The group follows Akira through the forest in silence.
Himitsu: Well, this is awkward…
Gram: It may be, but she's still hot.
Kono: So, Akira, could you explain what kind of world this is?
Akira: What the hell do you mean by that?
Kono: Um, what kind of race exists here?
Akira: (sarcastically) I don't know, you tell me.
Zodiac: That should be pretty obvious, Kono.
Kono: Huh?
Akira: Are you that dense? You're in a world full of Noxcemorians.
Daru: What exactly is a Noxcemorian?
Akira: That's what we dragons call ourselves, stupid.
Daru: Okay, you need to chill out.
Kono: So a Noxcemori is just another way of saying dragon?
Akira: Yes! You must be really stupid if you're asking about it.
Kono: I'm sorry. I just wanted to make sure I was correct, that's all.
As they continue to follow Akira, they arrive at her wooden house.
Ohma: So this is where you live.
Akira does not respond as she drops a lizard beside her house. Gram looks around and notices a dragon plushie on the ground.
Gram: Ooh, what is this?
As Gram reaches for it, Akira quickly pushes him away and picks up the plushie.
Akira: Don't touch that!
Gram: S-sorry! I just wanted to see what it was.
Kono: Awww! What an adorable toy! Was it a gift from someone?
Akira: Yes. It was a gift from my sister. Well, my adopted sister.
Himitsu: Adopted? Did something happen to your real parents?
Akira: And why should I tell you!?
Himitsu: I only mentioned it because Zodiac and Daru have something in common.
Akira: What?
Kono: Zodiac and Daru are brothers who had adopted parents—well, kind of. They haven't known anything about their real parents since they were babies.
Akira: Really now.
Kono: It's the truth. So maybe Himitsu thought you went through something similar.
Akira remains silent.
Daru: So you mentioned your brother. Is he adopted as well?
Akira: (clenching her fist) Oh no, he's real alright, but not for long when I kill him!
Everyone is taken aback.
Gram: Kill!? Why do you want to kill your brother!?
Akira: Because he is a treacherous backstabber who deserves to die!
Kono: B-but he's your brother!
Akira: I don't give a shit! All I know is that he's going to die by my hand, and that's final! You wouldn't understand.
Zodiac: If your brother did betray you, I would feel the same way.
Daru casts a disappointed glance at Zodiac.
Akira: Hmph! At least someone agrees with me.
Daru: That doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Killing those who wronged you isn't worth it, especially if they're family.
Ohma: I agree with Daru! Killing is always wrong unless it's justified or you have no other choice.
Akira: In our culture, we kill when we want to. If you don't like that, you might as well leave.
Daru: Sorry to break it to you, but we can't. We're stuck here until we get help.
Akira: (Annoyed) Ugh! Then just leave me alone!
Akira moves back to the lizard, transforming her hand into a claw. She plunges it into the lizard's body, searching for something.
Himitsu: What the heck is she doing?
Zodiac: I have no idea.
Moments later, she extracts the lizard's heart and squeezes its blood into her mouth. The others look on in disgust, prompting Himitsu to turn away and vomit.
Gram: What the heck!? Well, she's still hot anyway. (Smiling)
Daru: That's just gross.
Ohma: Maybe it tastes good!
Daru: Really, Ohma…?
They approach Akira again.
Kono: Isn't that unhealthy to drink? Won't you get sick?
Akira: (Finishing her drink) We Noxcemorians have strong digestive systems that can handle this. Plus, I'm just replenishing my energy. Sorry your weak ass stomachs can't handle it.
Kono: Oh, I see…
Zodiac: Since you're a dragon, I'm guessing there are more dragon creatures out there?
Akira: At least you're not completely clueless.
Zodiac: (Muttering to himself) She is so annoying.
Himitsu: So what do you plan to do now?
Angered, Akira crushes the heart completely.
Akira: Why are you all so ANNOYING?!
Himitsu looks frightened and speechless.
Daru: All he did was ask a question. Why are you getting so mad?
Akira: Because I don't like any of you! That's why! But if you want to know so badly, I'm heading back to the city.
Daru: There's a city around here?
Akira: No, it's not close. It's on the other side of that mountain. (Points)
Gram: What! That's such a long walk!? You do this every time?
