As everyone finishes their meal and conversation, they prepare to head back outside.
Kasumi: Alright! Are we ready to go?
Kono: Yes, we should be ready.
Himitsu: Thank you once again for the delicious food.
Kasumi: No problem. You must have been hungry after that long walk.
Gram: Tell me about it! That walk felt like it took forever!
Daru: It wasn't that bad; relax.
Gram: Easy for you to say!
Kasumi laughs as she turns to the elderly woman.
Kasumi: Alright, Granny, we're heading out!
Elderly Woman: Alright, dear. Take care, everyone.
Kono: It was a pleasure meeting you!
Elderly Woman: It was a pleasure meeting you all as well, especially you two. (She looks at Zodiac and Daru.)
Daru: Yeah...
Zodiac: Whatever.
Kasumi: Okay then, let's go.
Everyone heads to the front door, including Akira, as they exit.
Ohma: Where are we going now?
Kasumi: I'm taking you back to the entrance of this tribe. I've already broken the rules, so I'm not trying to get into more trouble.
Akira: You should have never brought these scumbags in here.
Kasumi: Don't say that. I was just trying to help them.
Akira: And what's the point? They're going to die sooner or later.
Daru: Yeah, that's not happening.
Gram: (Smirking) Gram the Great never dies!
Akira: Sure, when your pathetic ass was hiding behind a rock the whole time.
Zodiac: She has a point there.
Gram: What!? No, I was just charging my attacks!
Akira: And you're full of it.
Kasumi: Okay, okay, let's calm down. Just follow me.
They follow Kasumi as she leads them out of the Noku tribe territory. As they continue walking, one of the tribe members approaches them with a smile. Kasumi and Akira adopt serious expressions, looking displeased.
???: (Smiling) Hey, how are you ladies doing?
Kono: Uhhh, who is this?
Kasumi: Rus...
Rus: Awww, don't be like that, Kasumi. I'm just saying hello. It's been a while since I saw you, Akira. Did you miss me?
Akira: How about you go die in a hole!
Rus: Ouch! That was rather harsh, don't you think? But I must say, you're looking better than ever.
Gram: Hey! Why don't you leave her alone?
Rus turns around to see Gram and the others.
Rus: Who is this scrawny kid? And who are all these other people?
Kasumi: That is none of your concern.
Rus begins to gesture with his finger.
Rus: You know bringing outsiders is against the rules, Kasumi.
Kasumi: I know, Rus, but I couldn't just leave them behind.
Rus: And why not? They're just a bunch of weak little humans who are nothing but trash.
Rus approaches Kasumi and places his hand on her cheek.
Rus: If you want, I can gladly get rid of them.
Kasumi pushes Rus away.
Rus: (Laughing) Oh, so we're getting feisty now. If that's the case, there's a lot more I can show you.
Daru: Hey, asshole. They clearly don't want to be around you. Why don't you just turn around and walk away?
Rus looks at Daru and smirks.
Rus: And who do you think you are, talking to me like that? You think you're some big hotshot?
Daru: It doesn't matter what I am. They clearly don't want to talk to you. So I'll ask you again: walk away, or you'll have to deal with me.
Rus: Ha! Big talk for someone weaker than me.
Daru: Do you want to find out?
Kono: Daru, we can't go around causing conflict.
Daru: I'm not. I'm trying to help them.
Rus continues to laugh, dismissing Daru's threat.
Rus: I don't want to waste my time dealing with a nobody I can easily destroy.
Akira: Just get out of our way, Rus! You're starting to piss me off!
Rus turns to Akira, licking his lips.
Rus: Damn. You've really gotten hotter in the last few years, Akira. Why don't we get a room?
Himitsu: What the?
Gram: (Clenching his fist) How dare you speak that way!
Rus slowly approaches Akira.
Rus: Just think about it. We'd make a great couple. You know you want me.
As Rus reaches for Akira, she swiftly grabs his arm and executes a front judo leg sweep, slamming him to the ground and pinning his head down.
Akira: (With a serious expression) Next time you say that, I won't hesitate to kill you.
Everyone gasps in shock before breaking into laughter.
Himitsu: (Laughing) Oh wow.
Gram: (Laughing) You just got thrown by a girl!
Zodiac: (To himself) That was rather impressive, not going to lie.
Akira releases Rus as he rises, his face slightly bruised.
Rus: (Laughing) You've definitely gotten stronger lately. That's how I like them.
Akira: (Looking at Kasumi) Let's get going before I get even more pissed.
Kasumi: Yeah, sure thing, Akira. I hate dealing with him anyway.
Kasumi led the way, and everyone followed.
Rus: (Getting back up) Yeah, keep walking away! I'll get you sooner or later.
Daru: It's people like them who have no respect for others.
Kasumi: That's Rus for you. He's been like this for years. But I wouldn't underestimate him; he is strong.
Gram: I could have beaten him up!
Zodiac: It would be the other way around.
As they followed Kasumi, they arrived at the front entrance, only to find five Noxcemorian guards blocking their path.
Himitsu: Who are those people?
Ohma: (Waving) Hello!
Gram: Ohma!
Kasumi: Oh no… This is not good.
