Days had passed since the beginning of Xers's cruise. It was the final day.
Xers sat in his cabin, reading a book. He turned the pages, but his mind was elsewhere—thinking of the people he left behind.
"What if I never come back? My mother, my friends… Hanken? This is the first time I've gone this far away. I just hope I don't mess things up."
He stayed in his room for a few more hours. Soon, it was noon.
"Attention, passengers. Lunch is now being served. Please make your way to the dining hall."
"So it's already noon. I should put this book down—it's too good at distracting me."
Xers calmly left his room and headed down the stairs toward the dining hall.
On his way, he ran into Captain Ura.
"Well, well! Look who decided to show up—feeling hungry, are we?"
"Hehe. Yeah, the smell of food really gets to you."
"Come on, Xers. I've prepared a special table just for you."
"That wasn't necessary, Ura."
"Nonsense. You're traveling far from home for your country's sake—you deserve it."
(smiles) "Thanks."
Xers entered the dining hall and sat at the table reserved for him. On the table were dozens of dishes—appetizers, meats, salads, desserts, and fine drinks.
"I can't believe it! All this is for me?"
"Of course, sir. Would you like me to describe the dishes for you?"
"Sure."
"First, we have Shawfish—native to Shadowia. Next to it, the famous Iocrane chicken, also from Shadowia. Then, a Nyxia specialty dessert called Nasjelly, made with strawberries and local plant extracts. And this drink here is called Yunera—another Nyxia exclusive. Please, enjoy your meal."
"Thank you."
Xers ate with great appetite, enjoying every dish. After finishing, he stepped onto the deck for some fresh air.
"Ahh… that was a feast. I'll stay here for a while, then head back to my room and continue reading."
He spent nearly an hour on the deck, gazing at the sea, resting his eyes.
Then, a woman approached him. Xers noticed her presence but didn't react—he just kept staring at the horizon. The woman, unable to resist, finally spoke.
"U-Um… may I ask why you're out here?"
"Why? Just resting my eyes."
"Y-Yeah, I see that… but you looked a bit gloomy."
"Hah. Yeah. There are things on my mind—but nothing important."
"Really? Wow, seems like we have something in common. Mind if we talk?"
Xers grew suspicious.
(thinking) "Who is this woman, and why is she so eager to talk? I should stay cautious."
"Sure, let's talk. I'm Xers."
"I'm Neriah. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too."
"So… what do you like doing? Any hobbies?"
"I can't really say much, but… I'm a masked sorcerer."
"Seriously? I've always found masked sorcerers so attractive."
"Of course. Even when burdened, a warrior never loses his charm."
"Aww, you're cute."
"What room are you staying in?"
"Room 51. If you want, come by in ten minutes—I'll tidy up first. We can talk more comfortably there, it's getting cold."
"You're right. I'll be there, sweetheart."
On his way back to his cabin, Xers couldn't stop thinking.
"Who is this Neriah? Did I make a mistake talking to her? Maybe I'm just overthinking it. She's probably just a normal person."
He entered his room and began tidying up.
"Man, I really made a mess in here. Better clean up fast before Neriah sees this."
Suddenly, his stomach twisted in pain.
"Ahh! What the—?! My stomach! I-I think I'm gonna throw up! WHERE'S THE BATHROOM?!"
He rushed to the toilet and started vomiting violently.
"W-What is this?! What did I eat?!"
Then came a knock at the door.
"Xers, sweetheart, are you there? I'm here—open the door."
(thinking) "Shit. What do I do now? I'll have to open it, but how can I hide this?"
"X-Xers? I'm still waiting, open up."
Xers slowly stood up and opened the door.
"What took you so long?"
"Ah, nothing. I was just cleaning up—it took a bit."
"Alright then, close the door. It's getting cold."
Xers shut the door as Neriah entered. But then, the pain returned—stronger this time.
"What's wrong, Xers? Why are you shaking like that? Don't tell me someone poisoned your meal?"
"P-Poison…?"
That's when Xers realized the truth. Neriah had poisoned his food before lunch. She was a spy.
"Y-You… it was you…"
"Heh, you finally figured it out, Xers. Do you really think I'm the type to fall for someone?"
"Y-you… b-bitch…"
Just then, the captain's voice echoed through the ship.
"Dear passengers, our journey has come to an end. Welcome to the lands of Nyxia!"
Xers tried to run toward the door, but Neriah blocked his path.
"Where do you think you're going? You think you can escape me in that condition? I'll make you feel my daggers! Bloodshade!"
A green mask appeared on Neriah's face, and two razor-sharp daggers materialized in her hands. She lunged toward Xers.
"I'm really in deep shit now! Gomerai!"
The air split apart as Gomerai burst forth, tearing the ship in half.
"NOW WHO'S GOING TO TASTE WHOSE BLADE, HUH?! SAY IT!"
Neriah smirked.
"With that dragon? Please, try me."
The two clashed violently.
Neriah leapt forward—she was almost as fast as Xers. The room shook from their movements.
"You filthy woman! Take this—GQ #41!"
"You really think that'll work on me?! Cherry Blossom!"
A giant cherry tree erupted in the room, completely blocking Xers's attack.
"This is bad! Soah!"
A black slash ripped through the tree and sent Neriah crashing into the wall.
"She's stronger than expected! Why the hell did they send me for this mission?!"
"Gomerai!"
Gomerai burst through the wall, sending Neriah flying onto the deck.
"HAH! THIS IS WHERE WE FIRST MET, RIGHT? HOW ABOUT YOU DIE HERE TOO?!"
(thinking) "Damn, he's tougher than I thought!"
"I'll bring hell to your feet!"
Neriah stood up and bolted toward the shore.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?! GOMERAI!"
Gomerai leapt onto her, blocking her escape.
"I'll use a special technique—one I rarely use on anyone."
"N-No, please! Spare me!"
Xers closed his eyes and focused. His Spiritual Pressure surged violently.
"Dragon's Destruction!"
Xers rose into the air, his body glowing with raw energy. Gomerai roared, unleashing holy flames upon Neriah.
In an instant, her body was completely erased from existence.That… was the true power of Gomerai.
Captain Ura ran toward him, panicking.
"What in the world happened here, Xers?! The ship—what's going on?!"
"There was an assassin, Ura. If I hadn't defended myself, I'd be dead. Get me a doctor… before I throw up all over this place."
Xers was immediately taken to a hospital in Nyxia, where he rested for several days.