The sky slowly darkened on the horizon as Meliodas and Zeldris flew southward.
In silence, they followed the path King had suggested, soaring along the cliffs until the sea stretched wide before them.
At last, the port came into view—modest but lively, with sails fluttering in the wind and fishermen loading their catches.
Meliodas glanced quickly at the artifact in his hand.
"It's glowing a little brighter," he said tensely.
Zeldris eyed the soft pulsing red light in the crystal as well.
"I think we're getting close, big brother."
As they neared the port, Meliodas gave Zeldris a sideways glance.
"Keep your aura low. Last thing I want is for people to panic over a royal demon landing out of nowhere."
Zeldris grumbled under his breath, but obeyed. He closed his eyes and focused, dimming his demonic energy. Together, they landed quietly on the dock and began walking through the port.
The farther they went, the brighter the artifact became.
Meliodas's heart beat faster, hope rising with every step.
But no familiar aura.
No demonic presence.
Nothing.
"We're very close," Zeldris whispered.
Meliodas quickened his pace, gripping the artifact tightly.
He scanned every figure, every alleyway, every ship...
Nothing.
Suddenly, Zeldris flung out his arm.
"WATCH OUT!"
He yanked Meliodas back just in time. The latter stumbled, nearly falling into the sea.
"Are you insane?!" Meliodas shouted, both startled and irritated.
Zeldris released him, eyes sharp and alert.
"You weren't watching where you stepped."
Meliodas sighed, then looked down at the artifact.
It still glowed...
But no presence. No sign.
"This makes no sense. I feel nothing. No aura that resembles ours… Just this stupid crystal, still glowing like it knows better than we do."
He clenched it in his fist, teeth gritted.
"Maybe the others were right. Kaelis played us for fools."
Zeldris said nothing. He simply watched as the spark in Meliodas's eyes began to fade.
But the moment Meliodas mentioned the word ship, a thought sparked in Zeldris's mind.
Without a word, he turned and walked off.
Several minutes passed. Then he returned, stride purposeful, face set.
He placed a firm hand on his brother's shoulder.
"I found a ship."
Meliodas blinked, confused.
"A ship? And what do you want us to do with that?"
Without a word, Zeldris snatched the artifact from his hand.
"Think. The artifact's still glowing, right? But we've found nothing here. That means... we're not there yet."
"Wait—" Meliodas began, realization dawning.
"You mean… farther offshore?"
"Exactly," Zeldris replied.
"I overheard talk of an island. One that lies beyond Britannia's coasts. The Island of Renewal."
Meliodas's eyes widened. A flicker of hope flared once more in his chest.
"You think… he might be there?"
Zeldris extended his hand.
"It's possible. And it's worth checking. One last push, big brother."
Meliodas smiled faintly, his old fire returning.
He gripped Zeldris's hand and nodded.
"One last time."