Noxcemori Guard 1: You have violated the rules, Kasumi!
Kono: How did they find out?
Kasumi: Most likely, someone witnessed us and reported it.
Noxcemori Guard 1: The mistress has summoned you to face your punishment. Proceed this way!
The other four guards moved behind the group, urging them forward with their spears.
Zodiac: Don't touch me.
Gram: Ouch! Okay, okay!
Daru: (Sighs) This is so stupid.
The guards began escorting them through the city, drawing the attention of bystanders. After a few minutes, they arrived at an immense palace, where the other guards formed a line.
Kono: This place is enormous.
Kasumi: This is where our mistress resides.
Himitsu: You said the mistress was nice, right?
Kasumi: Yes. She is kind but can become very serious quickly, so we'll see how she reacts.
Noxcemori Guard 2: Keep moving!
Kasumi: Alright, jeez.
The guards continued to usher them into the palace. Once inside, they looked around, astonished by its grandeur.
Kono: This place is even larger on the inside.
Akira: Can you just shut up? It's your fault that Kasumi and I are in this mess.
Kono: Uh, okay…
Daru: (to himself) I think she should be quiet.
After a few more steps, they reached a large set of doors, where a guard stood ready to open them. As they entered, they saw more guards lined up on either side. In front of them sat an opulent throne with a woman of unique design seated upon it. She stood and walked down, prompting all the guards to kneel, along with Kasumi.
Kasumi: You must kneel before the Mistress to show respect.
Kono, Gram, Ohma, and Himitsu drop to their knees, while Daru, Zodiac, and Akira remain standing.
Gram: What are you doing?!
Zodiac: I'm not kneeling.
Daru: Same here.
Akira: I kneel to nobody.
Noxcemori Guard 3: What!? How dare you say th—
Mistress: It's alright; I will handle this from here.
The Mistress approaches, radiating an aura of beauty that leaves Gram and Himitsu speechless.
Mistress Hozuki: Welcome to Vermalia. I am Hozuki, the Mistress of this city.
Ohma: It's an honor to meet you, ma'am!
Zodiac and Daru feel her overwhelming presence.
Daru: (to himself) Yeah, she's definitely strong.
Mistress Hozuki: I assume you know why I summoned you all here, don't you?
Kasumi: Yes, Mistress. I brought these outsiders into the tribe's territory, breaking the rule.
Mistress Hozuki: And you know that breaking one of the rules means you all must be punished, correct?
Kasumi: I had to help them! Our people would try to kill them since they are humans.
Mistress Hozuki: It doesn't matter, Kasumi; breaking a sacred rule is strictly forbidden.
Akira: Why don't you punish them instead of us? They're the ones who agreed to do it after I told them not to!
Mistress Hozuki: Yet you chose to accompany them, Akira. You could have opted out of this situation.
Akira remained silent, uncertain of how to respond.
Ohma: I don't think this is right.
Everyone turns to Ohma as he stands.
Mistress Hozuki: Hmmm?
Ohma: I believe it was our fault for entering a place we weren't supposed to be, but we meant no harm.
Noxcemori Guard 4: No! There—
Mistress Hozuki: (glaring at the guard) Silence!
The guard, intimidated, falls silent.
Mistress Hozuki: How can I trust that what you say is true?
Ohma: We come from a different world. We are part of a group called the "Order of Triumph" in a city named Sampostis.
Mistress Hozuki: Order of Triumph? What is your purpose?
Kono: We travel through dimensions, protecting innocent people and promoting peace across the universes.
Mistress Hozuki appears shocked, deep in thought.
Kasumi: Is something troubling you, Mistress?
Mistress Hozuki: No, I've just heard of another group that does the same thing you do.
Himitsu: Really? What are they called?
Mistress Hozuki: I can't remember the name; it was so long ago. All I recall is that they flew large aircraft through some kind of portal.
Gram: Wait, what!?
Daru: So you're saying these people do the same thing we do?
Mistress Hozuki: I believe so. I encountered them years ago when I was younger, but that's all I remember.
Daru: I see.
Mistress Hozuki: However, based on your attire, I have no doubt that you are genuine. I appreciate your dedication to protecting others.
Kono: Thank you! We're just trying to make the world—or rather, the universes—a better place.
Kasumi: But what of our punishment?
Mistress Hozuki: (Laughing) Oh, you need not worry about that. I will issue a warning, but if you violate another rule, there will not be a second chance.
Kasumi: (Happy) Thank you, Mistress! This is why you are the best!
Mistress Hozuki: I will also ensure that our people won't cause you any trouble. You are no longer outsiders, but guests.
Gram: Yes, let's go!
Everyone who was kneeling stands up.
Kasumi: I'm glad everything is sorted out.
Mistress Hozuki: Same here. If you need anything else, you know where to find me. Other than that, you are dismissed. Enjoy your stay in Vermalia.
They all turned and exited the throne room.
Himitsu: Man, I'm glad we didn't get punished.
Akira: Well, you should have.
Himitsu: Huh?
As they were about to make their way outside, Ohma glanced to his left and noticed a room.
Ohma: (Pointing) What is that room?
