The pill melted soundlessly as it sank into Sasaki's body, leaving no trace behind—almost as if it had never existed.
"That should do it," Suzuki said as he stood, brushing off his hands. "He just needs a bit of rest. He'll wake up any moment from now."
"Alright, Alfie and Jackson. May we meet again, hoping it will be in a good way next time," Watanabe said with his usual calm tone, his form gradually fading into the air along with Suzuki. Within moments, they were gone—only a faint ripple in space marking their departure.
Alfie stood silently, his gaze fixed on Lucy's still form. Jackson let out a slow breath beside him.
"Those people were strong…" Dialo muttered, breaking the heavy silence. "They're no ordinary men."
Jackson nodded slightly in response, though his eyes remained distant.
"Time to go, boys," Dialo said at last. With a swift motion of his hand, a glowing teleportation circle spread beneath their feet, filling the forest air with a hum of energy.
In the next instant, their surroundings warped—and they appeared in the Kingdom of Samira, right before the grand gates of the castle belonging to the Special Darkside Knight.
Two pro-darkside knights appeared the moment they stepped inside, moving with silent precision.
"What's the plan, Dialo?" one of them asked telepathically. Dialo didn't reply immediately—his focus was on the unconscious Lucy in his arms.
"Take the boys to the upper floor. They need rest," Dialo ordered softly.
The pro darkside knights nodded and motioned for Alfie and Jackson to follow. Alfie, still carrying Sasaki on his back, trailed behind in silence as they climbed the long staircase.
After several minutes, they arrived at a spacious room filled with soft Renshi electrical lights and warm air. The pro darkside knights stared at Alfie shortly before leaving them.
Alfie gently laid Sasaki on the bed and sank down beside him, frustration burning in his chest.
"Damn those guys… they said he'd be up soon. Why's he still unconscious?" Alfie muttered, clenching his fists.
"Calm down, Alfie," Jackson said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I know things aren't going the way we planned, but you've got to keep your head clear. We still have each other… and Mr. Sasaki. We'll get Master back, no matter what."
Alfie exhaled shakily. His voice trembled when he spoke again.
"I just don't know what to do, Jack… everything's falling apart. My mind… it's still too young for all this."
A single tear slid down his cheek.
"We'll figure it out," Jackson said firmly. "For Rebekah. For all of us."
Alfie lifted his head, his expression softening. "Let's go check on Master," he said, rising to his feet.
"I'm glad I've got you, Jack… thank you."
Jackson smiled faintly. "We've got each other, bro."
They bumped fists, a quiet promise passing between them.
Just as they reached the staircase, a voice echoed behind them.
"Where are you two heading?"
Alfie turned. "We're going to see our Master."
"And how exactly do you plan to do that when you don't even know where she is?" asked one of the patrolling Shinra, arms crossed.
"Then can you take us to her?" Jackson asked quickly.
"Yeah, sure. That's what I'm here for," the Shinra said with a grin, stepping closer. He reached out to touch their hands. "Come on, I'll switch us there."
But Alfie immediately withdrew his hand. "Sorry, mister… I don't let others do that for me."
"Hmph, suit yourself," the Shinra replied.
Jackson sighed as they started walking. "That wasn't necessary, Alfie. You look exhausted—we could've used his help."
"The only ones I'll ever switch with again are myself or Mister Reaper," Alfie said firmly. "Before Master returns, I'll level up no matter what. So don't you dare slack behind."
Jackson chuckled, resting a hand on Alfie's shoulder. "Motivated now, huh? Fine by me. But I'll reach Phase Zero before you do."
"Heh, we'll see about that," Alfie replied with a faint grin.
After several turns through the castle's long corridors, they finally reached a massive, open chamber adorned with shimmering gold and black designs. The air shimmered faintly with condensed Renshi.
Inside the chamber, Lucy floated peacefully—encased in a tomb of black gold oil.
"What the—?! Why's Master inside that liquid?" Alfie's voice rose in alarm.
"That's no ordinary liquid Mr hot head," Dialo said as he descended a short stairway from the left side of the hall. "It's the same substance as that pill from earlier—Black Gold Oil. Condensed Renshi in liquid form… pure natural Renshi."
"So it'll help restore her Renshi connection?" Jackson asked.
"Exactly," Dialo replied, stepping closer. "It'll sustain her life force and stabilize her spirit. The liquid allows her to breathe freely. In fact…"—he smiled faintly—"with this, the one-month Renshi soak won't even be necessary."
Alfie exhaled in deep relief. "Thank you so much for your help, Special Darkside Knight. Truly."
"It's fine, boy. This is what good people do," Dialo said with a calm smile.
"Alright, boys," he continued, glancing at them both. "It's late. You should rest and gather your strength. Tomorrow, we plan ahead."
He turned and walked toward the left doorway, standing still for sometime.
Alfie looked once more at Lucy's resting figure—the black gold oil gleaming like stars around her—and clenched his fist.
Just wait, Master… I'll become strong enough to protect you and everyone when it's necessary next time.