Riko's heart pounded violently, each beat echoing in his ears like a war drum. Hearing the man's identity made his blood run cold.
"G-Generals…? Tch… what the hell are you doing here?" Riko managed to stammer, his voice trembling despite his best efforts to stay calm.
Dammit… of all the rotten coincidences, we run into one of the elite soldiers of the generals here?!
The Generals—followers of the one called Primordial Anathema. Just the name alone was enough to send chills down his spine.
Vinar let out a low, mocking chuckle. His lips curled into a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
"And why," he said slowly, almost savoring each word, "should I answer that?"
He spun his massive blade effortlessly, the steel singing as it cut through the air, lightning sparkling as he did so. His expression shifted in an instant—gone was the mocking grin. What replaced it was a cold, menacing stare that froze Riko in place.
"Listen well, kid. I'll give you a chance to leave. Walk away now… or I might just change my mind."
Riko's body stiffened as a wave of primal fear washed over him. His hands trembled uncontrollably, and his throat tightened.
I can't move… My body's screaming at me not to do anything reckless. Damn it, I have no choice… I have to retreat.
Beads of sweat rolled down his face as he swallowed hard, forcing himself to think clearly despite the terror clawing at his chest.
"F-Fine… we'll leave," Riko finally managed to say, his voice trembling despite his attempt to sound firm.
Vinar's smirk widened, a glint of amusement flashing in his cold eyes.
"Good. By the way… I have a feeling we'll run into each other again. Consider this a goodbye—for now. Farewell…"
With a low chuckle, his figure suddenly blurred—then vanished into thin air like mist swept away by the wind.
Riko stood frozen, his mind racing.
What did he mean by that?
His gut twisted uncomfortably, a heavy unease settling in his chest. Elite soldier of the Generals… Vinar Silverrine. Even thinking the name made his pulse quicken.
"Riko!!" Miraku's desperate voice snapped him back to reality.
He spun around and bolted toward her, spotting Takashi lying unconscious nearby.
"Tch… Miraku! How's Hikari?!" he demanded, panic lacing his words.
Miraku leaned down, pressing her ear near Hikari's nose to check her breathing. Her face paled.
"She's alive—but her mana level is fading fast!" she shouted, sweat trickling down her forehead.
Dammit… think, think, THINK!
Riko clenched his fists, forcing his brain to work under pressure. Then it hit him—Sugrio Maru.
That's it!
He thrust his arm forward, focusing every ounce of mana into it. His aura flared, swirling calmly like a steady blue flame. Energy surged through him as the magic activated. Takashi's wounds began to knit back together at incredible speed, the blood vanishing as the injuries closed.
"Yes!" Riko shouted in relief. "Miraku, take care of Takashi from here. I'll check on Hikari!"
Without wasting another second, he sprinted toward Hikari's side, determination blazing in his eyes.
Hikari's body was a mess—bruised, burned, and nearly torn apart. Her breathing was shallow, each inhale weaker than the last.
Riko dropped to his knees beside her, his hands trembling. "Come on… heal… hang on, Hikari!" he muttered, pressing his glowing palm against her wounds. His hair lifted slightly as his aura began swirling violently around him.
But then—nothing happened.
The light on his palm flickered. The wounds remained.
Riko's eyes widened in pure panic. "D-Dammit!" he yelled, his voice cracking.
Why isn't it working?! Come on, think—something else, anything!
His mind raced. He remembered the Ashton based magic. The one that drained his mana like nothing else.
I've never tried this before… but if I don't, she'll die!
Gritting his teeth, Riko poured every drop of mana into his arm. His aura flared brighter and brighter, swirling violently as if responding to his desperation. Veins bulged along his neck and arms as he strained to maintain focus.
"GRRRR… COME ON!!" he roared, frustration and fear intertwining.
Behind him, Miraku watched silently. Her eyes widened in awe as Riko's aura intensified, swirling with almost divine brilliance.
Takashi stirred nearby, his consciousness returning little by little. His vision blurred, but he managed to whisper weakly, "Riko…?"
Riko ignored everything around him—there was only Hikari, and the burning determination not to lose her.
"AHSTON MAGURI!!!" he shouted, unleashing the full spell.