Kasumi: Oh, that is our library, where we preserve our history. We can take a quick look; follow me!
Kasumi led the way, with the others following. Upon entering the library, they observed numerous scrolls on the shelves and people moving about. As they explored further, Ohma discovered a large wall displaying various historical artworks.
Ohma: What is this?
Kasumi: Oh, this? It is one of the largest collections of historical records in the world.
Himitsu: Really? What is it about?
Kasumi approached the art wall, pointing out specific areas.
Kasumi: Do you see this massive dragon? It is one of the most feared dragons ever. We refer to it as the "Genaki," the primordial dragon.
Kono: What makes it so terrifying?
Kasumi: Years ago, the Genaki rose up, causing chaos and destruction, annihilating everything in its path. That was its sole purpose. We experienced a recent attack from it over ten years ago, but it was ultimately defeated by an unknown force.
Himitsu: Who defeated it?
Kasumi: As I mentioned earlier, I don't know. All I can confirm is that it was defeated by something.
Kasumi walked to the next section, gesturing.
Kasumi: See these people? They can use all the elements, making them the strongest Noxcemorians we've encountered. This was during the first battle.
Ohma: So, can this dragon be killed or not?
Kasumi: Well... possibly. In the first battle, they succeeded in making it flee, and the details of the second battle remain unclear. However, legend has it that even if you defeat it, another will rise in its place.
Ohma: That creature must be incredibly powerful then!
Kasumi: It really is. But it's an event you don't want to be part of, trust me.
Akira: (Annoyed) Can we just get out of here already!?
Kasumi: (Smiling) Sure thing, pookie!
Daru: You yell too much.
Akira: And you talk too much!
As they concluded their time in the library, they stepped outside and made their way back to the main street of the city.
Kasumi: Well, that wraps it up. What do you guys plan to do now?
Kono: I'm not certain. We still have to wait six more days until we can return to our world, so perhaps we'll just explore.
Kasumi: Oh right, I forgot you guys were stuck here. If you explore, I hope you have a great time. There are a lot of nice people to meet along the way.
Kono: That's good to hear! What will you do in the meantime?
Kasumi: Well, Akira and I are pl—
Akira: Don't tell them anything, Kasumi! They've annoyed me long enough, so why don't you just leave?
Kasumi: Come on, I can at least share what we're up to.
Akira: Ugh! You're incredibly frustrating!
Kasumi: (Laughing) I love you too. As I was saying, Akira and I are planning to locate her brother.
Himitsu: Wait, you know where he is?
Kasumi: I've been trying to figure out where the Zarracks might be, and I think I'm onto something.
Kono: But wouldn't Akira know since she went there?
Kasumi: That's true, but it's been so long that Akira can't really remember. However, I found an outpost a bit farther away where the Zarracks gather resources. I think we can make them tell us where their base is if we give them a good beatdown. They should lead us right to her brother.
Daru: By the way, what is your brother's name?
Akira: And why do I have to tell you that!?
Daru: Because I don't want to keep saying "brother" when he clearly has a name.
Akira paused for a moment before responding.
Akira: His name is Riaku.
Gram: So, his name is Riaku.
Zodiac: Yes, you idiot, that's what she just said.
Gram: I was just making sure, jeez.
Akira: But this doesn't change anything. I'm still going to kill him!
Daru: I know that! I was just asking for his name, that's all.
Kasumi: Well, anyway, we have some planning to do, so we'll catch you later!
As Kasumi and Akira were about to depart, Kono stopped them.
Kono: Wait!
Akira: (Turning around) What do you want now!?
Kono: Since we have nothing better to do, why don't we help you out?
Akira: What!? You're not helping with anything!
Himitsu: I'm kind of with Kono. We don't really have anything better to do.
Gram: (Smiling) I wouldn't mind being around you.
Zodiac: I disagree.
Kono: Wait, what? Why?
Zodiac: This is Akira's battle. We would just be in the way.
Daru: I agree with you, but I have to side with Kono. They might need help against all those people they have to fight.
Ohma: Yeah. It's pretty much two against how many? I think extra support is what they need.
Zodiac shakes his head.
Zodiac: You guys are foolish.
Daru: How are we foolish? We just want to help them without getting killed!
Zodiac: I don't care anymore. Just stop talking to me.
Akira: I don't need your help with anything! So why don't you go die in a hole and rot?
Daru: Listen, you asshole. We're trying to be nice to you.
Akira: How about you do that for someone else? You guys are like flies, always annoying me!
Kasumi: Okay, let's take a moment. Akira, I know you wanted to do this alone, but it would be beneficial to have more help, don't you think?
Akira's anger begins to escalate.
Akira: You know what, fine! Add these losers to our operation! I can't stand arguing anymore.
Akira walks away, visibly frustrated.
Kono: Looks like we really upset her.
Kasumi: No, it's okay. She's just not used to trusting others. But if you guys really want to help us out, that would be great!
Ohma: Well, guys, it's time to kill Akira's brother!
Daru: Ohma!
Ohma: (Smiling) Oh, sorry! I meant to say we should stop her brother!
Zodiac: (Shaking his head) Absolute nonsense…