Kagehana had barely survived his deadly battle with Nahid. Brought to the brink of annihilation by Nahid's flames, he collapsed on the battlefield, waiting for death. But at that very moment, a group of men emerged from the shadows. They were loyal soldiers and assassins of the fallen king. After the king's death, they had gathered and formed a secret faction to overthrow the new king, Nihad.
The leader of this group, Arden, saw Kagehana as a potential ally. Knowing that Kagehana had once been one of the king's trusted men, he believed he might seek revenge. Kagehana remained in a coma for a month as his wounded body slowly recovered. When he finally opened his eyes, a healer was by his side.
The healer spoke calmly. "You're finally awake. After your battle with Nahid, we pulled you back from the edge of death. You've been here for a month. The king is dead, and Nihad has taken the throne."
Kagehana could hardly believe what he was hearing. Nihad becoming king after Nahid's victory was both surprising and deeply frustrating to him.
The healer continued, "Arden saved you. You are no longer free… but this is your chance to reclaim some of the honor you lost."
Kagehana slowly rose in silence. The healer led him to Arden. In the center of a large tent, Arden was speaking with several loyal soldiers bearing the old king's symbols. When he saw Kagehana, a sly smile spread across his face.
"Kagehana," Arden said, "you were one of the king's most trusted men. That is why we saved you. Nihad now sits on the throne, deceiving the people with promises of justice and kindness. But we know he does not deserve it. We seek revenge for our king. Will you join us in this war?"
After a moment of thought, Kagehana spoke firmly. "If Nihad is deceiving the people, then it is my duty to bring him down. To prove my loyalty to the former king, I accept your offer. Nihad will face the punishment he deserves."
Arden nodded with satisfaction. "Then our preparations begin. We have a plan to shake Nihad's throne. You will be an important part of it."
Filled with ambition and a desire for revenge, Kagehana joined Arden's cause. This new threat rising from the shadows was becoming a force that could seriously endanger Nihad's rule.
As Kagehana stood silently before Arden, one thought consumed his mind: Nahid. The man who had shattered his honor and brought him to the brink of death. Though Arden's plans to overthrow Nihad interested him, his true priority was Nahid.
Interrupting Arden, Kagehana asked, "Do you know where Nahid is?"
Noticing the determination in his eyes, Arden smiled. "Yes," he said calmly. "I know where he went. After the battle, he withdrew. Now he lives in a temple hidden among the mountains, taking his master's place and teaching others."
Kagehana clenched his fists, his eyes burning with rage. "Nahid destroyed my honor," he said coldly. "He brought me to the edge of death and left me with nothing but shame. I want to kill him, Arden. Help me."
Arden quickly considered the idea. Killing Nahid would not only weaken Nihad's kingdom but also secure Kagehana's loyalty.
"If you help me overthrow Nihad," Arden said, "then I will grant your request. I will help you find Nahid."
Kagehana met his gaze with determination. "Then we have a deal. Nahid's death is a matter of honor for me. But it will also serve your victory."
Arden immediately summoned his three most skilled assassins. They moved like shadows, each one deadly and unwaveringly loyal. Turning to Kagehana, Arden said:
"These three will serve you. I know the location of the temple. It is hidden among the mountains. They will guide you. If you wish to reclaim your honor, this is your path."
Kagehana glanced at them briefly and nodded. "Take me to Nahid."
Arden knew this journey was more than personal revenge. Nahid's death would weaken Nihad and strengthen his own plans. As Kagehana set out, his anger and desire for vengeance only grew. This was not just a confrontation—it was a war to reclaim his honor.
When Kagehana reached Nahid's temple, the three assassins stood beside him. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the temple only fueled his anger. Nahid was teaching his students when he sensed their presence. He turned his gaze toward Kagehana and took a deep breath.
Kagehana's eyes burned with hatred. "Nahid!" he shouted. "Today, in this temple, I will reclaim my honor!"
Nahid stood calmly, glancing at the assassins before placing his hand near his sword.
"This should have been between you and me, Kagehana. Why involve others?" he asked in a calm but firm voice.
Kagehana smirked. "I am ready to face you. But you don't get to decide the rules of this battle."
The assassins moved instantly. All three attacked Nahid at once, but with his mastery over flames, Nahid defeated them with ease. Fire danced across the battlefield, turning the temple into chaos. When the assassins fell, Nahid let out a deep breath and touched his sword.
"I am a man who has left war behind," he said, reluctantly drawing the sword of the Fire God. "But if you force me, I will have no choice."
His blade ignited with divine flames. Kagehana realized that Nahid's power was still overwhelming—but he would not back down.
The two clashed once more. Flames and fury engulfed the temple.
In the midst of battle, Nahid spoke:
"I thought you were dead. Why are you still chasing me, Kagehana? Why so much hatred?"
Kagehana's voice was filled with rage. "Because you shattered my honor! You brought me to the edge of death and left me in disgrace. Today, I will defeat you and reclaim what I lost!"
For a moment, sadness flickered in Nahid's eyes—but the battle continued.
This time, Kagehana used his strategy and cunning to trap Nahid. As Nahid fell under the trap's effect, he slowly rose again and looked at him.
"You've grown stronger," Nahid said with a faint smile. "But continuing this fight will benefit neither of us."
At that moment, Nahid's students and allies emerged from the temple. Realizing the battle was no longer in his favor, Kagehana took a deep breath and withdrew. He was exhausted and had no strength left to face more opponents.
As he left the temple, a bitter feeling lingered within him. He had fought Nahid—but he had not truly taken his revenge.
When he returned to Arden, he spoke firmly:
"Nahid is still alive. But there is another way. We must put the plan to overthrow Nihad into motion now. If Nahid learns that his brother is in danger, he will return to the palace. And when that happens… everything will end."
A dark smile formed on Arden's face as he listened. Overthrowing Nihad and eliminating Nahid were now two goals tied together.
As Kagehana moved forward on his path to reclaim his honor, the seeds of a far greater war had already been planted.