The Black King's Desire for Hidden Knowledge Within the Cherry Blossom Garden [Event Job | Private]

Before heading to Kina, Adrastos had sent some of his organization into Kina to gather intel on the land and the clans. The information wouldn’t be useful in such the early stages of investigating the Kinan land and its people, but Adrastos heard about one particular clan called the Morihana. On the surface, the Morihana were known for tourism and magical innovation. Their clan’s initiation was rather easy to complete from what he’d heard, but they had one of the more harshest of punishments if someone tried to leave. The dark king was more interested in why. Why was this clan seemingly chill and yet so strict? If the penalty was death, shouldn’t the way to enter be difficult? “No,” Adrastos mumbled. “It makes sense. There’s no reason to limit who can enter if death is the ultimate punishment…” Whatever it was had to be important, right? How could they keep it a secret if the person couldn't keep their mouth shut?

“But why are they in such a damn place?!” All around Adrastos were cherry trees. They were beautiful, but the dark king had been wandering this maze for what felt like hours. He could just fly, using his Blade of Ascension or even the djinn equip, but was it worth it? It was probably covered by trees. The scenery was much different compared to the deep nights Adrastos spent alone, drenched in blood, fire, or death. This… was too peaceful, almost to the point of guttural revulsion. Adrastos wanted to burn the entire place to the ground.

Sitting down against the trunk of one of the many trees that inhabited the cherry blossom forest, his fingers danced softly on his black crown. “Whatever it is that they’re hiding, I’ll find it… This is just too much trouble for what they appear to be.” The dark king could have spent his time searching for the Kogata or Hinamoto, clans that better fit him on the surface, but if he had to think about it, in the end,  was more similar. He had plenty of time to consider his options while roaming through the pink labyrinth. Adrastos kept his actions secret and always put up a front in the public eye. A heavy sigh escaped the man’s lips. After spending this much time in the maze, he knew the Morihana were close. He wouldn’t find them if he while taking a break.

The dark king rose to his feet, dusting off his blue and white kimono. He didn’t stand out as much like when he wore his black coat, but the blue was off-putting in scenery that was just pink and light brown. The sun was starting to set, casting orange rays through the pink foliage. A gentle breeze rustled through the branches, shaking a few petals from their blossoms. They delicately danced as the wind carried them from the branches they called home until they came to rest on the ground, creating a thin carpet along the forest floor. Adrastos walked the twisting paths of the garden until the sun finally ducked behind the horizon. At that time, the dark king found himself at his destination: the Morihana Clan.