A brilliant light enveloped Hikari's entire body. Her wounds began to close at astonishing speed, her skin and her broken legs knitting back together seamlessly. Within seconds, the damage was gone. Her breathing evened out, becoming calm and steady once more.
Riko collapsed backward, panting heavily. Sweat poured down his face, his vision spinning. Despite his exhaustion, a small, relieved smile crept onto his lips.
"Phew… that took a ton of mana out of me," he muttered, gazing up at the sky as he let his eyes flutter closed in relief.
Hikari's eyelids fluttered weakly before she slowly opened them. She let out a soft groan, turning her head toward the familiar voice calling her name.
"Riko…?" she whispered hoarsely.
Riko's head snapped back toward her, relief flooding his face. "H-Hey… feel better?" he asked with a nervous chuckle, still catching his breath.
Hikari forced herself to sit up, rubbing her temples as dizziness washed over her. She tried to stand—but her knees gave out almost instantly.
"Whoa!" Riko reacted quickly, catching her in his arms before she could fall. "Hikari, you need to relax. You can't stand yet."
He turned toward Miraku. "Miraku, do you have anything to help her walk without tripping all over herself?"
Miraku's cheeks suddenly flushed a light pink. She fumbled with her words before shyly holding out her staff.
"Oh, uh… y-you can borrow my staff," she stammered.
Riko blinked, puzzled by her reaction. What was that about…? he wondered.
"Thanks, Miraku." Hikari steadied herself with the staff, though her legs still trembled. She looked around, worry knitting her brows. "How's Takashi?"
Riko glanced toward Takashi's unconscious form. "He's going to be okay," he replied seriously. "But I couldn't heal his legs completely. I'll have to carry him the rest of the way."
The Sugrio spell didn't pack enough power. It barely stabilized him. Plus, I had to save my mana for Hikari and rely on Ashton-based magic in the end. I may have mastered every element, but the Ashton-based magic is still really difficult to cast and handle…
Riko clenched his fists, his expression hardening. "We have to go. Now." His voice dropped into a deep, commanding tone that made everyone freeze for a moment.
Hikari gripped Miraku's staff tightly. "Why?"
Miraku's face paled slightly. "Because… we trespassed into the General's territory," she said nervously. "And the soldier we fought? He wasn't just a guard—he was one of the General's elite."
Takashi stirred at her words, his jaw tightening. Slowly, he turned his head toward Miraku, fury burning even in his weakened state.
"Where… is that bastard?" he asked, his voice low and icy.
Riko's eyes widened. "Takashi…?" he whispered.
"WHERE IS THAT SON OF A BITCH, I ASKED!!!" Takashi suddenly roared, his voice echoing through the cave. Rage burned in his eyes as he forced himself upright, veins bulging in his neck.
Riko jumped back in shock. "Takashi, calm down! He's already gone—don't rush it!" he shouted, grabbing Takashi's shoulders to hold him back.
But Takashi struggled violently, his fists shaking. "NO! I NEED TO FIND THAT BASTARD!" His voice cracked with desperation as he tried to break free from Riko's grip.
H-How is he even standing?! His legs weren't healed completely! Riko thought, panic and disbelief flashing across his face.
Then, out of nowhere—
Plop!
A banana peel landed squarely on Takashi's head.
"Eh…?" Takashi and the others froze mid-shout, momentarily stunned. He slowly plucked the peel off his head, his anger faltering in sheer confusion.
Everyone's gaze shifted upward. There, perched casually on a thick tree branch extending into the cave ceiling, was… a monkey. He sat cross-legged, munching happily on a banana while humming an offbeat tune.
"Mmm, yeah… that's the good stuff." The monkey sighed contentedly—then noticed the group staring. He stopped mid-bite, raising a brow.
"What? What're you guys lookin' at?" he asked, sounding more annoyed than guilty.
Takashi's fury reignited instantly. "HEY! WATCH WHERE YOU THROW YOUR GARBAGE, DAMN IT!" he bellowed, shaking his fist up at the monkey.
The monkey simply smirked, a cocky grin spreading across his face.
"Nah."
He said it casually, like swatting away a fly.
Takashi's face turned bright red, steam practically puffing from his ears. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN 'NAH,' YOU FATASS MONKEY?!" he bellowed, veins popping across his forehead.
The monkey froze mid-bite. Slowly, he lowered the banana, his expression twisting from confusion to sheer disbelief.
