Kouki

**Kouki** (光樹コウキ, *Kōki*?) is a recurring character in the story. He is a focal character in the "Fairy Forest" arc. He is the protagonist in the "Hero's Kingdom" and "Order of the Swan Knights" arc.

## Biography

Kouki is the son of Alrena and Yukisaki Kuroki. He is a **Divine Child of Light and Darkness** (光と闇の御子, *Hikari to yami no miko*?). Rena's valkyries believes Reiji is the father of Kouki.

In Eld Kingdom, Kouki is in a delicate position. He is not a companion of the Hero of Light's Party, but he is also not a stranger. The humans around him also seemed unsure of how to treat him. Even if it is not a member of the Hero's party, there are probably many nobles who would like to have him by their side because he is beautiful.

Chiyuki is his guardian and he is viewed as her adopted child. Chiyuki speculates that one of Elios deities is the parent. He is known by the hero's party as a child entrusted in Eld directly by the goddess. It is rumoured that Kouki is learning the sword directly from Shirone.

## History

He was conceived when Rena and Kuroki had sexual intercourse in Roch Kingdom. Rena was already pregnant when Lavurys was causing trouble in the Minon Plain. Rena used magic to hasten her pregnancy in less than a month.

Kouki was born after the "Black Storm" incident in Ariadia Republic, Rena had to seclude herself in her palace, in order to secretly give birth to Kouki in Elios. Rena learned Japanese from Chiyuki, and she chose his name. Rena assigned Denebola to look after the young Kouki.

## Appearance

Kouki is a beautiful boy with a well-defined face and he can be mistaken as a girl. He has inherited Rena's golden hair and ultramarine-coloured eyes that resembles the deep blue sky. Ruthien and Kuroki notes that his features are similar to Rena. Shirone says Kouki's face is nostalgic.

Since Kouki grows faster than a normal human child, he appears to be around 6-8 years old. Kuroki says he looks around 4-5 years old. But he is growing faster and currently look about 8-10 years old.

## Personality

Kouki is a polite and well-mannered boy. He aspires to be a knight because he had made a promise with his mother. Despite his timidity, he displayed bravery when facing a stronger opponent because of his promise. He believes by aiming to become a knight, one must overcome their fears.

Kouki would rather be called cool than beautiful.

Kouki says horses hate him and he can't ride a horse. The horse doesn't like it when he tries to touch it.

Kouki uses the pronoun **jibun** (自分?).

