The throne of dominance

Chapter 4: Whispers of the Threaded Forest

The four of them—Jean, Zane, Jonas, and Yuri—moved steadily across the vast landscape of the Jinji Continent, leaving the familiar roads of Sairaku behind as they entered the unknown. The path they followed was narrow and winding, cutting through a region known as Akikawa Vale, a broad stretch of wildflower-filled fields and grassy hills that rolled endlessly under the open sky. The air here was rich with the fragrance of wild herbs, and the soft hum of insects filled the silence, their wings catching the light as they darted between blooms of vibrant reds, purples, and yellows.

Jean walked ahead, his steps light as he turned occasionally, trying to spark conversation and break the silence that lingered around them. Behind him, Zane's gaze was sharp and watchful, her expression still carrying the weight of her promise to seek vengeance for Jake. Jonas and Yuri, following just behind her, moved with a quiet intensity, the loss of their friend's brother casting a somber air over the group.

As they left the Akikawa Vale behind, the land transformed into something rougher, more untamed. They entered Hikaramei Pass, a winding stretch of rocky terrain where the ground was uneven and the path became steep, cutting through jagged cliffs that rose high on either side. The shadows here stretched long and dark, the cliffs blotting out parts of the sky. Thin streams of water trickled down the rocks, catching sunlight in tiny, glistening drops that clung to moss-covered stone. Each step echoed slightly, as though the rocks themselves were watching, listening.

Despite the intensity of the landscape, Jean tried to lighten the mood, throwing occasional jokes back over his shoulder. "Hey, don't tell me those cliffs are making you nervous, Yuri. I know you're scared of Zane, but I didn't think you'd be scared of rocks too!"

Yuri chuckled lightly but gave a mock frown. "Jean, I'd rather deal with a hundred cliffs than Zane's stare any day." Zane, overhearing, gave Yuri a sideways glance, and he quickly turned away, feigning an exaggerated interest in the path ahead. Jean laughed, and even Jonas cracked a slight smile, the tension among them easing just a bit.

As they exited Hikaramei Pass, the land opened up into Mikazuki Expanse, a wide, barren plain stretching as far as they could see, its surface dry and cracked, the earth pale under the relentless sun. Strange rock formations dotted the landscape—tall, narrow pillars that looked as though they'd been sculpted by time itself, their surfaces etched with deep grooves. The wind here was strong and dry, carrying a faint, otherworldly whistling sound as it swept across the rocks.

The journey was long, and the sun beat down on them as they made their way across the Mikazuki Expanse. The vast openness gave way, eventually, to a narrow, forested trail lined with towering bamboo—Fuyugane Path, known for its towering bamboo that stretched high overhead, their stalks bending and creaking in the wind. Here, shadows dappled the ground, and the air grew cooler, carrying with it the fresh, green scent of the bamboo.

They walked in silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts, until Yuri, glancing over at Jean, broke the quiet. "Jean... you told me once you practiced your magic a long time ago, but I... kind of forgot. What's your magic system called again?"

Jean grinned, grateful for the chance to share something familiar amidst the vast unknown of the landscape. "Oh, so you want to know, huh?" he teased, raising an eyebrow. "Well, it's called Solgetsu by the builders—at least, that's what they called the ones who can wield the power of the sun and moon. It's... well, it's unique, even among all the other magic I've seen."

Jonas glanced over, intrigued, while Zane listened quietly, her expression calm but attentive. Jean continued, his tone brightening as he explained, "Solgetsu means 'sun and moon,' more or less. My ability lets me channel energy from both, but only depending on the time of day. So, during the day, I can use the power of the sun, and at night, I use the moon's energy. It's pretty versatile—sometimes I can use it to attack, sometimes to defend."