Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

Chapter 213: The First Gelel Temple - Journey into the Valley

As dawn breaks, Malik and Kamira prepare for their journey to the first Gelel Temple, a site hidden in a rugged, rocky valley surrounded by thick, ancient forest. The air is crisp, and the early morning sun casts long shadows across Haido's fortress, adding an ominous edge to the adventure ahead.

Malik double-checks his supplies, making sure to bring along essential provisions, his trusted cooking tools, and a few magical ingredients he believes might come in handy. He's dressed in his usual attire, a finely tailored outfit in his signature pink and gold, practical yet stylish. Kamira, meanwhile, dons her turquoise armor, which she recently polished to a gleaming finish. Her armor gives her a fierce, almost predatory look, and her large, reddish eyes gleam with determination as she fastens her spiked shoulder guards.

As they set out, Kiyomi remains behind, having reluctantly agreed to Malik's request to stay and manage things within Haido's fortress while he's away. She watches them go, her steely gaze fixed on Kamira as they walk down the stone path leading out of the fortress grounds. Kamira gives Kiyomi a slight, taunting smirk before turning her focus back to the journey.

The path to the temple is long and winding, cutting through dense woods before descending into a series of jagged, rocky canyons. Malik and Kamira walk side by side, navigating the narrow paths that snake along cliffsides and through overgrown brush. Malik, ever the conversationalist, engages Kamira in light-hearted banter, asking her about her past and her time before joining Haido's cause. Kamira, reluctant at first, eventually opens up a little, sharing fragments of her life from their homeland across the sea.

As they get deeper into the valley, the environment becomes even more rugged. The trees grow denser, their roots twisting over boulders and sinking deep into the rocky soil. They encounter ancient stone carvings along the way, hinting at the civilization that once inhabited this place. Large, worn statues with stoic faces and elaborate headdresses stand guard at random intervals, half-buried by earth and foliage, watching over the path with hollow, watchful eyes.

After hours of walking, they finally reach the base of the rocky hill where the temple is hidden. Before them stands an ancient ruin, partly crumbled and overgrown but still exuding an aura of mystery and forgotten power. Towering statues and intricately carved columns mark the entrance, leading to a pathway that descends into the earth. The atmosphere is thick with an almost tangible sense of history, as if the spirits of the past lingered, guarding the secrets of Gelel.

Kamira takes the lead, stepping boldly into the ruin's shadowed entrance. Malik follows, taking a deep breath as they pass through the threshold, feeling a subtle energy shift, a faint hum in the air as if the stone itself remembered the ancient power that once flowed here. They descend deeper, moving carefully through narrow passages lined with faded murals depicting scenes of ancient rituals and warriors wielding Gelel's power.

As they reach the central chamber, Malik takes note of the high ceiling and the strange architecture. The room is dominated by an altar at its center, where a circular indentation awaits the placement of a Gelel stone. Malik glances at Kamira, who nods and reaches into a pouch at her side, pulling out a gleaming Gelel stone. She steps forward and places it in the altar's indentation.

The stone glows, emitting a low hum, and the temple seems to come alive. The carvings on the walls light up, illuminating scenes of ancient warriors transforming into monstrous forms, wielding the same energy that now hums in Malik's ears and through Haido and his warrior's veins. The altar pulses, sending a shockwave of energy through the room, and Malik feels his skin tingle with the raw power that surrounds them.

Kamira steps back as the altar emits a bright flash of light, and suddenly, a hidden pathway opens up behind the altar. Malik feels a surge of excitement but quickly masks it, giving Kamira a charming grin as he motions for her to lead the way.

Together, they venture down the newly revealed passage, which slopes deeper into the earth. The air grows colder, and a faint mist clings to the floor, swirling around their feet as they proceed. As they move, Malik continues to talk with Kamira, keeping her engaged and subtly gathering more information about her and her intentions. Kamira, though still wary, starts to warm up to him, finding herself charmed by his easy confidence and disarming demeanor.

At the end of the passage, they find themselves in a vast underground chamber. Stone pillars line the sides, and at the far end of the room, they see a pedestal with an ancient tablet resting atop it. Malik approaches the pedestal with caution, feeling the weight of centuries of secrets and power in the air. He examines the tablet, which holds cryptic symbols and diagrams that he quickly memorizes. He understands that this tablet contains a piece of the map to the Vein of Gelel, as well as clues about the other two keys they'll need to collect.

