Melissa parted ways with Bellatrix and Victoria, leaving the girls to catch up on their own. She followed Wisteria up to the treetops, assisting the Salazzle with her baskets. They made their way into a small, faraway hut on the edge of the village's perimeter.

Upon entering, Melissa found herself transporting into an entirely new realm of uniqueness. The hut was a single room with all the necessities. A bed sat at the back wall, and a low table sat in the center with cushions acting as seats. Lavender was wreathed around the entrance, granting a pleasing aroma upon entry. A collection of windchimes hung from the ceiling, jingling at the slightest breeze from their entry alone.

It sort of reminded Melissa how Basil decorated his solo hut back in Fort Lucus.

"Make yourself comfortable, I guess," Wisteria said, snapping Melissa out of her thoughts. The Salazzle placed her basket on a cabinet counter. "What kind of tea do you like?"

Melissa plopped down on one of the cushions and smiled. "Uh, surprise me?"

Wisteria chuckled. "The Dawnblite special, it is." She lifted her tail, opened the cabinet doors, and produced a couple teacups. "I'll get the kettle going. It'll be a moment."

"Take your time~." Melissa leaned back on her hands and marveled some more at the hut. "You have a lovely home."

"I used to have a nicer one," Wisteria mentioned, digging her tail up her robe to remove it.

"Oh? What happened to…?" Her eyes wandered over to Wisteria, then widened as her robe fell from her shoulders.

Underneath was a sleeveless, muted green tunic that wrapped snugly around the Salazzle's form, but the detail that drew Melissa's attention was the state of her arms. Both arms were missing up to the elbow, both covered in patchy burn scars that ran up to the shoulders. Wisteria lifted her robe onto a nearby hook before moving on to fetch the kettle.

She stopped when she noticed Melissa's staring, then sighed. "It's rude to stare, you know."

Melissa shook her head and looked away. "Uh, sorry."

"It's fine." She walked back to her cabinet and grabbed a kettle.

Melissa drummed her fingers awkwardly against the floor before looking up again. "What…happened?"

"…" Wisteria sighed. "War. Simple as that."

"Was it the Arcanian Massacre?"

"…"

"…I'm sorry, I'm being rude again."

Wisteria shook her head. "Curiosity is a natural trait in creatures." She clicked her tongue and spat a flame into the iron stove beside her cabinet, lighting the inside. She placed the kettle on top and reached her tail to a nearby water basin, scooping some water into a cup. "I saw your group earlier. You were with Jason."

"Yeah."

"Forester, huh?"

Melissa nodded.

Wisteria sighed. "It's a shame. Watching children take part in an adult's war."

"I'm…nineteen."

"Still too young to be seeing war." She shrugged. "Still, I must admit, you've made quite the name for yourself."

"You know about me?"

"The name Skill Hunter Harlow is hard to miss." She let out a raspy chuckle. "I'm impressed."

Melissa smiled bashfully. "Oh, uh, thank you."

"What got you to join Jason's little guild? Everyone seems to have a reason to fight the higher authorities."

Melissa looked aside, laughing awkwardly. "That is, uh…quite the story itself. Heh, but I wouldn't want to bore you talking about my reasons! I'm just…" She smiled gently. "I'm just looking to make a better Virdis than the one we're living in."

Wisteria chuckled. "A better Virdis?"

"I want to unite the ten kingdoms."

"Unite the ten kingdoms?" Wisteria threw her head back and laughed. "Foolish…"

Melissa pouted. "Heeey!"

"It's not an insult. You have to be a fool to perform crazy miracles like that. I respect it." Wisteria smirked over her shoulder. "But take it from me, it's an impossible goal. Virdis has been at war with itself since the ten territories were founded. What you're aiming for can take a lifetime."

Melissa glared. "I'm willing to go that far."

"Heh. Well, you have the gumption for it." Wisteria clicked her tongue and spat another spark of flame onto the stove. "Reminds me of my rookie years in the Arcanian military."

Melissa tilted her head. "You were a soldier?"

"1st Class Archmage. I was one of the best." She smirked. "If you want, I could tell you about some of my war stories."

Melissa laughed. "Uh, not really my thing, but…sure!"

"Heh. It's rare I get to talk about this stuff with an outsider. Get comfortable. I like to emphasize the details~."

