Kazuma and Hiden were on the train, sitting quietly in a carriage bustling with travelers.
Kazuma: (In a low, calm voice)
When we reach the city, what is the first step I should take?
Hiden: (Calmly and with focus)
I will find you a temporary, safe place to stay. In the meantime, I will be on my way to meet Aeden.
Kazuma:
I feel extremely worried about you. The meeting might be a trap set for you.
Hiden: (In a reassuring voice)
I will buy you a small, simple phone. If I fall into any ambush, my last message to you will be the danger signal.
Kazuma:
Alright. And what is the ultimate goal you seek to achieve from all this?
Hiden: (He was silent for a moment, then spoke in a sober tone)
You are my closest friend, and it's time I reveal something personal to you.
Kazuma: (Calmly)
That warms my heart. I appreciate your trust in me.
Hiden:
I have never seen my mother, nor do I know anything about her. I want to confront my father and ask him clearly about the reason for his obvious hatred for me.
Kazuma: (Smiled gently)
Thank you for this honest sharing.
Hiden: (Smiled lightly)
A feeling of relief washes over me after telling you.
Kazuma:
I have a question I want to ask: If you are insistent on defeating Aeden, why don't you resort to a "Vow and Restriction"?
Hiden: (He gives a slight smile that carries a deep knowledge)
A "Vow and Restriction" grants immense power, but the risk is clear: if you violate your conditions, your inevitable fate will be death.
Kazuma:
I am aware of that. I have already formed a Vow and Restriction, and I know I will die the moment my revenge is complete.
Hiden:
You have closed all options before you. There is no escaping death, even if you achieve your victory.
Kazuma: (Smiling confidently)
Then, I will have my victory and then pass away.
Hiden: (In a quiet, inquiring voice)
But why didn't you choose to use your strength without this deadly restriction? Why did you specifically seek this raw power?
Kazuma:
I am not stupid. My real goal is to find Neich first, and after that, I will end the life of my brother, Jin.
Kazuma: (In a clear and decisive tone)
More frankly, if I initiated a fight with Jin now, I would die without being able to find Neich's kidnapper.
Hiden: (Quietly)
Have you ever heard of two people named Lina and Alex?
Kazuma:
Who are they?
Hiden: (Quietly)
Among the users of "Shen" (Spiritual Power), there are legends that claim Lina and Alex are the embodiments of the "Vow and Restriction" themselves.
Kazuma:
Is that true?
Hiden: (Quietly)
Some theories suggest that Lina and Alex were the first people to ever use "Shen."
Kazuma:
Does that mean they are the founders of all the patterns and rules currently in place?
Hiden:
These remain mere speculations. Some say they are not human at all, while others view them as merely ancient survivors.
Kazuma:
My Uncle Ten always told me he was the only one who knew the source of the Shen and its complete truth. Is it possible he has a connection or link with Lina and Alex?
Hiden: (In a calm, thoughtful voice)
I don't have certainty, but the possibility exists. Ten might actually hold the key to the secret.
Kazuma:
This only increases my resolve to find that mysterious box.
The train wheels stopped turning. The external scene of the railway suggested an abandoned grandeur, and a cold wind slapped the facades with strong gusts.
Hiden: (Rising slowly)
Come on, let's go. We have reached our destination.
Kazuma: (Inhaling the air)
So, this is Kimura.
Kazuma and Hiden started walking. They quickly moved away from the signs of development, finding themselves among narrow alleyways and crumbling, piled-up houses, hinting at a heavy history.
Suddenly, an unexpected building caught their attention: a small, towering castle situated in the heart of a large square devoid of any human movement. The castle resembled the ancient structures of the Middle Ages.
Kazuma: (With quiet astonishment)
Is this your headquarters, or is it a historical landmark?
Hiden and Kazuma proceeded toward the castle. Near the entrance, a small guard booth stood. Inside, a guard wearing a blue uniform and a cap slept, deep in slumber.
Hiden: (In a soft whisper, putting a finger to his lips)
Shhh... We must exercise the utmost caution and silence.
They sneaked in lightly, took the key from the side of the sleeping guard, opened the door, and entered.
Inside, the castle was plunged into absolute darkness. Above their heads, the rustling sounds of bats hanging from the high ceiling could be heard. The corridor led them to a majestic staircase located in the center.
Hiden: (Taking his first steps up)
This castle is considered an authentic symbol of Kimura City. It is an archaeological site of paramount importance.
Kazuma remained, observing every corner and every wall intently, trying to read the silent history of the place.
They continued walking until they reached a spacious hall, filled with shadows and large tables that seemed set up for a grand banquet.
Hiden: (Lighting a small candle, casting weak threads of light)
On one of the walls, there was a phrase written in large, unsettling script:
"Kimura is finally dead."
On the floor, bread and soup were scattered chaotically, while patches of dry, dark blood covered large areas of the tile, as if a silent testament to a battle or massacre.
Kazuma: (In a calm tone laced with seriousness)
What happened here? What is the secret of all this blood?
