In the heart of the dense forest, under the canopy that barely let the sun’s rays seep through, Shikihime, Shikuro, Bjorn, Yoru, Minato, and Akalune found themselves at the brink of their endurance. The relentless pursuit had pushed them to their limits, testing not just their physical strength, but their mental resilience as well. While Shikuro and Bjorn had the advantage of the limitless, enhancing their stamina, it did little to fend off the gnawing hunger, the fatigue from sleep deprivation, and the ever-present stress that cloaked them like a suffocating shroud.
Their strategy had been a game of shadows and light. They concealed themselves during the day when the sun was at its zenith, making visibility a threat to their concealment. The dense foliage, while oppressive, provided a necessary cover. Yet, this safety was a double-edged sword, as staying put meant battling the weariness that clawed at their minds and bodies.
Night brought a different challenge. The cover of darkness was an ally, but navigating through the treacherous forest terrain was a perilous endeavor. Bjorn and Shikuro, despite their enhanced abilities, found themselves struggling in the inky darkness. The danger of injury loomed large, and after a couple of close calls, they unanimously decided that moving under the veil of night was too risky.
The situation was exacerbated by the loss of their horses during a fierce ambush, a blow that significantly impeded their mobility. In the chaos of that encounter, Bjorn and Shikuro had momentarily turned on each other, mistaking each other for the enemy in the heat of battle. This incident, though resolved quickly, left a palpable tension in the air, a reminder of the strain they were all under.
Yoru, in these dire circumstances, emerged as a beacon of hope. Her skills in tracking and evasion were invaluable. With a deft understanding of the terrain and a keen sense of awareness, she skillfully covered their tracks, leading their pursuers astray. Her efforts created a confusing trail that bought them precious time and distance from their relentless enemies.
On the fourth night, as they huddled in a temporary hideout, Akalune returned from her scouting mission. Her report brought a brief respite from their mounting anxieties. “We’ve managed to set them off our trail, for now,” she announced, her eyes reflecting the faint moonlight that filtered through the branches.
Shikuro, ever the strategist, questioned her confidence in such treacherous conditions. “How can you be sure in this darkness?” he asked, his voice a mixture of admiration and doubt.
Akalune, unshaken, responded with a calm assurance. “I just know. There is none nearby and I even managed to get us some food..” Her confidence, though reassuring, couldn’t entirely dispel the cloud of uncertainty that hung over them.
Shikihime, recognizing the need for unity and trust, supported Akalune''s assessment. “We must rely on each other’s strengths. Yoru’s and Akalune’s skills have kept us ahead. We must continue to be cautious and clever,” she declared, her leadership qualities shining through the despair.
In the heart of the dense forest, hidden beneath a thick canopy of leaves and branches, the group discovered a small cave. It was an inconspicuous shelter, difficult to spot unless one knew exactly where to look. For Shikihime, Shikuro, Bjorn, Yoru, Minato, and Akalune, it was a much-needed haven, a brief respite from the relentless pursuit that had hounded them for days. The cave, with its narrow entrance and shadowed interior, offered them a chance to rest, to gather their thoughts, and to plan their next move.
As they settled inside the dimly lit cave, Shikihime called the others to gather around. The urgency of their situation required a clear strategy, and she was ready to lead the discussion. “We need to understand our surroundings and the challenges we face,” she began, her voice echoing slightly off the cave walls. “This forest, vast and untamed, is the largest in the country. It’s home to creatures both wondrous and dangerous.”
She spoke of the green panther bear, a formidable beast known for its stealth and strength. “It lurks in the treetops, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. We must be vigilant, for these woods are as perilous as our human pursuers.”
Shikihime then turned to the matter of their location and possible destinations. “We’re surrounded by three cities,” she continued, her tone measured but laced with concern. “The city we fled from is no longer safe for us. Its gates are undoubtedly being watched, and we can’t risk leading our enemies back there.”
