Daru wakes up, rubbing his face as he gets out of bed.
Daru: Oh man, my face still hurts. (He holds his face while walking out of the room.)
Rito: Good morning! (Daru covers his ears.) Daru! Are you ready for your first day of training?!
Daru: Rito, it's morning; why are you yelling?
Rito: I need to get you pumped up for your first day of training, but you didn't answer my question!
Daru: Yes, I'm ready, but my ears hurt. (He continues holding his ears.)
Rito: Good! Now let's get outside and start training!
Daru: What? Right now? Rito, I haven't eaten breakfast or brushed my teeth yet.
Rito: Oh, alright, go eat sothing and brush your teeth, then et outside.
Daru: Okay! But is there anything to eat?
Rito: Yes, there should be so leftovers from Zenshi's baskets of goodies.
Daru: Great! Finally, sothing to eat!
Daru goes to get sothing to eat, then heads to the bathroom and starts brushing his teeth. After finishing, he walks outside, where he sees Rito punching a brick wall with his bare hands, blood dripping from them.
Daru: Okay, Rito, I'm ready for training. Wait, why are you punching a brick wall? You're going to injure your hands; they're already bleeding.
Rito: (Turns around) Daru, co here.
Daru walks over to Rito.
Daru: Rito, your hands are covered in blood. Don't your hands hurt?
Rito: Pain is just an illusion, Daru; it's all in your head.
Daru: All in my head? So you're saying you feel no pain when you punch a brick wall with your bare hands?
Rito: Yes, I feel nothing, and that's what I'm going to train you to do. I'll make you stronger, faster, and smarter. I'll do this with you, but you'll surpass .
Daru: You're going to make stronger than you? And I won't feel any pain?
Rito: Yes, that's the plan. It'll take ti and patience, but I know I can help you beco formidable.
Daru: Formidable, you say? I don't want to be a killer.
Rito: What? No, not an actual killer.
Daru: Oh, okay!
Rito: Now then, co punch this wall with all your strength.
Daru: What? I'll break my hand if I do that!
Rito: Rember, pain is rely an illusion, Daru. Stop being overly dramatic and strike the wall with all your strength.
Daru: Alright, I'll give it a try.
Daru prepares to punch the wall, adopting a fighting stance. He strikes the wall with all his strength, resulting in a broken right hand.
Daru: (Jumping up and falling down in distress) AHHH! MY HAND! I BROKE MY HAND!!
Rito: (In a serious tone) Get up! Strike it again!
Daru: WHAT? AGAIN? ARE YOU INSANE? I JUST BROKE MY HAND!
Rito: Daru, as I ntioned earlier, pain is an illusion! Stop dwelling on it and just punch. Recall the bullies who hurt you repeatedly.
Daru: RITO, MY HAND IS BROKEN! I CAN'T PUNCH!
Rito: Then use your left hand.
Daru and Rito exchange intense gazes for a few seconds, Rito maintaining a serious expression while Daru, clutching his injured right hand, sits on the ground in tears.
Daru: Ugh! Fine, I'll do it. (He stands up.)
Daru: (Muttering to himself) Rito is out of his mind. My right hand is broken, and he still expects to punch the wall with my left. What's wrong with him? Alright, co on, Daru, you wanted to train. Just hit the wall.
Daru closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and prepares for another punch. He opens his eyes and strikes the wall with his left hand, hitting it with full force and breaking his left hand, collapsing to the ground.
Daru: AHH, MY HAND!! IT'S BROKEN TOO! RITO, MY HANDS ARE BROKEN!!!
Rito: Training is concluded for today. (He walks away.)
Daru: WHAT!? WHERE ARE YOU GOING? I NEED ASSISTANCE, RITO! MY HANDS ARE BROKEN! RITOOOOOO!!!
Rito continues walking away without looking back as Daru calls out his na. Daru lies on the ground in pain, staring at the sky with two broken hands.
Daru: (Crying in pain) What am I supposed to do now? I can't do anything, just like when I couldn't stand up to those bullies. I feel so powerless!!
After an hour of crying and screaming in pain, Daru manages to drag himself to the side of the house, presses his body against it, then gets up and walks back inside, discovering Rito asleep in a chair by the TV.
Daru: (Crying, looking at Rito) I thought you were going to train , not bully like the others. I truly believed you were different; it seems you're just another bully.
Daru walks away, enters his room, shuts the door with his foot, and sits on his bed. After 15 minutes of crying, he begins to tear his bed sheets into long strips with his teeth and wraps them around his hands. anwhile, Rito, with his eyes closed, smiles, anticipating what will happen next.
Daru: (Wiping his tears with his shoulder) Ouch! I hope this holds. I thought I would receive training without breaking any bones. What does he know? All he does is drink! (Waving his hands in the air) I'm never going to be strong; I'll always be weak.
In his frustration, Daru fails to notice that his hands are healing as he waves them around.
He gets up and walks to the mirror in his room.
Daru: (Pointing at the mirror) You're nothing. You're just weak and will always be weak.