### Relationships

***The following section contains spoilers.***

Alrena
The only member of Kouki's blood family he knows is his mother. Kouki loves his mother. He'd promised his mother to become a splendid knight in Eld Kingdom. Although he lives separately from his mother, he misses his mother dearly. Kouki would like to meet his mother. He wonders if he becomes a good knight one day, will his mother come for him. He is delighted when Rena says she is always watching him. He believes Rena is watching him from the heavens. Kouki wanted to show his hardworking training in front of his mother. Kouki wants to be a good swordsman, so that his mother would be pleased. Kouki is forbidden by his mother to talk about his origins and Kouki tries as much as possible not to talk about his mother. Kouki grew up with the goddess Rena as his mother. But he doesn't know if he is her biological child or not. There are many Heroes who were raised by the goddess Rena in legend. So sometimes he wondered if he is one of them. Sometimes he want to ask her the truth. He is reassured that Rena is his mother. When faced upon his near death experience, Rena was one of the people he thought of.
Kouki recalls an exchange between Kuroki and Rena. They appeared to be quarrelling, but in truth they seemed to be on good terms. Kouki does not know why the dark knight and the goddess got together. And he wonders why they are not together. But he finally concludes that there must be a reason.
Bohm
Fellow trainee in the training centre. Bohm became good friends with Kouki because Bohm also refrained from the other noble children and he has a good personality.
Chiyuki
He has spoken to her many times after his kidnapping. He is scared of her gawking look at his lower region.
Dahāku
He had never felt an evil presence before encountering him. Kouki's body trembled in fear. It is clearly the feeling of a strong individual.
Denebola
Kouki's caretaker in Elios.
Gylphos
He is a esquire who also received special treatment and is the last person in this Order that Kouki want to encounter. Kouki is isolated because of his influences. Kouki is amazed that he was able to question the deputy commander directly, despite being around the same age.
Goshishon
Tutor. Kouki is a little relieved after hearing Goshishon doesn't really worships the Demon King. Kouki is concerned about his fate as he is his teacher.
Haurena
Haurena is the priestess of Eld Kingdom's Rena temple, Kouki thinks she is very kind and helpful to him. She advices Kouki to avoid attracting attention by bragging his familiarity with the Hero of Light's Party. He originally meant to take education lessons from her.
Hyllus
He heard he is capable warrior with a bad reputation.
Kaya
Kouki thought she did not make small talk and only talked about administrative matters, also often spoke without changing her facial expression.
Kuna
Kouki thinks she is probably a dangerous opponent. But he also wants to see her again, who looked like his mother. Kouki sees a girl who looks like her mother in a complicated way. He wonders how she knows his name. Besides, he has a feeling he'll see her again, so he can ask then.
Kuroki
He doesn't know about his father, nor does he want to. Kouki has never thought about his father before, but to precise he tried not to think about it. He had never thought about his father, because his mother, Rena, had told him to keep her parentage a secret. He doesn't want to talk about his villainous father as he is associated with the Nargol. Kouki is unaware that Kuroki is his father. Rena told Kouki that his father is a strong knight and a great swordsman in Nargol. She told Kouki not to go to his father. Rena implied to Kouki that his father was not a very nice person, and he was quite a pervert. Kouki was surprised to learn Kuroki is his father.
When he met Kuroki, he'd requested Kuroki to be his sword master. Kouki only acknowledges Kuroki as his sword master. Kouki is in awe of Kuroki's swordsmanship. He had met a swordsman as good as Reiji and Shirone. Kouki wants to be a good swordsman like Kuroki. He believes that if he aims for Kuroki's level, then he would be able to reach his father's level. However Kouki was unconsciously linking Kuroki as his father, it can be said as a result of a blood bond. In the short time he was there, Kuroki taught him the basics and what was important in swordsmanship. Kouki was happy about that. Among the training centre instructors, none was as good a swordsman as Kuroki. When faced upon his near death experience, Kuroki was one of the people he thought of. He refused to believe that Kuroki is such a pervert and perform ●●● or ○○〇.
Kouki recalls an exchange between Kuroki and Rena. They appeared to be quarrelling, but in truth they seemed to be on good terms. Kouki does not know why the dark knight and the goddess got together. And he wonders why they are not together. But he finally concludes that there must be a reason.
He has heard the infamy of the Dark Knight. He was drawn to the statue of the Dark Knight and felt a sense of nostalgic. When he met him in person, Kouki felt a strange feeling about the dark knight in front of him, this feeling he had felt before. For some reason, Kouki was not afraid, even though the sword was pointed at him by a terrifying dark knight. Kouki seemed happy for some reason and a sense of déjà vu. The dark knight also seems to be quite a good swordsman. Kouki was the only one with mixed feelings. For some reason he doesn't know, he doesn't hate the Dark Knight. He wonders why he is conscious of him. Kouki recognised the identity of the dark knight from the movement of his sword. He asked if he was Kuroki and was surprised when he took off his helmet.
Lucrezia
Kouki thought Lucrezia is similar to Kaya as they're only speak business matter.
Neckes
He met him often at the training camp, so they became good friends.
Ozros
Fellow trainee in the training centre. He calls him **Oz** (オズ, *Ozu*?). Oz has become a leader of boys in the training centre. Kouki suspects Oz knows his circumstances with him being kidnapped by the elves and him being acquainted with the Hero's party.
Reiji
Kouki thought Reiji was a person who tends to find things bothersome and couldn't learn from him.
Ruthien
Kouki thinks Ruthien is beautiful. He is shy to Ruthien advances.
He calls her **Ru-neesan** (ルウ姉さん, *Rū nēsan*?). Besides from his abduction, Ruthien is kind and a good big sister to him. Kouki has no reason to dislike her. So she treats him normally. Kouki feels uncomfortable between he conflict Ruthien and Sana because he knows he is the cause.
Sahoko
Sahoko entrusts Sana to Kouki. Kouki thinks Sahoko is a kind and gentle woman.
Sana
Kouki address Sana with **sama** (様?) honorifics. Kouki looks after Sana when she was a baby. Kouki doesn't understand why Sana is fond of him. Kouki feels uncomfortable between he conflict Ruthien and Sana because he knows he is the cause.
Shirone
He has spoken to her many times after his kidnapping. He tried to study Shirone's sword but learnt nothing as Shirone was bad at teaching. He is mistaken to admire Shirone as Kouki wield swords with both hands just like her, but he didn't feel like explaining. Kouki finds it difficult to deny when people call him a disciple of Shirone.
Therion
He saw his fangs are not human and came to a conclusion that he is a subspecies of a wolfman. He doesn't know what's so amazing about a sword made from Ferion's fang. In the first place, he doesn't know about Therion's father.

