✧ ✧ ✧
The sun timidly peeked through the clouds, casting a soft light over the mountain ranges that separated Valeria from Shunkoku. In the distance, the silhouette of those mountains rose like an imposing yet serene wall. A landscape that inspired respect… and also excitement.
—Are we there yet? —I asked impatiently.
—Why are you asking that if we just left? If you're so eager to get there, I can punch you straight into Shunkoku —Keia said, frowning.
—We could pick up the pace, if you're that desperate. You've all gotten better at using Lysae. There are even methods to fly through the skies… though that's extremely difficult. Only a few masters can manage it —Kerl said with a wide smile.
—That sounds like he wants us to train while traveling, right, Master? —I asked, a grin already forming on my face.
—That just means that, out of the four of us, probably only one could do it. As for me, I have no elemental affinity. So flying is impossible… isn't that right, Master? —Aethen said, calmly adjusting his cloak.
—Then what's the point of bringing it up now? We should just use the ground method to move quickly and— —Darel started to say, but Kerl cut him off with a raised hand.
—There's no need to rush. While flying is complex, learning to lighten your body with Lysae, to float like a leaf carried by the wind… that's a much more efficient method. And it's something everyone should master —Kerl said, closing his eyes with his usual smug teacher's smile.
That stupid bald guy… he's starting again with his enlightened attitude.
—You know that focusing Lysae in your feet is key to pushing off, right? —Kerl said, looking especially at Aethen—. But the trick is, you don't need an elemental affinity for this method. You could even push off mid-air, like the Wind Temple Masters do, and simulate flight by manipulating the magical particles floating in the surroundings.
—So anyone can do it? —I asked, my eyes shining with excitement.
—Anyone… with enough control, patience, and practice. Which means you're out —Aethen said with a half-smile.
—Ha! Sounds like you want another beating. I guess the Urvargs didn't kick your ass hard enough —I said with a mischievous grin.
—You're the one who got his ass kicked, I think you're mixing things up —Keia said, laughing.
Kerl chuckled softly as he stepped a few paces away from the group, as if warming up.
—Anyway, I'll stop talking and show you how it's done. Pay attention —he said, bending his knees slightly.
Kerl crossed his arms and looked at the group with that confident smile he always wore just before showing off.
—Listen carefully. This isn't about flying like a bird or leaping like a lunatic —he said—. What you're going to do is coat your body with a thin layer of compressed Lysae. That will reduce your body weight and allow you to interact with the magical particles in the air. These particles are everywhere—you just need to feel them, recognize their flow. Once you do, you can use them for support, like floating steps. But it's not just about pushing hard; your body needs to move fluidly. Movements generate a natural vortex of particles that helps you maintain direction.
After speaking, Kerl snapped his fingers. A layer of Sout Lysae wrapped around him instantly, clinging to his body like a semi-transparent second skin. The air vibrated around him.
—Watch closely.
He slightly bent his legs, concentrating the Lysae in his feet. Then, in one smooth motion, he lifted off the ground. But it wasn't a regular jump. Each step he took in the air left behind a faint trail of glowing particles that burst upon contact, as if he were stepping on invisible points. He moved his arms with precision—not like an elegant dance, but like a warrior maintaining balance in the middle of combat. There was no grace, only control.
He rose a few meters, then turned in the air using an invisible foothold and descended as if nothing had happened, landing with a dry but controlled thud.
—It's not flying, but it's the closest you'll get without wings or a tailwind —he said as the Lysae slowly faded from his body.
After seeing the demonstration, my eyes lit up like a thousand stars.
—MASTER, THAT WAS AMAZING! —I shouted with all the excitement I had.
—I'm glad you liked it —Kerl replied, arms crossed and with a slight smile—. It's a common technique among those aspiring to be masters. It helps stabilize you if you're thrown mid-battle. You regain control and come back down on your own.
—Woah! Master, you looked like you were flying through the sky with that technique. I always thought you only knew destructive arts —Darel said, running toward Kerl with wide eyes full of excitement.
—Hahahaha! You're not entirely wrong, but there's a reason I'm called a master, Darel —Kerl said with a hearty laugh.
Kerl turned to us and began giving instructions before continuing the journey. For me, at that moment, reaching Shunkoku was no longer the goal. I wanted to master that technique.
