Last Destiny Volume 1 Chapter 13

The group learns that the kingdom of Resusi has fallen and Raiyu has become the new sovereign. They decide to regroup and travel with the gnomes to enchant their weapons with the power of the airy crystal. They meet Sage, the greatest blacksmith, who agrees to help them. They also discover that the gnomes believe the world is ending and are preparing for a gathering to fight against Raiyu. Sebastian informs them about the upcoming battle and the group realizes that Peter's bandits have fallen. They decide to lead the fight and head to Athea, where they find that the kingdom is being reconstructed and they encounter Arudo, who buried Kaira's daughter. Chapter 13, All Roads. The kingdom of Resusi is nearly a day away for the group, so they have no idea what they are in for as they head there. It isn't until they stop in the Haiyu region they learn the unfortunate news that the kingdom and the sorcerers have fallen, even worse that Raiyu has set itself up as the new sovereign. The Iverses, on one hand, the Ivers of those was their undoing, but on the other hand, we now face a greater threat. Diane says, Raiyu never cared what they were up to, it just desired to be free. It said it took all the power back it gave them. Ayori says, what are we going to do? Kaira says, what are we going to do? We are going to have to regroup. When we were given the airy crystal energies, I had a thought, but we couldn't act on it. Once my world was shattered, I knew we would have a choice. Ayori says, no choice for what? Kaira continues, we need to travel with the gnomes. They possess the greatest of black smiths the world over. They can probably enchant the energy from the airy crystal to our weaponry and fix my sword. Diane says, I know you don't wish to hear this, but Kaira, before we go any further, now is the best time to bury your daughter. Heger says, Seru, please continue the practice in which you are conjuring. It will be dearly needed soon for you to summon more than one spirit. Vanity says, Heger and I believe the airy crystal energy can push your summoning, make you stronger. Seru, with an unsure expression, says, thank you, God. Kaira says, are you sure you wish to follow on? There is no turning back once we leave a field. Heger says, he and I are here for the cause. The stakes are higher, but we still believe in it. Vanity says, unlike my friends, I wasn't born with a gift for this. But I know how much they believed in you. Whatever they saw is worthy of following, even to the death. Kaira says, very well, then. As they board for Afia, Kayan asks Kaira, is this really the route you desire to go, Afia the gnome? Kaira says, you think Afia should last, so it's the last dance in case we die. Kayan, with a sorrowful smirk, replies, sadly, old friend, it only makes sense in that regard. Afterward, they hug one another. Kayan, while they are still embracing, says, would it be better for you if you saw Eridol as well? Kaira pulls from him and says, it seems like ages since I saw him. I really wouldn't know. They head for Nome, the land of the gnomes. People only visit the gnomes with items and weapons in mind to buy. They never take into account the fantastical skill it took to build their landscape, nor that they are a very peaceful people. The gnomes live underground. They have specifically built their homes underneath trees. In their villages, their platform homes are visible for entry. Gnomes are mainly trained to be blacksmiths. The sound of hammers beating can be heard from afar off. When a group arrives, they notice the area appears to favor a vast, low-wooded land. It doesn't seem to possess a tall structure of any sort when they land, but the sound of beating hammers is heard over anything else. As they walk into the wooded area, a young gnome runs off hollering in a language the group cannot understand. Seru and Kaira chase behind them. When they catch him, Kaira, rough as always, holds him up in the air by his arms, clenched together. The two notice the hammer beating for the most part ended. Kaira demands to know what the lad said. The teenage gnome explains the world is in peril and no one knows what is next. As it is in unsafe times, the gnomes have gnomes out watching as security, warning any time anyone arrives. Kaira explains they come in peace and asks if it stays, the Count, a blacksmith, still lives. Seru chuckles at the question because he doesn't know who that is. The teen explains he is the greatest of current blacksmiths and yet lives. He only does service for those who come in person. The teen gnome takes them on a lengthy journey through the area as the group sees the rubid homes of gnomes. They are mainly made of soil with trees and their roots at the root. The roots grow into the walls, almost as though they pushed up the tree stumps and declared that they're homes. The gnomes greet them with smiles as they pass by as their front area is open to all. The lad explains they have come to see the Count. Seru says, Kaira, how did you come about knowing of the Count? Kaira says, Diane's father had our weapons fashioned by him originally. We were told many great feats of him when he would teach us as youths about the world. They finally reach Sage's area. It is the size of multiple prior gnome homes. He has several gnomes working under his tutelage. He paces back and forth as one stresses correcting them his entire home seems as one giant workshop. The lad introduces and quickly departs. Sage the Count in his deep husky voice says, that little rascal, my load is already in eon out. What can I do ye for? Kaira walks up to him and pulls his broken sword from the bag Seru gave him. Sage's interest is struck the moment he sees it. He remembers he actually handcrafted it himself and not his trainees. He gestures to Kairan to show his sword. Sage smiles as he fashioned it by his own hands as