## Story

### The Demon Realm's Princess

After Rena had her tea party with Feria, Ishtia, Fanacea and Totona, she returns to her palace in Elios. Denebola informs Rena that Kouki has woken up, and he'd noticed Rena's absence and cried nonstop. Rena quickly attends to Kouki and he stops crying after being held and quickly went back to sleep.

After Rena had slept with Kuroki, Rena expressed her concern about Kouki, she had left him with the caretaker angels and wonders if he is crying.

### The Beast God Desert

Denebola was looking after Kouki in Rena's palace, and Kouki noticed Rena's presence after her meeting with Feria, and he toddled and clings to Rena's leg. Rena commented that Kouki has grown bigger and it would be difficult to raise Kouki secretly in her palace. As Rena thinks of Kouki's future, Kouki was happy as he was held by Rena.

### The Phantom Death Capital

Kouki was crying as he was deposited in Rena's temple in Eld Kingdom. Rena rejected Alphos' suggestion to dispatch the Hero of Light's Party to Motgal because she needs them to protect Kouki.

### The Fairy Forest

Kouki was looking after Sana, he encounters Ruthien, Tess, Oreola and Piara. Ruthien takes an immediate interest in Kouki and starts a conversation with Kouki, while asking for his name. Kouki was later kidnapped by Ruthien and replaced with a changeling. Kouki was still asleep when Ruthien's group was heading back to Alseidia.

When they arrived in the elven country, Kouki woke up and he was confused with his surrounding. Ruthien introduced Kouki to her grandmother; Tatania. Tatania observed Kouki, she stated Kouki is cute but he is too weak willed to be a Elfin Knight. Ruthien refuted saying Kouki will be a good knight, while Kouki hesitatingly agrees because he wants to be a knight.

As Ruthien's group heads to Kutar, they were pursued by the Neuri. Kouki sat on Ruthien's lap and asked if he can help out, to which Ruthien turned down his offer. As Ruthien fought the wolves, Yasab fought against Ruthien and he disarms her. Kouki rushes and knocks Yasab away from delivering a deathblow to Ruthien. Kouki stood in front of Ruthien to defend her. He stutters and claims he promised his mother to be an excellent knight. Kouki picks up Ruthien's sword and determined to fight, despite him trembling. The way of him swinging his sword was a mess. A hooded man approached Kouki and taught him on how to hold a sword. Kouki is surprised to see the man and asked who is he. The hooded man gently strokes Kouki's head. After the fight between Kuroki and Yasab, Kouki stops Kuroki from leaving and begged Kuroki to teach him swordmanship. Kouki responded to Kuroki that he wanted to be stronger because he promised his mother to be a good knight. Kouki rejoiced with Kuroki accepted teaching at the dwarven village.

Kouki watches Kuroki struggle with Tess being clingy to him. Kouki corrected Kuroki that he wasn't a native of the elven community. When Ruthien suggested it is better for Kouki to stay with eternal youthful elves, but Kouki rejected Ruthien's idea of being an elfin knight in Alseidia. Kouki tries to refute Ruthien because of his promise to his mother.

When Ruthien dismisses Tess, Kouki was concerned with Ruthien's intense gazing. Kouki falls when Ruthien makes an advance on him. Kouki stares behind Ruthien and sees Rena. Kouki cries at the sight of Rena and hugs her. Rena makes Kouki fall asleep and placed him gently on the couch.

Kouki took lessons from Kuroki. After practising, Kuroki encourages Kouki to rest and Kouki fell asleep on the couch. Kouki remains asleep as Rena and Kuroki discuss about his future plans.

Kouki continues his lessons with Kuroki. When Kuroki was worried about Rena's anger with the elves, Kouki eager to continue learning the sword. However their lessons ends when Aberon abruptly informs Kuroki about the serpents invasions. While Kuroki and Ruthien is attending the war council, Kouki is with Rena and the other elves. Kouki is self practising. When the golems are rampaging, he followed Rena to the conference room. Kuroki and Heibos leave the meeting room and head underground. Kouki asked if Kuroki would teach him sword again. Kuroki responded that he would if there is another opportunity and he encourages him to practice on what he taught him. Kuroki strokes the head of Kouki and leaves.

