The Last Bargain

XIX: The Keepers Of Knowledge

The descent down the mountain was slow and arduous. The path was steep and uneven, with loose stones that shifted underfoot and treacherous drops that lurked just beyond the narrow trail. The wind howled through the peaks, carrying with it a biting chill that stung their faces and numbed their fingers. But Zento and Shin pressed on, driven by a determination that burned hotter than the cold that surrounded them.

They moved in silence, their minds occupied with the events that had just transpired. The image of Raito's face—the pain, the doubt, the anger—was etched into Zento's memory like a scar. He had never seen Raito look so conflicted, so lost. And now, he was in Yomi's domain, undergoing trials that could change him forever.

Zento's heart ached at the thought. He had known Raito to be cynical, mistrustful, and often hard to read, but he had never doubted his friend's loyalty. Now, Yomi had driven a wedge between them, playing on Raito's darkest fears and deepest wounds. And Zento knew that if they didn't act quickly, they might lose Raito for good.

Shin seemed to sense Zento's thoughts. "We'll get him back," he said, breaking the silence. His voice was steady, but there was an edge of uncertainty in it. "We have to."

Zento nodded, though his expression remained grim. "Yeah... we will. But first, we need to find someone who knows more about the gods—someone who's dealt with them before. We can't just wander around blindly."

Shin glanced at him, frowning. "Any idea where we start?"

Zento paused, thinking. "There are stories of sages and hermits in the eastern forests who have dedicated their lives to understanding the divine. Some say they've even communicated with the gods. We might find answers there."

Shin nodded. "Sages and hermits, huh? Sounds like a long shot... but it's all we've got."

They continued down the mountain, moving faster now as the terrain leveled out. The sun began to set, casting long shadows across the landscape. The forest stretched out below them, a dark, dense mass of trees that seemed to go on forever. Zento knew that somewhere within those woods, there were people who might know the secrets they sought—people who could help them understand Yomi's motives and perhaps even find a way back into the god's domain.

By nightfall, they reached the base of the mountain, and the forest loomed ahead, silent and foreboding. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, and the canopy overhead was so dense that it blocked out most of the moonlight. Zento felt a shiver run down his spine. The forest felt... alive, as if it were watching them, waiting to see what they would do next.

"We should rest," Shin suggested, his voice low. "We've been moving all day, and we need to keep our strength up. We won't do Raito any good if we're too tired to think straight."

Zento hesitated, glancing around the darkened woods. "You're right," he agreed. "But we can't waste too much time. Every moment we spend here is another moment Raito's in Yomi's hands."

Shin nodded, setting his pack down and starting to clear a small area for a fire. "We'll rest for a few hours, then move again at first light," he said. "If there are sages or hermits out here, they're not going to be easy to find. We'll need our wits about us."

Zento crouched down beside him, helping to gather some dry leaves and twigs. "Agreed," he replied. "But we have to stay alert. This forest... it doesn't feel right. Almost like it's hiding something."

Shin looked up, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Yeah," he murmured. "I feel it too. Let's hope whatever it's hiding is friendly... or at least willing to talk."

They set up a small camp and lit a fire, the flames crackling and casting flickering light around them. They ate a quick meal in silence, their thoughts heavy with concern. As the fire burned, Zento found himself staring into the flames, lost in thought.