Her gaze shifted to the map they had spread out on the cave floor, her finger tracing the paths to the other two cities. “These, too, are likely compromised. If I were in control, I’d have those cities heavily guarded, with patrols scouring the surrounding areas.” She paused, weighing her words carefully. “But there’s Vrastislava, about 14 to 16 days'' journey from here. It lies in the southern part of the Stardust Kingdom, away from the sea, but it’s accessible by a river that connects to the ocean.”
The suggestion hung in the air, a risky proposition that demanded careful consideration. “Crossing the wide river to reach Vrastislava is a dangerous endeavor. It’s a move few would dare to make, which is precisely why it could work in our favor. It’s the unexpected nature of this path that might provide us with the advantage of surprise.”
Shikihime paused, letting her words sink in. The group listened intently, aware that every decision now was a matter of life and death. “Vrastislava is a countryside city,” she continued. “Its people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, a stark contrast to the guarded nature of larger cities. This could work to our advantage.”
The group pondered her words, each lost in their thoughts. Shikuro, always the tactician, nodded in agreement. “It’s a bold plan, but boldness might be our best ally right now.”
As Shikihime''s words echoed in the small cave, each member of the group absorbed the gravity of their situation. The silence that followed was a testament to the seriousness of their predicament. Then, breaking the silence, Shikihime spoke again, her voice a mixture of hope and uncertainty. “I might know a way to cross the river,” she revealed. “Our operatives have used a similar route in this area. I remember reading about it in one of the reports.”This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.
The revelation brought a flicker of interest to the weary faces around her. However, Shikihime was quick to temper their rising hopes with a dose of reality. “The problem is, we don’t know our exact location, and I''ve never seen the place myself. It’s going to be perilous, and there’s a chance it might not even work.”
Yoru, usually reserved and observant, surprised everyone with her sudden confidence. “I can find it,” she asserted, her voice ringing with a certainty that seemed to fill the cramped space. Her assurance, so firmly spoken, even took Shikihime aback.
“How can you be so sure, Yoru?” Shikihime couldn''t help but ask, her eyes searching Yoru’s for an answer.
Yoru turned to face the others, her expression serious yet confident. “The report was written by one of my friends. We were trained by the same teacher and use very similar tactics and markings. I’m certain I can find it, or at least what’s left of it.”
Shikuro, deep in thought, mulled over this new information. “How do we know so much about the Stardust Kingdom?” he pondered aloud, voicing a question that seemed to hang in the air.
The question caught Yoru, Akalune, Minato, and Shikihime off guard. For a moment, there was a stunned silence as they processed Shikuro’s inquiry.
Shikihime, after a brief hesitation, answered, her voice laced with a hint of melancholy. “We know because it’s the only hostile country bordering our Dynasty. A significant amount of effort is spent on gathering information about them.” She paused, as if choosing her words carefully. “In fact, I know the history of the Stardust Kingdom better than that of the Iskaldt Rike Realm.”
Shikihime''s mind wandered back to the lessons she had learned about the Stardust Kingdom, a realm steeped in tradition and governed by deeply ingrained beliefs. The Kingdom, a stronghold of patriarchal rule, had long held a specific view on the roles of men and women, especially those endowed with gifts. Women, blessed with the gift, were traditionally relegated to humanitarian roles. They were expected to be teachers, mothers, administrators – anything that kept them away from the front lines of conflict. This was rooted in the belief that women possessed qualities distinct from men, qualities that were best utilized in nurturing and non-combative capacities.
The cultural and political fabric of the Stardust Kingdom was intrinsically linked to a unique gift known as the Astral Knowledge. This gift was revered for its ability to enhance and accelerate the learning process, granting its users near-absolute memory and a profound depth of understanding in various disciplines. While many possessed this gift, only a few could harness its full potential. King Giovani of the Stardust Kingdom was a paragon among them – exceptionally gifted, he had led his nation into a period of prosperity and burgeoning confidence.
