Serieā: Hue in Conflict

Humanity's desire to compete and believe has transfigured into a land beyond human reach: Hue. There, humans, animals, and mythology itself live side by side, and most of these beings are enveloped by the force that founded this place, called Nejireta. This force was required by everyone, but no one was able to master it completely.

This led to the first war in the mysterious land: the Shirīzu Senkyo. The war split Nejireta into five different forces: Chikara, Ridatsu, Dentō, Kyōsoku, and Shizukesa. Along with these forces, commanders were formed who were able to completely dominate a force and thus excel in war. These commanders are known as Shirei-Kan.

With them, the war ended, and 5 regions were formed: Araukaria, Nantō, Atsui nettai, Seruta chiku, and Ten'nen hai. Honoring the force that created them, the Shirei-Kan held a tournament every Kisetsu (the time used from Shirīzu Senkyo) to measure the strength of fighters from all over the land: the Gurētofue.

Kisetsu 61, 2ndGenme - Araukaria, Berugamotto Capital

On their way to the hall of the Shirei-kan of Araukaria, two novice musketeers, Lup and Telly, talk about the current Kisetsu tournament:

— It's down to four, Guri.

— What are you talking about, Lup? — Telly said

— Four. That's the number of Kyapens we'll have in the next Gurētofue.

— I was under Shirei-Kan's orders during the last tournament, and I didn't follow. Which Kai left the tournament?

— "Which ones" is the right word, Telly — corrects Lup, with emphasis — It was Kiribuza and Concheda.

Telly's expression changes to astonishment. He stammers:

— Concheda left? I swore he'd last at least two more kizetsu since that event. He's never been the same since.

— Yes. And with his departure, we've lost the last Muhai level Kyapen, guri.

— I can't believe it... Kiribuza, I can understand, because he hasn't reached his full potential yet. But Concheda?

— That tournament was truly atypical.

— That alone makes it clear to me. But Lup, I only counted three remaining Kyapen.

— Oh, I forgot to mention. Futomo, the eccentric, is back.

Telly puts his hand to his forehead, expressing his frustration:

— Oh no... Futomo again? Doesn't he ever give up?

— Apparently not. Every tournament, that scientist gets crazier and crazier and keeps inventing crazy things. But maybe he'll surprise us in this Kisetsu.

— Whatever... I still don't like him. Well, let's go to the main hall. Shirei-Kan is waiting for us.

— Right, guri.

They enter a majestic hall filled with musketeers. The large windows displayed spectacular stained-glass that told the story of the journey of the people of Araukaria up to that moment. In the center of the hall, an imposing throne adorned in blue and red took pride of place, and behind it, a dazzling stained-glass image depicted a musketeer accompanied by a woman with native features.

It was then that a heated argument broke out between the Shirei-kan and his officer.

— But sir, the Chimara have no interest in meeting with us. For them, this land is inhabited by murderers, and they believe that we have taken part of their territory. The incident was also unexpected for us, but for them, it's just another example of hostility on our part.

The shirei-kan's unease at hearing such words is noticeable. As if he was thinking of many things at once, while his officer reported the fact.

— Moreover — proceed the officer — they continue to attack our musketeers who are crossing the Copper Forest, seeking only peaceful passage. We have no way of reaching an agreement, and no agreement, no peace.

[GURENāRU II - CURRENT SHIREI-KAN OF ARAUKARIA]

— That's intriguing... I thought the Kosuta issue was settled. We all suffered consequences of that accident.

— That's true, Commander. But some Chimara still doubt that it was an accident and think we can't coexist peacefully. There will always be mistrust and comparison of our different cultures, which makes unity ever more distant.

— I'm aware of that, Evos. That's why the region remains separated in this way. If my father were here, he would probably go to them personally, despite being a pure musketeer, and find the best way to solve the problem.

— I don't doubt that, Commander. However, it's risky to visit a region that is still little known to musketeers, especially after what happened to the legendary musketeers.

— My mother has shared many stories about Dō no Mori with me. I still plan to invite some Chimara to the palace, as I am also responsible for ruling over them. In addition, I want to demonstrate that we are all on the same side and that our only "opponents" are in the Gurētofue tournament.

— The tournament will be very complicated in this kisetsu, Commander

— The tournament is going to happen, whether we like it or not. But we must resolve this outstanding issue first. Our region comes first.

— Understood, sir. So should we call Kosuta here?

— No, Kosuta is not the problem. Bringing him here would only prove that we don't consider Dō no Mori to be our home. Problems of this size require equally significant solutions. We need to seal the peace as sincerely and personally as possible. No letters, no intermediaries, just the old eye-to-eye conversation.

Gurenāru then rose from his throne and determined what to do.

— I will not consider the Chimara as enemies, after all, I have the same blood as theirs. Let's unite Araukaria and make our cultures the only difference between us.

— Understood, sir — says Evos, convinced by the commander — What do you plan to do?

— Well... Where's Renāto?

A start to the journey! The dilemmas in Araukaria are beginning to unfold!