Kami no gyakuten:The yamato hero-Chapter 21: The Heart of Azure Mountain

Sho and Kyoko stepped out of the cave, their bodies exhausted, their breaths uneven. The Azure Crystal in Sho's hands radiated a soft blue glow, casting a gentle light on their weary faces.

But despite their success, neither of them smiled.

Daigo was gone.

The sound of the rushing River of the Forgotten still echoed in their minds. His sacrifice had ensured their survival, but it had left a hole in their hearts that neither could put into words.

As they approached the meeting point, Fuyutake stood waiting for them. His piercing gaze quickly took in their condition—their bruises, their ragged clothes, and, most importantly, the missing third member.

His voice was calm but heavy with an unspoken emotion. "Where is Daigo?"

Kyoko gritted her teeth, her eyes filled with guilt. Sho looked down at the crystal in his hands, unable to meet Fuyutake's gaze.

"The river took him," Sho finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Fuyutake's expression darkened. For a moment, he didn't speak. The silence between them stretched, growing heavier by the second.

Then, he closed his eyes and let out a slow breath.

"I see." His voice was steady, but Sho and Kyoko could tell—he was grieving too.

Sho clenched his fists. "We... we have to go back and save him."

Fuyutake shook his head. "The River of the Forgotten is not something we can defy. If he is still alive, he has already lost his memories."

The words hit like a blade to the chest.

Kyoko lowered her head, fighting the tears threatening to spill. Sho gritted his teeth, frustration boiling inside him.

Fuyutake placed a firm hand on Sho's shoulder. "Right now, we need to complete our mission. If we fail, Daigo's sacrifice will have been for nothing."

Sho took a shaky breath and nodded.

Fuyutake stepped back and raised his hands. Suddenly, his aura flared to life.

A powerful blue energy surged around him, swirling like a storm before taking shape—a massive dragon.

Sho and Kyoko barely had time to react before Fuyutake said, "Hold on."

The dragon lifted off the ground, carrying them into the sky. The world below shrank as they soared toward the peak of Azure Mountain.

The journey was brief but breathtaking. The wind howled past them, the endless sky stretching beyond the horizon.

Soon, they reached the summit.

A magnificent ancient temple stood before them, weathered by time but standing proud against the sky. Two massive dragon statues flanked the entrance, their carved eyes glowing faintly. But what caught their attention most was a dragon's mouth carved in stone, embedded in the center of the entrance.

Fuyutake stepped forward. "This is where the Azure Crystal belongs."

Sho and Kyoko followed, their eyes scanning the mystical structure. There was an undeniable energy in the air—something ancient, something powerful.

Sho hesitated. "Is this temple... alive?"

Fuyutake didn't answer immediately. Instead, he slowly approached the stone dragon's mouth. With a deep breath, he carefully placed the Azure Crystal inside.

The moment it touched the stone, the ground trembled.

A surge of blue light exploded outward, engulfing the entire temple. The two dragon statues at the entrance seemed to awaken, their glowing eyes intensifying.

The Azure Crystal rose into the air, spinning gracefully, pulsing with energy.

Sho's heart pounded in his chest. "What's happening?"

Kyoko took a cautious step back. "This is... more than just a crystal."

Fuyutake remained calm, watching the temple come alive.

"This," he finally said, "is the heart of Azure Mountain."

Sho and Kyoko turned to him, stunned.

Fuyutake continued, his voice steady. "Every five years, a cave appears deep within the mountain, forming a single Azure Crystal. But no Seiryu Clan member can take it."

Sho furrowed his brows. "Why?"

Fuyutake sighed. "Because it is a gift, not a right. Our ancestors made a pact with the Azure Mountain Spirit. If we take the crystal before it is retrieved by an outsider, it will lose its power and bring misfortune upon our clan."

Sho stared at the glowing crystal, a newfound respect forming in his heart.

Kyoko looked up at the swirling energy surrounding the temple. "So... what happens now?"

As if in response, a deep rumbling sound echoed from within the temple. The light from the Azure Crystal intensified, sending a shockwave through the air.

Sho and Kyoko shielded their eyes as the temple's inner chamber slowly began to open.

Inside, an altar stood at the center, bathed in blue light. Strange, ancient symbols lined the walls, glowing faintly.

Fuyutake narrowed his eyes. "It's time."

He stepped forward, motioning for Sho and Kyoko to follow.

As they entered the chamber, Sho could feel it.

A presence.

A powerful, unseen force watching them.

Kyoko whispered, "Something is here."

Sho nodded, gripping his fists. "Yeah... I feel it too."

Fuyutake remained composed. "Be on guard. This is where the Azure Crystal's power truly awakens."

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The moment they reached the altar, the doors behind them slammed shut.

The air grew thick with energy.

And then—a voice echoed through the chamber.

"Who dares disturb the heart of Azure Mountain?"

Sho's breath caught in his throat.

Kyoko's eyes widened.

Fuyutake closed his eyes, whispering under his breath. "It has begun."