Within the Samurai Hall, the air was still, only the faint rustle of paper doors and the distant chirp of cicadas breaking the silence. Zenith lay on a futon, the sunlight spilling through the latticed windows, casting bars of gold across his bandaged chest. At the far end of the room stood Kazui, Suno, Lithos, Shinsei, and Hime — each watching in quiet anticipation for him to wake.
A groan escaped his lips.
"Ugh… my head hurts… what's going on?"
Kazui folded his arms. "You entered that form again… and not just for a moment. What exactly is it?"
Zenith pushed himself up slowly, wincing. "I… have no idea. It's like someone else is moving my body. I feel like a different person entirely when it happens."
Suno's gaze sharpened. "The flow signature alone is enough to tell — it's a mythic transformation."
Shinsei's eyes narrowed. "That explains why Danzai tried to abduct him earlier."
Zenith exhaled, his mind flashing back to the fight. "Although this time… I was in control. I think it's because of Hime's amplification technique."
"Hmph," Shinsei muttered. "Who was your opponent?"
Zenith's hands clenched into fists. "The demon that killed the twins."
The room stilled. Eyes widened. Even Hime's calm composure faltered.
"I'm sorry," Zenith continued, his voice low. "I couldn't finish him. I wasn't… strong enough."
Kazui stepped forward, a smirk tugging at the edge of his lips. "It's alright. I felt an almost extinguished flow leave the area. You beat him real good." He gave Zenith a casual thumbs-up.
Suno folded his arms. "Still, we need to understand more about that form. Mythic transformations aren't random gifts — they always carry a cost."
Lithos spoke up, his tone analytical. "And perhaps… a connection to the unsealing of realms. Just a hunch."
Suno's eyes flicked toward him. "…Interesting theory."
Kazui turned back to Zenith. "You said you had control when Hime amplified you?"
Zenith nodded. "Yeah."
Suno's eyes lit with recognition. "That's Perfect Flow Resonance. Two flow signatures harmonizing at an identical frequency, unlocking greater stability and efficiency than either could achieve alone. It's rare… and dangerous in the wrong hands."
He gave a pointed look to Hime. "And when you amplified him, he still passed out before you were finished. That means his transformation is bound by mortal limits."
Shinsei rested a hand on his katana. "I know a man who keeps a compendium of almost every mythic ability recorded in history. We'll pay him a visit — and you'll undergo the training needed to master this form."
Kazui leaned back. "Meanwhile, I can't tell if the Veilborn are involved in this mess or not…"
Suno frowned. "Zenith, be careful. If they're after 'equity' between races, you — with that kind of power — might become their number one target."
Zenith gave a slow nod. "…Got it." His stomach suddenly rumbled loud enough to echo in the quiet hall.
"Guys… I'm starving."
Kazui raised an eyebrow. "The last time you said that, half our week's food supply vanished in one night."
Lithos chuckled. "Try not to destroy the kitchen this time."
Zenith shot him a glare. "You're not the one covered in bandages!"
The sliding door creaked open. Ishiguro walked in, holding what appeared to be a loaf of bread.
Zenith's eyes lit up. "Ishiguro! Can I have some?"
"Sure," Ishiguro said simply, handing it over.
Zenith bit into it — and immediately recoiled, clutching his jaw. "Ow! What are these?! Rocks?!"
Ishiguro's face remained deadpan. "That's the special Ishiguro clan recipe."
"You're baking weapons now? Classic…" Zenith muttered. The others burst into laughter.
Before the moment could stretch, the loud caw of a crow interrupted. The black-feathered messenger swooped in through the window, dropping a sealed letter into Kazui's hands.
Kazui turned the envelope over. "This seal… It's from the Imperials."
"Imperials?" Zenith asked.
Suno adjusted his robe. "The higher-ups. The ones who ensure global stability through the Warrior Citadel." He broke the seal and scanned the contents.
"They're requesting our immediate presence at the Kingdom of Shizuhara," he said gravely.
Kazui's brow furrowed. "Reason?"
"Details are vague… but they want me, Team Ranka, and Team Lithos to assist in a forthcoming war."
The words "war" and "immediate" hung heavy in the air.
Outside, the sound of wheels and hooves drew near.
Kazui glanced to the door. "Our ride's here."
Minutes later, a large, black-lacquered chariot awaited at the Citadel gates. Its frame gleamed under the midday sun, drawn by two massive, armored warhorses with silver manes.
As they climbed aboard, Suno gave a final glance back to the Citadel. "Hold tight, young ones. It's a long road to Shizuhara — and not all dangers wear the face of an enemy."
The chariot lurched forward.
The journey had begun.