Akira: It doesn't take me long, but I need to rest a bit, so I have to walk.
Kono: I want to see this city! What's it called?
Akira: It's called Vermalia. That's where all the tribes are.
Kono: Cool! Maybe we can join wi—
Akira: No! I told you everything you need to know, so just leave me alone!
Daru: You did mention that, Kono.
Kono: Y-yeah, but—
Akira walks away and enters her house to prepare for the trip. She gathers her necessities, including her plushie, which she secures at her waist. Afterward, Akira exits, closes the door, and heads toward the mountain without bidding farewell.
Ohma: Where are you going?
Akira: Away from you morons.
Zodiac: (arms crossed) Pretty sure she's heading to the city.
Himitsu: But she said she wants to be left alone?
Daru: She can be left alone, but we can still follow her to that city. That's where the rest of her kind will be.
Kono: I guess we can do that. What do you guys think of her? And don't say anything, Gram.
Gram: Wow, that's rude!
Himitsu: I don't know, she seems really mean.
Zodiac: She's just another annoying brat who can't control her anger.
Daru: Pretty much what Zodiac said.
Gram: What! I think she's nice.
Daru: But you were on the ground when she punched you.
Gram: It was a punch of love!
Daru: (shaking his head) Keep telling yourself that.
Kono notices that Ohma is silent.
Kono: What's on your mind, Ohma?
Ohma: O-oh, it's nothing! I mean, the Dragons here are the ones that killed my idol and my mother.
Kono: What! Really? They were killed by the Noxcemori.
Ohma: Yeah, it was a gruesome battle, but they risked their lives to protect the people. I want to be just like him one day—the one who protects everyone and gets rid of those who are evil and only want to kill.
Kono: I believe your idol was a hero in every sense.
Ohma: He was. If only he were still alive for you all to meet him.
Zodiac: Can you guys shut up already?
Daru: (shakes his head) Following this girl with a temper and this guy (looking at Zodiac) who has no manners. Just a great day.
Kono: In any case, we should catch up to her. Let's move!
Everyone continues walking toward the forest where Akira went, but they do not see her anywhere.
Gram: Holy crap, how far did she go?
Himitsu: She sure is a fast walker—or maybe a runner.
Zodiac: Just don't let your guard down; there are still creatures that can attack us at any moment.
As they continue walking, they spot Akira up ahead, striking a bear to the ground and stepping on its head, crushing it.
Kono: Whoa! Akira just crushed its head like a sandwich!
Daru: She has incredible strength. I'll give her that.
Akira turns her head to glare at everyone as she walks away. Daru glances at Zodiac.
Daru: Do you think you could take her on?
Zodiac: Please, don't test me.
Daru: (smirking) Alright then, buddy.
As they follow Akira, they encounter numerous challenges, such as fighting creatures and navigating rough terrain. They eventually reach a large lake, and Akira jumps effortlessly to the other side.
Ohma: Wow, she can jump high! Now it's our turn!
Zodiac spots a rabbit and teleports beside it using Sudoshi.
Daru: Yeah, thanks a lot.
Zodiac: Don't mention it.
Zodiac continues walking ahead, not waiting for the others.
Gram: Wow, so he's not going to wait for us.
Kono: Let's hurry and get to the other side before we lose both of them.
As Zodiac walks on his own, he sees Akira standing still, looking around.
Zodiac: What are you doing?
Akira: Be quiet! I'm trying to listen.
Zodiac: Listen to what?
Akira begins to hear growling, and Zodiac hears it too.
Zodiac: (to himself) What is that?
They hear loud footsteps approaching as the rest of the group reaches Zodiac and Akira.
Gram: What the—
Zodiac draws his katana toward Gram's neck.
Zodiac: Quiet. Something is coming.
Himitsu: (whispering) Really!?
Everyone else begins to hear the loud footsteps shaking the ground and the trees drawing closer.
Daru: Yeah, something big is coming; get ready.
As the footsteps grow louder, they finally see what it is: a red dragon. Gram and Himitsu are terrified.
Himitsu: T—that's a dragon!
Gram: May the gods protect us! WE'RE GOING TO DIE!
The dragon roars, causing everyone except Akira to cover their ears. She slowly approaches the dragon, locking eyes with it.
Zodiac: Is she crazy?
