"Don't get the wrong idea, boys," Bash said firmly, his voice echoing through the narrow alley. "Once I take you there, I'm coming back. I can't teleport over such a long distance without remaining connected to the spell."
Jackson tilted his head, looking confused.
"I... I don't think that's how it works, old--- I mean, Mister Bash. My papa told me that mages can teleport other people without having to go with them."
Bash gave him a faint smile.
"You're not as clueless as you look, kid. But you've still got a lot to learn."
He folded his arms and continued explaining.
"First of all, I'm not a mage. Mages don't possess innate Renshi. Instead, they rely on special tools, such as enchanted scrolls, relics, and even tattoos inscribed with Renshical symbols to perform their work."
He tapped his chest with a finger.
"But we Shinras possess Renshi within our bodies. When I use this particular teleportation spell, I have to remain connected to it. Think of it like holding a rope. If I let go of the other end, the connection breaks, and the technique collapses."
Jackson nodded slowly, taking in the explanation. Beside him, Marcel glanced between the two, still looking a little pale after their sudden teleportation.
There's no way I'm leaving these kids alone, Bash thought, his expression growing serious. They're too trusting for their own good. Being optimistic is fine, but it'll get them killed if they keep acting so carelessly.
He glanced at Jackson and Marcel.
I just need a good excuse to stay with them until I find Lyon. I'll protect them, find him, and then figure out what to do next.
"Oh, right!" Jackson suddenly exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "Sorry for the misunderstanding, Mister Bash. I wasn't trying to argue with you."
Bash nodded.
"Good."
In the next instant, all three vanished in a flash.
---
They reappeared in the middle of the Kingdom of Eminence.
The surroundings had changed completely. Tall buildings lined the streets, merchants called out to passing customers, and crowds moved through the bustling market square.
Jackson and Marcel looked around in amazement, taking in their new surroundings.
Before either boy could ask a question, Bash grabbed them by the wrists.
"Hold on!"
He activated Switch Mode.
In an instant, the three disappeared from the market square and reappeared several streets away.
Bash continued using Switch Mode, rapidly moving through narrow alleys and across small bridges. They passed startled merchants, confused shoppers, and Shinra patrols who barely had time to notice their presence.
Jackson and Marcel struggled to keep their balance as Bash pulled them along.
"Where are you taking us, old man?" they shouted together.
"To a friend," Bash called back. "He lives in a town on the eastern side of this kingdom. If anyone can help you find your father, it's him. He owes me a favour."
Jackson exchanged a quick glance with Marcel.
Before either could respond, a figure dropped from a nearby rooftop and landed directly in their path.
"Halt!"
Bash immediately deactivated Switch Mode.
His feet slid across the ground as he brought himself and the two boys to a stop. He released their wrists and straightened up.
Standing before them was a tall Shinra wearing a silver cape. His stern expression and the powerful Renshi aura surrounding him immediately caught Bash's attention.
Bash's eyes narrowed slightly.
Damn. He's no ordinary patrol. That heavy aura... He's a Pro Darkside Knight. Judging by the pressure he's giving off, he might even be stronger than me.
The silver-caped Shinra stepped forward.
"We detected unusual Renshi signatures moving through the kingdom. I am Lord Metro, one of the Pro Darkside Knights responsible for protecting Eminence."
His gaze shifted from Bash to the two boys.
"State your name and explain what you're doing here."
Bash took a slow breath before giving a respectful nod.
"My apologies, Lord Metro. My name is Bash, a Pro Darkside Knight from the Kingdom of Guhan. I'm pursuing a criminal who kidnapped a child, and our mages traced the trail toward the eastern region of this kingdom."
He gestured toward Jackson and Marcel.
"These two are my students. I brought them along to give them some field experience."
Metro studied him for a moment, his expression unchanged.
"You've been tracking a criminal across several kingdoms, and you've brought two children with you?"
"That's how things have turned out," Bash replied calmly.
Metro's attention shifted toward the boys.
"Tell me, what kind of criminal kidnaps a child? For what reason? And who is this child to you?"
Bash hesitated for a fraction of a second.
Before he could answer, several Shinras began approaching from the surrounding streets. Some emerged from nearby alleys, while others descended from rooftops.
Within moments, the trio found themselves surrounded.
Bash glanced around, careful not to make any sudden movements.
Damn it. This is getting out of hand. If I make the wrong move, they'll drag us straight to the castle. And if that happens, finding Lyon will become even more difficult.
Metro noticed the tension in Bash's expression.
"Is something the matter?" he asked, narrowing his eyes. "You've suddenly become quiet."
Bash forced himself to remain composed.
"The child's identity is a private matter, Lord Metro. We're not here to cause trouble, and we don't intend to stay in your kingdom."
He paused before continuing.
"I've already examined the local Renshi traces. According to my findings, the target has left this kingdom. We'll be on our way before sundown."
Metro didn't appear convinced.
He was about to respond when a younger Shinra wearing a dark red cape hurried toward him.
"My lord, I have a report."
Metro turned slightly.
"Go ahead."
The younger Shinra approached and lowered his voice.
"Several mages have reported powerful Renshi signatures entering and leaving the kingdom over the past three days. Some of the movements are difficult to identify, and we haven't been able to confirm who's responsible."
His expression grew serious.
"Given the recent activity, we shouldn't allow unfamiliar Shinras to leave without questioning them."
Metro listened quietly before giving a nod.
"I understand."
He turned back toward Bash, his expression noticeably colder.
"I'm sorry. I have no reason to doubt your claim that you're a Shinra from Guhan. However, we've detected too many unfamiliar and powerful Renshi signatures lately."
He gestured toward the surrounding Shinras.
"For the safety of this kingdom, I need you and your students to accompany me to meet the Special Darkside Knight. We'll ask you a few questions, verify your story, and allow you to continue your journey if everything checks out."
Bash's expression tightened.
Great. Just what I needed.
He was about to respond when Jackson suddenly stepped forward.
"No..."
His sudden outburst caught everyone off guard, including Bash.
Jackson clenched his fists and walked directly toward Lord Metro, refusing to avert his gaze.
"We don't have time for this!"
The surrounding Shinras immediately became more alert.
"A child's life is in danger, and every second we waste here makes things worse! We need to keep moving!"
Metro stared at the boy, his expression unreadable.
Bash slowly turned his head toward Jackson.
What the hell are you doing, kid?
Beside him, Marcel swallowed nervously as he looked at the armed Shinras surrounding them.
Jack, please tell me you have a plan...
Metro took a step toward Jackson.
"You seem very concerned about this child," he said firmly. "Perhaps you can explain why."
The Shinras surrounding them tightened their formation, ready to intervene if anyone made a sudden move.
Bash's hands slowly curled into fists.
Damn it, Jackson. Don't make this any harder than it already is.