Daru begins to notice his hands.
Daru: Wait! WHAT THE HECK? MY HANDS!! THEY'RE HEALED!
Rito opens Daru's door.
Rito: (Laughs) Yes, I knew you were special.
Daru jumps up and looks at Rito.
Daru: Were you listening to this whole ti?
Rito: Yes, I was. But you're too hard on yourself. Rember, you're just a kid.
Daru: Yes, but I'll always be weak.
Rito: Just give it ti. It appears your hands are healed.
Daru: (In shock) Yes, but I don't understand how. They were just broken a minute ago.
Rito: Neither do I. Anyway, I need to head to the bar.
Daru: (Rolls his eyes) Not surprised.
Rito: Haha... Hey, when you get older, we'll have a drink together.
Daru: (Eyes lighting up) Wait, really? You promise?
Rito: Yes, I promise. (smiles)
Rito pats Daru on the head and then takes his leave.
Rito: I'll be back shortly.
Daru: Okay! (Looks at his hands) Wow, they really did heal.
As Rito made his way toward the bar, he passed it on his way to the other side of the village. He then stopped at Zenshi's house and knocked on the door.
Zenshi: (Opens the door) Oh hey, Rito. What brings you here?
Before Rito could respond, Zenshi interrupted him.
Zenshi: Excuse , are you here seeking additional funds for beer? Rito, I cannot provide you with any—
Rito: No... But I an...
Zenshi: NO!!
Rito: Alright, alright.
Zenshi: Then what brings you here?
Rito: I would like to discuss Daru.
Zenshi: Daru? What is the matter? Is he alright? Did he sustain any injuries?
Rito: No, he is fine, but I wanted to inquire if you know about Daru's origins.
Zenshi: I don't know the specifics, but please co inside, and we can discuss this further.
Rito enters Zenshi's ho, proceeds to the living room, and takes a seat.
Rito: I need you to recall everything that transpired. Let's start from the beginning—where you found Daru.
Zenshi: (takes a deep breath) Alright, I discovered him at the pond where I was gathering water for my father. I picked him up and took him in as my own, but I couldn't because...
Rito: Wait, backtrack. How did you learn his na and age?
Zenshi: Oh, right... There was a note in his basket that ntioned Daru... I think it started with a Y, or perhaps an S?
Rito: Do you still possess the note?
Zenshi: Oh my goodness, you're correct! I still have it. One mont, let retrieve it. It should be in my room sowhere.
Zenshi stands and goes upstairs to find the note.
Rito: S or Y? If it starts with an S, I am at a loss, but if it starts with a Y... hmm, I wonder... no way, that's possible.
Zenshi: I FOUND IT!!
Zenshi rushes down the stairs with the note and hands it to Rito, who accepts it.
Rito: Alright, let's see (opens the note). Mhm, the boy you found is nad Daru Yoshido.
Zenshi: Oh yes, that's right, Yoshido was the na.
Rito sits in silence. Zenshi observes him, noting that he is not speaking.
Zenshi: Rito, are you alright?
Rito: There is no way this is possible!
Zenshi: Huh? What do you an?
Rito: Zenshi, Daru is the son of Shakiro Yoshido and Sauro Yoshido, the Zatarians.
Zenshi: WHAT?!
Rito: YES, I KNOW!
Zenshi: Wait, who are they again?
Rito: ARE YOU KIDDING , ZENSHI? THE PRISMA WAR—HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW?!
Zenshi: Oh my goodness, HE IS THE SON OF SHAKIRO AND SAURO!
Rito: Yes, Shakiro and Sauro. If Daru is alive, the other sibling may also be.
Zenshi: Wait, there are two of them?
Rito: Yes, there are two, and according to the war story, they possess special powers.
Zenshi: That sounds fascinating!
Rito: It does sound intriguing, but it is quite dangerous. One can only imagine what they are capable of...
As Daru grapples with his training, Zodiac and the rest of the raid squad convene.
Mizuda: So, I see you are the ones joining us.
A man approaches her to shake her hand.
Mac: I'm Mac. It will be an honor to fight alongside a master like you.
Mizuda: No need for formality.
Mac glances behind her and notices Zodiac and Himitsu.
Mac: I don't an to be that person, but why have you brought these two individuals?
Zodiac shoots him a serious look.
Mizuda: Do not worry, Mac. They will prove to be quite useful.
Mac: Yes, but isn't it against the rules to include them since they are not even—
Mizuda places her finger on his lips, causing Mac to blush.
Mizuda: Shhhh, I have everything under control. Besides, you will see how capable they are.
Mac: If you say so, I have no objections, haha.
Mac then returns to the others.
Mizuda: Now, before we proceed, rember that this raid is serious. You must listen carefully and follow instructions.
Himitsu: Yes, Master, we will adhere to everything you've instructed.
She turns to Zodiac.
Mizuda: This applies to you as well, Zodiac.
Zodiac scoffs and turns away.
Zodiac: Very well.