"…What… did you just say, punk?!" His voice cracked, now laced with fiery offense. His tail stiffened as his eyes burned with fury.
Before Takashi could snap back, Riko shoved a hand against his chest.
"Wait! Let me handle this talking monkey," Riko muttered, trying to keep the situation from spiraling any further.
He cupped his hands around his mouth and called up to the branch.
"HEY! If you apologize, we'll apologize too and then leave you alone! Sound fair?!" Riko shouted, trying his best to sound diplomatic.
The monkey's face darkened like a storm cloud. He jabbed a finger down at them, his voice booming.
"YOU SHUT UP TOO, YOU LITTLE PUNK!!" he roared, shaking his tiny fist.
Riko's expression twitched. A vein bulged on his temple as he forced a strained grin. Heh… this monkey's just testing my patience, huh? Fine. I'll play along.
He pointed at his ear dramatically.
"Did I hear that right?!" Riko yelled back.
The monkey leaned forward, spit flying with each word.
"CAN. YOU. SHUT. UP. AS. WELL. PUNK!!!"
Snap.
Riko's patience hit absolute zero.
"OH YOU FATSO MONKEY—COME DOWN HERE SO I CAN BEAT YOUR ASS!!!" Riko exploded, pointing furiously up at the branch.
"YOU BET I WILL!" the monkey yelled back.
Then, almost immediately, his tone shifted. "Wait—give me a sec," he added casually, turning around and awkwardly fumbling to climb down the tree.
The group stared up at him, their faces frozen in collective deadpan.
Hikari blinked slowly. "…Um, is he okay?" she asked, genuinely concerned.
Miraku tilted her head, equally confused. "I don't know… What kind of monkey doesn't know how to climb down a tree?" she muttered.
Riko crossed his arms, his expression completely flat. "Taking your sweet ass time up there?!" he called out, deadpan still plastered on his face.
"GIVE ME A DAMN SECOND, DAYUM!" the monkey barked back, still struggling as his limbs flailed against the bark like he'd never done this before.
A long, awkward silence followed, broken only by the sound of the monkey's grunts as he very slowly descended.
The monkey finally landed on the ground with a loud thud, brushing the dirt off his hands. "Phew… now, where were we again?" he muttered casually. Then, in an instant, his eyes sharpened and his voice roared.
"Oh yeah—SO YOU WANNA GO HAND-TO-HAND, HUH, PUNK?!"
Riko's patience had snapped. His brow twitched, veins bulging.
"YEAH, BRING IT!" he yelled back without hesitation.
"GRRR! FINE—HERE!"
A massive aura erupted from the monkey's body, swirling like a raging storm. The silvery mist condensed into his arm, crackling with divine pressure. His grin widened.
"TAKE THIS!!"
In the blink of an eye, the monkey dashed forward with blinding speed, his fist rocketing toward Riko.
Riko reeled his arm back. "HRAAAH—!!"
BAM!
The clash was over before it even began. The monkey's punch completely overpowered Riko's blow, the impact unleashing a shockwave that ripped through the forest. Riko's body was launched like a ragdoll, tearing through trees, rocks, and terrain as he vanished into the distance.
BOOM!
The ground cracked beneath the monkey's feet as dust settled.
Hikari, Miraku, and Takashi stood frozen, their faces pale.
"…Huh."
"SO WHO'S THE PUNK NOW, HUH?! YEAH, THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT—YOU CAN SUCK IT!"
The monkey raised his tiny fist victoriously, his face scrunched up in a fierce, almost childlike rage.
He slowly turned toward the group, his furious glare locking onto them. The sheer absurdity—and intimidation—of his expression startled them so much that they instinctively bowed their heads at once.
"We are deeply sorry for the trouble our friend caused!" Hikari, Miraku, and Takashi chorused in perfect unison.
"Hmph. That's more like it." The monkey dusted off his little fist like a conqueror.
Hikari hesitantly lifted her head, forcing an awkward smile.
"But, um… one favor. Could you please go fetch him for us? Just this once?"
"Nah."
The reply was immediate. No hesitation. No remorse.
Miraku stepped forward, trying a different approach. "I could treat you to a delicious restaurant," she offered casually.
