Chapter 108 - First Sensations
The Palace of God, Earth
"Should I really be standing here like this?"
Trunks was positioned in the middle of a group of his comrades, who were joining hands in a circle. Gohan, Goten, the present Trunks, Bulma, and a woman Trunks had not yet met, who called herself Gine. He'd learned earlier that this was Gokū's mother, and thus Gohan's grandmother. It was only now that he realised exactly how much the past had changed. Beyond just the structure - ad he'd taken a tour of the Western Capital as it was now and couldn't even hide his shock at the changes - there were so many new faces, and even some missing. The Saiyan-half pushed these thoughts aside for now. Distractions would only make it harder for him to focus on training.
"You're right where you should be," said Gohan. "We're going to turn you into a Super Saiyan God now. Don't worry. It's a really simple process: we actually managed to pass the transformation along to ourselves this way."
"I see," replied the Trunks of the future. "I'll trust you on it, Gohan."
"Alright, everyone!" called out Gohan to the assembled group. "You know what to do! Pour your ki into Trunks here!"
Six Saiyans.
For the second time in the face of a threat, they had been assembled again, all for the purpose of creating a Super Saiyan God. Not to save this Earth. But the Earth of another timeline. The combined auras of the five Saiyans that surrounded Trunks erupted in a flurry of white ki, ranging from little Pen, who barely reached her father's knees, to Gohan, who the tallest out of the lot. It encircled them all, acting almost like a protecting flame. Trunks, within the centre, could only watch as their ki began to mix and mingle, and he could begin to feel something inside his stomach — the core of ki — begin to fill. The white flashed brightly, shifting from its vibrant hue to a blazing gold; Gohan, Goten, Trunks, and Gine had all transformed into a Super Bulma, who had not yet mastered the form, also followed suit, an unconscious, forced transformation, with her hair becoming the rigid gold of a Super Saiyan, and her eyes the burning emerald. Between them all, Trunks knew he had transformed too, his hair the gold of his Super Saiyan form. The group began to lift from the ground, the golden conflagration around them beginning to spiral in the form of a burning sphere of ki.
A change followed, once that was largely familiar to them now Emanating from every Saiyan was a striking blue flame. It clashed spectacularly with the golden fire of the Super Saiyan aura, and it took everyone present in the ritual by surprise. The blue flames swallowed the group, replacing their golden auras completely, until all six individuals gave off the blue radiance. Trunks felt the changes taking place here now more than ever; this blue fire concentrated itself on Trunks, who began to rise away from the group. Their Super Saiyan auras petered out, his family and friends returning to base state as Trunk's body was lifted from them. The blue light pulsated, giving off the appearance of a beating heart; its blue luminescence traveled across the entire Palace.
"You never really get used to seeing it," said Bulma, watching her future son rise into the heavens above.
Every Saiyan God below - Gohan, Goten, and the present Trunks - knew the feelings rushing through the Trunks of the future without needing to be told. They'd experienced the same transformation. The azure flames swirled and dissipated, rising into the air to give the entire Palace a view of Trunks.
It had worked. Trunks' hair, which had been his normal lavender hue, had changed entirely. It was now a deep shade of red, and his eyes, wide and calm, unlike the fierce stare he inherited from Vegeta, were an even brighter red hue, his pupils large. His skin was equally tinged with red, and, as expected during the God transformation, he'd lost a decent amount of muscle mass, and now possessed a much thinner frame.
Trunks stared at his hand in astonishment. Clenching his fist, he felt it send a massive jolt throughout his whole being.
"Super Saiyan God...this is...amazing..."
"How do you feel, Trunks?" grinned Gohan from below.
"I feel...like I could do almost anything..." replied the future Saiyan-half. "As if every dole just opened to me."
"That tends to be the case," Gohan agreed. "Now come with me. We're heading into the Room of Spirit and Time."
"Wait, are we—"
"Yeah," said Gohan, already heading towards the inner sanctum before turning back to Trunks. "I'm going to train you."
I'm going to train you.
Those words attached themselves to Trunks' heart and squeezed tightly. He remembered ever so vividly, a young boy asking his idol for training, all so he could help make a difference.
"Please! Gohan! Train me! I'm a Saiyan too, so I should be able to help!" Trunks, only 13, had cornered Gohan after a visit to the remains of Capsule Corporation one day, begging him for help. Ever since he was a child, he had known the Androids as nothing but engines of destruction, seeing them slaughter city after city - and take their time, as if it was a game.