Kamira watches him closely, intrigued by how much Malik seems to understand about the temple's workings. She realizes that he's not just a charming outsider but someone who truly understands the ancient lore surrounding Gelel. As Malik finishes examining the tablet, he gives Kamira a knowing look, silently acknowledging the gravity of their mission and the challenges that lie ahead.

With the tablet secured, they make their way back to the surface, retracing their steps through the ancient passages and finally emerging into the daylight. Malik feels a sense of accomplishment, knowing they're one step closer to unlocking the secrets of Gelel. Kamira, though still cautious around him, can't help but feel a grudging respect for his knowledge and charisma.

As they begin their journey back to Haido's fortress, Malik casually mentions their adventure, making a light-hearted joke about Kamira being surprisingly good company. Kamira, rolling her eyes, responds with a teasing smirk, hiding the hint of genuine warmth that she feels. The journey back is filled with more banter, with both of them growing slightly more comfortable in each other's presence, though both know that trust in Haido's world is a rare and dangerous thing.

As Malik and Kamira wind their way through the forested valley on the return journey, Malik seizes the moment to break the silence.

"Kamira," he begins with a smirk, "I couldn't help but notice the stone you used back at the temple. I thought Haido had...implanted them in all of you."

Kamira arches an eyebrow, a hint of her usual taunting smile returning. "Concerned about me, are you?" She gives him a look both mocking and flirtatious. "But you're right. The stones are...well, let's say, embedded within us. Haido thought we might need something more tangible for these temples. A temporary extraction, if you will." Her tone, though playful, is edged with the fervent devotion she holds for Haido. "Our Lord isn't one to take risks with falsehoods," she says, her eyes gleaming with an eerie loyalty. "He believes in purging any deception—by any means necessary."

Malik raises an eyebrow, catching her meaning. "Good thing I'm telling the truth, then," he says, his voice light as he keeps pace beside her. "Though I like to think you wouldn't have let him burn me up—you think I'm far too cute for that."

Kamira lets out a sharp, derisive laugh but doesn't deny it outright. She only glances at him sideways, her eyes alight with something between amusement and challenge. They walk in silence for a few moments, the forest alive around them with soft whispers of leaves and the occasional birdcall.

Finally, Malik ventures into more personal territory. "Did you ever imagine a different life for yourself? Before Haido? Was there ever a dream? Maybe a love, or a desire for marriage, children?"

Kamira looks momentarily thrown off by the question, but she quickly recovers. "You're a curious one, Malik. No one's ever asked me those sorts of questions before," she replies, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "But I'll humor you. No, I never imagined much beyond the power Haido promised me. Love and family…they're luxuries I've never had time or use for." Her voice softens slightly, revealing a rare vulnerability, though she quickly shields it with her usual sarcasm. "I suppose if I wanted children, I'd be teaching them how to break bones rather than cradle dolls."

Malik laughs at the image, playfully nudging her shoulder. "Sounds like you'd make a wonderful mother."

She rolls her eyes but lets a smile slip. "What about you?" she challenges, looking at him with more curiosity than she'd shown before. "Are you the type who dreams of white picket fences and running after little rugrats?"

"Maybe," Malik says with a shrug. "But right now, I'm more focused on discovering the Vein of Gelel and enjoying the company along the way." He gives her a wink, then leans closer. "Speaking of company… do Ranke and Fugai like me?"

Kamira smirks, crossing her arms and shaking her head slightly. "Fugai? She'd crush you before admitting she liked anyone. Ranke, on the other hand, might enjoy toying with you, though she'd act like it's a favor to you. Between the three of us, I'm the only one with any sense of fun."

Malik chuckles. "Good to know I'm winning over the right one, then."

They continue walking, but soon Malik notices a small clearing on the path ahead, bathed in the warm, early evening light. It's quiet, with a gentle breeze rustling the trees and a few wildflowers dotting the grass. Malik pauses, glancing at Kamira. "You know," he says, a mischievous glint in his eye, "we're in no rush. Haido didn't set a curfew. Care to make this a second date?"

