The day was just beginning to dawn. The Legion continent grew closer, bathed in the light of the rising sun. Its plateaus, mountains, and plains were covered with nearly 95% of the world's plant species, and rivers flowed with a gentle rush, perfectly harmonized with the landscape. Who could have guessed that people would face such oppression on an island so mesmerizingly beautiful?
At that moment, the ship captain's announcement stirred everyone awake.
"Good morning, esteemed clan! We have completed our voyage in the early hours of the morning. You have approximately twenty minutes to get ready, after which we await everyone on shore."
Xers woke up to the same announcement.
"Did we really need to wake up this early? I could've slept for another two hours! Oh well… I guess I should go check on Gein and see what our plans are."
Hastily, Xers gathered his things and went to Gein, who was already awake.
"Good morning, Gein."
"Good morning, Xers. How was the voyage? Did you sleep well?"
"Perfect, in one word. So, what's the plan today? Are we going straight into the action?"
"Is there anything else we could do? We didn't come here to sightsee."
"You're right, my friend. How many of us will be heading out?"
"I'll explain once the whole clan gathers. For now, let's have breakfast—you can join me and we'll talk afterward."
"Alright."
Xers, Gein, and the entire clan had their breakfast. Once ashore, they formed lines as Gein began dividing them into groups.
"Friends, our main mission begins now. I'll split you into seven groups, eight people in each. The first group will be led by Xers—you seven will join him. The second group will follow me. Everyone else will follow their assigned groups…"
Once the groups were divided, it was time to assign their destinations.
"Yes, these seven groups will spread across the Legion lands. Each has a designated area. First, Xers' group will defeat the bandits in Kieyuku, including their three leaders. Then, they'll head to Lisu to eliminate two more bandit squads. Afterward, we will all regroup to confront Morgath. Understood?"
All together:"Understood!"
"My group will assist Xers' team in Kieyuku, and afterward we'll take down the bandits in Okikaku. Now, onto the third group…"
"Yes, friends, these are your formations and routes. We'll stay together for roughly thirty kilometers, then split. Understood?"
The entire clan in unison:"Understood!"
The clan began marching. Xers and Gein walked side by side.
"Look at this, Gein… How strong do you think the opposition is?"
"I don't know exactly, but they're not as strong as your Gomerai or my Colors. My only concern is Morgath. She's incredibly powerful. If she opens a black hole, we must avoid it—or she could pull us in."
"What happens to anyone she pulls in?"
"Even those who survive experience irreversible change. We can't say exactly what happens. But once someone is broken down to their building blocks, it's believed they are absorbed into Morgath's energy."
"Terrifying. But she couldn't pull in a celestial being like Gomerai, could she?"
"She could. Why not? Black holes pierce the fabric of space-time and can open pathways to parallel dimensions. She could even send Gomerai to another universe. We must be extremely cautious."
"So she could even pull in your Chroma."
"Exactly."
Xers and Gein continued their march until they reached a fork in the road.
"My dear clan, we've reached the junction. You may occasionally cross paths, but for the most part, you won't be able to reunite. Say your final goodbyes."
Everyone bid farewell. The groups split, but Xers and Gein's group stayed together for their joint mission in Kieyuku.
"Now that we're separated, Gein… do you trust the others? Are they strong?"
"I've never doubted my friends, but they're not strong enough to face Morgath. By the time we reach her, we'll probably have around thirty people left. Fewer than that… and we'll be in trouble."
"I see."
After marching for some time, Xers and Gein encountered a bandit group.
"See those bandits, Xers? Bloodless dogs! I'll handle them—search the area and stay alert!"
"Understood!"
Gein charged at the bandits.
"Hey, you mutts! Look over here!"
"Who are you?"
"You'll recognize me when you taste my Colors."
"Oh really? Come on then, rat!"
A sword-wielding bandit lunged at Gein, who swiftly drew his blade.
"Wow, tough nut! Blue eyes, huh?"
"I haven't even used my technique yet. RED!"
A red sphere formed in midair, instantly detonating the bandit. Pieces of his body scattered everywhere.
"Told you so."
"GEIN! Look, another bandit group is coming—about twenty of them! Seems like two groups joined forces. Xers, mask up!"
"Hah. What else can I do?"
Xers donned his mask and drew his sword.
"Xers, I'll blast them with BLUE! Watch out!"
A blue sphere appeared in midair, transforming into a shuriken that pierced through everything in its path.
"GOMERAI!"
Gomerai emerged from beneath the ground, landing before the bandits.
"Take this!"
Gomerai flung bandits around, but one slipped through and lunged at Xers.
"Ahh! Soah!"
The man was thrown back violently.
"I will kill you! Dragon's Claw!"
Gomerai's claw tore the man in half.
"Looks like we took down one of the leaders. Next up, the others!"
"I've got this, Xers!"
"You're looking for me? I'm Forvex."
"Watch out, Gein!"
Forvex moved so fast that Gein barely reacted.
"N-Ne? Y-YELLOW!"
A yellow sphere formed, transforming into a shield that barely saved Gein. He was flung backward, tumbling.
"Gein, you okay?! You bastard! Gomerai!"
Gomerai lunged at Forvex, who dodged.
"You won't beat me with this weak little dragon!"
"Oh really? Gomerai, turn!"
Gomerai twisted so quickly that Forvex couldn't react. Gomerai collided with him, sending Forvex rolling.
(thinking) "Ahh! I underestimated this guy. I need to open my technique more for better results."
"Let me introduce myself: I'm Xers, and this is Gomerai."
"Hahaha! HAHAHAHA! Think you're stronger than my Tempo technique? I can strengthen myself with it, but every boost costs stamina. I'll finish you quickly!"
"What could go wrong?"
Forvex lunged at Xers, who barely dodged.
"Ahh!"
"See? You've already weakened!"
"We're just getting started! Gomerai!"
Gomerai lunged at Forvex again.
"IT'S USELESS!"
"Dragon's Claw!"
Forvex barely dodged Gomerai's claw.
"I'm telling you this for nothing, and you still try? Speak your last words, Xers!"
Gein suddenly ran forward, using his red technique.
"RED!"
A red sphere formed and exploded toward Forvex.
"Ahh! You again? Both of you, come!"
Xers and Gein lunged at Forvex simultaneously.
"Two against one, huh? You'll make me work harder. I'll increase my power a bit more!"
Forvex boosted his strength again, matching their attacks with incredible speed—but he couldn't counterattack because he was surrounded. Xers and Gein continued spinning, striking from all sides.
"How fast are you now? How about three against one, Gomerai!"
Now Forvex was fighting three opponents. His stamina was nearly depleted.
(thinking) "Damn it! My stamina's about to run out! I need to replenish it fast. BUT HOW?!"
"You're running out, Gein! Push harder!"
"AAAAH, LET ME GO!"
Forvex's stamina hit zero. His speed instantly dropped; he was gasping for air.
"Gein, continue! Gomerai, attack!"
"NOOOOO!"
Xers, Gein, and Gomerai tore Forvex apart. He died on the spot. Everyone was panting, exhausted.
"That was truly challenging, Gein!"
"Absolutely. We were dancing with death!"