What was worse, however, was realizing he had powers. Like the Androids, he could fly. He could control energy. He could take a punch. It wasn't until Gohan explained it to him - against Bulma's wishes, who saw her only son's eagerness to fight, saw the Vegeta peeking out behind the blue eyes - about what he was. That his father was a Saiyan, like Gohan's, and this is what separated him from the other Earthlings. But Gohan never told him more than this. Perhaps he cowed to Bulma's death glare.
Or perhaps he'd seen a seven year old boy eager to die.
But Trunks was almost 14 now. Older than Gohan had been in his first fights.
"I can help you make a difference!" Trunks pleaded.
"You understand what this means, right?" Gohan asked slowly. "You won't be able to relax like this anymore. Training will be harsh. I won't coddle you. ...Also Bulma will be angry at us both for quite some time."
"I can handle it!" Trunks nodded vigorously, realising he hadn't been refused and unable to let the excitement not show on his face. "I won't let you down, Gohan! I promise!"
"If you really feel this strongly about it," replies Gohan, whose face was clouded with emotions Trunks couldn't decipher, "I'll train you. Meet me tomorrow at the Gizzard Wastelands, 6 'o clock sharp."
"I- I'll be there!" said Trunks.
Once again, Trunks would be taken as Gohan's student. It may have been a different Gohan, but the excitement bubbling in his gut was still the same. Hurriedly, he rushed down to land...
...and accidentally slammed too hard into the Palace's surface, breaking a portion of it off with a splitting CRACK!. Everyone gaped. Dende and Piccolo looked horrified.
"...You're going to find this power hard to control," added Gohan sheepishly. "Please take every movement carefully until we get to the room."
"Y-Yes!" said Trunks.
Making their way towards the inner sanctum and leaving the others behind, Gohan and Trunks entered the utter vastness of the Room of Spirit and Time.
"I haven't been in here since that time with Dad," said Trunks, looking around. "It feels...even more unbearable now."
"You're a god. And it recognises that, so its applying even harsher conditions to you than it would regularly," explained Gohan. He inhaled slowly, pulling every inch of his power inward. Flames roared to life from his centre, expanding outward; his body thinned, his hair and eyes dyed themselves crimson.
"Come at me, Trunks," instructed Gohan. "I'll show you what you're striving towards."
The Tenth Universe, Kaiōshin Realm
Tea.
An admittedly simple drink consisting of crushed leaves boiled in water. The extract from the leaves would seep into the water, producing a liquid of varying flavours and intensities depending on which planet and universe the floral material was taken from. Additional sweeteners could be added for further enhancement and stimulation.
Every individual and culture has their own way to enjoy this simple drink. None is correct. To the gods, however, tea is not merely for consumption. It is a tool, one that can be used to measure the purity of the hands who prepare it. An impure heart clouds a cup of tea, rendering it flavorless, while betraying the maker. A heart of purity would be equally reflected by the tea, and produce a full drink of the best quality.
It was this complicated and holy drink that Zamasu now laid out onto the table for Gowasu, his master and benefactor. The young god had been the Northern Kaiō of the Tenth Universe until very recently, when Gowasu had taken him under his wing. The other Kaiō had misgivings, but Gowasu saw Zamasu's purity and believed that was what the Tenth Universe needed.
Even now, as Zamasu finished stirring the most minuscule amount of sweetener- taken from Planet Cruso in the Eastern Galaxies - into the tea, it shone like a jewel, reflecting the nature of Zamasu's heart. Setting the cup onto a small plate, he set it before Gowasu, who lifted it and drunk deeply.
The smooth, rich flavour of the tea spoke of Zamasu's earnest aspirations. Even as Gowasu continued to consume it, he could sense his apprentice's earnest go good - to improve the Universe. Setting the cup down, Gowasu smiled more warmly than any cup of tea.
"Join me, Zamasu," he said, motioning the chair across from him. "Let us speak."
Zamasu complied, seating himself and pouring a cup of tea to match his master's. When he drunk, it was not as deeply, nor did he seem as richly satisfied. Regardless, he smiled. The company and guidance of Gowasu was something his former Kaiō compatriots would shed ten thousand years of their lifespan to have. Zamasu knew he was privileged to have been chosen by the Kaiōshin.
