The scene returns to Kono's crew as they approach the city.
Kono: (Pointing) Everyone, look!
They all gaze into the distance, spotting a large city ahead.
Gram: (Out of breath) We finally made it.
Akira stops walking and turns to face the group.
Akira: Before you enter Vermalia, there are a few things you need to understand. First, don't walk into a tribe's territory. Second, don't make eye contact with anyone. And third, don't act foolish like the little people you are. They won't hesitate to kill you.
Kono: Oh, uh, thank you, Akira. Maybe you should—
Akira: No! I don't want anything to do with you anymore. Goodbye!
Akira begins to grow wings from her back and flies toward the city.
Himitsu: Wait, she can fly too!?
Daru: So she could have flown here this whole time.
Zodiac: Who cares about her? I'm just relieved I don't have to deal with her any longer.
Zodiac strides forward.
Ohma: I agree with Zodiac. She doesn't seem nice.
Gram: Come on, guys! We just need to get to know her, that's all.
Daru: Yeah, not happening. Let's just go.
The others begin walking toward the city as well. After a few more minutes, they finally arrive at Vermalia, passing through the entrance.
Kono: We finally made it, guys! Vermalia City!
Himitsu: This place is so lively!
As they look around, they notice several Noxcemorians staring at them with serious expressions.
Noxcemorian Guy 1: Who the hell are these people?
Noxcemorian Guy 2: They must be humans!
Gram sees that Ohma is looking back at the Noxcemorians and quickly turns him around.
Gram: Ohma! Stop looking at them!
Ohma: What? Oh right, she said not to make eye contact, haha!
Zodiac: (To himself) That idiot is going to get himself killed.
Kono: Well, let's explore a bit without causing trouble.
Kono leads the way, and everyone else follows. As they look around, they see individuals in unique clothing, numerous food markets, and more. Then they spot two people fighting, one hovering above the other, repeatedly punching him in the face and leaving blood everywhere.
Gram: Oh my gosh! What's going on over there?
Kono: That's terrible!
Daru: It's better to mind our business. Let them deal with it.
They disregarded the conflict and continued their walk through the city. After a few more minutes, they spotted Akira again, this time engaged in conversation with another girl.
Himitsu: Is that Akira?
They approached slowly, eavesdropping on the discussion.
???: I told you not to use your wings, Akira! They need to heal properly.
Akira: Yes, I know! I was just trying to get away from those losers.
The girl glanced behind Akira and noticed them.
???: (Pointing) You mean those people?
Akira turned around, clearly annoyed.
Akira: You've got to be kidding me…
The girl approached, giving them a piercing stare.
Gram: (Muttering to himself) Oh crap! We're going to die!
Zodiac: (Muttering to himself) Here we go again.
???: (Smiling) So, you're the ones following Akira! It's nice to meet you!
She extended her hand to Kono, who shook it.
Kono: Hello! I'm Kono, and these are my friends: Zodiac, Daru, Himitsu, Gram, and Ohma. We're part of the "Order of Triumph" from Sampostis!
Kasumi: Oh wow! I've never heard of that place. You can call me Kasumi!
Kono: It's nice to meet you too!
Gram sidled up to Himitsu and whispered in his ear.
Gram: She's kind of hot! You should ask her out.
Himitsu: What! Are you out of your mind!?
Akira: Why are you even bothering with them? They're just pathetic little beings.
Kasumi: Oh come on, Pookie poo. They seem nice.
Akira: I don't think so.
Kasumi: How about this? Why don't you all come to our house so we can get to know each other better?
Akira: What! You can't do that!
Kasumi: It's for the best. This place can be really dangerous for them, especially since they're not our kind. Now follow me!
Akira: (Upset) Tch, bullshit.
They followed Kasumi through the city until they arrived at an area marked by four large signs pointing in different directions: Noku, Shien, Liokum, and Ethra.
Kasumi: As you may not know, we Noxcemorians are born with four elemental powers. The first is "Noku," representing fire—Akira and I belong to this group. The second is "Shien," which represents ice. The third is "Liokum," representing water. Lastly, we have "Ethra," which encompasses electricity.
Kono: Oh wow! That's fascinating.
Kasumi: Yes, but since Noxcemorians are very territorial, our Mistress divided us into four tribes to prevent conflict.
Ohma: Mistress? You mean your leader?
Kasumi: Yes. Our Mistress leads this city and dictates our way of life. She's kind and sweet. But we can talk more once we get to the house.
Kasumi walks along the path belonging to the Noku tribe, followed by the others. She greets her tribe members, who respond in kind, while some members of other tribes cast hostile glances at Kono's group.
Zodiac: These people staring at us are starting to annoy me.
Kasumi: Don't worry. They're just cautious because you're not from this world. Don't take it to heart.
Akira: Or maybe they want to kill you. If so, I wouldn't blame them.
Zodiac: Shut up.
Akira: You're the one who needs to shut up!
Daru: Okay, let's just calm down!
