Preparations and Departure

The day had arrived for Axel to take the next step in his journey toward becoming a member of the Justified. He knew that his path wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to prove himself. With newfound resolve, he began his preparations for the fighting tournament in the west.

Axel stood before his small bedroom mirror, ready to shed his everyday attire for something more fitting of a warrior. He started by removing his white T-shirt, revealing a physique that had grown more toned and muscular through months of training. Axel had come a long way from the timid young man he used to be.

With a sense of purpose, he reached for a set of white, layered clothing reminiscent of Yuta Okkotsu's attire. The dark, layered clothing symbolized his commitment to this new path. As he dressed, Axel couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement and nerves. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he had what it took to be a part of the Justified.

On his back, Axel strapped a B-rank sword. It wasn't an extraordinary weapon in appearance, but it had a unique ability to enhance his Aether manipulation, a crucial asset in the upcoming tournament.

As Axel made his final preparations, he glanced at the small amount of Gera he had left. With the fighting tournament ahead, he knew he needed to send the remaining funds to his father to support his family. Axel allocated a modest sum, leaving him with just 2,000 Gera to cover his own expenses. He couldn't rely solely on Zoru, who had his own challenges and responsibilities.

With their tickets in hand, Axel and Zoru made their way to the western region of the city. Their journey was straightforward, without the need to traverse a rumored forest inhabited by a child of Chaos. As they walked, Axel's determination burned brighter. He had come a long way from the boy who once lived in fear, and he was ready to face the trials that awaited him in the west. This was the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, one filled with uncertainty, but he was determined to embrace it and prove his worth.

With each step deeper into the unknown, Axel couldn't help but wonder what destiny had in store for him.