Chapter 7: "The Archer’s Request"

Chapter 7: "The Archer's Request"

Kurai Stops Her Ravaging:

Hayato and Minamoto travel through a dense forest, their steps heavy with thoughts about the strange turn of events. Kurai, who had once unleashed chaos upon villages, has stopped her rampage altogether. There are no signs of destruction in the towns they pass, no scorched earth or hollowed-out victims. For a moment, Hayato allows himself to hope that maybe, just maybe, she is still fighting the darkness inside her.

However, this uncertainty weighs on him more than he expected. He had hoped that confronting her directly might lead to some clarity, but now he's left wondering if his pursuit of Kurai might be affecting her actions, or if there's something deeper at play. He's unable to ignore the connection between them, but his thoughts are constantly interrupted by the feeling that she's not completely lost yet.

Hayato isn't sure what will happen next, but he's more determined than ever to find her and figure out what has changed. The possibility that she might be holding back—perhaps even because of him—drives him forward, though his heart is conflicted. He doesn't know if he's too late to save her.

The Arrival of Yue:

In the midst of their travels, Hayato and Minamoto are stopped by an unexpected figure. Yue, an archer with long, flowing hair and a grim expression, steps out from behind a cluster of trees. Her presence is calm but serious, her eyes sharp as she assesses the two of them.

She approaches them carefully, recognizing their reputation from various villages they've passed through. Word had spread quickly about Hayato's fire abilities and Minamoto's swordsmanship. Yue's determination is clear: she needs help.

Yue explains her kingdom's dire situation: a powerful demon has been terrorizing her people. The creature is incredibly powerful, and the king has promised a grand reward to anyone who can defeat it. However, despite countless attempts, no one has succeeded in slaying it. Yue believes that Hayato's unique abilities, combined with Minamoto's battle prowess, are their best chance to stop the demon's rampage.

The Offer and Hesitation:

Minamoto is initially hesitant. After all, they've already encountered plenty of demons on their journey, and they still don't know what's happening with Kurai. She's also reluctant to involve herself in another kingdom's politics, especially if there's a reward attached. Her emotions are still tied to personal revenge—she's not sure whether helping a king's cause is truly what she wants.

But Hayato feels differently. The magnitude of the demon's power and the opportunity to test his skills weigh on him. He has always believed that he was born to fight demons, but the ongoing conflict with Kurai has made him question his motivations. Helping others—defeating demons to protect the innocent—feels like a step in the right direction.

Hayato, despite his doubts, agrees to help, driven by the need to protect people and fulfill his purpose. However, he makes it clear that he doesn't seek any reward—his focus is on the greater good, not personal gain.

Strategizing the Attack:

The trio arrives at the kingdom's borders, where the once prosperous land has been marred by the demon's presence. Villages are burned to the ground, homes reduced to ash, and the air is thick with a sense of dread.

Yue shares crucial information about the demon, explaining that it's not like any ordinary demon they've faced. This creature is a colossal, nearly indestructible monster that has terrorized the kingdom for months. Its size alone makes it difficult to engage in open combat, and its powers are devastating. The king's armies have tried and failed to slay it, resulting in many casualties.

Minamoto suggests they approach this carefully—direct combat could lead to more loss of life. Hayato, on the other hand, is eager to take the fight head-on, but even he knows that charging in blindly could end in disaster. After some back-and-forth, they finally agree on a strategy.

The Plan: They will split the demon's forces, using Minamoto's agility and Yue's long-range attacks to weaken it from a distance, while Hayato prepares to unleash his fire abilities when the time is right. They'll lure the demon into an open area where they can trap it, using a combination of stealth and strategy. The key is to tire the demon out, reduce its strength before engaging in direct confrontation.

Tension Before the Fight:

As they prepare for the battle, a deep sense of tension fills the air. They've been preparing for hours, strategizing and making sure they have everything they need. But the uncertainty of facing a demon of this magnitude gnaws at them all. Hayato feels the weight of his own inner turmoil as he reflects on his quest for Kurai—fighting a demon like this should feel like his ultimate purpose, but instead, it only highlights his internal conflict.

Minamoto is silent, her eyes focused on the demon's lair in the distance. She's eager for a fight, but something about the stakes of this battle feels different. The lives of many innocent people rest on their success, and the shadow of Kurai's influence lingers over Hayato.

Yue, ever stoic, takes a moment to remind them that they have to keep their heads clear. She's seen many warriors falter under pressure, and she warns them not to let the demon's overwhelming presence cloud their judgment.

The Battle Begins:

They move in under the cover of dusk, their strategy unfolding. Minamoto and Yue work in tandem, drawing the demon's attention with swift attacks and precise movements. Hayato, hidden in the shadows, waits for his moment. As the demon grows frustrated, he finally unleashes his fire, aiming for the demon's vulnerable spots.

The demon retaliates with an explosion of power, and the fight turns chaotic. The plan begins to break down as the demon's sheer strength overwhelms them. Minamoto is knocked back, and Yue's arrows barely scratch its thick hide. Hayato faces a split-second decision: does he risk revealing his full power and possibly losing control, or does he stick to their original plan?

Just as things are about to spiral out of control, Hayato pushes himself to the limit, channeling all his strength into one final blow. With a blast of flames, he catches the demon off-guard, sending it crashing to the ground. The battle is won, but only just.

The Aftermath:

As they stand over the demon's fallen form, there's a brief moment of silence. Their bodies are battered, and the exhaustion is evident on all their faces. But there's no time to rest. The king's reward means little in the face of the lives they've saved.

As they return to the kingdom, Hayato's thoughts inevitably return to Kurai. The fight, though hard-won, only makes him realize how far he's come—and how much further he has to go. Kurai's shadow still looms large in his mind.

Yue, grateful for their help, thanks them, but her gratitude is tempered by a sadness in her eyes. Though they've won this battle, the war is far from over, and Hayato knows that his journey is just beginning.