Morning Comes Quietly
The ruins stand still behind them.
No movement.
No sound.
As if nothing ever happened.
But They Know
Something did.
The Group Walks Away
Not fast.
Not slow.
Just steady.
Hiroto Walks at the Front
Not leading—
But not following either.
His Mind
Not on the fight.
Not on the creature.
But on what it meant
A vessel…
A message…
Akari Walks Beside Him
"…You're thinking too much again."
Hiroto Glances Slightly
"…Maybe."
Akari Smirks Faintly
"…That's new."
A Small Pause
Then—
"…But not a bad thing."
Hiroto Doesn't Respond
But he doesn't deny it either.
Behind Them
Yui walks closer to Akari than usual.
Quiet.
Still thinking about what she saw.
Kenzaku Walks Alone Again
But his eyes—
More focused now.
Sharpened.
Goro Finally Speaks
"…What you saw yesterday…"
Everyone listens.
"…That wasn't an isolated case."
Tension Returns Slightly
Hiroto Asks
"…You've seen something like it before?"
Goro's Answer
"…Not exactly."
A pause.
"…But close enough."
That's Not Reassuring
Kenzaku Speaks
"…Someone is creating them."
Goro Nods Slightly
"…Yes."
A beat.
"…Or trying to."
Akari Frowns
"…For what reason?"
Goro Doesn't Answer Immediately
Then—
"…Power."
Simple
But Heavy
Hiroto Tightens His Grip Slightly
"…Then we stop them."
Goro Looks at Him
Not dismissing—
But measuring.
"…Eventually."
A pause.
"…But not yet."
That Lands
Hiroto Doesn't Argue
Because now—
He understands.
Kenzaku Speaks Quietly
"…We're still too early."
Goro Nods
"…Exactly."
A Shift in Direction
Goro Stops Walking
The group halts.
He Turns Slightly
"…Our next destination has changed."
Akari Raises a Brow
"…Changed to where?"
Goro's Answer
"…A man."
Silence
Hiroto Looks at Him
"…A man?"
Goro Continues
"…Someone who has seen more than any of us."
A pause.
"…And survived it."
Kenzaku's Eyes Narrow Slightly
As if something clicks.
"…You're serious…"
Goro Meets His Gaze
"…Very."
Yui Looks Between Them
"…Who is he?"
A Small Pause
Goro Says the Name
"…Tamagichi."
The Name Hangs in the Air
Kenzaku's Expression Changes Slightly
For the first time—
Clear recognition.
"…So he's still alive…"
Hiroto Notices That
"…You know him?"
Kenzaku Responds
"…Not personally."
A pause.
"…But I've heard enough."
Akari Looks Curious Now
"…Is he strong?"
Goro Answers Calmly
"…Strong enough to survive."
A beat.
"…And dangerous enough to matter."
Hiroto Looks Ahead
Something shifts inside him.
Not excitement—
Not fear—
Purpose
The group begins moving again.
This time—
With direction.
Hiroto's voice is quiet—
But firm.
"…Then let's meet him."
END OF VOLUME 3
Unti Next Time on Blade Of The Vanished Era.