They both gasped for breath, collapsing onto the floor.
"We're so done this time," Rebekah said, barely able to get the words out.
"We just need to prepare for the worst," Alfie muttered, removing his scabbard from his back and placing it gently in the corner of the room. Rebekah untied hers and placed it beside his.
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Lucy stepped in, a chilling smile spreading across her face. Alfie and Rebekah immediately got to their feet, bracing for what was to come.
With a simple snap of her fingers, their bodies collapsed onto the bed, limp and unresponsive.
"Hmmm hmmmm hmmm…" Lucy hummed as the two students struggled to move or speak. They couldn't control anything—not their arms, legs, or voices—only their eyes darted around in panic.
"This isn't a punishment," Lucy said calmly, walking toward the bathroom. "Just a gift from a master to her beloved students."
Water could be heard running as she showered, while Alfie and Rebekah remained frozen on the bed, helpless. After some time, Lucy stepped out of the bathroom, wearing a night wear pajamas. She walked to the bed, slid under the covers, and turned off the lamp.
"Good night, my lovely students," she whispered with a serene smile before drifting off.
Alfie and Rebekah, still paralyzed, eventually succumbed to sleep, staring blankly at the ceiling.
---
Meanwhile, at the same time in the Kingdom of Scale, Jackson and Marcel were settling in at Bash's modest home. Plates from a hearty meal were still scattered around the table.
"Thanks for the meal, old man. We appreciate it," Jackson said, getting up and walking over to Bash's chair at the end of the small room.
Marcel followed behind, echoing, "Yeah, thank you. That was really good."
Bash gave a simple nod, still chewing on a toothpick.
Jackson's expression turned serious. "We need a favor Mister… and I don't know if you'll agree, but it's the only shot we've got. If you don't help us, we might be stuck here forever."
He got on one knee and lowered his head in respect.
Bash raised a brow. "Stand up, kid. Speak your mind. If I can help, I will."
Jackson stood and took a seat. "My papa is out there… somewhere. We don't know exactly where, but he's always a few kingdoms ahead of us. We need a teleportation spell—something to help us locate him or at least get closer."
Bash leaned back, stroking his beard. "Hmm... teleportation, huh? I know a bit about it, but I've never done it myself. Do you know your papa's exact location?"
Jackson shook his head. "No, but we've been tailing him. He usually jumps two or three kingdoms ahead."
"So you're gambling on where he might be," Bash said flatly.
"Yes, sir. Just get us moving in the right direction," Jackson replied.
Bash folded his arms. "Alright then. What direction have you been traveling so far?"
"We're not sure," Jackson admitted. "We just keep hijacking his spells, using whatever traces are left. We don't really know where we are."
Bash sighed, thinking to himself, If they came from the Kingdom of Guhan, then Lyon must be heading east. That means he's likely somewhere between the Kingdom of Eminence and the Kingdom of Berserker.
"I've never been to the Kingdom of Sunflower or Ashura," Bash muttered in thought. "But I've passed through Eminence."
He turned back to the boys. "Here's what I'll do. I'll send you both to a kingdom not too far from here. The rest is up to you."
Jackson's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing something. If I ask him about the bloodline tracking spell, he'll wonder how I know about it… Better to keep quiet and play the fool,Bash thought.
"Thank you, old man," Jackson and Marcel said in unison.
They didn't even hesitate, Bash thought with a proud smile. They're planning something on their own. Good kids.
"Old man, are you okay?" Jackson asked, noticing Bash's dazed smile.
"Yes, yes. Just an old man daydreaming," Bash replied, clearing his throat. "You boys get some rest. When the sun rises, I'll send you to the Kingdom of Eminence."
"You can share the bed with us," Marcel offered. "We can make room."
Bash waved them off. "Don't worry kid. I've been sleeping in this chair longer than you've been alive. You'll need all the strength you can muster for tomorrow."
The boys nodded and lay down, slowly drifting off.
---
At the same moment, in the dense forest along the border between the Kingdom of Sunflower and Kingdom of Eminence, Lyon lay atop a massive tree, silently resting in its tallest branches. The stars above peeked through scattered clouds, and the moonlight bathed the forest in a pale glow.
On the other side of the woods, Sasaki crouched high on a tree near the forest's edge, close to the entrance into Eminence. His eyes closed, he sniffed the air slowly, focusing with eerie precision.
The wind shifted.
His eyes shot open.
"Found you, kiddo…" Sasaki grinned darkly.
In a swift blur, he leapt from the tree, landing silently on the ground. Activating Switch Mode, he vanished—switching rapidly through the forest toward Lyon's position.