Luna stared blankly into the distance even as she was escorted into the king's hut, a relatively normal setting complete with the usual fixtures and a bed. Vauquelin gently pushed the Golduck to sit down as he fed him the medicine, this time making sure the stubborn duck swallowed.

Her eyes wandered over to Zana, who closed the king's bathroom door behind herself. "I bolted down the window. He's not getting out this time."

Jason sighed. "Are his symptoms getting worse?"

"He's been acting up more and more each day. The medicine keeps him stable, but it's losing its potency."

"I see. I'm sorry you all are going through so much trouble with this."

She sighed. "Better to endure a little hardship like this than let everyone know the truth. I can't imagine what the other kingdoms would think if they saw the state we were in—"

"I-I'm sorry, uh…" All eyes finally fell on the dumbstruck Snivy, who continued staring at the senile Golduck like he was dressed in clown attire. "That is your king? This guy?"

Vauquelin crossed his legs, hovering above the bed, and huffed. "She's a judgmental one."

Luna winced. "I…I don't mean to be rude. It's just…" She gestured to the king while staring wide-eyed at Jason. "What's going on here? Why is he like this?"

"…" Jason glanced at Zana. "You might as well tell her."

Zana groaned and massaged her face. "Good grief, fine." She glared at Luna. "But if you ever tell anyone about this outside the kingdom, I will personally hang and boil you inside a sealed cauldron. Clear?"

Luna gulped. "Crystal."

Zana relaxed before glancing pitifully at the king. "King Mortimer Kirby. He wasn't always like this. He was one of our finest, leading us through some hard times back when the neighboring kingdoms hunted us for our secrets. He led the archmages through our toughest battles, and we managed to come out victorious in most of them. He was considered a legend for his mastery in swordplay and aquamancy. We owe a lot to our current society to him."

Vauquelin scowled. "And then the outsiders came along with a greater threat."

Luna frowned. "The Great Gate Empire."

"Worse." Zana lifted her gaze, eyes cold and ruthless. "The Takigawa Clan."

Vauquelin massaged his face and sighed. "We were all children back then. It was horrible. I can still remember the bloodshed. I lost my parents to those monsters."

"I lost my older brother," Zana mumbled, glancing sadly at her branding. "I wasn't supposed to inherit our family's magic, but…I was the next in line after him." She clenched her fist. "So many clans and their secrets were wiped out, stolen by the Takigawa Clan to pursue greater power. Our alchemy, a sacred practice, was tainted for dark desires. Treated not as a sacred ritual and bond between creature and nature, but just some tool to exploit."

"A lot of clan members were taken prisoner, too," Vauquelin continued. "Knowing the Takigawa Clan, though, it's very likely they're all dead."

Luna frowned. "I…wasn't aware how bad it got out here."

Zana sighed. "No one does. The Arcania Kingdom isn't as powerful as it once was, so…everyone just forgets about us." She chuckled bitterly. "Ironic. Isn't that how the natives of this region felt when our ancestors invaded? Funny how history rears its ugly head into the present. Real funny…"

Luna looked between them, the sadness they wore on their expressions, before looking to the absentminded Golduck. "What about him?"

Zana glanced at the king. "His Majesty fought on the frontlines during the massacre. He's the reason so many of us still live today. He took down a great number of Takigawa that day, but one of them got the best of him. They used a powerful technique I never could've dreamt of, capable of rending trees with a single blow. King Kirby fought valiantly, but his focus was too divided on saving our home over himself."

Vauquelin tapped the side of his head. "He was nearly killed on the battlefield. Fortunately, a retreat had to be sounded when the leading commander was taken out. Lord Takigawa himself."

Luna glanced at the old duck in amazement. "He went through all of that just to protect you all?"

Zana shrugged. "I've never met a braver king than him. He was truly one of the best."

Jason stepped in and continued, "Unfortunately, despite King Kirby's survival, the head injury he took left him with severe brain damage. He's been like this ever since."

"But…if he's incapable of doing his job, why is he still the king?"

Zana scowled. "We are barely a kingdom. If anyone found out the king has been reduced to a senile maniac—no offense, Your Majesty—"

Mortimer waved it off with a smile. "No harm, dearie."

"We'd get swallowed up into whatever other kingdom wanted their grubby hands on the last of our land. King Kirby was a monster on the battlefield, and his skills were not to be underestimated. The fact we nearly felled Lord Takigawa speaks volumes to our power, or rather perceived power. We're doing everything we can to dissuade further encroachment on our remaining territory."