Kouki anxiously watches Rena dealing with the orichalcum golems. When Rena orders Ruthien to take Kouki and withdraw, but Kouki was reluctant to separate from his mother. Piara and Oreola tries to persuade Kouki, and Rena sternly tells Kouki to withdraw and reassures him that she can deal with the golems, to which Kouki reluctant follows. Ruthien pulls Kouki and head back toward the dwarven vilage. Kouki tells the elves to stop because he has a bad premonition, to which Ruthien detected Yasab, Casiga and five wolfmen. Yasab manages to disarm Ruthien and made her fall due to her blocking his blade. Kouki grabbed Ruthien's dropped sword and parried Yasab's blade from delivering a deathblow. Kouki determines to face Yasab as an opponent. Kouki fights against Yasab and has difficulties because of his lack of practise. Kouki tried to emulate Kuroki's movement but his body didn't move well and he became impatient. Kouki falls behind and Yasb swung his blade at Kouki. Kouki was going to block it but he instinctively rolled to the floor. Yasab was astonished that Kouki avoided his technique and realised that he was taught by Kuroki. Kouki nods and thinks of Kuroki. Kouki profess he'll beat Yasab and Yasab gladly accepts. Rena watches Kouki fighting and overwhelming the wolves. A thin black flame can be seen in Kouki's hands fighting in front of him. Kouki fights without noticing Rena.

After the wolves has left Kutar, Kouki is sleeping on Rena's lap in the dwarven mansion. Rena has sealed away Kouki's black flames to prevent his origin exposed.

Ruthien and the others returned Kouki back to Eld, she deposited him to Haurena. Haurena took Kouki to the Hero of Light's Party, Haurena encouraged Kouki to go to Sana. Kouki greets the girls, Shirone saw Kouki's face and thought it was nostalgic, and she stared intently and touch his face. Nao and Rino also noticed something strange with Kouki. Kouki becomes shy when he is stared at by three beautiful women. Sahoko says Sana wants to meet Kouki. Kouki tries to hold Sana but Kouki felt the feeling of lethargy and he doesn't have much strength. Kouki almost collapse but was helped by Shirone. Chiyuki wanted to examine Kouki and told him to remove his clothing, and Kouki responded with embarrassment. Chiyuki saw his penis and screams out that it is a gigantic snake.

### The Hero's Kingdom

Kouki was struggling swinging the sword in the warrior training centre near the Hero's palace in the country of Eld. Ozros invites his fellow trainee and included Bohm and Kouki to his house for a meal. However Kouki replied that he need permission.

Chiyuki, Kouki and Kyouka took private tutoring lessons from Goshishon.

Othellos was about to cut Shuira and Oz, but Kouki moves in front of Oz to protect his friend. Kouki meets Othellos' gaze straight on, as if in protest.

Kouki, Ozros and Shuira was supposed to have gone to the royal palace in Eld, but they stayed in the Rena temple. Kouki agrees with Bohms suggestion to look for the culprit.

The next day, Bohm took Kouki and Ozros to Iwanaka's residence.

The three boys went to the Pygmy tower.

Goshishon approached Bohm, Kouki and Ozros. Kouki requested Goshishon to take them along. Kouki asked Goshishon to question Fabre on his behalf.

Kouki and Ruthien returned to the palace to meet up with Chiyuki. Kouki confides with Chiyuki that Goshishon is lying about something.

After receiving permission from Chiyuki, Kouki decides to regroup with Oz and Bohm at Bohm's house.

Kouki reveals to Bohm and Oz that they would be accompanied with Oreola, Piara and Ruthien.

Kouki has a bad feeling and he kept quiet about his doubt with Hamle being the culprit. He goes into Goshishon's room and found a small statue of the Dark Knight. He is approached by the Clown. The clown stood in front of Kouki. Kouki apologizes that he entered without permission. Kouki who came out of the door holding the small dark knight statue.

Chiyuki, Shirone and Rino takes Kouki, Bohm and Ozros, along with Sogas and his companions to the edge of the farmland. Bohm almost the touched Nargol flower until Kouki and Oz stopped him.

Kouki was sent away alone. No one came in with him. Kouki was lured to the flower garden by a glowing ledger. Kouki and the Dark Knight cannot move while facing each other. Kouki crosses swords with the Dark Knight. There is a loud tremor, Kouki and the Dark Knight lower their swords at each other.

Kouki confronts Buir with his sword at the ready. Kouki uses his sword to flick off the legs of insects that protrude from the Buir. Kouki, Oz and Bohm exit the fort through an underground passageway. Kouki and the others look up at the battle between Hero of Light Reiji and the giant Dragonfly from the ground. Many people thought that the battle was over. However, Kouki feels that it is not over yet. Kouki sees the dark knight riding a dragon. The dark knight is looking at the Hero of Light who has descended to the ground. Kouki and the others see a huge jet-black dragon hovering over the ruined fort. Kouki watches the battle between the Dark Knight and the Hero of Light from afar.

