Ch 61: Benimaru the hero and his party

In the training field, Benimaru's determined figure moved with precise, fluid motions, his sword slicing through the air. His concentration was unyielding until he heard the familiar voices of his party members, Flicker and Kanade.

"Benimaru, are you alright?" Flicker, the timid one, approached with worry etched on her face. "Please don't push yourself too much. After the battle two weeks ago, you should be resting."

Benimaru paused, turning to face Flicker, who was teary-eyed. "Don't worry, Flicker," he said with a reassuring smile. "I can still manage."

Kanade, the fierce and outspoken one, stepped forward with her arms crossed. "Why are you training so much? You can't surpass human limits because you are a human after all."

Benimaru sighed but maintained his resolute stance. "I know my limits, Kanade. But I must protect this kingdom and the princess of this world. In the tournament, instead of me protecting Hina, she ended up protecting me and offered me her power. I can't risk not training enough because there are demons in this world, and they must not be left unchecked."

Flicker's eyes filled with concern. "But Benimaru, you can't shoulder all of this alone. We're a team, remember? We face these challenges together."

Benimaru nodded, his expression softening. "I know, Flicker. But our goal as a hero's party is to purge the demonlord. We need to be prepared for anything."

Kanade uncrossed her arms, her fierce expression mellowing slightly. "Just don't forget that pushing yourself too hard could be just as dangerous as not being prepared. We need you at your best, not broken."

Benimaru smiled, appreciating their concern. "Thank you, both of you. Your support means a lot to me. I promise I'll be careful."

Kanade gave him a firm nod. "Good. Now, let's all train together. We'll be stronger as a team."

As they began their training session, the air around them filled with the sounds of clashing swords and determined grunts. Flicker, despite her timid nature, showed incredible agility, while Kanade's fierce strikes demonstrated her unwavering strength. Benimaru, inspired by his companions, pushed himself with renewed vigor, knowing he was not alone in this fight.

The field was alive with their efforts, the sun casting long shadows as they honed their skills. Benimaru felt a sense of camaraderie and purpose. He understood that their strength lay not just in their individual abilities, but in their unity and shared resolve.

After an intense session, they paused to catch their breath, the air thick with the scent of sweat and determination. Flicker looked at Benimaru with admiration. "You really are amazing, Benimaru. Your dedication is inspiring."

Kanade, though tough, couldn't hide her respect. "You're stubborn, but that's what makes you a great leader."

Benimaru chuckled, wiping the sweat from his brow. "And you two are the best teammates I could ask for. Together, we'll face whatever comes our way."

As they stood together, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the field. The trials ahead were daunting, but Benimaru felt ready. With Flicker and Kanade by his side, he knew they could confront any darkness that threatened their world. The bond they shared was their greatest strength, and with it, they would continue to fight for the kingdom and the princess they had sworn to protect.

After their training session, Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade made their way to the exclusive quarters within the castle reserved for the hero's party. The grand halls echoed with their footsteps as they walked, each of them reflecting on the intense battles and challenges they had faced.

Kanade, always curious and contemplative, broke the silence. "Benimaru, that time during the tournament, when you were fighting and I was holding Flicker back, where was Hina? I remember seeing your Excalibur and another weapon that looked like a wand-sword."

Benimaru hesitated, scratching his head awkwardly. "Umm... well..." he began, clearly unsure how to explain.

Flicker's eyes sparkled with curiosity and concern. "Yeah, what happened, Benimaru? What is it?" she pressed gently.

Benimaru took a deep breath, knowing he had to tell them the truth. "Umm... it was Hina."

Both Kanade and Flicker stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in shock. "Whaaaaaat?!" they exclaimed in unison.

Benimaru nodded, looking sheepish. "Yes, Hina transformed into a wand. The powerful wand-sword you saw was actually her. She offered her power to me in the middle of the battle, enabling me to fight on even terms with Berserker."

Kanade's eyes were wide with disbelief. "She transformed into a wand? How is that even possible?"

Benimaru nodded again, looking more serious. "Hina is not just a powerful sorceress; she has the ability to transform into the Exodus Scepter, an ancient and incredibly powerful magical artifact. It's why we were able to stand against Berserker and why we managed to win the fight."

Flicker was brimming with admiration and worry. "That's amazing... but also terrifying. She put herself in so much danger for us."

Benimaru sighed, his expression troubled. "I know. She was badly injured in the process. But she did it to protect us, to give us a fighting chance."

Kanade frowned, her fierce demeanor softened by concern. "We need to make sure she doesn't have to do that again. We need to get stronger, so we can protect her next time."

Benimaru nodded, his resolve strengthened. "Exactly. That's why I'm pushing myself so hard. We can't let her sacrifice be in vain."

They continued walking through the castle, their footsteps echoing off the grand stone walls. The halls were decorated with banners and tapestries depicting heroic deeds and legendary battles. It was a place meant to inspire and remind the heroes of their purpose and duty.

When they finally reached their quarters, they found the space filled with everything they needed to rest and train. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and purpose, a place where they could come together and prepare for the battles ahead.

As they settled in, the weight of their mission hung over them, but so did the bond they shared. Benimaru looked at his friends, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and determination. "We'll get through this together," he said firmly.

Kanade nodded. "And we'll make sure Hina doesn't have to bear that burden alone again."

