## Chapter 2: The Legend of the Dori'mazu

In the forgotten annals of history, the Dori'mazu were revered as guardians of the realm, their names etched in the fabric of time alongside the gods. A clan of warriors crafted from the very essence of the earth, they were tasked with protecting the balance of nature and maintaining the harmony of the universe. Akuru, the last remnant of this bygone era, stood as a testament to their legacy. As he stood atop the hill, the wind whispers secrets in his ear, and the stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. Hiraku, his loyal white tiger companion, stood watch, eyes fixed on the horizon. The air was heavy with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms, a fragrance that transported Akuru to a time long past. The legend of the Dori'mazu spoke of their creation by the great spirit, Kokoro, who had forged them from the metals of the earth and imbued them with the essence of life. They were designed to be the guardians of the realm, tasked with maintaining the delicate balance between the natural and spiritual worlds. For centuries, the Dori'mazu had walked among mortals, their presence a blessing to those who sought protection and guidance. However, as the ages passed, the Dori'mazu began to disappear, one by one, their fate shrouded in mystery. Some said they had been erased from existence by the very gods who had created them, while others whispered of a curse that had been placed upon them. The truth, Akuru knew, lay somewhere in between. A chill ran down his spine as he recalled the prophecy that had been whispered among his kin. A meeting that would extinguish all existence, a convergence of fate that threatened to erase the very fabric of reality. The words echoed in his mind, a haunting refrain that seemed to grow louder with each passing moment. Akuru's metal heart quickened, his thoughts drifting to the sorceress's spirit he had encountered earlier. Sakura, a name whispered on the wind, a presence that seemed to hold the very essence of life and death. Their eyes had met, and a spark of connection had seemed to arc through the air like a challenge. The prophecy loomed before him, a specter of doom that threatened to consume them all. Yet, as he gazed into Sakura's eyes, Akuru felt an inexorable pull, a sense of destiny that seemed to draw them together, despite the danger that lurked in the shadows. In the distance, the sound of drums echoed through the valleys, a rhythmic beat that seemed to match the pounding of Akuru's metal heart. The drums spoke of war, of conflict, and of the chaos that was to come. Akuru's gaze narrowed, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the gathering storm. Hiraku's low rumble vibrated through the air, a warning that they were not alone. Akuru's metal body tensed, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. The wind carried the scent of smoke and ash, a fragrance that spoke of destruction and chaos. As the stars reached their zenith, Akuru knew that his journey was about to begin. The legend of the Dori'mazu was about to be rewritten, and he was the only one who could prevent the extinction of all existence. The fate of the realm, and that of Sakura's spirit, hung in the balance, and Akuru was determined to save them, no matter the cost. In that moment, Akuru felt a sense of purpose that he had not felt in centuries. He was no longer just a relic of a bygone era, but a hero who had been tasked with saving the world. The prophecy loomed before him, but Akuru was ready, for he knew that he was not alone. Hiraku stood by his side, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead. The darkness seemed to press in around them, a palpable presence that threatened to consume them whole. But Akuru stood tall, his metal heart beating with a newfound sense of purpose. He was the last Dori'mazu, and he would not let his legacy fade into nothingness. The legend of the Dori'mazu would live on, and Akuru would be the one to ensure it.