Three days had passed since Mekira's attack.
In Saymar, within the LVD district, the atmosphere had completely changed. Where once there had been cries of war and the stench of blood, now there was music, laughter, and dancing. The people were celebrating their freedom.
Carla twirled among the women of the village, her smile lighting up the square. Not far away, Yumé entertained the children with his Sonka powers, sparks of light dazzling their wide eyes. Kenny was caught up in a friendly wrestling match with Nenew, the crowd cheering them on.
Ikku, meanwhile, sat at a makeshift table with Missak, Gangst, Momo, and Master Zéno, sharing drinks and banter.
— We'll never be able to thank you enough for what you've done for us, Ikku, Missak said, his voice filled with gratitude.
— I didn't do anything, Ikku replied with a shrug. The credit goes to you… and Master Zéno. You fought to the very end to earn your freedom. You should be proud of yourselves.
But his eyes wandered away from the conversation. They stopped on Carla, whose graceful movements under the torchlight seemed to enchant him. For a moment, the world around him faded. Gangst, quick to notice, nudged him with his shoulder, smirking.
— Looks like our hero has already chosen his heroine, he teased.
— Wha—?! N-no! Me? With… Carla?! Not at all! Ikku stammered, his face burning red.
The others burst out laughing, nearly collapsing with amusement.
— Looks like someone just activated Turbo, Momo mocked.
— Turbo love, more like, Gangst shot back with a wink.
Even Ikku couldn't help but laugh along, though his cheeks stayed crimson. The air was alive with festivity, carefree and bright.
— Do you think I'd even have a chance with her? Ikku asked quietly.
— Why not? Missak replied with a shrug.
— We've had a few moments… but in the end she told me it was too soon.
— Then be patient, Gangst said, taking a long drink. It'll happen when it's meant to.
— And what does the great Zéno think? Missak asked playfully.
The one-eyed man adjusted his coat with solemn composure.
— Love is a powerful force. But at its core, it's also a chemical reaction. It releases dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, creating a dependency similar to—
— Yeah, yeah, thanks Master Zéno, Ikku cut him off, exasperated.
Another round of laughter erupted.
Then suddenly, Ikku's smile faded. In the distance, he spotted a lone figure staggering forward, leaning heavily on a wooden staff. The stranger wore dark glasses, his steps faltering, until he collapsed onto the ground.
Ikku leapt to his feet and sprinted over, with Missak and Momo close behind.
— Hey! Are you alright? Can you hear me? Ikku asked, lifting the young man's head.
— W-water… so… weak… the stranger whispered faintly.
— Don't worry. Here, drink.
Ikku gave him water and food. Slowly, the boy regained enough strength to sit up.
— Thank you… you saved me, he said weakly.
— It's nothing. Come join us, you'll get your strength back.
— I can't… I must return quickly. I'm looking for strong people who can help me.
Momo chuckled and immediately pointed at Ikku.
— Perfect. You've got one right here. This guy's insanely strong.
— Really? the stranger asked, his tone hopeful.
— Well… not that much, Ikku muttered, scratching the back of his head.
— My name is Ilia, the stranger said. And yours?
— Ikku.
Ilia leaned closer, his expression serious.
— Ikku, please… help me return home.
— Home? Where do you live?
— I'm from the Topura clan. We live underground. I came to the surface to see the outside world… but I got lost. And when I tried to return, the passage was guarded by slave traders. They chased me. I escaped, but I can't go back alone.
Ikku sighed heavily.
— I'm sorry, but I need to return to Kul-Elna. I've already lost too much time here… and I've learned nothing about the Jewels.
Ilia's eyes widened.
— The Jewels?
— Yes. The four Jewels of Millenium. You probably don't know what I'm talking about. But that's my mission.
Ilia's voice grew firm, urgent.
— If we're speaking of the same Jewels… then know this: one of them lies within my kingdom.
Ikku froze.
— What?! You're serious?!
— Yes. It's guarded in a temple. No one has ever been able to claim it, so my people eventually stopped trying. But if you can take it… it's yours.
Ikku's heart pounded. The boy didn't seem to be lying. And if his people truly lived underground, it made sense that no record existed. For the first time, Ikku held a real lead.
— Does this Jewel have a name? he asked.
— We call it Hafou. But it's also known as the Jewel of the End.
Ikku's eyes widened.
— No doubt… that's exactly what I read in Nexus archives! Alright, Ilia. I'll help you return. And in exchange, you'll lead me to this Jewel.
— Deal!
And in that moment, Ikku knew: the true journey had begun.
The laughter and festivals would soon be behind him. Ahead lay the path of the Jewels, a path where the fate of Millenium itself would be decided.
Ikku's quest… was finally beginning.