Vauquelin gestured to the king. "And despite his current state, the king is still capable of rational thought. He just tends to…lose himself periodically—" The group jolted as a dagger flew into the wall.

"The king, eh?" Mortimer stated, adjusted his eyepatch and pulling out a second dagger. "So, I finally found his dwelling. Show yourself, King Kirby! I will not give up in my hunt—"

"No!" Vauquelin grabbed his shoulders and forced him back into bed. "No. You are King Mortimer Kirby. You are not here to assassinate yourself. You are the king!"

Mortimer blinked twice, then smiled. "Oh, hello Vauquelin. Is it time for my medicine?" The Magmar facepalmed.

Luna winced. "I…can see why times have been stressful for you all."

Jason sighed. "The Arcania Kingdom is doing everything they can to stay in power. Regardless of how outsiders view them, they are a commendable force on the battlefield. It's why their secrets in alchemy are sought after. The things they've inherited from the time of the Great Kingdom cannot be undersold."

"…" Zana sighed before glaring at the Pikachu. "Speaking of, now that we have His Majesty with us, you said you wanted an audience."

Jason glared. "You, Vauquelin, and Bellatrix are the king's highest-ranking enforcers, correct?"

"A sad state to leave to us, but yes."

"Then there is much to be discussed." He nodded to the king. "If you would try and remain with us, Your Majesty, what we bring could mean the new beginnings for Arcania's future."

Mortimer rested his arms in his lap and nodded. "Speak away, young man. I shall hold onto my sanity for as long as I can…provided you invest in this brand-new wardrobe! Now complete with a built-in kitchenette and—" Vauquelin slapped his beak shut.

"Starting to think we should increase the dosage on his medicine."

With the tea brewed, Melissa and Wisteria gathered at the table with the latter recalling her times in service to the Arcanian military. Melissa listened attentively, sipping her tea that carried an earthy aroma with a honey-like flavor, adding a natural sweetness to the bitter taste.

Wisteria paused to take a sip of her tea, balancing the cup elegantly in her tail, before continuing, "The Subterrans had us surrounded, threatening to bring down our entire unit unto the earth with them, but I had prepared my causinomancy ahead of time and blew them away within the earth itself. Once they resurfaced, I tactically took them all out in one snap, forcing them to retreat."

Melissa shuddered. "You sound scary on the battlefield…"

Wisteria chuckled softly. "I was a natural talent in the Dawnblite Clan. I took to causinomancy faster than my mother. I was known as Wisteria of the Scorched Land. Everywhere I went, the smell of ash hung in the air behind me. We had to be brutal to match our enemies. I've had my fair share of battles with the Algus Kingdom, too, and they have some impressive fighters."

"Any you recall?"

"I don't remember faces too well when in battle." She sipped her tea again and sighed. "You have to block out hesitation when using causinomancy. It's a precision-based magic we developed. Because of that, showing weakness or mercy can often get you killed. I rarely take time to hold back."

Melissa frowned. "Meaning you've killed opponents who tried to surrender."

"Not from the Algus Kingdom. They'd sooner die in combat than lay their weapons down." She glared. "But yes, I suppose I have killed soldiers who tried to surrender. You can never be too sure who is being genuine and who is trying to stab you at your lowest. Can't take chances."

"That's horrible."

"Can't be helped." Wisteria shrugged. "That's just war, I'm afraid."

Melissa pouted. "Feels like that's everyone's answer."

"It's not glamourous, but being honorable can wind up causing more harm than good. That kind of dignity is reserved for duels, not warfare."

"Who decides that?"

"Depends on who you meet. Some see the life of others as…disposable." Wisteria lifted her scorched arms, staring at the stumps. "But you can't hold regret for your actions. That's the basis of causinomancy. We view all we burn as good fortune. That's why we have to be precise. When we burn something, it means we're protecting something."

"…" Melissa leaned forward. "Ms. Wisteria, who…who took your arms from you?"

"…" She sighed. "Myself, actually."

"Huh?"

"I was fighting the lead commander who invaded Arcania." She clenched her teeth. "A devil of a man. His children slaughtered my family. My husband…he tried to protect our children, but I watched him die in vain. That man would've continued his rampage had I not stepped in. It was a hard-fought battle. I nearly died, but I managed to take him down with me. It costed me both my arms, but at least I took one of his and an eye with me." She shook her head. "Ever since, I was forced to retire from service."