"What is it you wish to speak of, Master?"
"You," replied Gowasu. "You have not been long under my training, and I wish to know how the world appears to you now."
Zamasu took another sip of tea, using that moment to process his thoughts. Gowasu had accepted him under his teachings relatively recently, and before that, Zamasu had been plagued by feelings of unease. He did not trust the denizens of the lower realm. He remembered the first and only time he ever took a student, a young man by the name of Utsuro. This man, a native to the world of Wano, had come to Zamasu seeking guidance. Zamasu, believing him to be pure, and eager to help his charges, taught Utsuro his methods of fighting - the way of the blade.
Utsuro repaid his kindness in blood, returning to the lower realm and turning on the Tenth Universe. Conquering the Northern Galaxies with Zamasu's own teachings, Utsuro had amassed followers and was eventually slain by the Hakaishin himself to prevent unbalancing the entirety of the Tenth Universe. It had crushed him to realise how casually the humans could turn on each other. How they could betray the gods who gave them wisdom and purpose. Setting down his cup, Zamasu chose his words carefully.
"I still do not understand the merit in protecting mortals," said the deity. "They are treacherous, murderous creatures, who bring ruin to all they touch." His eyes narrowed, and he suppressed the lump rising in his throat. "I cannot justify their continued protection, even though I know it is our duty. Even though your teachings tell me we should watch over them, and allow them to proliferate. If they're allowed to continue warring, destroying, and stealing ceaselessly...all that is precious in every Universe will disappear."
"I see..." Gowasu listened carefully to these words, and drank again. There was no deception. No malice in Zamasu's heart. Every word he spoke stemmed from his pure heart- his genuine well-placed intentions for the benefit of the Universe as a whole. Human life just didn't factor into his equation if it meant preserving creation. "I recognise you've seen much. The Kaiō are closer to the mortal realm than the Kaiōshin, and as such, they see more than we do. Did you know, it is actually rare for a Kaiō to succeed a Kaiōshin?"
"I...I'm sorry, Master, I didn't know this," Zamasu was taken aback. It almost felt like Gowasu intentionally changied the subject, waving aside his concerns.
"Yes," Gowasu nodded. "Our species, the Shinling, hail from Kaishin. Every Shinling is grown from fruit of the World Tree - an ordinary fruit can become a Kaiō, while golden fruit can become Kaiōshin."
Zamasu slowly nodded. He knew all of this. Why did Gowasu feel the need to explainin this?
"There are, however, some ordinary fruit that fall before they fully ripen," Gowasu carried on, stirring his tea absentmindedly. "These fruit, which go on to become Kaiō, are fruit that may have ripened into a golden fruit had they remained on the World Tree for merely a few more cycles. The Kaiō that come from these fruit have the capacity to become Kaiōshin: they are meant to do more in the Universe." Gowasu looked sternly over at Zamasu. "You, my student, are one of those fruit that didn't ripen fully on the branches. You alone of the Kaiō may succeed me, and it is to my great fortune that you were blessed with a pure heart and bright soul."
The Shinling stared blankly at Gowasu. He hadn't known this. He was unique among the Kaiō?
"You succeeding me was fate, Zamasu," Gowasu said. "I believe you will overcome these thoughts - this faint hesitancy - when you see the beauty humans are capable of. It comes in time. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master."
"However you needn't simply take my word for it," Gowasu added, surprise in his voice. "Another perspective may help. Welcome, Kaiōshin of the Seventh Universe."
Shin walked through the courtyard, smiling pleasantly. Evidently, he'd arrived just outside. At his side walked Kibito, the blue-skinned man standing standing at odds with the shades of yellow, green, and pink that were present. "Thank you for receiving me, Kaiōshin of the Tenth Universe. It has been a long time."
"It has," replied Gowasu conversationally. "What brings you here?"
"A routine visit," replied Shin. "My attendant, Kibito, has never been outside the Seventh Universe. It is good experience for him."
"Ah, a chance to learn!" Gowasu's face lit up. "In that case, allow me to introduce him to my student. Kibito, this is Zamasu. Zamasu, this man here is the Kaiōshin of the Seventh Universe."
Zamasu bowed deeply, paying respects. "It is an honour to meet another of such high station."