Under his reign, the Kingdom had strengthened its alliance with the Longyue Divinity, a nation that shared its views on the divine purpose of the gifted. Longyue Divinity was known for its zealous religious fervor, a stark contrast to the devout yet less fanatical spirituality of the Stardust Kingdom. For nearly a century, Longyue Divinity had waged wars against neighboring countries, with the Stardust Kingdom providing vital support in the form of supplies and resources. This alliance was part of a larger, more ominous strategy, as the Kingdom quietly amassed soldiers and resources, an indication of the brewing storm on the horizon.
In the world where Shikihime lived, out of the seven grand countries, five were ruled by gifted users. However, the Stardust Kingdom acknowledged only three of these gifts as primary and truly valuable. These primary gifts were deemed practical and significantly more advantageous compared to others. Therefore, the Kingdom held some level of respect only for the Iskaldt Rike Realm and Longyue Divinity, countries they believed were properly utilizing the gifts of their rulers.
In stark contrast stood the Kurayami Dynasty, a nation without any known gift, and Valoria, whose gift was intriguing yet not deemed practical. The Valoria''s gift, known as the Sleepless, granted its people the ability not to require sleep. While this was a unique and remarkable ability, it did not offer any direct military or developmental advantage, at least in the eyes of the Stardust Kingdom. Consequently, they viewed these gifts as secondary, leading to a certain condescension towards the nations that possessed them.
Lost in her thoughts, Shikihime reflected on the irony of these perceptions. The Stardust Kingdom, with its rigid beliefs and classifications of gifts, failed to see the broader potential and diverse strengths of different gifts. "What an irony," she mused, her mind acknowledging the narrow-mindedness that often blinded nations to the true potential of their people.
But reality beckoned, pulling Shikihime back from her reverie. The present situation demanded her focus, and the weight of their current predicament settled back on her shoulders. The knowledge she possessed about the Stardust Kingdom and its intricacies was more than just historical facts; it was a strategic advantage, a tool that could be wielded in the days to come.
Interlude: Shikihime (Young) Lessons
At the young age of ten, Shikihime was already distinguished among her peers for her advanced abilities in reading, speaking, and mathematics. It was during these formative years that she began attending advanced lessons, a testament to her exceptional intellect and capacity for learning. One particular lesson from this period remained vividly etched in her memory, shaping her understanding of her homeland and its place in the world.
Her teacher, an erudite scholar with a deep knowledge of history and geopolitics, was a guiding light in these lessons. On this particular day, he was discussing the Kurayami Dynasty, unfolding the rich tapestry of its history and culture before the young, eager minds in his class. Shikihime, always attentive and curious, listened with rapt attention as he described the dynasty''s storied past.
“The Kurayami Dynasty,” her teacher began, his voice filled with a mix of reverence and pride, “is situated on a sprawling peninsula and boasts a history that spans 653 years.” He spoke of the dynasty''s resilience and enduring legacy, painting a picture of a nation that had stood the test of time.
As he delved deeper into the lecture, he touched upon the capital city and other significant landmarks, each with its own story and significance. But what truly set the Kurayami Dynasty apart, as her teacher explained, was its unique status as the longest-standing country without any gifted individuals.
“In a world where the gifted often rise to power, sometimes with benevolence, other times with tyranny, our dynasty has remained an exception,” he elucidated. “Throughout history, small countries have emerged in rebellion against gifted and abusive rulers. But the Kurayami Dynasty, since its establishment, has thrived and expanded its territories without the influence of any gifts.”
He spoke of how the dynasty had managed to push the Valorians behind the mountains and had engaged in two major wars with the Stardust Kingdom, each conflict a testament to the strategic and military prowess of a nation unaided by supernatural gifts.
The lesson took a thought-provoking turn as the teacher concluded his explanation. “At least, this is what the outside world knows of us and thinks,” he said.