They Have Dared for Four Short Years

Only four years have passed.

In that time, all doubts had vanished.

"I've truly been waiting for this for a long time, the so-called blood ceremony." Jun wanted to go out and end all this that had haunted his mind for all these years, even though he knew it probably hadn't been the best idea.

The Jun of today was focused, precise, and incredibly lethal in all the small elimination missions that the twins had invited him to.

What is it that you desire? Fortune? Glory? Power? Revenge? Or information, or perhaps simply respect? If it's the latter, then everything you desire is here.

Everything could be obtained in this place; anything one wanted could be had, as long as they were determined men.

Jun had renounced any feelings or doubts over these four years and learned the most perverse ways to kill a man in combat. He now had his own arsenal of weapons; no one could stop him from investigating further.

Now he had many more things at his disposal that could help him on a battlefield, even when at a disadvantage.

Jun spent a lot of time training; his body grew, and every muscle that formed him had a layer of power that overflowed from him.

Jun's robe was now long, with eye marks at the bottom of his waist, hiding his entire body. He carried a small sword, a regular sword, and numerous small knives.

On his back, he carried a small pouch with sound, smoke, and air bombs. These were the weapons of the Asura village, which could be used in combat, but Jun was given an order to use them only if he was attacked by all the members of the blood ceremony.

In a one-on-one battle, Jun would never lose, even in a two-on-two battle, but the audacity of joining forces to kill him was reason enough to use this secret arsenal.

Jun hadn't cut his hair in the last four years; he now had it tied in a ponytail, though he didn't bother to tie it completely, so the rest of his hair hung loose.

He stood at one meter seventy, quite tall for being only fourteen years old.

For four years, Jun had perfected his swordsmanship; he didn't bother naming them and simply called them the Dance of the Black Moon. He trained his body and achieved an indescribable visible growth, but his inner growth remained slow.

The only realization Jun had acquired in these last four years was that he was an arrogant, ignorant, strong being, still without intense desires.

Time had been ruthless and did not wait for Jun's calm steps to discover what he wanted.

"Kid."

"Yes."

Early in the morning, at the top of a mountain.

As had happened over the last four years, Jun, who had gone out to spend more time with Vargo, opened his eyes from meditation when called.

At the end of his gaze was Vargo, an absurd man best described as a monster. He looked more frail than in their first encounter.

One day, his figure, which Jun could barely make eye contact with by looking up, no longer seemed so large.

This happened because, just as Vargo's waist bent more and more, Jun grew.

Now they were at eye level and stared at each other, but Jun couldn't look directly at him because, for some reason, it didn't feel right to do so.

That's why, every time he responded to Vargo's call, he always lowered his head.

So, while Jun waited for Vargo's response with his head bowed, Vargo continued speaking: "Today is the day you leave; I hope never to see you again, though I know the heavens are not so merciful to my words."

"I will miss you too."

"I doubt it very much, but you understand the situation you're in far better than your companion, whom I suggest you kill first."

Jun smiled slightly and asked, "Did you also suggest that to the other candidate?"

"That's correct; he must kill you first."

"I don't know why I cling so much to life; maybe it's because ever since I woke up, they've tried to take it from me. That has made me arrogant, but I know I'll enjoy myself at some point on my path," Jun said, becoming a bit more analytical.

Vargo wanted to mock him, but those words made much more sense than they initially appeared to.

"Then I'll go. I hope the place is at least pleasant."

"You'll love it, especially when it's all drenched in blood."

Jun didn't know what to say to this; it should have been traumatic, but for some reason, it didn't seem as violent as it sounded.