After a brief pause, Kasumi arrives at the house, but before she can open the door, the tribe leader approaches.
Noku Tribe Leader: Kasumi, Akira.
Kasumi: Oh, hey!
Noku Tribe Leader: Who are these people you've brought into our territory? They're not part of us and not even the same race. What's the meaning of this?
Akira: Talk to Kasumi, not me. I didn't want them here in the first place.
Kasumi: Um, these people come from a different world and are visitors. I just wanted to get to know them by bringing them to my house.
Noku Tribe Leader: You know that's against the rules, Kasumi! Bringing them here makes it worse.
Kasumi: I know, I know, but you know how our people are. They would kill them!
Noku Tribe Leader: That is irrelevant! You have violated the rules!
Kasumi: Can I at least bring them home to settle down for a bit?
The tribe leader contemplates for a moment.
Noku Tribe Leader: Fine. But I expect them to be gone afterward. Understand!?
Kasumi: Yes, sir, I understand.
The leader turns and departs.
Kasumi: (Wiping her forehead) Whew! That was a close one.
Daru: What was that about?
Kasumi: In our city, there are rules we must follow. One of those rules is, "No outsiders are allowed in the tribes without permission."
Gram: What? Does that mean we're going to be punished?
Kasumi: I don't know for sure, but we'll see. Let's head inside!
Kasumi approaches the door, opens it, and enters, followed by the others. Inside, the house is neat and tidy, and an elderly lady in a wheelchair is reading a book.
Kasumi: Granny! We're back!
Old Lady: (Looks up) Welcome back, dear. How was your training?
Kasumi: It went great! I also brought some visitors.
The old lady glances behind Kasumi to see Kono and the others.
Old Lady: Hello there! Why don't you introduce yourselves?
Everyone steps forward to introduce themselves one by one.
Old Lady: (Chuckling) It's a pleasure to meet you all.
Ohma: Nice to meet you too!
Kasumi: Alright, let's all take a seat.
They take their places at a large table.
Kasumi: I'll prepare something to eat.
Kasumi rushes to the kitchen to prepare food for everyone.
Himitsu: Man, I'm starving!
Kono: It's been a while since our last meal.
Zodiac and Daru glance at Akira, who is leaning against the wall.
Daru: Aren't you going to sit down?
Akira remains silent.
Daru: Okay then…
After a few moments, Kasumi returns with large plates of meat, distributing them to everyone.
Kasumi: Here you go!
Gram: (Eyes shining) This looks amazing!
Zodiac: Finally, something I can eat.
Kono: Ummm, Kasumi? Do you have something a bit easier on the stomach?
Kasumi: Uhhhh, I have some leftover soup in the back if you want it.
Kono: That would be perfect, thanks!
Kasumi heads back to the kitchen, retrieves the soup for Kono, and places it in front of her. She then takes a seat as everyone begins to eat.
Kasumi: So, how is the food?
Ohma: (Talking with mouth full) It's so good!
Daru: Eat with your mouth closed!
Ohma: S-sorry!
Kasumi: (Laughing) I'm glad you like it. So… you say you were part of the Order of Triumph. What kind of job is that?
Kono: Our job is to travel across dimensions to maintain peace and order against any threats to the universes.
Kasumi: Oh, that sounds quite dangerous.
Kono: Haha, it is, but luckily I have the best crew fighting by my side.
Gram: Yeah, which is me!
Zodiac: Absolutely not.
Gram: Huh? Yes, it is!
Daru: You're the last person on the list when it comes to "best." And don't even mention the Newbie Event.
Gram: Ah, you lucky bastard!
Kasumi: Haha, you guys seem to get along well.
Kono: Yeah, I'm really grateful to have such a good crew!
As everyone smiles and laughs, Ohma poses a question to Kasumi.
Ohma: Hey Kasumi, do you know why Akira hates her brother so much?
As soon as Akira heard that, she became visibly upset.
Akira: What did you say, you little brat!
Kasumi: Oh, Akira didn't tell you why?
Ohma: No, she refused to say.
Kasumi: I see. Well, I can share the full story if that's okay with you. (Looking at Akira.)
Akira: Tch, fine! Go ahead and tell them my life story. I don't care anymore.
Akira storms away, visibly distressed.
Himitsu: Man, her brother must have done something really bad to make her act this way.
Old Lady: Akira was such a sweet child before the incident.
Himitsu: Wait, really?
Old Lady: I mean it. She was full of energy, ready to take on the world, but after what her brother did, she's filled with rage.
Kono: Oh wow.
Kasumi: Yeah, it was pretty bad, but I'll tell you the full story, so sit back. Eight years ago, when she was 11, she was raised by an adopted family far from here. Her real parents discarded her and her brother because they weren't good enough, or something like that, according to what Akira told me.
Himitsu: What! How could you do that to your kids?
Kasumi: It's pretty messed up, isn't it? After they were sent away, they ended up in a small town where the adopted family took them in, and Granny over there was part of it.
Daru: Hmm, I see.