The monkey froze. His ears twitched. His eyes flicked toward her for a split second—but he quickly turned away, arms crossed.
"Nuh-uh."
Takashi, out of patience, exploded. "COME ON! JUST HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT FROM US?!"
The monkey sighed dramatically, as if they were the ones being unreasonable.
"Fine, fine. I'll fetch him," he said at last, picking his teeth lazily with a twig. "But you better follow through with that food promise."
"Deal!" Hikari exclaimed, flashing a grin.
In the next instant, the monkey vanished without a trace—only to reappear directly in front of Riko, who was still lying half-conscious in the wreckage of trees.
Riko's half-open eyes met a pair of wide, curious monkey eyes staring back at him.
"Hello," the monkey greeted casually.
Riko jolted upright in pure panic.
"HYAAA!!"
SMACK!
On reflex, his fist flew forward, planting itself squarely into the monkey's face.
The monkey staggered back, clutching his cheek. His expression shifted from surprise to pure rage.
"HEY! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!" he roared.
"YOU STARTLED ME! AND WHY, OF ALL PEOPLE, ARE YOU HERE?!" Riko shouted, veins popping on his forehead.
Dammit, seriously—what's with this monkey?!
"I'M HERE TO FETCH YA! AND THIS IS THE THANKS I GET?!" the monkey yelled back, equally furious, as if he were the one wronged.
Riko had enough. He thrust his hand forward, mana swirling rapidly.
"GOT YOU—!"
Before he could release the spell, the monkey's eyes flashed with a sharp silver light.
FWIP!
The spell disintegrated into thin air, like smoke vanishing in the wind.
Riko froze. His eyes widened in disbelief.
"HUH?! What did you just do?!" he demanded.
The monkey stared at him with an unimpressed deadpan, his earlier rage completely replaced by disappointment.
"Really? Attacking from point-blank? What a loser."
Riko's face turned red in frustration.
"OH, PISS OFF!" he barked back.
But then, something changed.
The monkey's expression shifted from playful annoyance to quiet seriousness. His gaze sharpened—gone was the goofy, chaotic monkey from before. In his place stood something… different.
His voice dropped to a calm, almost chilling tone.
"May I ask… were you perhaps reincarnated?"
Riko gasped, his eyes widening in disbelief. The monkey's question hit him like a bolt out of nowhere.
"How… how did you come to know that…?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
The monkey crossed his arms, smirking as if he had solved a puzzle.
"Hmph. So I was right. White hair, blue eyes—fits the bill. Anyway, never mind that. We'll talk later. We need to move before your little friends start bitching."
He patted Riko on the shoulder casually, and in the blink of an eye, teleported behind Hikari and the others.
"Riko!—oh god, you look horrible!" Hikari exclaimed as she rushed over.
Riko's thoughts spun wildly.
How… How did he know? That's impossible. No one should be able to just blurt it out like that…
Takashi stepped forward with concern written on his face.
"Hey, are you okay?" he asked gently.
Riko blinked, snapping back to reality.
"Oh, yeah… I'm fine," he replied automatically.
No I'm not…
The monkey glanced at Riko, his sharp eyes narrowing as if he could read Riko's thoughts. With a sigh, he stepped forward.
"May I ask… can I join your party?" he said plainly.
Everyone froze.
"Y–You mean it?" Hikari asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and surprise.
Riko turned to the monkey, stunned.
"What…?" he whispered, still trying to process everything.
The monkey leaned in close, his tone dropping to a whisper.
"We'll talk about it later. Just hang on, and don't feel uneasy."
Takashi suddenly grinned, breaking the tension.
"Sure! We could use a strong, uh… monkey. What's your name, anyway?"
Hikari tilted her head, her expression full of curiosity and confusion.
"Oh yeah, you never introduced yourself," she added.
The monkey let out a dramatic sigh, then grinned.
"Hehe. My name is Daigon, the great… uh… the great… whatever. Just call me Daigon."
He ended his sentence with a deadpan stare, as if he'd given up halfway through his own introduction.
"Oh! Well, my name is Hikari Takayama!" Hikari announced brightly, her cheerful smile lighting up the mood.
"My name is Takashi Mellforn—" Takashi began, but before he could finish, Daigon cut him off with a bored expression.
