**Chapter 8: The Journey Starts**

Akuru stood before Master Fantuji, his metal body gleaming in the dim light of the master's chamber. The aged master's eyes seemed to bore into his very soul, as if searching for any sign of doubt or weakness. But Akuru's metal heart was resolute, his determination to save the realm and Sakura's spirit burning brighter with every passing moment. "The time has come, Akuru," Master Fantuji said, his voice low and mysterious. "The journey to retrieve the reliquary must begin. You have been chosen for this task, and I have faith that you will succeed." Akuru nodded his head, his metal neck creaking softly. He had been expecting this moment, and he was ready. Master Fantuji handed him a small, yellowed parchment. "This is a map, one that will lead you to the reliquary," the master explained. "But be warned, Akuru, the journey will be treacherous. You will face many dangers, and not all of them will be of this world." Akuru took the parchment, his metal fingers unfolding it with a soft creak. The map depicted a winding path, one that led deep into the heart of the slough. He could see the faint outline of a glowing crystal, a symbol that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. As he studied the map, Akuru felt a shiver run down his metal spine. The slough was a place of dark legend and terror, a realm of twisted creatures and treacherous paths. But he was not afraid. He had been created for this moment, and he would not falter. Hiraku, Akuru's loyal white tiger companion, let out a soft growl, his eyes fixed on the map in Akuru's hand. Akuru smiled, a cold, metallic smile, and nodded his head. "I know, my friend," he said. "The journey ahead will be fraught with danger. But we will face it together, as one." Together, they would brave the unknown, their bond and determination driving them forward. Akuru folded the map and tucked it into his metal breastplate, feeling a sense of excitement and trepidation. As they prepared to leave, Sakura's spirit appeared before him, her ethereal form glowing softly in the dim light of the chamber. Akuru felt a pang of longing, a sense of connection that he could not ignore. "Sakura," he whispered, his metal voice barely audible. The sorceress's spirit did not respond, but Akuru could sense her presence, her energy guiding him towards the reliquary and the fate that awaited him. With a newfound sense of determination, Akuru and Hiraku set out into the unknown, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead. They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors of the master's chamber. As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Akuru felt a sense of hope that he had not felt in a long time. The journey ahead would be difficult, but he was not alone. Sakura's spirit was with him, guiding him, and Hiraku was by his side, loyal and true. Together, they would face the unknown, and emerge victorious, or die trying. The metal heart of the last Dori'mazu beat with a newfound sense of purpose, as he set out to save the realm, and the sorceress's spirit who had captured his heart. The slough loomed before them, a vast expanse of twisted trees and treacherous paths. Akuru and Hiraku walked towards it, their eyes fixed on the horizon, their hearts filled with determination and hope. As they entered the slough, the air grew thick with mist, and the trees seemed to twist and writhe around them. Akuru felt a sense of unease, a feeling that they were being watched. But he did not falter. He walked forward, his metal heart beating with a newfound sense of purpose, his eyes fixed on the path ahead. The journey had started, and Akuru was ready. He would face whatever dangers lay ahead, and emerge victorious, or die trying. The fate of the realm, and the sorceress's spirit who had captured his heart, depended on it.