Kasumi: They cared for the children as best they could, and the kids were finally happy again. But one day, a group known as the "Zarracks" came into their town.
Gram: The Zarracks?
Kasumi: Yep. They're a group that kidnaps vulnerable individuals and forces them into slavery.
Ohma: No way!
Kasumi: That's what happened to Akira, her brother, and their adopted family. They were taken and forced into hard labor, with barely any breaks or food. They worked nonstop collecting materials, building things, and more. If anyone slacked off or fell behind, the Zarracks would take them away to a special place where they would be eaten by a dragon.
Kono: What!? The same dragon we encountered before?
Kasumi: I don't know what kind of dragon you saw, but Akira told me this one was unlike any other. They lost their family members one by one, feeling sad and helpless that they couldn't protect their loved ones.
Ohma begins to show signs of anger.
Ohma: Agh! I hate it when people destroy innocent families!
Kasumi: That's not even the worst part. Eventually, everyone except the family, including Akira and her brother, became exhausted and hungry. The Zarracks noticed they were slacking and decided to take them all to that special place to be sacrificed.
Himitsu: How would you describe the place?
Kasumi: Akira told me they went inside a dark, gloomy mountain. The Zarracks brought them to a large room where the dragon was kept. They lined everyone up in single file and pushed them in while the family watched their loved ones get slaughtered.
Kono: How horrifying!
Kasumi: It really left a mental scar on Akira and her brother to watch their people suffer. Most of their family was killed, leaving only their grandmother alive. When the guards were about to push her in, her body began to heat up, igniting in flames and causing panic among the guards. She generated so much heat that her body exploded, creating a massive fireball and thick smoke. Akira and her brother seized this opportunity to escape, running as the guards tried to catch them. Once they finally got outside, they found more guards waiting for them, including the commander.
Gram: What happened after that?
Kasumi: This is the part that made Akira want to kill her brother. When they were cornered, her brother intended to fight off the guards to protect his sister, but he had no luck since they were too strong. The strange part was that the commander noticed her brother could use two elements: ice and electricity.
Daru: And what makes that surprising?
Kasumi: Remember how dragons are born with four elements? Well, there's a special power called "Xerian." A Xerian can harness all the dragon powers, such as fire, ice, water, and electricity. It's a rare power that we Noxcemorians hold in high regard, symbolizing respect and dignity.
Zodiac: Xerian, you say.
Kasumi: Yes. You might be wondering if Akira has that power, but unfortunately, she does not; she can only use fire.
Himitsu: Oh, that's strange.
Kasumi: Exactly. To finish the story, the commander wanted her brother to join them, and sadly, he accepted the offer, betraying his sister.
Ohma: What!? How could he!
Kasumi: Akira told me he had no choice; if he didn't go with them, they would kill her. But I think he's lying since her brother always wanted to be stronger. After that, they knocked Akira out and threw her into a river. The next day, I found her unconscious in the grass. I helped her and brought her to the city to join our tribe because she can use fire. Over time, we became best friends, training together and hanging out. But ever since that day, Akira has never been the same.
Everyone was taken aback upon hearing the complete story.
Kono: I... I don't even know what to say. Akira went through so much.
Kasumi: I know. Now you see why she seeks vengeance against her brother.
Daru: I do understand now. But the path of revenge never ends well.
Kasumi: That's just who she is. Nothing will change her mind.
Himitsu: And the fact that the granny helped them escape was so kind.
The old lady begins to chuckle.
Old Lady: Oh, thank you. I had to return the favor to someone sooner or later.
Kono: Huh? What do you mean by that?
Old Lady: Well, you see, back in my youth, I was rescued by a group of glowing stick men.
Kasumi: Oh, here we go again with this myth.
Daru: Glowing stick men?
Old Lady: Yes, glowing stick men! They saved me from an attack by creatures a long time ago.
Gram: But who are these glowing stick men?
Old Lady: I don't know their names. All I know is that when they saved me, their hair was glowing brightly.
Zodiac and Daru's eyes widen in disbelief.
Zodiac: People with glowing hair?
Old Lady: Yes, and some had different colors too.
The rest of the group appears equally astonished.
Kasumi: Why are you all so worked up?
Himitsu: I think we know who the granny is talking about.
Kasumi: Really?
Kono: Zodiac, Daru, could you demonstrate?
Zodiac: I'm eating.
Kono: Please, Zodiac!
Daru: (sighs) Let's just show them; then we can get back to eating.
Zodiac and Daru rise from their seats and close their eyes. They begin to channel energy, their hair illuminating in white and purple hues, while Akira observes from a distance. The old lady drops her book in astonishment.
Old Lady: Y-you guys are the glowing stick men!
Kasumi: What the!? So this is what Granny meant!
Akira rushes into the room.
Akira: Okay, you heard my story! Now tell me, who the hell are you?
Kasumi: It's only fair since I shared my story.
Zodiac and Daru take a deep breath.
Zodiac & Daru: We are Zatarians.
Old Lady: Glowing stick men…