The Mytho Chronicles: Eclipse Of Faith

Chapter 86: Homecoming

Chapter 83: Homecoming

The night was still when Ryota Takeda stepped out of the library, his thoughts heavy with the information he had just uncovered. Without wasting any time, he pulled out his ED hologram communicator and sent a message to his students, instructing them to meet him immediately in the central courtyard. Within minutes, the group assembled, their faces etched with a mix of concern and curiosity. Ren Nakamura, Nika Kusakabe, Miyu Tanaka, Aiko Kuroda, Ryohei Kamo, Kaida Hoshino, and Kyoko Amanai—all of them were there, though it was clear they were still shaking off the remnants of sleep.

Ren rubbed his eyes and stifled a yawn, exchanging a glance with Miyu, who looked equally tired. "What's going on, Sensei?" Ren asked, his voice laced with concern. "You never call us at night."

Ryota took a deep breath, his expression serious. "I've found a lead on how we can unlock our Potential Unlocked states. But it requires the help of someone very specific—my cousin, Yuto Takeda."

At the mention of Yuto, Ren's eyes widened. "Yuto Takeda? I didn't even know you had a cousin, let alone one who could help us with this. You're quite the family man, Sensei."

Ryota chuckled lightly, though there was a hint of bitterness in his tone. "We haven't interacted much in recent years. Our relationship is... complicated. We've been in intense training sessions, and let's just say we don't always see eye to eye. But he's agreed to help us, and that's what matters."

Ren nodded, still processing the information. Ryota's tone made it clear that there was more to the story, but now wasn't the time to pry. Ryota continued, "We'll be heading to my hometown tomorrow. Make sure you're all prepared. This isn't just about training—it's about survival."

The group exchanged glances, the gravity of the situation sinking in. They had faced countless challenges together, but something about this felt different. More personal.

Early Morning

The sun was just beginning to rise as Ryota, Nika, Kyoko, Ryohei, and Kaida, along with Ren's group, gathered in front of a sleek private jet on the school's landing strip. The jet was a gift from the Prime Minister, a token of appreciation for Ryota's countless contributions to the sorcery world.

As they boarded, Nika couldn't help but ask, "Ryota, why have you never mentioned your hometown before?"

Ryota's expression turned somber. "I don't have a good relationship with my family—except for my mother. It's... complicated."

Ren, always one to find a silver lining, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry too much, Sensei. All parents want the best for their children. I'm sure things will work out."

Ryota turned to look out the window, a small tear escaping before he quickly wiped it away. "I hope you're right, Ren. I really do."

The jet flew smoothly through the clear skies, the tension in the cabin palpable. After what felt like an eternity, they finally approached Ryota's home village. As they descended, the students were taken aback by the sight below—hundreds of villagers were gathered, looking up at the sky and waving excitedly.

Ren and Aiko exchanged confused glances. "Sensei, why are they all staring at us like that?" Ren asked.

Ryota sighed. "They know we're coming. This is no longer a secret. The entire village is aware of our arrival."

The jet landed in an open field, surrounded by priests and villagers, their expressions a mix of reverence and curiosity. As the group disembarked, Ryota turned to his students and colleagues, his tone firm. "Keep your sorcerer uniforms on at all times. My family is strict about this, and they may refuse to help if you don't adhere to their traditions. And please, no strange behavior. Be as formal as possible."

Aiko, already feeling uneasy, whispered to Ren, "These people are weirdos."

Ryota overheard and whispered back, "They're just like that. Stay quiet and follow my lead."

As they descended the jet's stairs, the crowd parted, making way for three figures who approached with purpose. Ryota's parents, Isamu and Airi Takeda, emerged from the throng, their presence commanding attention. Airi broke into a run, embracing Ryota with a warmth that surprised his students. Ryota returned the hug, a rare smile on his face.

Ren and the others couldn't help but smile at the sight, though Ren noticed something in Ryota's expression—a mix of joy and hidden sorrow. Just then, another figure approached—Yuto Takeda. He and Ryota clasped hands in a gesture of mutual respect, though the tension between them was palpable.

Isamu Takeda, a stern man with a commanding presence, greeted his son with a nod before turning to the group. "Welcome. Follow me."

As they walked through the village, Ren whispered to Miyu, "Sensei's dad seems pretty tough."

Miyu nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's not exactly the warm and fuzzy type."

Finally, they reached the Takeda family's palace—a massive structure that left Ren and the others speechless. The sheer size and grandeur of the building were overwhelming. Ren's jaw dropped as he took it all in. "This... this is incredible," he murmured.

Ryota smiled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Do you like it?"

Ren could only nod, still in awe of the opulent surroundings. As they entered the palace, the interior was even more impressive—elegantly designed, with intricate details in every corner. The priests showed them to their rooms, and after settling in, they were summoned for lunch.

The dining hall was another marvel—an enormous space with a long table that could easily seat fifty people. Ren took his place beside Miyu, still processing the sheer scale of everything.

A few minutes later, Ryota's parents, along with his teenage siblings and Yuto, joined them. Ren couldn't help but notice how Ryota avoided looking at his father, a detail that didn't escape Miyu either.

Airi Takeda, however, was the picture of hospitality. She engaged each of them in conversation, asking about their backgrounds and how they became sorcerers. She seemed particularly interested in Nika, who shared stories of her friendship with Ryota from their student years. Airi was clearly taken with Nika's vibrant personality, even musing to herself that Nika would make a wonderful match for her son. But the thought was quickly dismissed as she remembered the rigid traditions of the Takeda family.

After the meal, Ryota instructed everyone to rest. "We'll be attending the village carnival this evening. It's a tradition, and it'll be a good chance for you all to experience the local culture."

As evening fell, Ryota led the group to the village carnival. The atmosphere was lively, with people bowing in respect as Ryota and his group passed by. Yumi leaned over to Ren and whispered, "Sensei's practically royalty here."

Ren nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's kind of surreal."

The carnival was a mix of rides, games, and vibrant stalls. The group enjoyed themselves, but Ryota found his gaze often drifting to Nika, who looked radiant in the warm glow of the evening lights. His heart ached with a love he knew he could never act on. The Takeda family would never accept an outsider like Nika, and the thought of putting her in danger by confessing his feelings was unbearable. He buried his emotions deep, focusing on the task at hand.

Later that Night

After dinner, Ryota retreated to his room, his mind racing with thoughts of what was to come. His mother's fascination with Nika hadn't gone unnoticed, and while it brought a small smile to his face, it also filled him with worry. The Takeda family's traditions were strict, and he knew they would never allow someone like Nika into their inner circle.

Across the palace, Ren lay in his room, staring up at the ceiling. The day had been overwhelming, and his mind was filled with thoughts of the intense training that awaited them. Tomorrow would mark the beginning of a new chapter in their journey, and he could only hope that they were ready for the challenges ahead.

End of Chapter 86

The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation and unease as the characters prepare for the intense training under Yuto Takeda. The emotional complexities of Ryota's family dynamics add depth to the narrative, setting the stage for the trials that lie ahead.