They noticed a dagger fallen on the ground, still soaked in blood residue. And on another wall of the hall, a phrase was written in clotted blood:
"The Bloody Supper."
Hiden: (Focusing the candlelight on the writing, his voice carrying a sense of mystery)
I have searched historical records and ancient documents, but I found no reliable explanation or reason for this blood or the supposed "Bloody Supper."
Hiden:
All we know for certain is that this structure has stood since the year 560 \text{ AD}.
Kazuma: (With visible hesitation bordering on slight fear)
Shouldn't we leave this place?
Hiden: (With a scrutinizing look, tilting his head)
Has fear crept into you?
Kazuma: (Clearly deflecting, trying to deny what he felt)
No, of course not. How could I fear mere walls and a place?
Kazuma quickly left the castle, followed by Hiden.
Hiden:
I know a trustworthy merchant here. I will arrange suitable accommodation for you.
Kazuma:
Are you still determined to proceed with your plan?
Hiden: (In a decisive tone)
Kazuma, please, don't make me regret this trust now.
Kazuma sighed with a slight despair, realizing Hiden had made his decision.
Kazuma and Hiden entered a large market bustling with people. Crowds were gathering to buy their daily provisions.
The two friends stopped in front of a small stall selling simple, armored cell phones.
Hiden: (He began to examine the displayed phones carefully)
Kazuma:
I like this particular phone.
The phone was small, red, looked armored, and had a relatively long antenna in the center.
Hiden: (Addressing the merchant in a calm tone)
Merchant, how much does this device cost?
The Merchant: (Smiling with excessive welcome)
Only two hundred dollars ($200).
Hiden: (With a cold smile)
Is it an original model, or just a clever imitation?
The Merchant:
It's an original, of course, and guaranteed quality!
Hiden: (With a slight tone of skepticism)
Fine, you seem like an honest man.
Hiden:
I have a proposal for a trade: if it proves to be original as you claim, you will get whatever you want.
The Merchant: (Smiling cunningly to himself)
Wonderful. I'm sure I'll win. I cleverly placed the original phone sticker on this counterfeit copy.
The Merchant: (Speaking aloud)
I agree with you! If it's original and you believe my word, you will take the child with you to work as my sales assistant. However, if it proves to be a fake, choose any phone you desire for free.
Kazuma: (Whispering to Hiden, trying to warn him)
It is original, Hiden! Don't you see the official sticker placed on it?
At that moment, Hiden raised his left hand high, holding the small phone.
The Merchant: (Showing tension and anxiety)
What exactly are you doing?
Hiden: (With steady eyes)
You confirmed it was original.
Hiden suddenly pulled his hand down and forcefully threw the phone onto the cement floor. The phone shattered into small fragments, its parts scattering quickly. Kazuma was shocked, everyone was astonished, and fear was etched on the merchant's face.
The Merchant: (In a slightly trembling voice)
Why did you smash the phone on the ground?
An analytical image appeared in Hiden's mind, comparing the two phones—one with the sticker and one without—focusing on the difference in weight and material.
Hiden: (In an analytical and calm tone)
The original phone of this model is always relatively heavy. And because it is designed to be armored, it would never shatter just by being thrown onto a hard floor. On the exact contrary, a counterfeit phone—like this one—does not possess the same quality materials, and consequently, its resistance to impact is non-existent.
The Merchant: (Clenching his teeth, affected by his defeat)
I never imagined this boy possessed such analytical intelligence and the ability to expose the trick so quickly.
:
Hiden: (Placing his hand on the table confidently, addressing the merchant)
You intentionally placed the sticker of the original phone to deceive the simple-minded and mislead them with a fake product.
Hiden:
This means that a naive and inexperienced person is the one who will fall into the trap of buying from you.
Hiden: (A slight smile, revealing his knowledge of the market details)
In any case, the original phone is very expensive, and is only sold on the black market.
Hiden:
That is because the company "X," which invented this device, operates illegally and is rumored to have dealings with suspicious entities. Consequently, they were banned from operating publicly, and the phone is only available at private auctions and secret markets.
The Merchant: (Quiet voice, acknowledging defeat)
You've exposed me. You are truly intelligent.
Hiden:
The actual value of this counterfeit phone you are trying to sell doesn't exceed $50. You are not only tricking people, but you are also exaggerating the false prices.
Kazuma: (With clear admiration)
Hiden is truly intelligent and insightful.
Kazuma:
So, you must keep your word, sir. You promised that if we exposed the nature of the phone, you would give us another one for free. Isn't that right?
The Merchant: (Calm and resigned to the facts)
Of course, that's right. Choose whatever you wish.
The Merchant: (Calmly, pointing to a specific phone)
I recommend this device. It is small and practical.
[The merchant points to a small, black, and very circular phone.]
Kazuma: (With some hesitation)
Should I choose it? Couldn't he be trying to trick me again?
Hiden: (With full confidence)
Take it. Don't worry about any further deception.
Kazuma took the small phone, and Hiden and Kazuma left the market, heading to their next destination