Chương 125: Seeking Funding [part 1]
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: The Birth of an Alliance
With victory achieved without bloodshed, Kyōi realized that true power did not lie solely in the strength of weapons but in the ability to earn the loyalty and respect of men who lived on the fringes of society.
As the applause of the crowd died down, Kyōi and Renidori Decianezen looked into each other's eyes, and in that moment, a silent understanding was established between them.
Kyōi had not only defeated the leader of the mercenaries, but he had also shown that there was something greater at stake, a cause worth following.
Renidori Decianezen was the first step toward building a team of warriors who would fight for an ideal, not for money.
"We are ready to follow you," said Renidori Decianezen, in a voice less harsh than before. "But we need to know what your real plan is, Kyōi. What do you intend to do now?"
Kyōi paused for a moment, his gaze briefly lost in thought as he reflected.
It was not yet time to reveal all the details of his past, nor to openly discuss his connection to the imperial family, but one thing had to be clear: he wanted to change the fate of the Empire.
"My goal is to restore honor," Kyōi began, speaking calmly but with a firm voice.
"I want to gather men of worth and courage, men who are willing to fight not just for themselves, but for something greater. I've lost much, as many of you here have. But from this loss, a new strength will be born."
Renidori nodded slowly, weighing his words.
"I understand what you're saying. But what do these men get out of it? What do I get out of it?" he asked with an ironic smile, though there was a different light in his eyes now, a slight emerging respect.
"You gain the chance to redeem yourselves," Kyōi replied.
"The chance to rewrite your destiny. You will no longer be seen as mercenaries, you will no longer be forgotten or outcast. We will become an unstoppable force, and when the time comes, our cause will shake the foundations of the Empire itself."
These words echoed among those present, many of whom began to look at Kyōi with newfound interest.
The mercenaries had seen many leaders promise riches and glory, but no one spoke of redemption.
For many of them, men who had lost everything, those words were more valuable than any treasure.
The Next Move
"If we want to change something," Kyōi continued, "we must first strengthen ourselves. We need to become stronger, find other allies, and show the world that we are more than just swords for hire."
Renidori Decianezen turned toward his men, and with a nod of his head, called them to gather.
"What do you think?" he asked his companions, his gaze stern but understanding.
One of the mercenaries, a short but muscular man, was the first to speak.
"We've never cared just about money," he said in a rough voice. "We fought because it was all we had left. But if there's a chance to fight for something more, then I'm in."
Another, a woman with short hair and a scarred face, stood up and nodded.
"If this means having a true cause, then I see no reason not to."
General approval spread among those present.
Renidori, seeing the enthusiasm among his men, turned back to Kyōi and extended his hand.
"Then it's decided. We'll stand by your side."
Kyōi shook Renidori's hand, thus sealing the first true alliance on his path to redemption.
With these warriors by his side, he felt the first step had been taken, but he knew the road ahead would be long and full of obstacles.
"Let's get ready to leave," Kyōi said, as the men returned to their seats to discuss the details.
"We need to leave Hinshō no Chi before anyone starts asking too many questions."
The Next Destination
As night fell on Hinshō no Chi, Kyōi and his new group of allies planned their next move.
It was time to seek out other resources, to find places where they could strengthen themselves and begin to perform those legendary feats that would change the course of destiny.
Kyōi knew the key to success lay in building a network of loyal and courageous men and women, ready to challenge the established order.
But he also knew that time was not on his side: he had to move quickly before someone discovered the truth about his past and his connection to the imperial family.
With what was now his former mercenary group by his side, the first stage of Kyōi's journey toward redemption and restoration had been completed.
But the road ahead was long and fraught with danger.
The Journey of Suzuki Kyōi: Toward Strength and Glory
As the night fell silently over Hinshō no Chi, Kyōi's group prepared to leave the Land of Poverty.
The cold wind blowing through the alleys seemed like a prelude to the hard days ahead, but Kyōi was determined.
He had begun to build a foundation, a team ready to follow him not just for money, but for a greater ideal.
Renidori Decianezen, now by his side, proved to be a valuable ally.
With his experience as a veteran and his ability to control the mercenaries with his mere presence, Kyōi felt he already had a key asset.
The respect of men hardened by violence and bitterness was not easily earned, but now that he had planted the seed of hope, he knew he had to act with speed and strategy.
The Search for Resources
"First of all," Kyōi said to the group, "we must fortify ourselves. We cannot face the challenges ahead without resources, nor can we grow without allies and proper means."
Renidori Decianezen nodded, immediately understanding the importance of what Kyōi was saying.
"I know some places outside the capital's borders, places where resources abound, but they're guarded by forces no one has ever dared to challenge. If you're ready to risk your life, we could leave at dawn."
Kyōi pondered for a moment.
He knew the dangers of seeking wealth in wild territories, often guarded by legendary creatures or rival bands.
But he also knew they had no alternatives.
To grow, they had to take risks.
"Tell me more," Kyōi asked.
Renidori took a sip from his cup and then spoke in a low voice.
"North of the capital, in the mountains, there's a forgotten mine.
"Once, this mine provided precious resources to the Empire, but it was abandoned after rumors of strange creatures inhabiting its depths began to spread. No one has returned alive from that place in years."
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