The Last Bargain

Chapter XII: The Path Of Shadows

The first light of dawn had barely touched the horizon when Zento, Shin, and Raito set out from the Kasetsu estate. The air was crisp and cool, a light mist hanging over the ground, clinging to the dense foliage of the surrounding forest. They moved quickly, their footsteps silent on the damp earth. Raito led the way, his movements purposeful, while Zento and Shin followed close behind, their senses alert for any sign of danger.

The path Raito chose was narrow and winding, cutting through dense undergrowth and over uneven terrain. It was clear he knew these woods well, navigating with the confidence of someone who had traveled them many times before. Zento felt a flicker of doubt. He trusted Raito's knowledge, but he also knew how unpredictable the young Kasetsu could be. Raito had agreed to guide them, but his motivations remained his own.

They walked in silence for some time, the only sound the rustling of leaves beneath their feet and the distant call of birds. The forest seemed to close in around them, the trees tall and thick, their branches intertwining overhead to form a canopy that blocked out much of the morning light. Zento felt a strange tension in the air, a heaviness that seemed to weigh on his shoulders. He glanced over at Shin, who was scanning the surroundings with a wary expression.

"Are we on the right path?" Shin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Raito didn't look back. "Yes," he replied. "The way to the temple is hidden for a reason. Only those who know how to find it can reach it."

Shin frowned. "And you're sure you know where it is?"

Raito's lips curled into a faint smile. "I've studied the old texts, spoken to those who claim to have seen it. I know the way as well as anyone can. But remember, the gods don't want us to find it. They will try to stop us."

Zento nodded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We're ready," he said. "Whatever comes, we're ready."

Raito glanced back at him, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Don't be so certain, Zento. The gods have ways of testing mortals that you can't imagine. This journey will not be straightforward."

They continued on, the path growing steeper as they ascended into the mountains. The air grew colder, and the mist thickened, wrapping around them like a shroud. Zento could feel his muscles tightening with the effort, but he pushed forward, refusing to let fatigue slow him down.

After several hours of walking, they reached a small clearing, a break in the trees that allowed a sliver of sunlight to pierce through. Raito stopped, holding up a hand for silence. He crouched down, examining the ground closely.

"What is it?" Zento asked, moving closer.

Raito pointed to a set of faint tracks, barely visible in the dirt. "Footprints," he murmured. "Someone else has been here recently."

Shin knelt beside him, studying the tracks. "Are they following us?"

Raito shook his head. "No. These tracks are old, at least a few days. But it's unusual for anyone to be this far off the main roads. Whoever they were, they knew what they were doing."

Zento felt a prickle of unease. "Could it be another clan?"

"Possible," Raito replied. "Or it could be someone sent by the gods. We should be careful."

They moved on, more cautiously now, their senses heightened. The path grew narrower and more treacherous, winding through steep ravines and along rocky ledges. The mist thickened further, and the trees became twisted and gnarled, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers.

Zento felt a growing sense of unease. He could sense something watching them from the shadows, something unseen but very real. He kept his hand on his sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.