Ohma: I think she wants to fight it.
The dragon stares at Akira, attempting to intimidate her, but she stands firm, returning its fierce gaze. The dragon begins to back away, frightened, as Akira advances.
Kono: What the? Is the dragon scared of her?
Akira intensifies her glare, prompting the dragon to turn and fly away, knocking down trees in its path.
Daru: She scared it off.
Gram: (With dreamy eyes) She is so hot!
Akira sighs.
Akira: You idiots just don't know when to quit, do you?
She turns and continues walking.
Himitsu: Man, she really hates us.
They follow Akira for hours as night falls. Gram begins to complain, feeling hungry.
Gram: Can we take a break? My feet hurt, and I'm starving.
Himitsu: We've been walking for hours. Plus, it's about to get dark.
Daru: You all are such babies, I swear.
Zodiac: Well, it looks like we're about to get our break.
Gram: Huh?
They notice that Akira has stopped. She transforms her right hand into a claw and slashes down a tree, causing it to crash to the ground. She picks up the log and cuts it into smaller pieces for a campfire.
Ohma: She made a campfire!
Akira looks at everyone.
Akira: Well, don't just stand there like idiots.
They gather around the campfire, exhausted.
Akira: I'll be right back.
Akira goes deeper into the forest, disappearing from view.
Gram: (Wiping his forehead) My feet are killing me. I wonder how much further the city is.
Daru: Who knows? At least we're getting close to the mountain.
Kono: Yeah. I kind of wish we had come better prepared.
Gram: If we were still on our vacation, we wouldn't have to worry about any of this!
Kono: I understand, Gram, but we really had no other choice.
Himitsu: I wonder where Akira went.
Zodiac: Don't know and don't care…
Kono: Hey, Ohma.
Ohma: Huh? Yes, Kono?
Kono: Can you tell me how your idol died?
Ohma: Umm, yeah, sure. It happened a long time ago, but what happened was—
Daru: Ohma, you keep saying "idol," but you never mention his name.
Ohma: Oh, I guess you're right. His name is Gemma Takashi. He was the strongest knight to ever live. One day, he traveled far beyond our dimension and met people in a small village. He lived there for two years, protecting them from evil and various threats. But one day, a dragon began setting the village on fire. Gemma killed the dragon, and everyone lived happily after that. A year later, he returned to the Knights, and everything was going well. He shared amazing stories about his adventures. He is incredible.
Zodiac: Can you just get to the point?
Ohma: Oh, right, sorry. One night, I woke up to find the Knights of Judgement on fire. I was freaking out, and my mom was telling my dad and me to run, so we did. My mother stayed behind to fight the source of the fire. As my dad and I were escaping, that's when I saw it.
Himitsu: Saw what?
Ohma: The dragon and Gemma fighting. The dragon had huge claws and sharp teeth. Gemma was fighting to protect everyone, but we couldn't stay. We had to run. Just after we got out, I saw my mom fighting alongside Gemma, and she smiled at me.
Kono: O-Ohma, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you lost your mother in that fight too.
Ohma: It's okay. They are both my heroes, but when everyone returned to the Knights of Judgement, everything was burned, and many people were dead. I saw my mom; she was taking her last breaths. She told my dad and me that she loved us and had no regrets. Then she looked at me and said, "Ohma, if it wasn't for Gemma, I wouldn't have been able to talk to you. He saved me and asked if I had any kids. I said yes, I have a son. He told me, 'You will be able to say your last goodbyes to him,' and then he fell and passed away."
Gram: Umm… Wow, Ohma, I-I didn't know you'd been through so much as a kid. I'm so sorry.
Ohma: No, it's okay, seriously. I called Gemma my idol because he allowed me and my dad to say our last goodbyes to my mother, and I want to be like him. I want to be a hero who protects all that is good, which is why I became a Knight of Judgment and trained hard to do
so.
Daru: Well, you're doing a good job so far.
Ohma: Thank you, Daru. (smiles)
As their conversation concludes, a large bear unexpectedly falls from the sky, landing dead in front of them, startling Gram.
Gram: AHHHHH! WHAT IS THAT!?
Akira: Dinner.
Akira breathes fire onto the dead bear, cooking it.
Ohma: Well, there's the food you wanted, Gram.
