The air was thick with the scent of blood left behind by the battle. The beast, defeated by Akio, lay motionless on the ground, its body riddled with wounds. Akio stood catching his breath after the intense fight, while Ken was beside him, pressing on his injured arm, struggling to ignore the pain.

Viko approached the beast lying on the ground, staring at it in amazement.

Viko: “Akio-senpai, that was one of the fiercest battles I’ve ever seen. I had no idea you were a Vaken user!”

Akio: “It was a risk, but I knew it was the only way to defeat it. I used its strength against it.”

Ken interrupted him in a calm voice:

Ken: “We need to move forward. Our goal is still deeper inside. We can’t back down now.”

Viko turned to him in shock.

Viko: “Ken-senpai, you can barely stand! This is crazy!”

Ignoring his words, Ken placed his hand on his sword and said firmly:

Ken: “If we fear the beginning, we’ll never reach the end. This is just the start… what lies ahead could be far worse.”

Akio: “Ken is right, though. We might face even greater dangers. We need to be ready for anything. Let’s use this moment to catch our breath and prepare.”

The three friends sat down beside the beast’s corpse to rest before moving forward.

While they rested, Vico spoke excitedly:

Viko : “Akio-senpai, you’re a genius! We tried so hard to wound the beast, but only you succeeded! The beast’s weakness was the Vaken, that’s so strange.”

Ken laughed and said:

Ken: “Hahaha, Akio? A genius? What a joke!”

Akio looked at Ken, visibly exhausted, and said with concern:

Akio: “Are you sure you’re okay, Ken? Your injuries are deep, and you’ve lost a lot of blood.”

Ken: “I’m used to this.”

Viko : “What do you mean? How can anyone get used to these kinds of injuries?!”

Ken: “It doesn’t matter. Let’s move on.”

Viko (worried): “Wait a moment, let me look at your wounds—maybe I can help you.”

Ken (seriously): “There’s no need. I’m fine! I’ll handle it.”

Ken calmly tore his red jacket and used it to bandage his wounds, suppressing the pain with a cold demeanor.

Viko (in amazement): “I’ve never seen anyone so calm and tough! This is insane!”

Ken: “Now, playtime is over. It’s time to search for your sister.”

The three of them started walking deeper into the dark cave. As they moved, Vico whispered to Akio.

Viko : “Is your friend even human?”

Akio (confidently): “I’ve only known him for a short while, but he proved himself today. That’s why I trust him. Anyone who wants to join me on an adventure needs to be strong.”

Viko (with a hint of sadness): “I feel like he’s been through a lot in his life.”

Ken interjected:

Ken: “I can hear you.”

Akio: “Oh, really? Anyway… you still haven’t told me anything about yourself. Where are you from? Where’s your family? And why is your personality so… unusual?”

Ken: “What benefit would you get if you knew that? I assume Yoko told you.”

Akio: “She only told me a little. I want to hear the story from you, my dear friend.”

Ken (with labored breaths): “I hate telling that story…”

To be continued… (In the next chapter, we’ll learn Ken’s past.)