Sasaki launched his sword half from above, targeting Rebekah with fierce precision. Just before his blade could land, Lucy intervened, yanking Rebekah out of harm's way. The other half of Sasaki's sword smashed into the ground where Rebekah had been. Dust and force cracked through the air.
"You're really strong," Sasaki muttered, eyes narrowed. "I underestimated you because you're still a young woman. Seems I was getting ahead of myself."
His tone twisted as he turned toward Lucy. "Huh, partner? Why did you hesitate the moment I was knocked down? Hoping I wouldn't regenerate and just die off? Pathetic. I knew from the start—you never cared about bringing this boy back. This mission was a joke to you."
Sasaki stood, blood dripping as his wounds began to close. Renshi sparked around him. "Let me remind you who I am. I'm Exca. I eliminate threats—ally or enemy. Get in my way, and I won't hesitate."
Meanwhile, back in the Kingdom of Eminence, Jackson, Marcel, and Bash were teleported into the heart of a stone fortress. They arrived before the Special Darkside Knight's council chamber. Before they could explain themselves, a Shinra burst into the room.
"My lord!" the Shinra called out, bowing low before a Shinra dressed in a flowing white cape. He looked young—maybe in his twenties—but the weight of command sat heavy on his shoulders.
"There's a massive Renshi clash at the forest border. Our Renshical bug confirmed it—two kids and three adults are in heavy battle. They're powerful."
The Shinra nodded. "Thank you, Ricardo. Return to your post."
"I assume you've already sensed the Renshi from here?" Bash asked calmly.
"Of course, old man. Now—whose side are you on? Are you really a pro Darkside Knight?" the Special darkside Knight asked.
Bash stayed silent for a beat. "No. I'm not."
Jackson and Marcel's eyes widened. Marcel's heart sank. What is this old man doing? he thought.
"He has nothing to do with this," Jackson spoke quickly, lowering his head. "We made him bring us here. He's just helping."
"You idiot," Bash snapped. "What are you doing?"
"Let me speak, old man. You've done enough," Jackson replied firmly. "We can handle the rest from here."
Marcel sighed. Now he's going to tell them everything. What a pain in the ass you are.
The room went quiet as the Special darkside Knight waited.
Jackson clenched his fists. "Our fathers… they're planning something horrible. Mine is the number one pro Darkside Knight of Guhan. Marcel's father is the Special darkside Knight of Guhan. They're planning to kidnap a boy and drain his Renshi for power. We followed them, trying to stop them. We lost their trail and got trapped in an unknown kingdom.Mr Bash saved us from an attacker and brought us here. He's not responsible."
The Special darkside Knight's eyes narrowed. "A noble cause, then. But tell me, Mr. Samaritan—what's your reason for helping them?"
"I'm returning a favor for an old friend," Bash answered.
Jackson and Marcel blinked in shock.
The Special darkside Knight stood and walked slowly toward Bash. "I'm glad you didn't lie. One wrong word, and I'd have torn out your tongue."
He knelt slightly before Jackson, studying him. "Your heart skipped—not from fear, but guilt.Because You brought your friend's father into the story. You're a good kid. And you," he turned to Marcel, "you didn't get mad. You were nervous—for your friend's safety. I respect that."
The special darkside Knight turned back to Bash. "I'll allow them to leave—on one condition."
"What's your condition?" Bash asked.
The special darkside Knight smiled faintly. "Nothing harmful. I'll take these boys as my students—if you don't mind."
"That's not a decision I can make for them," Bash replied, serious. "Their parents are no ordinary Shinras."
The special darkside Knight's gaze sharpened. "So am I. And don't act like that wasn't your goal all along, old man. I know why you've been helping them."
Tension hung thick in the air as destinies crossed paths and choices formed.