The Search for Saika Village

### Chapter 8: The Search for Saika Village

In the far west, there lies a village named Saika.

This sentence echoed in Kintaro's mind as he embarked on his journey, leaving behind the village where he had lived for three full years. Before the age of ten, he wasn't a resident of that village. Lady Ayaka had brought him from his hometown after he lost his parents.

The journey began under the gentle morning sun, which cast a warm, golden hue over the path Kintaro walked on. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the invigorating scent of morning dew. As he walked, the rhythmic crunch of gravel under his feet was a constant companion, blending with the symphony of nature. Birds chirped merrily, hidden within the foliage, while a gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, creating a peaceful, almost meditative ambiance.

Kintaro's surroundings were a blend of simple yet enchanting landscapes. The trees, tall and ancient, stood like silent sentinels, their branches forming a lush canopy that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patterns on the forest floor. The occasional flutter of butterfly wings and the distant call of an owl added to the serene atmosphere. Every now and then, a rabbit would dart across his path, a flash of white amidst the green.

After several hours of walking, Kintaro decided to rest by a river. The water was crystal clear, revealing smooth, multicolored pebbles at the bottom. The river's gentle flow produced a soothing sound, akin to a lullaby, as it meandered through the landscape. He sat on the riverbank, letting the cool breeze caress his face, and watched the tranquil scene before him. He marveled at the animals he encountered for the first time. A sloth lazily hung from a tree branch, moving with such deliberate slowness that it seemed part of the tree itself. Nearby, a chimpanzee swung energetically from branch to branch, its agile movements a stark contrast to the sloth's languid pace.

His peaceful rest was abruptly interrupted by the appearance of a wild bear. Startled, Kintaro jumped to his feet, his heart pounding. The bear was a massive creature, with matted fur and sharp claws that gleamed in the sunlight. It regarded Kintaro with a curious yet menacing gaze. He muttered to himself, "Using my power on an animal goes against the logic of nature." With a quick decision, he turned and fled, the bear giving chase. The sound of snapping twigs and rustling leaves filled the air as Kintaro ran, his breaths coming in quick, ragged gasps.

After a frantic escape, Kintaro finally found refuge on a large rock. He lay down, catching his breath, feeling the adrenaline slowly subside. His stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. He knew he needed to find food. Determined, he set out to hunt, searching for two hours before spotting a herd of deer. The deer were graceful creatures, their slender legs and large, watchful eyes giving them an air of elegance and alertness.

He placed his hand on his sword, feeling its weight. Hesitation gripped him. "This sword is meant for slaying demons," he thought. But his growling stomach reminded him of his need for sustenance. With a determined look, he steeled himself. "I can't fight demons on an empty stomach," he resolved.

Taking a deep breath, he launched himself towards the deer, which were about 15 meters away.

ZAP!

His body surged forward with incredible speed, like a lightning bolt, leaving a trail of sparks behind. The sensation was exhilarating yet overwhelming. Unable to control his newfound speed, he crashed into a tree and fell to the ground. The deer scattered, their hooves thudding against the earth, leaves falling from the impact of his collision. The forest seemed to hold its breath in the aftermath of the chaos.

Pain shot through his forehead, turning it red. As he lay there, he noticed the leaves glowing green in the sunlight. The interplay of light and shadow created a mesmerizing effect, almost like a natural kaleidoscope. Slowly standing up, he clenched his fist around his sword. "I don't know what that was, but it seems I can dash quickly. Better run normally," he muttered, the words barely audible over the pounding of his heart.

Kintaro resumed his hunt, this time relying on his natural speed. By noon, he had caught and eaten a deer, replenishing his strength. The forest canopy provided shade, making his journey through the afternoon sun more bearable. The sunlight filtering through the leaves created an ever-changing mosaic of light and shadow on the ground, guiding his steps.

He walked for hours, eventually leaving the forest and finding himself on a rural path. The path was lined with wildflowers in full bloom, their vibrant colors a feast for the eyes. As he continued, he noticed fields, signaling the proximity of a village.

Kintaro finally arrived at a village, but it was in ruins. The walls of the houses were cracked, some completely collapsed. The once lively village now stood in a state of desolation. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood. Torn clothes lay scattered, each piece stained with dark, dried blood. The sight was harrowing, a grim reminder of the violence that had befallen the village.

The homes were shattered, their wooden beams splintered and crumbling. Broken windows stared like empty eye sockets, and doors hung askew on their hinges. An eerie silence enveloped the village as the sun began to set, casting long, haunting shadows across the ground. The only sound breaking the stillness was the cawing of crows, their harsh cries echoing through the empty streets, adding to the sinister atmosphere.

Kintaro cautiously walked through the village, each step echoing in the silent streets. The somber reality of the scene before him was a stark contrast to the peaceful journey he had experienced earlier. The setting sun bathed the village in a blood-red glow, intensifying the feeling of unease. Kintaro's senses were on high alert, every creak and whisper of the wind putting him on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched, the eyes of unseen observers hidden in the deepening shadows.

Everywhere he looked, there were signs of a struggle. Claw marks gouged into walls, shattered furniture strewn across the ground, and pools of dried blood that told tales of terror and desperation. The village had been left to decay, a ghostly reminder of the lives that had once thrived here.

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