Those who were safe included Kouki, Oz and Bohm, and the three of them decided to help in the search. Kouki and the other children, were told they did not have to help, but they were worried about Goshishon, so they decided to help. Kouki, Oz and Bohm are heading towards where Goshishon was. If he is safe, they want to help him out. Kouki and the others decided to return to Eld on sudden notice.

Bohm and Kouki greeted Iwanaka when they saw him at Ohata's funeral. After the funeral, Kouki, Oz and Bohm get together. They meet up in the private room of the House Ohata head. This will probably be the last time the three of us will spend time together for a while. Kouki intends to go to Holy Lenaria Republic and become a knight there. To achieve this, he plans to join the Order of the Swan Knights, which is based in the Holy Lenaria Republic. He planned to leave Eld in the spring.

### The Order of the Swan Knights

Kouki joined the Order of the Swan Knights. Kouki's induction was made easier by the recommendation of Chiyuki and priestess Haurena, who also waived the donation. Kouki's current status is a Esquire, the lowest status. It's been a long time since he left the country of Eld Kingdom to join the Swan Knights Order in the Holy Lenaria Republic. He'd sworn his allegiance to the Goddess Rena with Bowen as witness.

When Kouki enters the office, Deputy Commander Lucullus begins to speak. Kouki replied in a panic, however his last word did not come out well. Kouki is slightly pleased. He has never had anything to do before, but now he can finally do something knightly. Kouki is determined to do his best on his first mission.

Kouki and the others gather to head north from Holy Lenaria Republic. The incident occurs far from Holy Lenaria Republic and Eld.

Hyllus seemed to have arbitrarily divided the esquires into two groups, Kouki was placed with Deivis, Mobuon, Neckes, Noppos and Pampis. Kouki takes to the streets in a horse-drawn carriage with his fellow members of the Order of the Swan Knights. Kouki and the others were led by three knights, including Hyllus, followed by a carriage with a sibyl and her escorts, and the rest of the knights guarding them, with Kouki and the others riding in the esquire and supplies carriage last.

Kouki and the others arrived in Sarellia for tonight's accommodation. Neckes, next to Kouki complains about their treatment. Kouki also consoles Neckes with a bowl of soup. Kouki and Neckes keep watch under blankets. In fact, Kouki was told that he could rest inside as well as Gylphos, but he decided to go ahead and do his duty. Kouki and Neckes intercept the oncoming goblins. Kouki comes hurriedly to the main gate of the branch. Kouki senses the presence of a man in jet-black armour and realised the knight is different from the one he'd encountered in Eld.

In the morning, the group leave the city of Sarellia. There was an attack last night, but as followers of the War Goddess, the Swan Knights cannot stop their investigation here. Kouki pushes Necke away as they were attacked. Kouki used Kuroki's moves to parry Therion's great sword. Therion's great sword does not hit Kouki, but only chipped away at the earth around him. Therion takes a step back and barks. He points his great sword at Kouki and demanded to know his name. Kouki is at a loss for an answer. When asked what he is, Kouki does not consider himself to be anything special. So he can't answer anything. Therion can tell Kouki's power is contained. Kouki does not understand what Therion is saying. Therion summoned a Snow Wolf and dwell it into his sword. Kouki can see that Therion wasn't serious earlier. And Therion is going to go all out from here. Kouki is getting impatient. All he can hope for is that Neckes will bring help. If he fight together with Gylphos, they might be able to defeat Therion. Until then, he has to hold on. That's when it happened. Kouki felt Dahāku's vicious gaze from afar. When he felt that gaze, a chill runs down his spine. The wolves leave and Kouki is left alone and kneels on the ground.

Kouki is at a loss. When he returned to the place where the captain, sibyl and the others were supposed to be, no one was there. It seemed that Kouki had been left behind. Kouki followed the captains and continued onwards.

Kouki runs. He had no idea where his friends who had left Kouki behind and gone on ahead of him had gone. He met a travelling merchant on the way, but he did not pass anyone. Kouki therefore turned back the way he had come. He found himself back where he had been attacked by the wolves. At a loss, Kouki sits down. He has joined the Knights Order, but he can't do anything.

