"Seems I can't outsmart them. I guess I'll play the game the way they want it," Lyon thought, eyes narrowing with resolve. "Give me your hand, Exca. You can't use switch mode—your Renshi is greater than mine. You'll draw too much attention."
With his free hand, Lyon drew signs in the air, tracing ancient symbols in glowing lines: east, west, north, and south. The east sign formed as his two middle fingers pointed downward. The west sign emerged as the remaining three fingers rose, while the previous two stayed pointed down. For the north sign, he extended one finger forward, folding the others. And the south? A clenched fist—solid, absolute.
This was the Art of Mojito.
The Art of Mojito is an ancient technique, existing even before the rise of wizards. When Renshi—the world's primal energy—was first discovered, this was one of the very first art mankind developed. It wasn't powered by Renshi. Instead, it relied on something deeper—spiritual connection.
Back in the beginning, the first generation of humans who uncovered Renshi sought ways to harness it for daily needs and, later, for battle. But as time passed and the next generation was born with Renshi inherently within them, their potential exploded. Children grew obsessed with creating and mastering abilities. One boy from this second generation went beyond all limits. He developed the Art of Multiple Creation—captured within a single scroll. His power? Whatever he imagined became real. On the battlefield, he could annihilate entire armies weaker than him just by visualizing their end. His gift—no, his curse—struck terror into the world.
People protested. Feared him. Hated him. The world labeled him a threat to mankind. Despite his homeland's please, the higher-ups decided: he must be executed.
The day came. The blade loomed over his neck. But just before it fell, the young man imagined his scroll appearing in front of him. It did. He opened it, pressed his palm on the scroll, and performed the east, west, north, south signs. Then, he added something new—the Sun, Moon, and Star signs.
These additional signs changed the world.
The Sun sign: drawn with his spiritual energy in the air.
The Moon sign: drawn same way as the sun sign by writing moon in mid air with Spiritual energy .
The Star sign: dots of spiritual energy connected to form a star in mid air from his palm.
With these new signs, he transformed himself—fusing with Mother Nature. His final words echoed across history:
"I was never a threat. I was the key. Today, I become what you will worship—Mojito."
He vanished into dust, becoming one with the world. Over time, Mojito's scroll was studied by the elders of Shinra. They spent years deciphering his legacy. They discovered that the four base signs—east, west, north, south—were spiritual connectors. Anyone with Renshi who could master them could begin forming unique abilities. But the true transformation came only after awakening one's spiritual energy, not just internal Renshi.
Mojito became a god. A legend. A spirit that humans revered,he became spiritual energy itself.
Decades later, elders replicated the scroll and spread its teachings. The first ability they attempted? Mojito's original—imagination into reality. But no one could wield it as he did. Not even close. The truth became clear: the Art of Mojito allowed each user to manifest imagination—but only as much as their spiritual energy permitted.
As generations passed, interest in Mojito's teachings waned. Few could master even the first phase—Limited Imagination—where users could only manifest simple thoughts. Only one percent ever accessed the advanced Sun, Moon, and Star signs. And the strongest of them? He could only wield two of the three connections.
Still, Lyon believed in it.
He had already mastered the first connection. Now, he imagined himself and Sasaki invisible—undetectable. "We can use switch mode now," Lyon said. "This art shields us. No one will see us."
He and Sasaki teleported, switching across landscapes until they arrived at the border between the Kingdom of Eminence and the Kingdom of Sunflower. Guards, Shinras, and mages stood vigilant at both sides, but Lyon and Exca stayed in the forest—neutral ground.
"Well, well," Lyon said, leaping into a tree. "In just hours or maybe minutes, we take our grand price."
Sasaki frowned. "Are you sure this is the best spot? The woman might be smarter than we think."
"Don't worry, Exca. We've got your nose. Sniff him out. He's close—we won't let him slip."
Lyon sighed. "I sound more like a villain with each word. I hope she turns back…"
"You okay, partner?" Sasaki asked, landing beside him.
"I'm fine. Just… exhausted. That art of Mojito spell took a lot out of me."
"Then rest. I'll keep watch."
As Lyon rested on the branch, Sasaki returned to the forest floor, ears perked, alert.
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Eminence, Lucy, Alfie, and Rebekah were eating dinner at a local restaurant.
"Yummy! So delicious!" Alfie grinned, devouring roasted chicken and chips at lightning speed.
"Slow down!" Rebekah whispered. "People are staring!"
"I can't! It's too good! I haven't had anything this tasty in ages!" Alfie beamed, mouth still full.
"Both of you, hush," Lucy snapped. "We leave before midnight. No more delays."
The table went silent. Alfie and Rebekah ate quietly.
"Master," Alfie finally asked, "why do you only eat vegetables?"
Lucy smirked. "You kids don't realize—you need more greens than meat."
"Huh?! That's a lie!" Alfie shouted. "My mama said the opposite!"