Chapter
The underground chamber had fallen silent once more.
Not a peaceful silence.
But a heavy one. A silence weighed down by exhaustion, by traces of gas still lingering in the air, by danger only barely pushed back. Even the walls seemed to hold their breath, unsure whether they were allowed to stand.
Selena could barely remain upright.
Her legs trembled under her own weight, threatening to give way at any moment. Each breath burned her lungs, while the poison released by Kaerzan continued to dull her senses, slowing her thoughts as if invisible strings were gently tugging at her consciousness.
The world swayed.
Shapes blurred, then snapped back into focus, as if mocking her struggle to stay awake.
And yet—
When she raised her eyes toward the man standing before her, something inside her mind locked into place instantly. An old reflex. A recognition deeper than exhaustion.
Her pupils tightened.
"Sir Édouard…" she whispered.
Her voice was weak, barely more than air, yet unmistakably certain.
"How did you get here…?"
The man did not answer immediately.
He stood tall and unmoving, broad shoulders squared, his presence like a wall placed between danger and those behind him. His dark armor bore the marks of countless battles. Scratches, dents, worn metal dulled by time. Not the armor of a ceremonial knight, but that of a survivor.
A veteran.
Someone who had seen death often enough to remain calm when it lingered nearby.
He turned his head slightly toward Selena, clearly surprised she was still able to speak.
"It wasn't because of me," he said calmly.
His voice was deep and steady. Unshaken.
After a brief pause, he let out a quiet sigh.
"It was Ryo. His instincts are… irritating. But they're rarely wrong."
His gaze shifted toward Lyo.
The boy lay motionless on the ground, unconscious, his face unnaturally pale. His chest rose and fell slowly, steadily, fragile proof that he was still alive. Dried blood stained his clothes, a cruel reminder of what he had endured.
Édouard tightened his jaw.
"In any case," he added, "we're taking you home."
Those words should have brought relief.
They didn't get the chance.
A dry, mocking laugh echoed through the chamber.
"Sorry about that."
The voice was calm. Too calm.
Kaerzan.
He stood a short distance away, hands tucked into the pockets of his white coat, as though watching an uninteresting play. His eyes gleamed with unhealthy curiosity, moving from Selena to Lyo, then to Édouard, as if assessing new specimens.
New subjects.
"If you want to leave, go ahead," he said with a disturbing smile.
"But as for me…"
He tilted his head slightly.
"I'm keeping my two test subjects."
The word struck like a slap.
The air instantly tightened.
Édouard frowned. Not in fear. Not even in immediate anger. In analysis. He had heard that tone before. Men who spoke like that never saw others as people.
Without taking his eyes off Kaerzan, he leaned slightly toward Selena.
"Selena… who is he?"
Then, with a small tilt of his head, he indicated Lyo.
"And the injured boy?"
Selena drew in a strained breath, as though every word would cost her what little strength she had left.
"The boy… isn't the problem. He'll hold on."
Her voice wavered for a moment, then steadied.
She raised her eyes toward Kaerzan. Despite her exhaustion, her gaze was sharp, burning.
"But the man in front of us…"
She paused.
"He's a criminal.
A member of the Black Veils."
Édouard's expression hardened.
No surprise. No hesitation.
"I see."
Just one word.
But heavy. Final.
At that exact moment, another presence crossed into the chamber.
"So you're here, Eyrin."
Édouard turned his head.
The elf appeared quietly, almost as if she had stepped out of the shadows themselves. Her sharp eyes took in the entire scene in a single glance. Behind her, Blanek advanced with difficulty, supporting Rael.
Rael was still weak. Very weak.
But he was conscious.
His eyes immediately searched for the faces he had feared he might never see again.
"Where is Ryo?" Édouard asked without hesitation.
"He's fighting someone in the forest," Eyrin replied.
Her tone was calm, controlled.
"A dangerous opponent."
Édouard clenched his teeth.
At the same time, reunions finally began.
"Rael…!"
Selena took a step forward—and nearly collapsed.
Blanek caught her at once, holding her by the shoulders.
"Easy," he said with a tired smile.
"You've scared us enough for one day."
Rael's gaze immediately fell upon Lyo.
His heart tightened.
"Lyo…"
He swallowed hard.
"Is he hurt?"
Selena nodded.
"Yes. But he's alive."
She placed a reassuring hand on his arm.
"He'll make it. I promise."
Rael closed his eyes briefly, releasing a breath he had been holding far too long.
Meanwhile, Kaerzan watched the scene with near boredom.
Too many emotions.
Too many people.
Too many variables.
He sighed.
"Well…"
He took a few steps back, already turning toward the exit.
"I suppose I won't be able to play with you today."
His gaze lingered one last time on Selena and Lyo.
"We'll meet again."
Then he left, heading toward the source of the distant tremors. Toward the forest, where the ground shook under titanic impacts. Where two monsters were clashing.
Édouard watched him go, fists slowly tightening.
"That man…"
He lifted his gaze toward the darkness outside.
"Let's hope Ryo finishes this quickly."
Because somewhere, deep within shattered trees and unleashed magic,
a battle far beyond anything these youths had ever experienced was unfolding.
And its outcome…
had yet to be written.