Kouki was surprised to find a road in a place he would not have noticed if he had been walking along a normal road. The road was covered in bushes and he had not noticed it. Kouki thanked Haya honestly. Kouki is not very good at searching, so it was certainly a great help for him. If looked upon closely, you can see that a carriage has passed through here. It seemed that the Order of the Swan Knights had passed through here. Kouki tilts his head. The time is already night and the area is dark. However, both Kouki and Haya have night vision and can see their surroundings without problems. At the end of the road, they can see the castle walls, and it seems that Swan Knight and the wolves are inside. Kouki and Haya head for the ramparts. Haya stops suddenly. Kouki knows why she has stopped.

Kouki finds a broken section of the rampart. The broken part is small, but not impassable. Both Kouki and Haya enters the hole.

Kouki comes towards Rena and the others from the direction from which Haya ran. Kouki and Haya had arrived at the hall some time ago.
But Therion and Gylphos were fighting violently, so they couldn't get close. Kouki draws his sword. Therion turns his greatsword and closes in on Kouki. Kouki then moves too. Therion moves fast. In contrast, Kouki moves slowly. The distance between them closes and they collide with each other. Kouki looks at Therion and says Therion did not use magic. He was just trying to beat Kouki purely with his sword. Kouki looked at the entrance as well.
He felt an evil presence. Kouki hits his back violently against the pillar. Kouki and Therion go to Dahāku together. Therion faces from the front. Kouki attacks from the flanks. Kouki watches the movements of the dark knight. He has seen similar moves before. Kouki's ideal sword. He wonders how the dark knight can use the same techniques. Kouki looks at the back of the Dark Knight. His back reminds him of the past. Kouki rushes to his comrades as they are transformed into jewel state by Diadona's evil eye. Kouki is surprised by her mother's sudden appearance. Rena pats Kouki on the head and urges him to step back and looks at Diadona. Kouki tells Rena that most of the Swan Knights have been turned into jewels. Rena reassures treatment is possible with Fanacea and Sahoko. Kouki is relieved. When Kuroki announced his departure, Kouki suddenly stops him. Kouki with his sword ready, it was not a fighting stance, but a stance to ask for instruction. Kouki bows his head for a lesson with the dark knight. Holding the sword, Kuroki and Kouki face each other. Kouki swings his sword with a shout. It's a good swing, but Kuroki doesn't feel any killing intent. Kuroki can tell that he is not serious. Kuroki swung his sword lightly after he parried Kouki's sword. Kouki twists his body to catch Kuroki's sword. Kouki swings his sword again and Kuroki catches it. This is repeated many times. It was more of a demonstration than a battle. Eventually, the two men separate and lower their swords. Kouki bows his head again, then raises his head and looks up at Kuroki. Kouki recognised the identity of the dark knight from the movement of his sword. Kouki's eyes widen as Kuroki took off his helmet. Kouki looks straight at Kuroki and asked why he treated him so affectionally, Kouki's eyes were seeking something. Kouki was shocked to hear Kuroki's revelation that he is his father. Kouki watches his parents argue over something really stupid with a dumbfounded expression. Kuroki then offers his hand to Kouki and invites him to Nargol. Kouki is unsure what to do, to which Rena pulls Kouki into her arms. Kouki calls out to her and Rena looks at Kouki and smiles. Rena changes her appearance and returns to the original Melinia form. Kouki rushes to support Melinia. Kouki puts Melinia down on the floor. Kouki looks around and is at a loss. Most of his companions have been transformed into jewels. The only ones who have not changed are Melinia and Gylphos, who are unconscious. They will have to go to the headquarters of the Knights of the Holy Lenaria Republic for help. However, he was hesitant to leave them unattended. Kouki decides to wake up Gylphos.

In the training hall of the Temple of Rena in the Holy Lenaria Republic, Kouki wields a wooden sword for practice alone. After the incident, Kouki and the others were rescued by a relief unit of the Knight Order. Only Kouki, Gylphos, Melinia and Noppos were not cursed in that group.

### The Winds of the Prairie

Gylphos is popular with the ladies and daughters of Holy Lenaria, who today flock to the Order's headquarters to catch a glimpse of him. The knights are in trouble to keep them at bay. It is the same for Kouki, who is an esquire, and he has to work hard to keep them at bay. Kouki and the others were on their way back inside the building, having turned away the women who had come to watch Gylphos practice in the morning.

Kouki, Sana and the Hero of Light's Party decide to head to a human nation in the Kisonia Prairie, Kouki and the others flies on the sky on a skyboat. Sana, who is sleeping with her head on Kouki's thigh, moves.

