Kido couldn't get his mind straight. He kept thinking about Zack—always lost in thought, easily distracted while the others were having a conversation. Anna was really mad at Kido because of his behavior. They had been there for him and had saved him countless times, and now all he thought about was Zack, who had left since they were kids.
Anna said, "Get yourself together. I can't believe you can be this foolish. Although I know you've been stupid from the start, I didn't think you were this stupid," she added with a disappointed look.
Mary stepped in. "Anna, please let him breathe. I know you're hurt, but this is the person he thought was dead for a long time. He's still in disbelief. Just let him be for the meantime."
John silently sensed the energy in the atmosphere, reading their thoughts. The tension was rising, and he finally spoke up.
"We are all family here. We're not supposed to be fighting each other. We should correct with love and care, not anger. I really can't help but wonder if this is how you guys fought before I came into the picture."
The place became completely silent. Everyone went quiet—you could even hear the sounds from the woods miles away and the wind blowing endlessly.
John spoke with authority, the voice of a true leader. Although he was usually quiet, at that moment his voice was clearer and louder than ever, echoing like thunder in the mountains. Everyone was in shock seeing him like that. Sweat covered their faces, and they even wished the ground would open and swallow them.
He was deeply hurt, almost losing control of his emotions.
Then, in the blink of an eye, John was gone—vanished into thin air.
Anna gasped. "John! Where did he go? I can't even recall him leaving. It happened so fast. How is that possible?"
Mary replied, "I've known he could do that, but it's still strange to me too. It's really odd."
Everyone stayed silent, looking at each other. After a few moments, Kido spoke up.
"Kai… I'm sorry for everything. I know it was my fault. Sorry for making you all uncomfortable. And thank you for being there for me during my dark days—especially you, Anna. It's all thanks to you. I know I kept pushing you away."
He continued talking for a long time, and his words brightened the mood. They all joined hands as a family again, and the heavy atmosphere lifted.
John, on the other hand, wasn't with them physically. He was being held by a strong force and was fighting to break free. He struggled for hours until his dad appeared to him.
"John," his father said, "you are the source of all power. Your strength has no limits. You are your own greatest enemy. I fear that if you don't learn to control the power passed down to you, it will consume you. Have faith in yourself, and do not be controlled by your emotions. If you fail, this nation will fall to the dark ones who hunger for power and blood, and our legacy will die."
Then he disappeared into thin air.
After hearing his father's words, John gained strength. He calmed himself, took control of his emotions, and mastered his ability—stronger and more stable than ever.
The others were still together, talking.
"We're ready for any challenge," someone said. "Let them come. They will face the deadliest of them all."
Suddenly, a strong wind swept through the area, making it hard to see. It felt like a sandstorm. They covered their faces to protect their eyes. Out of nowhere, John appeared with a smile on his face.
The others struggled to open their eyes. Seeing him was strange, but not surprising. He always did things that amazed them, so they were used to it.
Meanwhile, Zack was leading the scouts to where John and the others were, using his ability.
Max finally reached the camp and informed the soldiers that they now had a base. Everyone had to start moving at dawn—no one left behind.
All in joy, the atmosphere lifted even more.
Max said, "As soon as dawn comes, we move. Guys, we have to rest and prepare for the journey."
The soldiers shouted loudly in honor of their commander, showing respect.