"Yeah, yeah… and Miraku Kazehara. Nice to meet you. Can we just get to the point already?" he interrupted, letting out an exaggerated sigh.
Riko raised an eyebrow, glancing at Hikari.
"So… should we head back to the guild and report the incident? Because I think we totally forgot about the guy driving the carriage." He pointed toward the mangled body in the distance. "He's dead."
Daigon turned lazily toward the corpse.
"Oh, right. Let me take care of that. Ashton, uh… whatever."
Before anyone could react, the body suddenly crumbled into glowing ashes and vanished into the wind.
The group's eyes went wide.
"DID YOU JUST CUT OFF MID-INCANTATION?!" Hikari shouted in shock.
Riko stared at Daigon, a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek.
Just what the hell…?!
"Shall we get going?" Daigon asked casually.
Hikari let out a small sigh and nodded. "Fine. Let's head back to the guild and report the incident."
The group made their way back to the Adventurers Guild. By the time they arrived, dusk had begun to settle, painting the sky in faint orange hues. Riko sat quietly on a bench outside the building, lost in thought.
Daigon… the monkey who asked if I was reincarnated.
Just how the hell did he know about that?
While Riko was deep in his thoughts, Daigon plopped down next to him with a plate of food in his hands. He munched noisily, his cheeks puffed like a squirrel's.
"So uh, whatcha doing?" Daigon asked between bites, not a care in the world.
Riko glanced at him, expression firm. "Daigon, tell me… just who are you exactly?" His tone was serious—unlike his usual sarcastic self.
Daigon froze mid-bite. Slowly, he gulped down his food and set the plate aside. A rare sigh escaped him.
"Riko, what I'm about to tell you stays between us. Got it?" His tone dropped all traces of playfulness.
Riko swallowed nervously and nodded. "Y-Yeah. I'm ready."
Daigon leaned slightly closer. "I'm a god, Riko—"
"Doubt it." Riko interrupted immediately, face completely deadpan.
"CAN YOU AT LEAST LET ME FINISH SPEAKING?!" Daigon shouted furiously, waving his tiny hand in the air.
"OKAY, OKAY! Fine, just say what you've gotta say," Riko said, raising both hands in mock surrender.
Daigon squinted at him suspiciously, clearly not convinced by Riko's sudden cooperation. After a dramatic ahem, he leaned closer.
"Riko… have you ever heard of 'Being Above All'?" Daigon asked.
Well, to be exact… yeah. I've heard of him. Supposedly some god everyone worships… but I don't actually know anything about him.
"Yeah, I do," Riko replied cautiously.
Daigon nodded. His expression turned serious for once. "Did you ever see a figure in golden and silver armor, with long white hair and a massive golden halo behind him?"
Riko blinked. "Uh… no? What does that even have to do with anything I asked?!"
Daigon hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "Hmm, so you haven't met him after all. Forget it. Like I said— I'm a god. And by 'god,' I mean a divine being, not some random mortal. The reason I asked is simple: I came here for one reason… to look after you."
Riko's eyes widened. "So you're… a deity? A deity that's babysitting me?!" he asked, completely thrown off by the sudden revelation.
Daigon groaned and slapped his face with his palm. "Yeah, pretty much. You'll understand everything later. For now, let's just leave it at that." He picked up his food again and resumed munching as if nothing world-shaking had just been said.
"Wait, I'm not finished—!" Riko began, but before he could ask anything else, the guild's front doors burst open with a loud BANG.
"GUESS WHAT, GUYS?!" Hikari shouted, beaming with excitement.
The sudden entrance startled Daigon. He choked violently on his food. "ACK! ACK—!" He flailed, clutching his neck as he rolled dramatically on the floor.
"WE'RE GOING TO TAKE ON TWO ELITE RED OGRES!" Hikari declared proudly, hands on her hips.
Riko, Miraku, and Takashi stared at her in dead silence before muttering in perfect unison, their faces blank:
"Yay…"
The group walked deeper into the forest, the night sky above them a blend of deep blue and black. Stars twinkled brightly, and the Milky Way stretched across the heavens like a divine painting.
Miraku groaned, dragging her feet like a zombie.
"How much longer? My legs are killing me…" she complained.
Hikari grinned, unfazed. "Don't worry. We're already here."