"I'm so sorry…"

Wisteria sighed. "You become numb to the pain. I haven't shed tears over that day in ages."

"I can't imagine losing your whole family." She looked away. "Well, I…sort of can. Both my parents are gone, too."

Wisteria frowned. "My condolences."

"I was very close with my mother. My father…he and I didn't see eye-to-eye, but a part of me misses him. It's been hard. Got to stay strong for their sake, though." She clutched at her hidden locket and exhaled softly. "That's the least I can do for them."

Wisteria nodded. "You have a good heart. Being crazy enough to unite all of Virdis takes kindness like that."

"Heh. Thanks."

"I wish I had that kind of conviction, but I have no place in war anymore."

Melissa tilted her head. "Well, you could look to getting prosthetics. The advancements in them have come a long way. I have a friend who has a wooden hand, and he works in blacksmithing on a regular basis, so you could—"

"I do have prosthetic arms. I just have no need of them."

"Hmm?"

Wisteria looked aside. "My arms were taken by my own power. I burned them of my own accord, thus this is the state of my being. All we burn must be done with purpose."

Melissa frowned. "Still—"

"Besides, even if I did consider the prosthetics, I'd just end up relearning causinomancy. Precision would be off, even if by a little." She shook her head. "Though, I suppose that's not my reason. I've lost the will to carry on in the fight. I have nothing left to fight for."

"But what about the rest of the kingdom—"

"We're all fighting for something here. I lost everything during that invasion. I failed to save my family. I failed to protect them. The Dawnblite Clan dies with me."

"…But you did save someone. Basil."

"…Basil." Wisteria looked down at Melissa wearily. "How has he been?"

Melissa scratched her nape. "He's been…fine. He helped me a lot when I first joined the Foresters. I wouldn't have gotten as far as I did without his guidance. He's been a positive influence on my growth. I have a lot of respect for him."

"…" Wisteria closed her eyes and sighed. "He hasn't been getting into any trouble recently, right?"

Melissa frowned. "Uh…"

"A mother knows these things. Can't be helped." Wisteria shook her head. "I don't want to know."

"…Has he ever come by to visit you?"

"I haven't seen him since he escaped the massacre. That's…actually the reason why I'm like this. He was the last one left, and he would've been killed had I not thrown myself into that monster's path. I told Basil to run away with our family secrets for causinomancy, and that was the last time I saw him."

"Oh."

"He was a sweet boy. So energetic. Destined for great things in our family."

"He…managed to learn your family's magic on his own."

"He did, huh? It's rare for someone to learn our technique without proper guidance. I can't imagine the pain he went through when performing alchemy on himself."

"I can attest to his skill. He's very versed with it."

"Hmm…" Wisteria sighed. "I never saw Basil again, but he did come back to Arcania only once." She stood up and walked over to her cabinets.

Melissa watched as the Salazzle dug around inside before producing an old, withered book bound in a purple strap. She gently tossed it into Melissa's awaiting hands.

Melissa brushed a layer of dust off the book and read the title. "Causinomancy, the Art of Burning."

"He kept our secrets safe and returned it." Wisteria sat back down and huffed. "Couldn't be bothered to check on his own mother."

Melissa frowned. "You think he's scared you'll be ashamed of him?"

"Why would he think that?"

"…"

"…" Wisteria groaned. "I really, really don't want to know what he's been up to, do I?"

"I…yeah."

She shook her head. "What happened to my son after all these years?"

"…War, I guess."

"Heh. Sounds about right." She glared. "Children shouldn't know war so young. A perfect world wouldn't need something like the Foresters taking a stand in an adult's war."

Melissa frowned. "Hey, we're old enough to understand what we're doing."

"You're all still so young. It's not right."

"Well, either way, I'm aiming to make a better world for us. A Virdis everyone can wake up to with a smile. That's my dream."

"…So idealistic." Wisteria laughed bitterly. "You'll find out one day that such ambitions die fast."

Melissa glared. "I'm not aiming to give up so soon. My dreams will change the course of Virdis' history!"

"…You remind me of Basil when he was young."

Melissa recoiled in surprise. "Hmm?"

"Basil was always aiming to bring justice to the Arcania Kingdom. He always talked about how he would be our savior." She smiled sadly. "It was infectious. I used to believe is such ideals." Her eyes darkened as her smile faded. "Dreams can often blind us to what stands ahead. All I have left is my faith, hoping what I did was enough."

