Supernova Flames of Destiny

KITSUNE

Chapter 4 - Kitsune

The boys emerged from the guild hall, their faces flushed with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. They had completed their initial trials and were ready to tackle their first real quest. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Raijin as they made their way to a nearby eatery to use some of their hard-earned coins. The bustling streets were alive with merchants, adventurers, and the murmur of a city at dusk.

Inside a modest tavern, the boys settled at a wooden table. They each had 50 coins set aside for this meal, eager to enjoy a proper feast after the trials they had faced.

The currency system in Raijin was straightforward but vital for their new life. A common coin was worth 1 coin, a bronze coin was worth 20 coins, a silver coin was worth 60 coins, and a gold coin was worth 200 coins. They had started with 10 silver coins, but after their expenditures, they were left with 7 silver coins, 1 bronze coin, and 10 common coins.

Their meal arrived—simple yet hearty fare. Supernova had opted for a steaming plate of fufu, while Nebula chose rice balls with a side salad. Arashi, the fastest and most agile among them, enjoyed a generous helping of rice and chicken. The food was comforting, a small solace after their recent trials.

As they ate, conversation flowed naturally.

"This food is amazing," Arashi said, his eyes brightening as he devoured a rice ball. "I didn't realize how hungry I was until now."

Supernova nodded, savoring his fufu. "Yeah, I needed this. The fights earlier were intense. I feel like I'm still coming down from the adrenaline."

Nebula, who was enjoying his salad, glanced at Arashi. "You were incredible out there. That Ligthtning bolt of yours really made a difference."

Arashi grinned. "Thanks! But don't forget, you were the one who took down that giant golem. We all played our part."

Their camaraderie was a balm for their bruised spirits. After the meal, they set out to purchase new gear with their remaining coins.

Supernova was the first to choose. With 200 coins, he bought a sleek katana, its blade gleaming with a deadly sharpness. It was an investment in his strength, and he couldn't wait to test its edge.

Nebula spent 150 coins on a pair of freeze gloves. The gloves were enchanted to control ice and water more precisely, which would enhance his defensive and offensive capabilities.

Arashi, always quick and nimble, chose lightning-resistant shoes for 100 coins. These shoes were designed to enhance his speed further and grant him the ability to channel lightning through them, amplifying his attacks.

With their new gear in hand, the boys returned to the guild hall to accept their quest. The job was clear: Investigate the mysterious disappearances in the southern woods and uncover what had happened to the missing people.

The journey to Orani Ubchi was uneventful, allowing them time to discuss their strategies and prepare for the unknown. As night began to fall, they reached the outskirts of the small town. Dim lights flickered in the distance, and the boys set about scouting the area for any signs of danger.

They stumbled upon a series of clues: scattered belongings, a trail of broken branches, and faint sounds of activity coming from a nearby tunnel. The tunnel, partially hidden by overgrown vegetation, seemed to be a hotspot for the recent disappearances.

With weapons drawn and powers at the ready, the boys entered the tunnel. It was dark and musty, but their enhanced senses quickly adapted. They heard the clatter of metal and the low murmur of voices—bandits, no doubt.

The tunnel was filled with bandits, their crude hideout cluttered with stolen goods. The boys didn't hesitate. Supernova ignited his fists with fire, creating a barrier of flames that pushed the bandits back. Nebula summoned a wave of water, which crashed through the bandits' defenses, knocking them off their feet. Arashi darted around with lightning speed, delivering swift, electrifying blows.

The battle was fierce but short. The bandits, overwhelmed by the combined power of the boys, fell quickly. Supernova leveled up to Level 5, with his Fire Fist skill now at Level 4. Nebula also advanced to Level 3, with his Flood skill reaching Level 3. Arashi hit Level 5, and his Thunderbolt skill improved to Level 3.

As the dust settled, the boys began collecting loot from the defeated bandits. The tunnel's walls were lined with various treasures—coins, weapons, and other valuables. While gathering their spoils, they heard faint noises coming from a deeper part of the tunnel.

With their guard up, they followed the sounds and discovered a grim sight: a makeshift jail cell with lifeless corpses strewn about. Their hearts sank at the sight, but hope flickered as they noticed a small figure huddled in the corner.

Supernova quickly used his Fire Fist to melt the metal bars of the cell. Nebula immediately stepped in, using his water powers to heal the weak girl inside.

The girl, a fox with delicate, pointed ears and a tuft of bushy tail, slowly regained consciousness. Her eyes fluttered open, revealing a deep weariness. The boys gently helped her to her feet.

"Who... who are you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"We're here to help," Supernova said softly. "I'm Supernova, and this is my brother Nebula and our friend  Arashi. What's your name?"

The girl's gaze was distant as she spoke. "I'm Kitsune. My parents were killed by bandits... and I was taken and put here to be sold as a slave."

Nebula's eyes softened with sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Kitsune. We'll get you out of here."

They carefully helped Kitsune out of the cell and began tending to her needs. They offered her some of their rations, and Nebula used his healing powers to restore her strength. Kitsune ate slowly, her eyes filled with a mix of relief and sadness.

As they prepared to leave the tunnel, Kitsune spoke again. "Thank you... for saving me. I thought I was going to die here."

"It's okay," Arashi said, his voice gentle. "You're safe now."

The boys escorted Kitsune back to Oran Ubchi, where they received their payment. The quest had earned them a total of 5500 coins—4500 for the mission and 1000 for the items they had brought back. It was a significant sum, and they felt a sense of accomplishment as they held the coins.

Suddenly, Supernova was approached by the guild master, a tall figure with an authoritative presence. The master's eyes were sharp as he addressed Supernova privately.

"Supernova," the master said, "we've been observing your progress. You've shown great promise. I have an important question for you. Would you be willing to take Kitsune under your wing? She needs someone to care for her and guide her, and I believe you're the right person for the task."

Supernova's heart raced. He glanced back at Kitsune, who was talking quietly with Nebula and Arashi. The weight of the decision settled heavily on him. The future of this young girl, and perhaps even his own destiny, seemed to hinge on this choice.

He turned back to the guild master, his mind swirling with thoughts of responsibility and uncertainty. "I... I need to think about it."

The guild master nodded, understanding the gravity of the decision. "Take your time. This is a big responsibility, but it could be the beginning of something meaningful for both you and Kitsune."

As Supernova rejoined his brothers and Kitsune, the weight of the guild master's words pressed heavily on him. The decision loomed over him, and he knew that whatever choice he made would change their lives forever.

The chapter closed with Supernova's gaze fixed on Kitsune, the question of her future hanging in the balance. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, and the boys stood on the precipice of a new adventure—one that would test their resolve and their hearts.

To Be Continued...