Muichiro staggered as he tried to reach Rena study. His mind in disarray as he steps gradually grew more and more slower. He staggered like a man who just survived a rampaging attack barely.
"Muichiro don't push it. You need rest," Rika and Sayo as worry covered their faces
"Don't worry, I will be fine!"
"Why don't you stop lying?" a figure spoke
Muichiro looked up to see Detilion hovering in the air, a mix of care and genuine curiosity clouded his face
"I am not lying though"
"You don't seem to realize what just happened. Someone willingly met the dead — and that, in itself, is a taboo."
"That someone is my classmate… a friend"
The silence dragged on between Detilion and Muichiro. The others had not realized or maybe because had made it so.
The air just grew eerie as the awkward silene stretched
"Pffft.... hahaha" Detilion erupted into laughter clutching his stomach which Muichiro did not find funny in the slightest
"Friend? we both know you don't have friends"
"Just shut up and leave me alone, would you?" Muichiro said with a lace of anger in that tone
When Muichiro opened Rena's chamber door, he saw Arthur holding a white, crystalline sword while Rena stood beside him, her expression unreadable.
"Arthur" Muichiro said before his knees gave away
Arthur dropped the sword and rushed to Muichiro's side, catching him before he collapsed to the ground.
"What did you see Arthur?" Muichiro asked weakly
"Nothing"
Muichiro was just silent for a minute before speaking again
"You did see them, didn't you?"
"No, I didn't," Arthur said with a serious gaze.
"Then what did you see Arthur"
Arthur stood up, it was all pointless.
"Rena, I need to go back to Gandogo Region"
"I don't think that would be possible Arthur" Rena said in a firm tone.
"What are you thinking Arthur, Gandogo, the same place we all vowed to never go back to unless we are ready" Rika said
"You guys made that promise, I did not."
"Actually, I was knocked out before I got my own fair share of that conversation, didn't I?" Arthur said staring back at Rika
Rika just kept quiet. Looking into Arthur eyes, Rika saw no emotion, just a man blinded by revenge and will do everything to achieve the cause.
"Arthur, think things through, what did you actually see?" Muichiro said standing up weakly.
"I said nothing" Arthur screamed.
The silver sword glowed faintly, and a small shockwave erupted through the study, knocking books off the shelves.
Everyone shifted their gazes towards Arthur who stared at the silver sword entranced.
"Arthur, what did you see?" Rena asked in a cold tone
Silence yet again filled the room
Arthur released his hand off Muichiro and stood up slowly walking towards the sword.
"Everyone keeps yapping about the 'perfect Arthur'"
"Guess what, I am not perfect alright"
Arthur picked up the silver sword
"I saw a white throne in flames and a man sat on that throne"
"The man looked unfazed, as if he didn't care that he was rotting in that throne."
The silver blade started turning a crimson silver like form, as it shimmered. Even Arthur eyes reflected the new color.
Smirking, Arthur said "These were his words"
"I acknowledge your hatred.
I acknowledge your pain.
Follow it, and I will raise you."
As the words escaped Arthur mouth, everywhere became stiff.
Rika could feel an ominous presence, one she had not felt before
"This is hatred, an insurmountable amount of hatred" Rika said struggling to stand
Arthur began walking leaving everyone under his ominous presence.
"Stand down Arthur"
Rena voice echoed through the presence like a light cast on darkness.
"Why must I?"
Arthur moved before locking eyes with Rena. It was short but it said enough.
Arthur ran, ran swiftly escaping leaving everyone who were on the ground.
"Rise."
Rika, Muichiro, Sayo, and the others struggled to their feet. The crushing weight that had pinned them down dissolved instantly.
"Chase after him!"
Everyone ran after Arthur
"god…that boy is the most dangerous of the whole bunch"
"Purge, go after him and don't let him reach Gandogo"
Purge nodded silently as they flew into the shadows
Alone in the dark corners of the room, Rena carried a rather twisted smile
"The Seven Apostles are gathering. On to the next phase…"