"…" Melissa smiled softly. "I think Basil does miss you. He might just be…waiting for the right time."

"…Maybe." Wisteria looked away. "I just hope he isn't too far gone from the sweet boy I once knew."

Melissa looked aside unsurely. "He might not be the same as before, but…I've known him long enough to say he's still a good person deep down. He trusts me, and I think we have a special friendship because of our time spent together." She smiled sweetly. "So, at least hold onto that, okay?"

"…" Wisteria chuckled softly, straightening up. "You're a strange girl, Harlow."

She grinned. "Got to be strange to get by in this world, right?"

"Heh. Can't argue with that."

"…Basil joined the circus—"

"Of course it was the circus…"

"…And due to the circumstances, with our options limited, we allied ourselves with the Umbra Clock Kingdom," Jason explained. "The agreement stated we help them push back New Chariot's invasion, and we've been steadily regaining land for them. Things have quieted after leaving the empire in disarray, so now we're forging a plan to restore balance in the east and work our way to making treaty with anyone willing to work alongside us. That's the gist of our current situation."

Zana and Vauquelin listened intently to the Pikachu's explanation while Mortimer drifted in and out of consciousness, eyes glazed over as he half-listened. He would occasionally grab a pillow and try to sell it to Vauquelin, only for the Magmar to quietly push him back into bed.

Luna continued, "King Tadhg agreed to send us here to negotiation an alliance with the Arcania Kingdom. By joining our forces together, we stand a better chance of completely subjugating the New Chariot Empire, giving them no choice but to agree to an alliance. Our goal is to quell the fighting in the east first, then work our way to gaining the allegiances of the west and Subterra Kingdom."

"…" Zana crossed her arms and huffed. "So, you want us to join forces with Umbra Clock."

Jason held his hand out. "We know how much the Arcania Kingdom has been struggling. This'll allow you to flee the terror of war. You'll have allies to watch over you now."

Zana's eyes narrowed.

"The Umbra Clock Kingdom is willing to send knights to help with the rebuilding efforts. With enough time, some of what was lost can be restored. The king is already devising plans to—"

"No deal."

Jason and Luna's eyes widened. "H-Huh? Excuse me?" Luna asked.

Zana scowled. "We refuse. We're not accepting help from Umbra Clock or anyone else. We'll manage on our own."

Jason blinked twice, then glared. "Zana, put your pride aside for a second and listen to me—"

"I listened long enough." She scoffed. "Someone to watch over us? Who do you think we are needing protection?"

"Your kingdom is literally this one forest. Don't be stubborn."

"Heh, right. And I suppose we should just trust this benevolent king of yours because he feels sorry or whatever?" Zana shook her head. "You expect me to take his word as law? You got the help you needed because he needed something from you. And look how that turned out. New Chariot may have been forced to retreat, but now you've left an entire empire in shambles with the Algus and Subterra Kingdoms retaliating. And one can only imagine what Great Gate is doing now that one of their biggest competitors/allies has been dethroned. Sounds callous if you ask me."

Jason glared. "As if you wouldn't have agreed to taking on New Chariot in our position."

"Oh, I don't disagree with what you did, but Umbra Clock is the very reason we started losing land." She scowled. "I'm very familiar with King Foirbeis. You want to tell me how many of our ancient texts ended up in his possession?"

"…" Jason stepped back and sighed.

"They stormed our kingdom decades ago, ransacking our libraries and taking our secrets in alchemy to progress their knowledge in medicine and the like. And once word got out about the secrets we've hoarded in alchemy, guess what other neighboring lands wanted a piece of us? New Chariot demolished our homes. Algus followed in Umbra Clock's example. Subterra has been terrorizing us. And Great Gate slaughtered our people. And you want to unite East Virdis?"

Luna stepped forward. "Look, we understand this isn't an east fix—"

"It's unfixable! What are you actually trying to accomplish with this? You think a bunch of thieves are going to upend two centuries of war and violence overnight? Look what happened to us! We're a joke in the east, and our king has been left a blathering mess who can barely perform his responsibilities! We're one bad day away from losing our culture! We don't have anything!" She scowled. "And you expect us to place our trust in the same people who's just as responsible for our misfortune?"