"P-Please, there's no need for that," Shin said. "However, it is good to meet you as well. I was unaware Gowasu had taken an apprentice." Shin kept his face stoney, though his thoughts worked quickly. Zamasu was an unseen presence before now. Gowasu must have recently taken an apprentice. Is he related somehow? Shin remembered the description of Gokū Black: a Saiyan with the tools of a Kaiōshin. Does he corrupt another timeline's Gokū? Is Gokū even corruptible?
Pondering these thoughts, Shin found himself addressed directly by Gowasu. "My apprentice is in need of perspective. Can both of you tell him your stance on those of the lower realm?"
"Ill-manner brutes who do not show the gods proper respect, but in essentials may still be useful," replied Kibito gruffly. "The humans who dwell in our Universe do not revere the gods as they should - fault that may in fact lie with you, my Lord."
Surprise flashed across Zamasu's face and vanished just as quickly. Perhaps his master overestimated the mortals? Here he found a kindred spirit.
"I-I see," Gowasu was as surprised as Zamasu, and hid it with less success. "Do you feel the same way, Kaiōshin of the Seventh?"
"No, and Kibito, you should frankly be ashamed!" snapped Shin, glowering at his taller companion. "Mortals are too complex to be put in boxes like Kibito is trying to do. On the one hand, yes, mortals do make mistakes," Shin sighed. The visions of Bibidi and Babidi, misusing the natural force of Majin Bū still haunted him. Freeza and his Empire, wrecking havoc across the Seventh Universe. "Some of the worst destruction and terror has been wrought by human hands."
"Then you see it too, Lord Kaiōshin?!" implored Zamasu. "How humans take and corrupt every god given gift?"
"I wasn't done, Zamasu," Shin's expression changed. He smiled broadly, and the millions of years behind his eyes seem to vanish. "The most good in my Universe has also been brought about by human hands. Mortal problems are best handled by the mortals; my Universe has several people I would call heroes, and even some I see fit to take up truly godly positions."
"Mortals?! In the positions of gods?!" Zamasu sounded aghast. "You just, my Lord!"
"Not at all. I would want my Universe in no other hands."
Gowasu felt pleased. Beyond words, this was what he wanted to hear from an experienced counterpart. This is how the deities should see mortals, as their dutiful charges to be protected, who were capable of good and evil in equal measure. This was where their beauty shone. "Good cannot exist without evil, after all. Light only shines brilliantly because the darkness tries to snuff it out. This holds true in all things, and in all Universes. And I believe it is in mortals that we see this balance work out in its truest sense."
A deep crease worked in Zamasu's brow. The younger Shinling tried to parse through this information, but to no avail. Did this mean the Hakaishin had been wrong to kill Utsuro? Would another human have risen, slain Utsuro, and handled the problems his Universe was facing on their own? Could another human have even taken on the job that needed doing, and saved the other future innocents? Or had the Hakaishin done what gods should do, and step in when those of the lower realm stray off the proper path, and put them back in their place?
"Lord Kaiōshin," Zamasu said slowly. "Please spar with me."
Silence filled the entire planet. What Zamasu was requesting would have been considered rude even in basic mortal society. As a Kaiōshin, Shin was high above Zamasu's station. He may be a Kaiōshin-in-training, but officially, he was still considered a Kaiō within the heavenly hierarchy. Gowasu's thin eyes widened in ill-disguised shock, but Kibito simply gaped. He was at a loss for words. The rudeness exhibited by Gohan and his friends was to be expected, they were mere mortals, uncultured and irreverent to their gods. But Zamasu knew their rules. He knew their policies. How could be ask such a favour of his superior?
"If you wish," replied Shin.
This caused an even greater uproar.
"My Lord! You can't! Think of your position!" implored Kibito.
"Kaiōshin of the Seventh, are you sure?" asked Gowasu. "My apprentice has made a very ill-mannered request. You don't need to go through with this."
"I do not mind." said Shin. The Kaiōshin of the Seventh Universe turned, and walked towards a particularly open spot in the courtyard. "If it is just a spar, will here suffice?"
"Y-Yes!" Zamasu nodded, completely taken aback by Shin's agreement to his sparring request. He followed Shin, and bowed low before adopting a combat stance. "This means a lot to me, thank you."
