Both of them unleashed their techniques at the same time. A massive explosion erupted. Everything within nearly sixty meters was completely destroyed…
However, Gomerai ultimately overpowered the attack—yet it still couldn't reach Gein. Gein was heavily wounded by the blast, while Xers was out of stamina, breathing desperately.
"D-Did… did Chroma explode? I think it did… But this is really bad."
Xers gripped his sword and walked toward Gein.
"It's over, Gein."
"W-WAIT! D-Don't kill me! Ahh… You have to listen to me!"
"I'm listening."
"M-My intentions weren't evil. R-Really, you have to believe me."
"Empty words…"
"T-Then kill me! Go on! I'm already severely injured, my stamina is nearly gone."
"Fine, tell me whatever nonsense you're about to spill."
"I'm not actually a bad person. MY PURPOSE IS TO SAVE MY FAMILY!"
"Y-Your family? What are you talking about?"
"MY FAMILY—THEY'VE BEEN SUFFERING TERRIBLY! My only goal was to stop the Shadowia government from supplying ammunition to the Legions!"
Gein said all this while sobbing uncontrollably. Xers found himself wondering whether he had made a mistake.
"How am I supposed to believe you?"
"All you have to do is read the archives. The massacres within the Legion lands—and how the Shadowia government refuses to end its trade with them!"
"You know… you don't really look like the type of villain I'm used to seeing. Honestly, I thought that from the beginning. So this is your issue with Shadowia?"
"Y-Yes…"
"Look, if you truly think you can be of use to the Kurotsume Clan—and if you're willing to stand with us—then I'm with you, Gein. I fight against evil. Maybe you're someone who uses darkness to fight darkness. Who knows?"
"I'm glad you understand me… My name is Gein. Kusho Gein."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Thend Xers."
"B-But I can't move… You need to take me to a hospital."
"I'll handle it."
Xers carried Gein on his back and rushed him to the hospital. He learned that Gein had multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. Leaving the room, he thought:
"What even happened back there? Gomerai and Gein's colors clashed at full force. I've never struggled like that before. If I hadn't pushed my stamina to the limit, I could've been as injured as Gein."
At least no civilians had been caught in the explosion—only buildings, though the port was unrecognizable. Just then, the Kurotsume high commander contacted Xers.
"Xers! Are you there?"
"Yes, commander! I'm listening!"
"Are you alright, Xers? I heard about the battle. THE PORT WAS OBLITERATED!"
"Y-Yes, commander… unfortunately the battle was extremely intense. The target's name was Gein—Kusho Gein. He's actually innocent. I personally carried him to the hospital."
"YOU TOOK HIM TO A HOSPITAL?! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?"
"Please, listen carefully, commander! His only concern is our trade with the Legions. All he wants is to save his family. But he can't return home—the moment he does, he'll be killed. Please, commander… grant me a few more months to end the oppression in the Legion lands."
"Xers, if I didn't know you were a good person, I would have expelled you from the clan on the spot. But I respect your judgment—and your strength."
"Thank you very much, commander! All I need is a few more months."
"Very well, I'll extend your mission. But we cannot afford to lose you, Xers. You're one of the strongest in our clan."
"I have one more request, commander."
"What is it?"
"Please… stop trading with the Legions. Do it for the sake of good."
"I trust you, Xers. I'll do as you ask. May your path be clear."
"I'm grateful, commander…"
Two weeks later, Gein was discharged.
"Welcome back, Gein!"
"Thank you, Xers. And thank you for understanding me."
"Of course. I exist to fight for what's right. Anyway—do you have a plan to save your family?"
"I did, actually. I was nearly at the final stage of it. Ever since I began raiding the Shadowia ports, your trade with the Legions has been disrupted. And I was having a ship built—I planned to sail to the Legion continent with my clan. But the assassins from Shadowia ruined everything. Now, the ship is ready. If you want… we can go together."
"Of course! I'll do anything to save your family."
"I'm glad you're with me, my friend. Then let's begin our voyage tomorrow. Bring your gear."
"Got it."
Xers and Gein prepared for the journey. Morning came.
"Good morning, Gein."
"Good morning, Xers. Ready?"
"Of course. Show me the ship."
It was a brand-new three-masted vessel, powered by enchantments, with room for sixty people.
"Bro, look at this! You can tell it's brand new!"
"Exactly! We build quality ships! And this is the captain and the man who oversaw most of the construction—Kzce."
"Hello sir, my name is Ikruma Kzce."
"Nice to meet you, captain. I'm Xers."
"Well then, friends—let's not waste time. Let our voyage begin!"
Fifty-four people boarded the ship. Xers and Gein stayed in luxurious rooms, ate the finest meals, and enjoyed the journey. By sunset, the two sat watching the horizon.
"Gein, what kind of clan are the Legions? I've heard they're the only clan that has never fallen for centuries."
"That's correct. During the clan wars between the continents of Profinens and Nyxia, they suffered almost no losses. Even after Cryfall took world control, they lost very little land. The reason is their royal bloodlines."
"Royal bloodlines? What do you mean?"
"Well, Xers… The Legions made power contracts with cursed creatures. Their current power level is close to Stage 3 G-Technic. This gives them countless advantages. The first contract was made by King Iqo Derishma. Now they're ruled by a queen—her name is Iqo Morgath. Her abilities are… complicated. She can create miniature black holes and send living beings into eternal voids. Even light cannot escape her. There is a way to survive her, but I doubt any sorcerer alive could do it."
"What way?"
"Surpassing the speed of light."
"Surpassing light speed? That's impossible!"
"Actually… it isn't. For a few seconds, with the right technics, someone could exceed light speed. But your Spiritual Pressure has to be immense—otherwise, you'll die instantly."
"I see… So who could possibly do that?"
"No one in history ever has. That's why the Legions have survived for centuries. Anyway, Xers—it's dinner time. I'll tell you the rest later. Let's eat."
The fifty-four clan members gathered at a long table filled with food. Gein sat at the head, with Xers beside him. Gein stood and addressed his clan:
"My friends! I know your families suffer. I know they endure pain. But I promise you—we will overcome this together. We will bring our people, our families, everyone to prosperity! I ask you to swear you will not turn back from this path!"
Everyone shouted:"WE SWEAR!"
"Again!"
"WE SWEAR!"
"Once more!"
"WE SWEAR!"
"This is my clan! Enjoy your meal!"
Dinner was served.
Night fell.
"That was an amazing evening, Gein. Your speech was great."
"Thank you, Xers. And you—you're supporting us as a guest. Come on, let's sleep. We should reach the continent by morning. Good night."
"Good night."
Xers returned to his room. The lights went off, and as he lay in bed, he thought:
"What started as an assassination mission turned into a mission to save an entire people. Maybe fate really wants this from me. As long as Gomerai is with me… I'm ready for anything."
And finally, Xers fell asleep.