"Just calm down. Call him Exca and tell him to follow you, then walk outside the dungeon," Exca instructed through telepathy.
"Okay, got it," Lyon responded.
Lyon turned slowly and spoke aloud for the first time. "Oh… Exca. That's your name, right?"
After a pause, the man stepped forward from the shadows of the tomb, his face still hidden in the dark part of the dungeon . Only his eyes glowed—bright crimson like a burning star in the night.
"So it is Exca. Just as I thought," Sasaki said calmly. "Let's go. Bring the boy, eliminate the woman, and do whatever we want with the girl."
Lyon clenched his fists behind his back, hiding the nervous twitch in his expression. His voice is calm—but that's what makes it terrifying. Those eyes alone are enough to freeze the soul.
He said nothing more and disconnected their Phase Two mind link with a silent sigh.
The two men—Lyon and the infamous Sasaki—walked side-by-side through the forest, away from the dungeon's mouth. The silence between them was thick, ominous.
---
Back in the Renshi circle…
Exca remained seated in meditation, still within the glowing radius of the mind control seal. He watched through Sasaki's eyes, noting Lyon's expression.
Why does his Renshi feel… unstable? Exca wondered. What's he hiding?
He opened his eyes. "He's overthinking things, no doubt putting himself—or his son—in the boy's position. I know Lyon. He's always been the sentimental type. But if he dares ruin my shot at becoming one of the strongest beings on the country…"
Exca clenched his jaw, voice low. "Then he'll regret betraying me."
He let out a small groan, stretching his legs. "Sitting like this all day is murder on my back…"
Refocused, he poured more of his Renshi into the mind control seal, strengthening its hold on Sasaki's will.
---
Nearby…
Jackson and Marcel crouched silently behind a thick tree, eyes fixed on the dungeon's entrance still unable to see them from their direction.
"Do you think they're coming out soon?" Marcel whispered.
"Just keep quiet, Marcel. We can't risk them noticing us," Jackson replied sharply.
They remained hidden, unnoticed thanks to Exca's earlier deactivation of the icon—no Renshi auras could be tracked throughout the kingdom.
After a long pause, Lyon suddenly stopped mid-step beside Sasaki in the forest and activated his telepathy again.
"Exca, give us the kid's last known location. We'll teleport there."
"Well well, look at you," Exca smirked through the link. "Weren't you just trembling at the thought of being near Sasaki? Guess the pro darkside knight finally remembered who he is."
"Cut the crap and just send the coordinates," Lyon muttered.
Exca responded seriously this time. "This won't be easy. The last confirmed location from my drone was in Baska Kingdom, two kingdoms from where you are. That was two days ago. Their path leads toward two of the most fortified nations in the country—Berserker and Ashura."
"What?" Lyon's expression darkened.
"Yes. If that woman gets the boy to either kingdom and they're taken in as students… we lose our chance. We can't assassinate anyone in Berserker or Ashura. Not without starting a war."
He paused, then added, "You've got four days to find and finish the mission. After that, my mind control will weaken. I'm leaving this in your hands, Lyon."
"Got it," Lyon replied flatly and disconnected the link.
So, she plans to train them? Lyon thought, staring up at the forest canopy. The woman used a rare sealing spell to lock the boy's Renshi channels—an ancient type even our top mages can't replicate. Exca must've been planning this since the beginning. He's waited years to harness Sasaki's power for himself.
Lyon glanced sideways at the quiet Sasaki walking beside him. If only I could convince her without bloodshed… but this red head darkside… he won't hesitate to strike.
---
Back at the tree line…
"What are you spacing out for, Lyon?" Exca muttered, watching through Sasaki's eyes. "Get going before they get further away."
In the brush, Marcel nudged Jackson.
"Are you sure your dad's alright? He's looking... weird."
"I noticed. Just shut up and follow my lead," Jackson whispered.
"Have you prepped the tentacle already?" Marcel asked.
"It's ready. I crafted it from a leaf infused with my Renshi and slipped it near my dad. The moment he casts a teleportation spell, we'll be pulled along—so long as we stay connected."
He placed a hand on Marcel's shoulder. "Don't let go of me, no matter what."
Marcel nodded, smiling nervously. "Alright, boss. You lead, I follow."