Click, click.
In the dimly lit room, the door creaked open, and the sound of a cane tapping the ground echoed step by step as someone entered.
"Dio-sama."
The newcomer knelt, bowing his head with deep respect.
"Granny Enya is dead."
"Oh~"
From the shadows, a perfectly straight silhouette stood proudly, a golden heart emblazoned on his belt catching the faint light.
"Adam's lover is useless as ever. Jotaro and his group are approaching from India."
"Dio-sama," the man said eagerly, "allow me to set off immediately and eliminate them for you!"
"No, Endor."
Dio's voice was lazy yet commanding.
"I have other plans for you here."
"Three days ago, a group arrived, claiming to be of my kind."
Dio shifted, crossing his legs and turning away in the darkness.
"Though they escaped, I've become interested in their origins."
"Endor, though you are blind, you are the strongest tracker among the Nine Glorious Gods. Find their whereabouts. I will deal with the Joestar family after."
"But Dio-sama, Jotaro is no fool, and according to the captain's last report, he has two powerful aides…"
"Heh," Dio's cold laughter slithered from the shadows, "Power means nothing before The World. Besides, they're just two kids, barely teenagers."
"Dio-sama…"
"Hm?"
Endor started to speak again but was cut off.
"Are you questioning me?"
"Of course not. I shall depart immediately."
Once alone, purple vines crept up Dio's arms. He tapped the nearby camera gently, and a photo was ejected.
The image showed a dock: a beautiful girl smiling, talking to someone just beyond the frame—but no one appeared where her gaze fell.
Remembering Granny Enya's words—that a Stand was a form of spiritual energy—Dio's eyes burned with fierce intent as he crushed the photo into fragments.
If he couldn't see, his Stand would be invincible.
—
Meanwhile, at Alexandria, Egypt's largest port, Hermione and Kai Adler walked down the gangway.
Kai raised an eyebrow. Just moments ago, he had sensed a strong spiritual force peeking at him, which he instinctively shielded with Black Magic.
Could it be the Old Man peeking?
No. The dark, strange feeling was different—definitely a stranger. A local black magician, perhaps?
"Hey, look."
Hermione tugged at his sleeve. He turned, and behind him stood the Pearl, the pirate ship. A group of pirates gathered on the deck, watching them with expressions of relief.
At last, their strange guest had left.
They'd been living in fear for days—seeing strange things floating around the ship. At first, they thought it was haunted.
After all, sailors are superstitious, especially pirates with dirty hands. The whole ship was in a panic.
When Cruise explained things clearly, the pirates looked at Kai and Hermione with a mix of awe and apprehension.
Who knew if the existence of Wizards might offend the Sea God? What if the Sea God punished them?
Though Kai wanted to tell them no Sea God existed, no one believed him.
If Wizards were real, then surely a Sea God was too, right?
Kai: …
Cruise stood at the front of the ship, waving at them. The two exchanged a nod, silently agreeing this would not be their last meeting.
After all, Kai's luggage still contained a radio to contact the Pearl.
"All right, we've finally arrived in Egypt!"
Hermione stretched, the journey full of excitement. She'd visited Kai's hometown, experienced foreign customs and food, fought werewolves, encountered superhumans, mysterious giant octopuses, and pirates.
For her, this trip alone was worth it.
"Shall we go find Ron?"
"Okay," Kai shrugged. "Isn't that why we came?"
Hermione turned to him, sensing something off in his tone—a little sour.
Though she didn't know why, she instinctively shot back,
"Not at all. I came because I wanted to travel with you. Ron just happened to provide a place."
So she was a tool?
Kai's satisfied chuckle made Hermione smirk.
"What now? Head to Cairo to find Ron or explore?"
"Of course we explore! How can we not? What's there to see in Ron?"
Kai glanced sideways at her. Hermione met his gaze, confused.
Goodness, she'd really grown clever—knowing how to flatter him.
Poor Ron.
Among the bustling crowd, a man in a black robe subtly scanned the pair with sharp peripheral vision.
Finally, I've been waiting for you.