"Think nothing of it," said Shin, smiling genially. "If you are going to succeed Gowasu, then it is only fair to test your heart." Shin eyed Zamasu carefully. His combat stance shown centuries of hard work behind it. The positioning of the arms and legs allowed for fluidity of motion and showed a particular focus on palm strikes. Shin was not particularly combat adept; Shinling are all born naturally stronger than most mortals, but like any being, gods are not immune to skill atrophy. Kaiōshin or not, Shin had been neglecting his training in his search for Majin Bū.
If I simply compare our strengths, thought Zamasu, then it is obvious that I have the advantage. He wants to speak of testing hearts? Then let me see the ideals that protect the lives of those mortals! Wasting no time, Zamasu dashed forward, sliding just past Shin and taking to his back. His hand ignited, a blazing white aura surrounding it. It emitted a slow, deliberate hum; much like a blade, Zamasu brought it down towards Shin's back. The shorter Shinling spun on his heel, turning directly to face Zamasu. He generated one sphere in his palm, which split apart, connected by a thin line. Gripping the sphere on the right, he split it again, creating a third, which he dragged downward. The three spheres were connected by three treads, creating a shining glass-like pane in the centre.
Zamasu's hand bounced off the repellant surface, unable to crack it much less scratch it.
"What?!"
Watching the battle unfold, Kibito was stunned. He'd never seen Shin fight this way. His superior could not be not particularly a strong fighter, and out of the previous Kaiōshin, Shin had been considered the weakest, without a doubt. In terms of pure strength, Kibito was actually his superior. These techniques, however, reminded him very suspiciously of a certain mortal girl.
Shin grinned. He collapsed the three spheres into a single one, quickly dividing them again. One became four, four became eight. Spreading each set of four to opposite ends, thin beams of light connected the orbs to create an imitation of a bō staff. Stepping forward, Shin raised the staff in time to block Zamasu's incoming sword strike. The two techniques struck each other, flashing light in every direction. Taking advantage of the offensive momentum, Shin repeatedly jabbed the staff forward. Zamasu managed to avoid each blow, his eyes tracking every thrust. Ducking under the next incoming strike, Zamasu attempted to counter, slicing his arm towards Shin's midsection in an arc.
Flipping the staff, Shin slid the broad side of it through his hands. Zamasu's blade came into contact with the staff, shielding Shin from a finishing blow. The Kaiōshin-in-training, frustrated, leapt backwards, holding his arm aloft. The blade began to glow brighter, and multiple kikōha discharged from his palm. Each strike connected, exploding on impact. Shin winced in pain, but he kept a firm grip on the staff in his hands. Zamasu used the smokescreen as cover, bolting towards Shin with the intent to end the sparring match right then and prove his point.
"You're wide open, Zamasu!"
Shin's voice came through the smokescreen, causing Zamasu to hesitate for a moment. The staff, glowing brilliantly, rushed through the smokescreen like a lance. It whizzed by his head, narrowly missing what would have been a decisive blow. Zamasu grinned to himself; Shin's lack of experience shone through. A sudden burst of light, however, told Zamasu he was very wrong. The lance burst into its multiple spheres, rushing downward. They impacted the ground around Zamasu, and burst exploding and destroying the ground beneath Zamasu's feet. His balance lost, Zamasu fell backwards into a crater of Shin's own creation.
"Game, set, match," said Shin slightly. In his hand, he held another staff he'd generated, pointed directly at Zamasu. "You fought well, Zamasu." Dissipating his weapon, Shin extended his hand. Reluctantly, Zamasu took it, accepting Shin's offer to help him to his feet.
"Thank you for the match, my Lord," said Zamasu, bowing once again. "You well and truly caught me off guard. But if you don't mind my impertinenceI am stronger. How did you learn to fight like this?"
"By watching the mortals," said Shin. "They are fantastic fighters, brimming with both strength and cunning. I was able to best you in this match due to the work of human fighters."
"I...I see..." Zamasu looked down at his own hands. Was he truly incomplete as a god? Did the humans have something he didn't? The deity felt a hand clench the side of his arm, and looked down to see Shin smiling up at him.
"Your Universe means a lot to you, I can feel it," said Shin. "But for it to flourish, you have to learn to trust humans. As I had to find out, they are full of surprises, but they can handle themselves." Turning away, Shin walked towards Kibito. "Kibito, we've taken up enough of the Kaiōshin of the Tenth Universe's time. We should return to our Universe."
