his fists clenched in frustration. The old man's refusal echoed in his mind, but he wasn't going to accept it. He had come too far to be turned away now.
Kairo's Relentless Determination
For three days, Kairo did everything in his power to convince the Phoenix Master to train him.
He followed the master everywhere, asking endless questions about Phoenix Power.
He sat outside the master's shrine, refusing to leave, even in the freezing cold.
He tried to demonstrate his abilities, but each time, the master merely shook his head.
Ayaka and Renjiro watched from a distance, both amused and impressed.
"I've never seen him this persistent," Renjiro smirked.
Ayaka chuckled. "That's Kairo for you. Once he sets his mind on something, there's no stopping him."
Finally, after three exhausting days, the Phoenix Master sighed and turned to Kairo.
"You are stubborn," the old man muttered. "Perhaps too stubborn. But…" he paused, eyes narrowing, "you remind me of someone I once trained."
Kairo's eyes lit up. "Does that mean—?"
The master sighed. "Fine. I will train you. But understand this—controlling the Phoenix Power is not about strength. It is about understanding the fire within you. If you fail to grasp this, you will burn yourself away."
Kairo nodded determinedly.
Training Begins
The Phoenix Master introduced himself as Master Rengoku, a former warrior who once fought alongside legendary warriors.
The training was grueling.
Physical endurance: Kairo was forced to climb the steep cliffs of Ashen Peaks carrying boulders.
Mental fortitude: He had to meditate under freezing waterfalls, learning to control his emotions.
Phoenix Power mastery: The hardest part—channeling the Phoenix's Flames without losing control.
Despite the difficulty, Kairo learned fast. His body adapted, his flames became sharper, and his control over his transformation increased.
Master Rengoku watched him progress, muttering, "This boy… he has potential. But will he overcome the flames, or will they consume him?"
Raizen's Hunt for the Truth
Meanwhile, Raizen Varos stood in a dark chamber, gripping a sealed document. His eyes scanned the words written inside—
Hizashi, one of the warriors who fought alongside Haru Tenma. The man responsible for Daizen's death.
His fingers curled into a fist. Finally. The truth.
Without wasting time, Raizen set out alone.
His destination? A hidden outpost deep within enemy territory.
He would find Hizashi. And he would make him pay.
The Village Under Kairo's Mother
While Kairo trained and Raizen sought revenge, Kairo's mother, Kaida Tenma, had stepped up as the new leader of their village.
Her first priority? Rebuilding what had been destroyed.
She gathered warriors to protect the borders.
She ensured food and medicine were supplied to the people.
She negotiated alliances with neighboring villages to strengthen their defenses.
Under her leadership, the village began to prosper again. But despite her composed exterior, a deep worry remained in her heart—for Kairo.
The Confrontation – Raizen vs. Hizashi
Weeks passed, and Kairo's training neared completion. But elsewhere, Raizen had finally found his target.
Hizashi, the warrior who fought alongside Haru Tenma, walked along a deserted path, returning from a mission.
Raizen blocked his path.
Hizashi narrowed his eyes. "You're in my way."
Raizen's voice was cold as steel. "You killed my brother, didn't you?"
Hizashi stopped walking. His silence was enough of an answer.
Raizen's eyes burned with fury. His grip on his sword tightened.
"You'll pay for what you did."
Hizashi exhaled. "If you think revenge will bring you peace, you're mistaken."
Raizen's aura flared. Lightning crackled around him.
"I don't care about peace." His voice was deadly. "I want justice."
Hizashi sighed and drew his blade.
"Then let's end this."
The storm erupted around them, as Raizen lunged forward, lightning surging through his body.
Their battle had begun.
To be continued…