"I'm sorry, kiddo, but this is the only way to ensure the safety of our kingdom," Metro said, his voice calm but firm.
He stood facing Bash and Jackson, making it clear that he had no intention of changing his decision.
Without moving from his position, Metro released his Renshi. A red Renshical circle spread across the ground beneath his feet, its glowing markings extending outward until they reached Bash and Jackson.
A low hum filled the area as the circle expanded, releasing a heavy wave of Renshi pressure.
"Get inside the circle," Metro ordered.
Marcel stood a short distance away, staring at the glowing markings. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do.
Eventually, he swallowed nervously and stepped into the circle.
Bash immediately reached out and grabbed both Marcel's and Jackson's hands.
"Don't let go," he whispered. "Whatever happens, leave the rest to me."
Jackson and Marcel exchanged a quick glance before nodding.
The red markings beneath their feet began to glow brighter.
A moment later, their bodies started fading as the teleportation spell took effect.
Within seconds, all three vanished from the street.
---
Meanwhile, at the border between the Kingdoms of Eminence and Sunflower...
Lyon stood in the shallow waters of a forest lake, his upper body bare as he washed away the dust and sweat accumulated during their journey.
The surface reflected the morning sunlight filtering through the tall trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
"Ahh... This feels good."
He dipped his head beneath the water, enjoying the brief moment of relaxation.
Unfortunately, it didn't last long.
"Looks like you're enjoying yourself, partner. But playtime's over. Come on out. We've got a boy to catch."
Sasaki's voice came from a tree branch overlooking the lake.
Lyon lifted his head from the water and shot him an irritated glare.
"Seriously? Couldn't you let me enjoy myself for five more minutes?"
"Not a chance," Sasaki replied, jumping down from the branch. "I've already pinpointed his location. We can get there using a teleportation spell or make the journey with Switch Mode. Your choice."
Lyon sighed and waded toward the shore.
"Do you even remember how to use the teleportation spell?"
"Of course I do. It just came back to me."
Sasaki brought his palms together.
A red Renshical circle appeared beneath his feet, its markings gradually illuminating as he gathered his Renshi.
Lyon paused while putting on his clothes.
He can use the teleportation spell now?
His expression darkened slightly.
How far are you planning to take this, Exca? If Sasaki regains all his memories, he'll eventually understand how to use these abilities for himself. And if that happens...
His gaze shifted toward Sasaki, who was calmly preparing the spell.
This is getting dangerous.
---
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Guhan...
Exca remained seated within the glowing Renshical circle, his eyes firmly closed.
Through his connection with Sasaki, he had witnessed Lyon's reaction the moment the teleportation spell appeared.
A quiet laugh escaped his lips.
"I love that disappointed look on your face, Lyon."
His smile widened.
There's nothing more satisfying than knowing that, no matter how far I fall, I can still outsmart you.
Sweat trickled down his temple as he continued recovering his Renshi, but his amusement showed no signs of fading.
You can't beat me at my own game.
---
Back at the border between the Kingdoms of Eminence and Sunflower...
Lucy, Alfie, and Rebekah continued making their way through the forest.
"Master... Can we stop for a moment and drink some water?" Rebekah asked, wiping the sweat from her forehead.
She pointed toward a lake ahead, where a wooden bridge stretched across the water.
"No slacking, Honey Badger!" Alfie snapped, quickening his pace. "We still have a long way to go. We're travelling on foot, so we can't keep stopping."
Rebekah glared at him.
"Who asked you, you idiot? I'm talking to Master."
"Stop complaining and keep walking!"
Before their argument could continue, Lucy reached out and grabbed Alfie by the back of his scabbard.
With little effort, she lifted him off the ground.
"Calm down, both of you," she said with a sigh. "We all need water. I'm not carrying either of you if you collapse from exhaustion."
She lowered Alfie back onto his feet.
He crossed his arms and looked away.
"Whatever."
Ignoring him, Rebekah turned toward Lucy.
"Master, we don't have anything to carry the water in. Do you have something in your ring?"
Lucy glanced at her storage ring.
"Of course."
She touched the ring, and three large aluminium bottles appeared in her hands. She handed one to each of her students before keeping the third for herself.
The three approached the lake, filled their bottles, and drank enough water to refresh themselves.
Once they were finished, they crossed the wooden bridge and handed their empty bottles back to Lucy.
She stored them inside her ring, and they resumed their journey.
For a while, the forest remained quiet.
Then Lucy suddenly stopped.
Her expression changed as she sensed something ahead.
Without warning, she grabbed Alfie and Rebekah by the hands and activated Switch Mode.
The three disappeared from their original position and reappeared several metres behind it.
Alfie stumbled slightly as Lucy released him.
"Master? What's wrong?" Rebekah asked, looking around in confusion.
Lucy didn't answer.
Her eyes remained fixed on the path ahead, and her expression had grown unusually serious.
"Hey, Master..." Alfie complained, trying to pull his hand free. "You're squeezing too hard!"
Lucy didn't immediately loosen her grip.
But when Alfie noticed her expression, his complaints stopped.
What's going on? I've never seen Master look like this before.
A low hum suddenly filled the forest.
Red light spread across the ground ahead as a large Renshical circle materialised. Its markings grew brighter, and two figures gradually emerged from the light.
Lyon stepped out first.
Sasaki followed, his eyes immediately settling on Alfie.
A wicked smile spread across his face.
"Hello, kid. It's time to go home."
Alfie froze.
Lucy immediately released their hands and stepped in front of her students.
These two...
She studied the strangers carefully, sensing the powerful Renshi surrounding their bodies.
Their auras aren't stronger than mine, but that doesn't mean I can underestimate them. Fighting both at once, especially in my current condition, would be dangerous.
She tightened her grip on her weapon.
"Both of you, step back," she ordered without taking her eyes off the newcomers. "These men aren't ordinary opponents."
Sasaki tilted his head as he studied Lucy.
"Well, well. What a beautiful young lady."
His smile widened.
"It's a shame you'll have to get in my way."
Lyon frowned.
"Excuse me, but perhaps we could..."
He didn't get the chance to finish.
Sasaki suddenly disappeared.
"Switch Mode..."
Lucy's eyes widened.
"Just calm down a little, will you?"
She immediately activated Switch Mode and moved backward, barely avoiding the spot where Sasaki had appeared.
At the same time, a red Renshi blade formed in his hand.
He swung at her, but his sword cut through empty air as Lucy retreated farther into the forest.
"Alfie! Rebekah! They're here for you!" Lucy shouted. "Move!"
Neither student needed to be told twice.
They immediately ran toward her.
Sasaki landed lightly on the ground, his sword resting at his side.
Lucy drew her own blade and turned to face him, determined not to let him get any closer to her students.
Lyon stood a short distance away, watching the two prepare to fight.
His expression grew troubled.
Damn it... This isn't how I wanted things to go.
Sasaki's grin widened as he raised his sword.
"Now then, let's see how strong you really are."
Lucy tightened her grip on her weapon.