Kouki and the others had come to such a horse market. Sana complains about the horses not appreciating Kouki. Kouki says regretfully.
The horses clearly did not like Kouki approaching them. Kouki steps in front of Sahoko to protect her.

Chiyuki, Sahoko, Nao, Rino, Kouki and Sana participated in the Nadam festival.

Chiyuki and the others were in the middle of preparing for the race. They prepared a tent and had Kouki change in it. Kouki's legs are quite fast even without being in centaur form.

Many centaurs gathered at the starting point. Kouki is slender among them. The position Kouki is in is only accessible to those participating in the race. Kouki quietly waits for the beginning amidst many centaurs. Kouki can be seen trying to move forward while skilfully avoiding the centaurs. Kouki runs as fast as he can and pulls away from the brothers Sark and Ranabe. Kouki asks the dog-like creature while patting its head. The dog-like creature made a small whimper as if it understood the meaning of his words. Kouki now has a small companion. When Kouki calls her that, Rasha chirps cutely. Kouki sets out once again, bringing along a new traveling companion.

Kouki was about to set foot in the land of Neuri with demonic winds flowing. Therion laughs when Kouki tells him what happened. In the morning, Kouki leaves the land of Neuri, the sanctuary of the wolves. Kouki runs through the Hippogriff's Field as it is wide and by the time he crossed it, it was almost evening. Kouki runs across the grassland. He couldn't rest at the spring earlier, and there was no other place where he could rest, so he kept running.

Kouki with his dragon child and the centaur hero Basashi glared at each other. In front of Kouki's eyes, Basasi raises his greatsword and announces himself.

## Abilities

Rena says Kouki has inherited his father's sword skills, despite it being clumsy. The blood of the swordsman was woken up in Kouki when he fought against Yasab. Kouki had practised what he had learnt from Kuroki many times and was able to reproduce it to some extent. Kouki used these moves to parry the Therion's great sword.

He easily overwhelm the monster changed Buir. Kouki parries his attack and moves fluidly to cut off its head. Kouki then cuts off its legs, which are still moving.

As a member of the divine race, Kouki is immune to poison of the Serpent's Assassin. This is something that Kouki does not realise It seems that he is not affected by Dahāku's poison.

Currently Rena has sealed his powers. As a result of sealing his powers, Kouki also cannot use magic. Kouki became stronger. Eventually, he will break Rena's seal by himself.

* **Black Flames** (黒炎, *Kurohomura*?), Kouki has inherited Kuroki's black flames.

### Equipment

He temporary wielded Ruthien's sword.

He wielded an iron sword but it was battered after Kouki used it against insect fiends.

Kuroki crafted a sword just for Kouki. Kuroki thought it was done quite well with the advice of deity Heibos. Kuroki gave the black sword to Kouki. The sword is light, and for some reason it fits in Kouki's hand. It is of simple construction, but on the contrary it feels easy to handle. The sword blade is not made of iron, but is black with a mysterious lustre. It seemed to be made of some special material. The downside is that it is a little long for Kouki. But that would be just fine as Kouki grew up and got taller. It was like a sword for Kouki. Since the sword was too long for hip, Kouki attach the sword to his back. The sword was sturdy enough against Therion's great sword that was made from Ferion's fang. Kouki felt magical power in the sword and know that it is quite a work of art.

## Etymology

His first name **Kouki** (光樹?), literally translates as Light Tree.

## Development

Takeru Nezaki wanted to write an episode where the beautiful and innocent goddess is kidnapped by the evil Dark knight, and the righteous Hero of Light goes to the rescue. Also the identity of the Dark Knight is the Hero's father, but the author didn't know how to write the story. However the author would like to do something somehow because he made it impossible for the Hero Reiji. And with a new Hero is born, finally the Dark Knight's true identity as the Hero's father is promised. As for future plans, he'd like to have a few more chapters before moving on to the story that focuses on Kouki. He wonder when he is ever going to write "I am your father" dialogue.

The author intends to make Kouki active is to separate him from the Chiyuki's group and Ruthien's group.

His point of view title is **Child of Light and Darkness** (光と闇の子, *Hikari to yami no ko*?).