Takashi shivered, hugging himself. "It's freezing. Can we just finish this and go home already?" His teeth chattered as he spoke.
These robes and compressed shirt that Ruther gave me are surprisingly comfy… The pants, though—basic. Like slim office trousers, Riko thought absentmindedly.
Suddenly, Daigon's expression shifted from relaxed to serious.
"Riko—RIGHT!" he shouted.
Riko barely had time to turn. A colossal fist slammed into his side.
"Guh—!" Blood burst from his mouth as his body was flung like a ragdoll, crashing violently into a massive rock.
"RIKO!" Takashi shouted, but before he could react, another ogre emerged from behind. Its fist buried into Takashi's abdomen, launching him through several trees.
"TAKASHI!" Hikari gasped. She turned—but too late. A shadow loomed behind her, an incoming attack she couldn't block in time. Her eyes widened in terror.
A sharp voice cut through the air.
"Veno… Hashtenkai…"
A surge of radiant blue light erupted from Riko's location, engulfing the ogre behind Hikari and blasting it across the hillside.
Miraku quickly raised her staff.
"Veno Fugario!"
Her spell struck the second ogre—but it barely flinched.
Riko rose to his feet, aura swirling violently around him. He broke into a dash, vanishing in a flash.
"HRAAAAH!" His fist connected with the ogre's jaw, sending it flying.
"I'M NOT DONE YET!!" he roared. Mana gathered around his hands as he unleashed a barrage of energy blasts.
Daigon leaned casually against a tree, smirking. "Not bad…" he muttered.
Riko sensed movement behind him. He turned, eyes glowing an intense blue.
"So you like sneaking up, huh?"
The ogre drew a massive blade and swung. Riko twisted aside effortlessly. "HRAAH!" He propelled himself upward with a kick, slamming into the ogre's face.
"GRAAAAH!" Riko roared, launching the creature skyward. He followed, fists glowing brightly.
"Veno Gidario!" His voice echoed through the night as he pummeled the ogre's abdomen with a flurry of punches, driving it down like a meteor.
He pulled back his fist, mana concentrating into a single, devastating strike.
"GO TO HELL, YOU PIECE OF SH—"
SHING!
Time froze.
Riko looked down. A massive blade protruded from his abdomen. Blood dripped steadily.
"P-Puah…!" He coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth.
"RIKO!!" Hikari's scream echoed. Miraku and Takashi stared in horror.
Daigon's smirk vanished. His eyes widened, alarm replacing amusement.
How… how did I not notice? How did I become so reckless?! I don't want to die… Not here… Please—someone… anyone—HELP ME! Riko screamed in his mind, tears forming in his eyes.
Then—
A voice echoed. Calm. Divine.
"Riko, do not fear. Your plea has been heard. As your soul clings to life, I, who guide the righteous, answer you now."
Riko's blurred vision cleared slightly, revealing a radiant figure before him. Golden and white armor gleamed. Long white hair flowed like silk. A massive golden halo shone behind him.
Is that… the being Daigon spoke about…?
Riko reached out, trembling.
Please… help me… The pain… It's unbearable.
"Riko, You have suffered so much, yet still, you stand. You need not carry your burdens alone. Tell me… what drives you to keep going?"
Tears streamed down Riko's face. He extended his hand desperately.
I made a promise! A promise to change who I was! I wanted a second chance… and yet… I'm right here dying!! Help me I beg of you! It hurts! IT TRULY DOES!
The divine figure embraced him gently.
"Riko, don't cry. You have opened your heart to me—a heart pure as freshly fallen snow. For I will never abandon you."
Never...?
"Overcome these burdens, Riko, and protect those you hold dear. They wish to see you succeed as much as you do. Release the pain that has weighed upon you, for I shall be the light that illuminate the darkness you hold."
Riko's tears poured freely, his heart trembling under the overwhelming warmth and love radiating from the divine presence before him.
The figure released him, raising a hand that glowed with radiant light. His voice echoed calm:
"For I, the Being Above All… Ritumara… shall bestow upon you my blessing."
Riko's eyes widened as Ritumara's divine voice slowly faded into the void.
The overwhelming pain that had once consumed him seemed to blur into the background. His tears ceased, replaced by a calm yet fierce resolve burning within.
A radiant light flared in his pupils, brighter than before—unyielding.
Ritumara…?