"Y-Yes, sir," stammered Kibito.
"Thank you," said Gowasu. "For giving my apprentice a learning experience."
"Don't mention it," Shin waved it off. "It's all for the best, I believe. May I speak with you, Goawasu?"
"Certainly. Zamasu, please entertain Kibito. He is our guest."
The Seventh Universe, Room of Spirit and Time
Gohan and Trunks had been fighting for around a week. Neither fighter was attempting to gauge time - a whole year was at their disposal, so keeping track of every passing day was trivial. Gohan, having trained under both his father and Piccolo before, knew how to properly balance training and rest. Once Trunks had managed to retain the strength of a Super Saiyan God within himself, Gohan began to teach him how to properly access his god ki. Now, able to transform freely, Trunks was sparring with Gohan across the barren wasteland of the Room of Spirit and Time.
Foregoing flight, Gohan and Trunks dashed across the white surface. Trunks leapt forward, swinging his knee towards Gohan, who parried with his wrist. Unrelenting, Trunks persisted, striking with each leg at multiple points. Gohan parried each time, blocking strikes from the left side, the right side, and the fore with ease. Had the ground been solid, there would have been an upturning of dust. Trunks levied another kick against Gohan, who leaned backwards, allowing the blow to swipe over his head. The Saiyan-half didn't stop, however, and kept going into full flip. Balancing himself on his arm, Gohan struck back against Trunks, landing a solid kick to his student's head.
Trunks staggered, but hardly budged; the Super Saiyan God form was improving his body with every usage. His hand burst to life in a flare of orange ki; Trunks thrust it forward, desperate to make a proper strike against his new teacher. Gohan, having regained proper posture, batted the kikōha away, before responding in kind with a kikōha of his own. Trunks barely dodged, and brought both hands together, emitting another kikōha towards Gohan. Gohan caught the sphere, sending it skyward. Briefly, an exchange of kikōha lit the Room of Spirit and Time up like a hanabi festival; Trunks assaulted, and Gohan matched Trunks' timing.
Only when Trunks relented did Gohan let up at the same time. Crouching low, Trunks built up strength, and tore towards Gohan, his aura igniting as he took full flight. Gohan braced himself for the blow; as Trunks closed in, he struck. Both fighters slammed their fists into each other's jaws. Force exploded out in every single direction, and the air vibrated violently around both of them. Trunks' forward momentum carried him over Gohan, who turned to face him and raised a hand.
"We'll stop here for a moment," said Gohan, grinning. Exhaling, he released the Super Saiyan God form. His body and hair returned to normal. Trunks did the same, returning to his base state. "You've made incredible progress in only a week. To be able to readily transform into Super Saiyan God like you do? It took me much longer under Whis' guidance."
"Do you think so?" Trunks scratched the back of hIs lavender-hued hair, laughing in spite of himself. "Perhaps you're just a good teacher, Gohan," suggested Trunks humbly.
"You're my first student in regards to god ki, so let's consider you my lucky success story," said Gohan, rejecting Trunks' suggestion. "Your ease of picking up these skills isn't because of me - it's you, Trunks. I'm really impressed."
Trunks smiled. "T-Thank you, Gohan." The Saiyan-half felt like a child again, eager for the approval of the person who considered his idol and older brother. "Did we stop just for you to tell me that?"
"No, we didn't," said Gohan. He called out towards the entryway of the Room of Spirit and Time. "You can come on out. I feel your ki."
"Huh?" Trunks followed Gohan's eyes. Stepping out of the entryway were two figures.
"Hey boys," said Bulma, with Qirka standing by her side. "You were my teacher first, Gohan, and you're not cutting out on our lessons!" Placing her hands on her hips, Bulma pointed a gloved finger towards Gohan and her son. "We're joining in, and you're going to properly teach me how to fight!"
A/N: Ah this was a chapter. Good to see you all again! I had quite a bit of fun writing this chapter. Something I really wanted to correct from this arc, especially because I consider it an issue with the series as a whole - the lack of proliferation of god ki. So I started by fixing that with Trunks. I also like Zamasu, I really like Black, so I want to do all of these characters justice. I'm going to keep this author's note short, as I am writing it late, but I do hope you all enjoyed this chapter! The arc is progressing well, I think. I'll see you all in the next exciting chapter of the Erased Chronicles!