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 08 - The Formation of the Detective Boy Club
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Demon Realm's Princess: Chapter 01 - The Goddesses of Elios
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 23 - The Boy and the Wolf
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Evil God's Labyrinth: Chapter 06 - Melancholy of Goddess Rena
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 09 - The Man in the Rocks (The Iwanaka Man)
6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 14 - Family
7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 26 - The Dragonfly
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 13 - The Child of God
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 18 - Whereabouts of the Magus
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 02 - The Visitor from the Forest
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 09 - Encounter and Reunion
12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 07 - The Unexpected Raid
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 13 - Advent of the Furious Goddess
14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 14 - Kuroki and Kouki
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 16 - The Fiend Invasion
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 26 - Return From The Forest
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 10 - United Front
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 07 - The Elfin Knight
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 08 - The Neuri
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 23 - Co-operation with the Beast God Child
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 05 - A Look From Afar
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 23.5 23.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 07 - The Boys' Night
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 24.7 24.8 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 02 - The Warrior Training Centre
25. ↑ 25.00 25.01 25.02 25.03 25.04 25.05 25.06 25.07 25.08 25.09 25.10 25.11 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 03 - The Children's Circumstances
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 22 - Dahāku the Prince of Serpents
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 27.4 27.5 27.6 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 27 - Nooooooo!
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 24 - The Dark Knight's Intervention
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 08 - The Horse Man Dundee Derby
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Beast God Desert: Chapter 25 - Feelings in the Dream
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 02 - The Esquire Boy
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 03 - The Beast God Child
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 05 - The Aristocratic Residence
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 17 - Meeting the Clown
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 31 - The Sudden Announcement
36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 22 - The Butterfly Invitation
37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 25 - The Shaking Fort
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 15 - Blood Bonds
39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 39.2 39.3 39.4 39.5 39.6 39.7 39.8 39.9 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 24 - The Sword Teacher
40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 16 - The Entomologist
41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 41.3 41.4 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 23 - A Bout with the Dark Knight
42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 29 - The True Dragon
43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 26 - I am your father
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 04 - The Sibyl
45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 11 - The Battle with the Beast God Child
46. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Demon Realm's Princess: Chapter 29 - The Goddess will not let you go
47. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Phantom Death Capital: Chapter 03 - The Evil Warriors
48. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 03 - Changeling
49. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 04 - To the Forest
50. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 12 - The Sword Maiden and the Silver Witch
51. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 17 - Reasons For Uneasiness
52. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 21 - The Poison of Botis
53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 22 - The Goddess of Destruction Palace
54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 24 - Felion the Calamity Beast
55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Fairy Forest: Chapter 25 - The Truth of the Battle
56. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 06 - The Incident Occurrence
57. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 10 - The Tinyfolk Tower
58. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 11 - The Cultivated Land
59. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 12 - Outside of Eld
60. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 15 - The Insect Attack
61. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 20 - The Dragon's Kin Group
62. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 21 - The Phantom Butterfly Labyrinth
63. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 27 - The Collapse of the Fort
64. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 28 - Pest Control
65. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 30 - The Sword of Shadow Prison
66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Hero's Kingdom: Chapter 34 - The Boys' Way Forward
67. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 06 - Sarellia the Post Town
68. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 08 - The Phantom Knight
69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 10 - The Wolf Attack
70. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 13 - Where to go?
71. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 14 - The Wolf Girl
72. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 16 - The Serpent's Trap
73. ↑ 73.0 73.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 17 - The Serpent's Assassin
74. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 18 - The Serpent's Nest
75. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 20 - Therion vs Gylphos
76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 76.2 76.3 76.4 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 21 - Rematch with the Beast God Child
77. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 25 - The Storm Sword
78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 *Dark Knight Story* - The Order of the Swan Knights: Chapter 29 - The Coming of the Little Saintess (Epilogue 2)
79. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 03 - Let's Go to the Prairie
80. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 04 - To the Kisonia Prairie
81. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 05 - The Land of Amazoness
82. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 06 - The Centaur's Pride
83. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 09 - The Two Worshipped War Goddesses
84. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 10 - The Race Starts
85. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 11 - Fighting Alone in Combat
86. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 12 - The Volja River
87. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 13 - The Hydra's Rocky Terrain
88. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 14 - The Dragon Child
89. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 16 - Neuri the Wolf Sanctuary
90. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 17 - The Dance with Wolves
91. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 18 - The Golden Horse
92. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 19 - The Evil Bird Girl
93. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 20 - The Village of the Houyhnhnms
94. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 21 - The Women of the Prairie
95. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Winds of the Prairie: Chapter 22 - Kouki versus Basashi
96. ↑ *Dark Knight Story (Narou ver)* - Delightful to Meet Again
97. ↑ *Dark Knight Story (Narou ver)* - The Goddesses of Elios
98. ↑ *Dark Knight Story* - The Azure Demonic Sea: Chapter 24 - The Chaos Monster
99. ↑ *Dark Knight Story (Narou ver)* - The Boy and Wolf