Kamira scoffs, a feigned reluctance in her voice. "Haido would despise that." But when Malik reaches for her hand, she doesn't pull away. Instead, she lets him lead her off the main path into the secluded clearing.

They settle down on a small patch of soft grass beneath a tall tree. Malik, ever the conversationalist, continues to ask her about her homeland. Kamira shares fragmented memories—a coastline steeped in mist, tall cliffs battered by relentless waves, and a village nestled in those cliffs, filled with people who, like her, were tough and unyielding. She talks about her early days training under Haido, the power he promised, and the sacrifice it required.

Malik listens intently, interjecting occasionally with lighthearted questions that pull her out of her darker memories and make her laugh. In this softer moment, she seems almost human—vulnerable beneath her armor and biting wit. And though she catches herself, slipping back into her taunting demeanor, Malik can see glimpses of the person hidden beneath the fierce knight.

As the sky begins to dim, Malik pulls out a small parcel he'd packed earlier—a bit of his cooking, wrapped in cloth. "Here," he says, offering her a piece. "I figured a second date deserves a snack."

Kamira eyes him suspiciously but takes it, biting into the food with a look of surprise at its quality. "I'm starting to think you might actually have a few useful skills after all," she murmurs, chewing thoughtfully.

Malik grins, leaning back against the tree. "Stick around, Kamira. I might surprise you yet."

They share a comfortable silence, watching the stars emerge in the deepening sky. Kamira's usual walls seem to fade in the gentle glow of twilight, and though neither speaks of it, an unspoken truce lingers between them. Malik knows he's made progress, that he's woven a thread of connection with her—a small but valuable step in his plan. Kamira, on the other hand, feels an unfamiliar warmth, a strange ease in his presence she hasn't felt in years.

Eventually, they rise, making their way back to the fortress. Malik guides her with a confidence that, for the first time, Kamira doesn't feel inclined to challenge. The journey back is filled with soft exchanges and glances, a rare sense of camaraderie blossoming between them, even if neither is fully willing to acknowledge it just yet.

As the fortress came into view, Kamira's footsteps grew more purposeful, her expression hardening with the focus and discipline instilled in her by years of loyalty to Lord Haido. Malik watched her from the corner of his eye, noting the subtle change. It was as if the playful, almost vulnerable woman he had glimpsed in the forest had retreated, replaced by the ruthless knight he knew her to be.

They passed through the towering iron towers of Haido's stronghold, the sharp echoes of their footsteps reverberating off the marble walls. Malik stopped as they reached the entrance hall, but Kamira continued onward, her armor catching the electric-lights in hard, unyielding gleams as she strode toward the throne room. She gave him a quick glance over her shoulder, signaling him to stay back, and then pushed open the heavy wooden doors with an air of finality.

Inside, Haido awaited, seated on his Large metal and marble throne, flanked by his loyal knights, Fugai and Ranke. The room was brightly lit, cutting through the night outside but made shadows danced across Haido's calculating expression as he turned his pale green eyes toward Kamira. Fugai and Ranke stood at his sides, their armored figures imposing and fierce. Kamira approached her lord, bowing her head respectfully before holding out her hand, the Gelel stone she'd used at the temple resting in her palm.

"Lord Haido," she said, her voice steady, "the first temple has been located. Malik's information was accurate." She handed the stone to him, her gaze unwavering as he examined it with a mix of curiosity and satisfaction.

Haido's broad, weathered fingers closed around the Gelel stone, and he walked over to a strange contraption on the side of the room—a machine designed to scan and analyze the ancient power within the Gelel stones. He placed the stone in a small chamber, closing the lid with a sharp metallic click. The device hummed to life, lights flickering across its surface as it began to analyze the stone, its mechanisms buzzing and whirring with purpose.

While Haido focused on the machine, Fugai and Ranke turned their attention to Kamira, smirking in unison.

"So, Kamira," Ranke began with a sly grin, crossing her arms, "how was your little 'trip' with Malik?"

Fugai chuckled, her tone dripping with mockery. "Did the short, chubby guy win you over with his nice clothes and charming smile?"

Kamira shot them both a glare, though a slight smirk crept onto her face despite herself. "He's... cute, I'll give him that," she admitted with a shrug. "For a guy who doesn't exactly fit in here, he's got a strange charm. Smells nice, too." She shrugged as if dismissing her own admission, though there was a trace of genuine amusement in her eyes.