—Nice job calming this idiot down, Master —Keia whispered with a sideways smile as she walked over to him—. If we learn this, we'll move much faster, right?
Kerl nodded silently. The excitement was growing, and it was clear the training had just begun.
It took us quite a while to learn how to glide through the magical particles in the air. We spent five days barely mastering the basics of the technique. At first, the journey was slow, since we made stops whenever possible to practice… or rather, I forced those stops.
—Alright, kids! With what you've learned so far, we can finally move forward. Since this is for traveling, it doesn't matter how clumsy you are at gliding through the magical particles —Kerl said, looking straight at me.
—Master… why are you looking at me like that? —I asked, raising an eyebrow.
—Because, as usual, your face spent more time on the ground than in the air. Sometimes I wonder how I can even consider you a genius when you make so many mistakes… —Aethen replied, pinching the bridge of his nose, as if his expectations were slowly crumbling.
—Aethen, no pain, no mastery… Look at Master Kerl, I bet he had a full head of hair when he was younger, and he trained so much he's got nothing left —I said with a cheeky grin.
Then the master smacked me on the head so hard I almost got buried in the ground.
—Alright, big mouth. Your talent for mocking others is truly unmatched —Kerl said, now without his usual smile. Looks like I finally annoyed him for real.
As the day went on, we entered a forest where the magical particles were so dense, the air felt heavier. The beasts that lived there were fearsome, but luckily we were gliding above the trees, so we didn't have to fight them.
—Master, why are there so many beasts in this forest? —Aethen asked, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the surroundings.
—This forest is one of the most dangerous in Valeria. It marks the natural border with the mountain range separating us from the country of Shunkoku. It also serves as a barrier against invasions. Although we've had friendly relations with them for a long time, over three hundred years ago, during the Middle Clan Wars, some Shunkoku factions tried to invade us for resources.
They made several attempts, but all failed thanks to this living wall of monsters that protects our lands. In the end, the middle clans were wiped out completely. Officially, it was said to be an act of atonement toward Valeria… but everyone knew they just used it as an excuse to exterminate them.
—Shunkoku is a frightening country… wiping out their own people sounds way too cruel —Darel said, a somber expression on his face.
—Yeah, it's like life doesn't hold much value over there —Aethen added, looking down.
—Believe me, kids. Compared to As-Saqarah or Eldorra, the people of Shunkoku are normal. In fact, many of their actions are justified as ways of preserving honor and discipline —Kerl said in a low voice, as if recalling something that didn't sit well with him—. In As-Saqarah, they enslave their own people. And in Eldorra, every citizen is trained as a soldier from childhood, because their country is in constant war with Zarim. They have no choice.
There was a moment of silence. Then, I couldn't help but ask curiously:
—What's Shunkoku like, Master? What does it feel like to be there?
—It's beautiful —Kerl replied with a warm smile, and for the first time his gaze seemed to soften—. There, and also in Hangyul, grow unique orange trees with yellow patterns on their trunks. They're exclusive to those two countries. During autumn, they begin to shed blue leaves, while the orange ones wither. It's an incredible visual spectacle… like the sky pouring down onto the earth.
He paused for a moment before adding:
—Also, most of the land is rocky, which makes travel pleasant. And the cities are surrounded by rivers and lakes; there's water everywhere. The sunlight reflecting on the water makes everything look like it's shining… That's where I met my wife —he said at last, with a cozy, nostalgic smile.
—Whaaat?! You're married!? —I shouted in shock, eyes about to pop out of my head.
—Hahaha… Of course I'm married! I even have two kids. Did you think I was a doomed machine destined to die alone? Sorry to disappoint you, little loudmouth —Kerl replied, looking up at the sky with a faint smile.
Shortly after, the forest gave way to rocky terrain. In front of us, between two massive mountain formations, stood a gateway guarded by mixed flags: Valeria's emblem waving alongside Shunkoku's. Two nations united by diplomacy, separated by centuries of history.
—Alright, everyone —Kerl said, his voice firmer than ever—. We've reached the entrance to the mountain range. Here, guards from both Shunkoku and Valeria are stationed. With this, we officially… enter Shunkoku.
His words hung in the air, as heavy as the clouds gathering above us. This wasn't just a change of territory. It was the beginning of a chapter that would test not only our skills, but also our convictions.
Because on the other side of that border… a great adventure awaited us. And I was more than ready to begin it.