After the eting, they exited the kingdom walls to discuss their plan. Mac was accompanied by three others: a ranger, an attacker, and a spellcaster. Mac himself was a brawler. They huddled together to strategize.
Mac: Alright, since this is your first raid, let provide you with an overview. We are targeting an orc outpost that has recently been established. Our objective is to eliminate any orcs present and take full control of the outpost. Nightti is generally more advantageous, but dayti is also feasible.
Himitsu: What is our approach to the outpost?
Mac: Simple. We already possess a map of the layout. Their camp is fortified by brutes, but there is a vulnerable spot on the right side. If we infiltrate from there and have our spellcaster breach their walls, we can catch them off guard.
Mizuda: Excellent idea, Mac!
Mac blushes and puffs out his chest.
Mac: Having served as a guild hunter for many years certainly has its advantages. Are we ready to proceed?
Mizuda: I am ready when you are.
Himitsu: Let's do this!
Zodiac begins to walk ahead, hands in his pockets.
Mac: Is that young man shy?
Mizuda: (chuckles) Oh, don't worry about him; that's just his nature.
Himitsu: Yes, I don't quite understand it either.
Mac: Interesting. Well, let's move forward.
As they advance, the raid group approaches the camp. Himitsu yawns.
Himitsu: (weary) Are we nearly there? This is taking quite so ti.
Mizuda: Patience, young one. A true assassin must exhibit patience.
Himitsu: Yes, but seriously, couldn't we arrange for horses or sothing? Co on.
Zodiac: (to himself) This young man needs to be quiet.
Mac stops, prompting the others to do the sa.
Mac: (raising his hand) Stop. It's just ahead.
They all observe the campsite, which is filled with orcs patrolling the area.
Himitsu: (enthusiastically) Finally! I was becoming quite bored.
Mac: Alright, rember the plan I shared earlier. Keep your heads down and stick to the right side of the wall. If we execute this correctly, they won't notice us.
The group falls silent, stealthily moving along the right side of the camp's wall.
Himitsu: I see an orc on the tower over there (points) with a crossbow. How should we address this?
Mac: (smiling) No problem; the ranger will take care of it. Show them your skills.
The ranger nods, positions himself, and draws back his bow toward the orc. He releases the arrow, striking the orc in the head and penetrating his skull.
Mizuda: And that's why he's referred to as a ranger!
Mac: That's one down. Mizuda, do you think you could eliminate those two orcs up ahead?
Mizuda glances at Zodiac and Himitsu.
Mizuda: It's your ti to shine, gentlen. Rember what I taught you.
Mac: Oh, you're entrusting this to them?
Mizuda: Of course; that's why I brought them! (laughs)
Zodiac draws his daggers and approaches the orcs alongside Himitsu.
Himitsu: Alright, I'll take the left; you take the right.
Zodiac: As you wish.
As they conceal themselves in a bush, waiting to strike, the orcs suddenly turn away.
Himitsu: Now!
Both rush toward the orcs. Zodiac covers one orc's mouth and swiftly stabs him in the neck, while Himitsu draws his sword to pierce the heart of the other. However, Himitsu fails to kill his target as the orc turns just in ti and grabs his sword.
Himitsu: Damn it!
As the orc prepares to shout, Zodiac quickly decapitates it with his dagger, silencing it just in ti. Himitsu wipes his forehead in relief.
Himitsu: That was too close. Thank you for your assistance, Zodiac. (smiling)
Zodiac shakes his head in disappointnt.
Zodiac: You were careless. Completely incompetent.
Himitsu: Why must you be so rude? I made only one mistake.
Zodiac: Because I can.
Zodiac walks back toward the group, and Himitsu's frustration grows.
Himitsu: (to himself) Who does he think he is, just walking away from ? Ugh, he infuriates !
Himitsu rejoins the rest of the group.
Mac: (in shock) Wow, you two actually surprised back there. Perhaps you're more capable than you appear. (laughs)
Himitsu: Thanks! Even though I made an error, haha.
Mizuda: That's two more orcs down. What's next?
Mac: (clapping his hands together) Right! This is where things get interesting.
Mac points toward the broken wall.
Mac: Do you see that? These oblivious orcs haven't even repaired their wall yet. I've been doing this for years, and they still haven't fixed it. You would think they'd notice us coming in, especially after we've been dispatching them periodically, and—
Zodiac: (expressionless) Okay, we understand. Please be quiet.
Mizuda: Yes, honestly, Mac, do us a favor and remain silent, please.
Mac: S-sorry about that. Sotis it baffles . Anyway, (points) see that crack in the wall? The caster will use an explosive spell to break it down and flank from there.
Himitsu: (to himself) Finally, this guy was talking for far too long.
Mizuda: Let's get this show on the—
Mizuda senses a strange presence behind her. As she turns, she sees five orcs grinning with sharp teeth. She jumps back in surprise.
Himitsu: WHAT THE HELL!? HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN STANDING THERE!?
Zodiac: (smiling) It doesn't matter. Let's eliminate them and conclude this.
Mac: That's one thing I can agree on. Let's teach them a lesson!
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