Ranke snickered, raising an eyebrow. "Careful, Kamira. Wouldn't want you getting too soft on us. You might start thinking he's got more than just 'nice clothes.'"

Kamira's expression darkened as she leaned in, her voice cutting. "Mock all you want, but remember, you're both expected to do the same—to get close to him. Lord Haido's orders." She emphasized the last words, giving them both a warning look.

Fugai scowled, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, only if he's actually telling the truth about the temples and the Vein of Gelel. I don't waste my time on useless alliances."

Kamira opened her mouth to retort, but just then, Haido turned away from the machine, the stone still aglow with residual energy. His expression was one of calm satisfaction, though there was a sinister glint in his eye as he regarded Kamira.

"Excellent work, Kamira," he said, his voice low and measured. "Prepare yourself later today. We'll re-fuse the Gelel stone back inside you, so its power may be yours once more." He gave her an approving nod before his gaze shifted to Ranke and Fugai, his tone becoming colder.

"As for you two," he said, addressing them with a commanding intensity, "Malik has proven himself to be a useful... tool in our mission. Get closer to him, observe him, and ensure he remains compliant with our objectives."

Fugai and Ranke both bowed, acknowledging his command without question. But Haido's gaze lingered on them, his eyes gleaming with an almost religious fervor. "Malik serves a purpose in our grand design, whether he realizes it or not. The truth of his knowledge is secondary. He may yet prove to be a worthy companion to our cause." Haido's voice dropped, his tone growing softer yet more intense, as though he were speaking to himself. "Gelel's power is absolute. With it, we shall create a world in my image, a utopia cleansed of weakness and frailty."

He paused, a smile twisting his lips. "Malik has his uses. And should he continue to serve well, perhaps he may even share in the rewards we shall reap when I ascend to power. A new world order awaits, one where loyalty is rewarded, and those who defy me…" He let his words hang in the air, casting a shadow over the room, a threat that needed no elaboration.

Fugai clenched her fists in excitement, her violet eyes blazing. "We will ensure he remains loyal to your cause, Lord Haido. If he steps out of line... he'll regret it."

Haido nodded approvingly. "Yes, Fugai. Let him know the true might of Gelel and the fate of those who oppose it. For only through sacrifice and unwavering devotion shall we reach the promised land of eternal power and peace."

Kamira, Fugai, and Ranke all stood in silent reverence, fully absorbed by Haido's vision of a world ruled by Gelel. For Kamira, the promise of absolute power, the fulfillment of Haido's utopia, was everything she'd fought for, all she had sacrificed for.

Haido held her gaze for a moment longer, a subtle acknowledgment of her loyalty. "Kamira, you have served well. I trust you to continue guiding Malik as you see fit, to ensure his loyalty remains unshaken."

Kamira bowed deeply, her voice steady. "Thank you, Lord Haido. Your vision is my purpose."

As she straightened, Fugai leaned over, giving her a taunting smirk. "You know, Kamira, maybe your little 'date' with Malik was more than just a mission. A soft spot, perhaps?"

Kamira's eyes flashed, but she kept her composure. "It's a mission. Just as yours will be," she retorted, a hard edge to her tone.

Ranke chuckled, leaning in. "Guess that means we'll all be getting close and personal with our new 'ally.' Hope he's ready for it."

Kamira let their laughter wash over her, unaffected. She knew her loyalty was unwavering, and whatever she felt toward Malik was secondary to her devotion to Haido's vision. Malik was, after all, a pawn—a necessary piece in the great game they were playing.

As Haido dismissed them, Kamira turned and left the throne room, her thoughts a mixture of anticipation and lingering frustration from the teasing. Yet, Malik's face crept into her mind unbidden, his warm, disarming smile still fresh in her memory. For a fleeting moment, she wondered if there might be more to her feelings than mere duty.

Outside, the fortress grounds lay bathed in the eerie glow of the setting sun, the forest shadows stretching long across the stone paths. Kamira's hand unconsciously went to her side, where the Gelel stone would soon be returned. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. Whatever awaited them next, she would be ready—ready to follow Haido's vision to its ultimate, glorious end, and to face whatever role Malik might play in the grand design.