As Akira finishes cooking, she slices the bear into small portions, taking a generous serving for herself and begins to eat.
Gram: Um, we don't have to eat that, right?
Daru takes a piece of the bear meat and starts eating as well.
Gram: Daru!?
Daru: (eating) Food is food, so eat up.
Gram: But I don't want to eat this! It's all burnt!
Daru: I don't care if it's burnt; you're going to eat it right here and now.
Gram: Man, this is stupid!
Reluctantly, Gram takes a piece of the meat, while Himitsu and Ohma do the same. Ohma takes a bite and smiles.
Ohma: I never knew bear meat could be this good!
Himitsu: Is it really good, Ohma?
Ohma: (speaking with his mouth full) Yes, yes, try it!
Himitsu takes a bite, his face contorting in disgust as he struggles to suppress the urge to vomit.
Gram: So, is it good?
Himitsu: Y-yeah. The texture is just... kind of weird.
Gram begins to sniff the meat.
Daru: (irritated) Can you just eat it already?
Gram: Okay, okay, just give me a sec!
Zodiac rises from the ground.
Zodiac: I'm not eating this. I'm going to find my own food.
Kono: Wait! Can I come with you, Zodiac? I don't really like eating this stuff either.
Zodiac: Sure, whatever.
Before Zodiac departs, he approaches Himitsu.
Zodiac: Give me your spear; I need it.
Himitsu: Um, okay.
Himitsu relinquishes his spear to Zodiac. Zodiac and Kono begin walking away from the campfire, leaving Gram feeling frustrated.
Gram: Wow! So Zodiac and Kono can choose their own food, but I can't!?
Daru: Yes, now be quiet and eat!
Gram: Fine!
After some time, Zodiac and Kono find themselves by a lake, attempting to catch fish. Zodiac closes his eyes, holding the spear and listening to the sounds of the water. Suddenly, he hears something and swiftly lunges the spear into the water, successfully catching a fish on his first attempt.
Kono: (Clapping) Good job, Zodiac! I never knew you were so good at fishing.
Zodiac: It's nothing, really. Zodek taught me and Himitsu how to fish and hunt.
Kono: He must have been an excellent teacher.
Zodiac: I suppose so.
Kono: By the way, Zodiac, what are your thoughts on our crew?
Zodiac: What do you mean?
Kono: Like, who we have so far.
Zodiac: I couldn't care less. All I care about is becoming the best weapon wielder and getting stronger.
Kono: I see… Well, I have faith you will one day.
Zodiac: Hmmm.
As Zodiac listens to the water once more, he lunges the spear in again and catches another fish, handing it to Kono.
Zodiac: Here you go. Now let's head back.
Kono: Thank you, Zodiac. That means a lot.
Kono and Zodiac make their way back, only to find Gram on the ground, vomiting.
Kono: Is Gram alright?
Daru: He's just being a wimp, that's all.
Zodiac approaches Akira with the fish.
Zodiac: Hey, you.
Akira: (Looking at Zodiac) What do you want?
Zodiac: Go cook my fish.
Everyone is taken aback by Zodiac's request.
Himitsu: This can't end well.
Akira: Excuse me!?
Zodiac: You heard me. Cook my fish.
Akira stands up and slaps the fish out of Zodiac's hands.
Zodiac: What the hell?
Akira: I don't know what kind of girl you think I am, but I'm not your housewife bitch. So how about you get the hell out of my face before I give you a new one?
Gram: (Shocked) Damn! He just got roasted!
Zodiac: You better pick up my food.
Akira: Or else what, pipsqueak?
Zodiac and Akira lock eyes, both wearing serious expressions for a few moments.
Daru: I swear, if they fight…
Zodiac walks away from Akira and picks up his fish from the ground.
Akira: (Speaking quietly) That's what I thought.
Zodiac approaches Gram, holding the fish in front of his face.
Zodiac: Cook my fish.
Gram: Why me?
Zodiac: You're the one who can cast fire with that stupid book. Do it now or else.
Gram: Aww mannnn!
Kono glances at the unused campfire.
Kono: Uhh, guys?
Himitsu: Yes?
Kono: Why aren't we using the campfire?
Everyone exchanges puzzled glances.
Daru: (shaking his head) Yeah, I'm done…