Flicker smiled, her earlier worry replaced with determination. "We'll become stronger, for her and for each other."

In that moment, surrounded by the symbols of their heroism and the strength of their friendship, the three of them made a silent vow to protect their world and the people they cared about. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they knew they would face them together, as a team, and with the power and unity that came from their unwavering bond.

As they settled into their quarters, Benimaru gathered his thoughts and decided to share something more with his companions. "Actually, there's something else," he began, his tone more serious.

Flicker, always eager to listen, perked up. "What is it?"

Benimaru took a deep breath. "Well, when I grabbed the wand-sword, I saw something displaying in my eyes. Some kind of ancient text was floating around. Little did I know, it was the interface of Hina's system. After I grabbed the magic wand, I felt like I could win every battle. I felt like I became a hundred times stronger, and that's not a lie."

Kanade and Flicker listened intently, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amazement.

"I could move faster than my mind could process," Benimaru continued. "It was a bit scary. I could regenerate my body tenfold, like I had supernatural powers. And I feel like Hina hasn't unlocked her full potential yet. To be honest, I could see Berserker's moves like we were in an impasse."

Flicker was wide-eyed. "That's incredible."

Benimaru nodded. "Yeah, Hina shared her skill power with her wand form. It was incredible. In that form, it's powerful enough to take out one of the demon lords."

Kanade's eyes widened. "Whoa, for real?"

Benimaru smiled. "Yes, our bond in that fight was unreal. But her wand body form was cracking, rendering her unable to fully unleash her power. What if she actually used her absolute power in full condition?"

Kanade frowned, deep in thought. "If she could do that, she might be unstoppable."

Benimaru chuckled. "Honestly, I was thinking I could take out her father, Carrion, the goddess of five elements."

Kanade smirked and slapped Benimaru lightly on the head. "Benimaru, don't get ahead of yourself."

Benimaru laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry, sorry. It was just a thought."

The three of them shared a laugh, the tension of the past battles momentarily lifting. Their bond felt stronger, their purpose clearer. As they laughed and joked, they felt a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination.

Flicker, with her characteristic earnestness, spoke up. "We need to get stronger, not just for ourselves, but for Hina. She's done so much for us. We can't let her down."

Kanade nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. We need to be ready for whatever comes next. If we want to defeat the demon lords, we have to push ourselves to our limits."

Benimaru smiled at his friends, feeling grateful for their unwavering support. "You're right. We're in this together. We'll train harder, get stronger, and protect our world."

As they continued to discuss their plans and strategies, a sense of hope and determination filled the room. They knew the road ahead would be challenging, but with their combined strength and the powerful bond they shared, they felt ready to face whatever came their way.

In that moment, surrounded by their friends and allies, Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade made a silent vow to each other and to Hina. They would protect their world, defeat the demon lords, and ensure that Hina's sacrifice was not in vain. No matter the obstacles, they would stand together, stronger than ever.

As their conversation wound down, a comfortable silence settled among the trio. They exchanged determined glances, each feeling the weight of their shared goals and the battles that lay ahead. With a nod, Benimaru spoke up.

"Alright, it's getting late. We should get some rest. We have a lot of training to do tomorrow."

Flicker and Kanade nodded in agreement. Flicker, still brimming with excitement from their discussion, smiled warmly. "Goodnight, Benimaru. Goodnight, Kanade."

Kanade patted Flicker on the shoulder. "Goodnight, Flicker. Goodnight, Benimaru."

"Goodnight, both of you," Benimaru replied.

They headed to their respective rooms, the castle quiet and peaceful around them. As Benimaru walked down the dimly lit corridor, his mind replayed the day's events and the weight of his newfound responsibilities. He knew he needed to be at his best to protect Hina and their world.

When Benimaru reached his room, he closed the door behind him and took a moment to gather his thoughts. He glanced at Excalibur, its gleaming blade a reminder of the power he now wielded and the challenges ahead. With a determined sigh, he set it down gently and prepared for bed.

In her room, Flicker lay down, her mind racing with thoughts of Hina's incredible power and the adventures they had faced. Despite the excitement, she felt a deep sense of resolve to improve herself and stand by her friends. She pulled the blanket up and closed her eyes, letting sleep gradually take over.

Kanade, ever the fierce warrior, paced in her room for a while, mentally preparing herself for the battles to come. She thought about Benimaru's words and Hina's bravery, feeling a renewed sense of duty to protect their world. Finally, she lay down, her body relaxing as she drifted off to sleep.

As they all settled into their beds, the castle fell into a serene silence. The moonlight cast a gentle glow through the windows, bathing the rooms in a soft, calming light. The trio's bond had strengthened, and with it, their determination to face the challenges that awaited them.

The night passed quietly, the heroes' dreams filled with visions of their battles and the promise of victory. They knew that with each other's support and the incredible power they now possessed, they stood a real chance against the demon lords. The journey ahead would be long and arduous, but together, they felt invincible.

Morning came, bringing with it a new day and fresh opportunities to grow stronger. As the first light of dawn filtered through the castle windows, Benimaru, Flicker, and Kanade rose from their beds, ready to face the training and trials that awaited them. Their resolve was unwavering, their hearts united in the quest to protect their world and honor Hina's sacrifice.

With renewed energy and determination, they met in the castle's training grounds, ready to push their limits and prepare for the battles ahead. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: they would face it together, stronger and more determined than ever.