Chapter 9

-Somewhere in the world-

A man on a black and white fur coat was currently observing a kingdom. Around him was nothing but an empty space. As he walks around thinking about something, an ominous feeling hit him.

'The future is changing so much. I need to look into this or my plans would go to waste. It's just that, no matter where I look at, the 'Eye of the Future' can't seem to find it. I need to tell him this.'

-On the woods-

The father and son were sitting around the chopped woods, with the younger one dripping tons of sweat. At first glance, it may seem like they were just chopping firewood but in reality, they're not.

Currently, Sukehiro was being trained by Itsuki. Although he was already quite advanced compared to his peers, Sukehiro continued to train. After what happened to Hisashi, he wanted to ask his teacher for what he can do to improve. However, all they said was – 'There isn't much we can teach you.'

Hearing this, he thought they don't want to teach him anything. However, the truth is that they really can't teach him anything, especially in terms of the topic that he wants – combat.

Because of this, he decided to ask his father who he expected to refuse. But then, his father said something that surprised him. 'I can teach you. I can even tell you a secret about our family, but in one condition.'

The surprised Sukehiro asked. 'What is it Father?' He didn't even care about the secret. His concern is on the challenge that his father wants to give him.

'Hit me once with a sword.'

That was more than a month ago. Right now, he just passed the test given to him. That was of course after awakening his dark sorcery. Because of exhaustion, he was now on his back laying on the grass.

"Our Yami family was deeply connected to the seat of Shogun. Do you know the reason?"

Out of breath, he just answered "Why?"

"Because we're their protector. The Seven Ryuzen serves the country while our clan serves the Shogun. However, after the incident 25 years ago, that position was abolished."

Sukehiro then looks at his father who was looking at the clouds.

"Genji, your best friend's uncle, was my childhood friend too. Unlike how you were approached by Ryuya, your grandfather brought me to their castle to introduce me to him. I was told from then on that I need to protect him.

Of course we lived differently. On my tenth year old, I was trained to the bone in fighting and assassination personally by my father. When I awakened my own sorcery, they made me train it too. However, that only made me into something that I regret. I became hungry for battle. I hated and fought everyone and even explored different places."

Sukehiro then sat on the wood before drinking more water. "Then what happened? Why is our clan abolished from the duty?"

"It was back then. Genji and I explored the country because he said that he wants to learn more about his people. However, we never expect it to become life-threatening. When we were in a small village, a horde of black demonic-like monsters attacked the village.

Genji told me that we need to leave and prioritize the people's safety but I didn't listen. In my mind, the only thing I can think of, is to fight and kill those demonic beings. Because I can't persuade him, I said that they need to be stopped or they would wreck the next village.

Nevertheless, he was also stubborn and said that he won't leave me alone. The last thing that I said to him was… 'I don't really care.' After that, I was consumed by myself before coming back to my senses only to see Genji dying from the monsters."

"Were you punished by the Shogun?"

"No. Because of the witnesses, I was even hailed a hero. Even my cowardice prevented me on telling the truth and accepted the award. The Shogun was delighted that we saved the people but were disappointed at our clan for failing to protect him."

"Because of that, I was banished from the village and was sent to wander in the country alone without anything. After that though, I don't know where the clan went. Either they went into hiding, or into a different country. After all that, I ended up here with your mother. In some simple town in the east of Shimizu. Although this is near the capital, I don't know why that Ryuya kid even comes here."

Just hearing this stories, Sukehiro don't know what to say. However, in his mind, he was thinking about why his father is telling him this.

"You might be thinking to yourself, 'Why is father telling me this?' huh? Well, it's not our place as your parents to tell you what to do but I just have one advice. Don't betray your people especially not your siblings and that kid Ryuya."

This made Sukehiro think and contemplate.

"Then what if they betrayed me first? You never know, you know? Can I betray them if I know that?"

"Well, there must be a reason. You are a good judge of character, so you know who to trust. I just don't want you to walk the same path as me. You have us, your parents, your siblings, your friends, everyone." Itsuki said as he shows a warm smile to his son.

"Then what about that novel or book that Hisashi drew? Didn't that show that I'm not here anymore? What should I do?" He said while scratching his head.

"You know that your brother is a bit eccentric right? You don't have to worry about that. Even if it does happen, you just have to stay alive for everything will be alright."

Sukehiro sighs hearing this. All of this made him think using his brain – and he didn't like that. Itsuki just taps his son before standing up again.

"Let's start again. You don't want Hisashi to surpass you, right? I know what you're thinking. Now stand up."

This made Sukehiro look at his father with wide eyes. His fatigue came back immediately after he hears it.

"What do you mean start again? We just finished right? I'm at my limit now. Father, I don't think I can even swing my sword for another minute."

"Oh, shut up. Surpass your limits right here, right now and hit me again. I'm not known as 'The Untouchable' for no reason."