"We're almost there," Marco called from the front of the chariot.
"Your new life begins here, boys. And I promise you this,once your brother passes his trial, you'll see him again."
Elijah and Marcus sat quietly in the back, each lost in thoughts of their brother.
"You're joining them, right?" Marco asked, glancing at Rebekah.
She didn't answer.
She can't leave the boy who saved her life huh.
Marco thought.
After minutes of riding, Marco already dropped Marcus Elijah and Rebekah at the academy.
"We're here."
The chariot stopped beside a small house tucked away behind the academy.
"Ma'am, this is your new home. It's best if we don't return to the old one. I bought this place a few years ago when I visited this kingdom, so you can stay here safely."
Marco's expression grew serious.
"The area around your previous home has been tainted. Alfie's Renshi outburst will attract more Darkside Spirits.
Margaret remained silent. She walked to the door, opened it, and stood there for a moment before turning back to him.
"You've helped me and my children more than you know. You're not just keeping your promise to Falco anymore. You're helping me raise them."
Her expression softened.
"So please, help me in every way you can, Mister Shinra. I'm counting on you."
Marco gave her a slight bow.
"You have my word."
He climbed back onto the chariot and rode away.
As he departed, a faint smile crossed his face.
I've finally gained her trust. That's one of the biggest steps forward.
Now it's your turn, Alfie.
---
Back at the isolated smithy, Alfie stood alone in the empty yard.
He stared at the place where his family had once gathered, his arms hanging loosely at his sides.
"They really left..."
His voice was quiet, heavy with regret.
"I guess I messed things up this time."
He lowered his head. There was no point standing there forever, so after a moment, he turned and entered his father's workshop.
Rows of swords, shields, axes, hammers, and bows lined the walls. Even in the dim light, the weapons gleamed faintly.
Alfie stepped closer, examining them.
"Papa really was a great smith."
His smile faded.
"Was, huh... I hate that word."
Memories of his father came rushing back.
My papa was killed by those damn Darkside Spirits...
His hands curled into fists,tears running down from his cheek.
It's unforgivable.
Dark tendrils spread beneath his skin as his veins turned black. His eyes flared crimson, and the anger buried deep within him began to overwhelm his senses.
"I'll kill them all."
He roars.
BOOM.
Dark Renshi erupted from his body, sending a violent wave of energy through the workshop. The air trembled as his scream echoed across the land.
Then a familiar voice reached him.
"Stay still, my son. Don't fall to the evil within you."
Alfie froze.
His heart pounded as he searched for the speaker, but no one stood before him.
He knew that voice.
"Papa...?"
"If you truly wish to eliminate the Darkside Spirits, do it for justice, not hatred."
The voice was calm, almost gentle.
"Don't become the next abomination, Alfie. Darkness will consume you if you allow it to control you. You must fight for mankind, not revenge."
The words struck deep.
Slowly, the dark tendrils disappeared. His veins returned to normal, and the crimson glow faded from his eyes, restoring their usual white colour.
His strength seemed to drain away all at once.
Alfie dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face.
"I'm sorry, Papa..."
He covered his face with one hand, struggling to contain his emotions.
"Mama... Eli... Marcus..."
His voice broke.
"I pushed you all away. Will you ever forgive me?"
Suddenly, Alfie's head snapped up.
CRAAASH.
The workshop wall exploded inward.
Seven Beta Darkside Spirits burst through the dust and rubble, their twisted bodies advancing toward him with bloodthirsty shrieks.
Alfie sprang to his feet.
There was no time to hesitate.
He grabbed a massive sword leaning against the wall. The weapon was nearly as tall as he was, and its weight dragged his arm downward as he lifted it.
He adjusted his grip and planted his feet firmly against the ground.
"I won't die here... not after everything."
The nearest Darkside Spirit lunged at him.
Alfie stepped aside at the last moment, its claws scraping past his shoulder. He swung the heavy sword with both hands, putting his entire body into the strike.
SHNK.
The blade sliced through the creature's neck, sending it crashing to the ground.
But the force of the swing left Alfie off balance.
He dragged the sword back into position just as another Darkside Spirit charged from his left.
Alfie raised his weapon to block its claws.
CLANG.
The impact rattled his arms. His feet slid backward across the dirt, and he struggled to maintain his grip.
"Damn... you're stronger than you look."
Before he could recover, two more spirits approached from opposite sides.
Alfie retreated toward the centre of the workshop, determined not to let them surround him.
"I guess you freaks can't talk like the one from before."
He watched their movements, trying to predict which one would attack first.
One suddenly sprang forward.
Alfie turned to meet it, but the second moved faster than he expected.
BAM.
A heavy punch slammed into his back.
His body lurched forward, and the sword slipped from his hands. He crashed face-first into the dirt, scraping his cheek against the ground.
Before he could rise, he heard the creatures approaching.
Alfie rolled aside just as a claw struck the ground where his head had been. He scrambled backward, barely avoiding another attack.
His breathing grew ragged.
I can't keep dodging like this.
He reached for his sword and pulled himself to his feet. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his arms trembled from the impact.
The six remaining spirits spread out, slowly closing in.
Alfie tightened his grip on the sword.
"I'm not done yet..."
He forced himself to stand straight despite the pain in his back.
There were too many of them, and he was already struggling to keep up with their movements.
As the Darkside Spirits prepared to attack again, Alfie lowered his stance and fixed his eyes on the nearest one.