Ikku rejoined Yumé, accompanied by the young boy. Yumé narrowed his eyes, intrigued by the stranger's presence.
— Who's that? he asked curiously.
— His name's Ilia, Ikku replied. And this kid knows the location of a jewel.
— Really?! Yumé exclaimed, suddenly excited. Hey, Kenny, come here! You won't believe this!
— What are you talking about? Kenny muttered, still locked in his wrestling match against Nenew.
Distracted by Yumé's call, Kenny made the mistake of turning his head. Nenew immediately seized the opportunity to grab him and hurl him outside the ring. Kenny hit the ground hard as the LVD erupted into deafening cheers.
— The LVD win! Sorry, buddy, Nenew said with a smirk.
— That's cheating! Kenny snapped, frustrated.
— Who told you to take your eyes off me? Nenew replied, shrugging.
Kenny clenched his jaw.
— Tch… This better be important, Yumé.
— It is! Yumé shot back, full of energy. Ikku found a lead on the jewels!
Kenny's expression shifted immediately.
— What?! Alright, spill it, Ikku. What's the lead?
Ikku jerked his thumb toward Ilia.
— Him. He comes from a tribe that lives underground. All we have to do is help him return home, and he'll show us the location of the jewel.
— And you're sure there really is one? Kenny asked, doubtful.
— Yes! Ilia answered firmly. Absolutely certain.
Kenny gave a nod, convinced.
— Then we just need to tell Carla and Zeno, and get moving. No time to waste!
Once the team had gathered, Ikku explained how he had met Ilia, the information the boy carried, and the path they would need to take. The group couldn't hide their excitement at this unexpected "improvised mission."
— First, we need to deal with the slave traders, Yumé declared, his tone serious.
— Meh, they're not Prana users, Kenny replied casually. We'll handle them quick enough… right, Master Zeno?
— Indeed, Zeno confirmed calmly. That shouldn't be a problem for you. However, this mission isn't an official Nexus assignment. Which means… you'll be going without me.
— WHAT?!!! they all shouted in unison, pressing their faces up against Zeno's.
— You can't just ditch us like that! Yumé cried.
— Yeah, Master Zeno! How are we supposed to manage without you?! Carla added.
— What if we run into insanely strong enemies?! Kenny piled on.
— And we'll need your advice! Ikku finished desperately.
Zeno gently pushed them back, his voice calm but firm.
— Easy now, children. Don't forget, you're soldiers of Nexus. The best way to grow stronger is by facing things yourselves. If I tag along, all I'll do is hold you back. It's time you spread your wings, gain your own strength… and above all, come back alive and victorious. Tell me, Ilia, how long will it take to reach your village?
Ilia thought for a moment.
— Hmm… I'd say about a month's walk.
— Then it'll likely take you three or four months to finish this quest, Zeno concluded. I'll be in Kul-Elna, waiting patiently for your return.
At first, Ikku and the others wanted to argue, but they had to admit Zeno was right. The jewel hunt wasn't his fight, it was theirs. And more than that, this was his way of teaching them to stand on their own. The decision was made: they would take on the quest themselves.
Before leaving, they bid farewell to the LVD one last time. Their gratitude was sincere, almost overwhelming.
— We'll never forget what you did for us, Missak said, gripping Ikku's hand tightly. We owe you our lives.
— It was our pleasure, Ikku answered with a smile. I hope we'll meet again.
— Of course, Missak replied warmly. This place will always be your home. Come back whenever you wish. And take as many supplies as you need—we've packed bags for your journey.
— Thank you so much, Ikku said, deeply touched.
Then they turned back to Zeno. Their eyes filled with emotion, brimming with unspoken sadness.
— What's with those faces? Zeno asked, raising an eyebrow.
— We're just sad you're not coming with us, Master Zeno, Carla admitted.
— Yeah… we always feel safe with you. You're like a father to us, Yumé added.
Zeno sighed.
— That's flattering… but temporary. We'll be reunited soon. I trust you. Be careful. I can't wait to see you again in Kul-Elna.
Without warning, he vanished into thin air, teleporting away and leaving his young companions stunned.
— I guess since he wasn't with us anymore, it was easier for him to just teleport home, Ikku muttered.
Kenny rolled his eyes.
— That guy really knows how to ruin a heartfelt moment.
— Maybe because of his past, he struggles to build bonds, Ikku suggested thoughtfully.
— Fair point, Kenny admitted. Anyway… everyone ready? Let's move out!
And so, their journey began, heading toward the Topura tribe. It was the true beginning of their grand adventure. The quest of Millennium had officially begun.