well. Kaira briefly reveals their cause and gives him the Aerie Crystal containers. Sage decides he will handle all of their weapons himself and he understands they don't have long. He asks for a day. At the time allotted, the group return to his area. Sage with his perky attitude tells them he has done the best he can. All of the Aerie Crystal energy is not yet expended. There is enough left for Seru. Kaira is given his sword last. Sage who is much shorter stares up to him and tells him to be careful with it. Do not point it toward anyone or anything he does not plan to cut down because he has enchanted it and refined it so that it may be capable of cutting through anything. The group wonders how such a thing is possible. Sage explains he reforged it with added materials, i.e. a true craftsman will never tell. Sage says, to retell a story I put my trust in you all. My weapons make me proud. Kaira says, thank you. You have earned the name of a friend with us. We will follow. Sage be grateful. The others thank him as well. As they prepare to leave, the group wonders why gnomes are all over the place. Sage explains they believe the world is about to end so they will party for one full day and give a day of thanks to retaliation. They head to the text region to get one last batch of fuel. After getting fuel, they gather water from the barrel area and a wanderer greets them. Hey, you bunch don't appear to be from around here. Are you all here for the gathering? Kaira says, the gathering? Strange, what is that? The follower says, I am Sebastian and the gathering is our last chance. People are coming from all over to take one last stand against that monster Ryu. Kaira says, huh? When is this? Sebastian says, just a few days. Kaira says, ever since his kingdom? Sebastian says, no, we are our own. He has to meet us on our own terms here. Fanny says, this may sound like a foolish question, but does the Ryu know? Sebastian says, what manner of question would that be? Of course it knows. A group of warriors deliver the message to him. They were led by a group which were terrible on the high seas. What was their name again? Yes, the lead Peter's bandit. The group is shocked by this news. Unable to hold back tears, Hagar says, wait repeat that? They have fallen without me. Godly, oh my, what kind of world is this? What madness? The young adult elf falls to his knees, unable to fight back his tears. Fanny and Mayuri go over to him to comfort him. Sebastian, taken aback by his reaction, leaves the group. Kaira says, there is nowhere else to run. We leave for Athea, then return here. Whatever manner of struggle these bunch plan to take on, we will have to lead it. This all ends then. Kaira walks off. He doesn't even speak to Hagar. He boards the cruiser and sits in the command chair. When Hagar has pulled himself together, they all leave for Athea. The ride to Athea has several stops and is the longest flight thus far. The flight is quiet for the most part. The guys either train with their weapons or stand alone. Saru is in a constant state of meditation, which he has been in since he realized that may be his only way to strengthen himself. For everything they could have thought, what they find in Athea is more than expected. They had no idea King Lususi actually had partitions to reconstruct Athea. And they had been doing so now almost since it was destroyed. For what it is worth, it brings a good feeling to the Corps III. They also had buried all the dead. This stuns Kaira, who rushes to find Lususi's grave. He is even more startled to find a man standing where he was told the hour was late. He pulls his sword, but is even more startled to find out who it is. Kaira, startled, says, Arudo? Is that really you? Looking at Kaira with his sword drawn, the man called Arudo appears startled but replies, Yes, little brother. I'm sorry it's been so long and we had to encounter another under such bad circumstances. Kaira lowers his sword. Arudo says, I was the one who buried her. I'm sorry for your loss. Arudo comes over and hugs him. Kaira does not hug, but he does release his sword. Cayenne and Mayuria have walked up. Cayenne slowly says, My retaliation, it is you, Arudo. Mayuria says, Arudo the Wanderer, it's been a long time since you all folks passed. Cayenne says, He actually did come back once. He met Susie. Arudo finishes his embrace of Kaira. Arudo says, It's good to see you all, all grown up. When this happened, I joined the guild the late King Rasusi had formed. I didn't believe what had occurred. I found Susie's body shaking its head. I didn't know what had become of me. He says this as they all turn to see Kaira on his knees before Susie's grave. His head is down in prayer. Arudo says, You all are part of the gathering, I suppose. Mayuria looking at Cayenne says, Yes, we are. Arudo says, Our guild has tents off near from the building. I'll start supper for you all. Do come and have some before you go. Ceru, Vanity, and Hagar look at the others to answer for them. Mayuria, who looks at Kaira, thinks, This is what he needs right now. Then she looks to Arudo and says, Yes, we'll be over. As Arudo leaves, the group then all walks over to Kaira. Mayuria and Cayenne both touch his shoulders. For a moment, his head remains down. Then he lifts it. He says, I had not prayed since me and you died. Thank you, Mayuria. I thought I was all that was left. Hopefully, he will remain among us when this is all resolved. They all walk to where the guild's tents are and locate Arudo's place. It's too small for everyone to enter, but he cooks out the fire. He clarifies he will finish building, then back up Afia and stay if Kaira will have him. Kaira agrees and they have a warm embrace. They rest in Afia before his tent area. Kaira is the only one who rests in with his brother. Kaira and the others visit Tsuji's grave once more. Then they depart before daybreak.