"If you could just calm down for a moment—"

"Are we supposed to believe your king has good intentions for us? Given the size of our kingdom, how do we know this isn't some elaborate ploy to let our guards down? Bringing knights to our village! You're just asking for the last of our kingdom to be absorbed into someone else's! Just like before!"

"King Tadhg wouldn't—" Luna tried to argue, but Jason gently pulled her back by the collar.

He sighed and stepped forward. "Zana, this wasn't an easy decision for me either. I never imagined myself allying with a kingdom. I always thought I'd be the enemy of the Virdis monarchies for decades. But this isn't about me. We're talking about putting an end to this warring. It's an absurd premise, I know, but there might be a chance."

"…" Zana looked away.

Vauquelin floated closer, taking over for the distress Thwackey. "Maybe we would be willing to take your word for it if we haven't already lost so much. We've been hurt too many times. We are proud of our culture. This is the last of our kingdom that we've been protecting for years. You couldn't imagine how sacred our culture is to us. Losing what's left is just another notch in our downfall. We're sacrificing so much each day to stay in power. You have no idea the things we've done just to stay ahead of the game…"

"…" Jason's ears drooped. "I'm sorry."

Zana sighed and glared at him. "We cannot let our guards down again. I'm sorry, but we have no reason to trust King Foirbeis. No matter who it is, someone wants something from us." She clenched her teeth, staring pointedly at the floor. "At least this way, we're spared from the worst."

Luna raised her brow. What does that mean?

"Zana, could you please give it some thought?" Jason asked. "We genuinely want to help you."

"…" She sighed through her nostrils. "Out of respect for our friendship, I won't have you and your friends kicked out of the village. You're free to stay. However, this conversation is over. We have no interest in pursuing treaty with our tormentors. You can pester us all you want, but we're not sacrificing anymore than we need to. Got it?"

"…" Jason narrowed his eyes.

"I've got to get back to guard duty." Zana stepped around Jason, letting herself out of the king's hut.

Jason and Luna looked to each other unsurely, then to Vauquelin. The Magmar nodded softly. "Seek out Bellatrix. She'll provide you with lodging for the night."

Jason sighed. "Come on, Luna." He pushed his way out of the hut with the Snivy dejectedly following behind.

Vauquelin pinched between his eyes and sighed. "What a mess…"

"Zana's intuition isn't unfounded." The Magmar glanced down, the old Golduck's expression suddenly becoming more sagely. "We've all been scorned for our knowledge of the old world. One must stay ahead in this foul game called life to preserve what is most sacred and sincere to a long-lasting community."

Vauquelin glared. "Are you saying we're making the right call?"

Mortimer fell back into his bed, crossing his arms under his head. "I'm just a crazy old man. I'm probably speaking nonsense." He closed his eyes and yawned. "Still, it's a wonderful dream. A Virdis united as one. It takes a strong will to create something so beautiful."

"…" Vauquelin crossed his arms, staring out the door solemnly. "Yeah."

29th Wisdom Moon, 908 – Osorekaku-machi, Great Gate Empire – Night

The nights seemed eerie in the demon town of the empire's most notorious killers. Those who married into the family or took up service under the Takigawa Clan, a creeping chill always followed up the backs of the unprepared, the eyes of the demon hounds staring down upon the weak-willed ready to swallow them up into an unholy abyss. There wasn't a single Takigawa that didn't terrify someone. Even the children were little monsters still growing their fangs.

But the Takigawa themselves showed no such weakness even walking the foggy streets of their hometown. One such Takigawa was a Primeape, marching along with a half-empty bottle in hand and a flushed face. Having had his fun for the night at the town brothel, he sauntered along the quiet streets of Osorekaku in his drunken stupor.

"[Those ladies sure know how to treat a fella~! Woo! Keep them coming! I could go all night with them!]" He then growled to himself. "[Ugh, if only I didn't have to be on guard duty tomorrow. What's everyone freaking out about? Some wannabe assassin on the loose? Oh no, my weakling siblings got killed. So sad. Ugh. There's always some weakling who gets through the survival exams. Serves them right for dying so easily.]"

He guzzled down the last of his drink and smashed the bottle over his head, laughing at the pain. What was he to be scared of? During his training, he could bring down entire trees with a flick of his wrist. The second he found this so-called assassin haunting their streets, he would teach them a lesson they won't forget…for the ten seconds he'll permit them to live, at least.

"[Give them one of these…HA!]" He threw a flurry of punches at the air, stumbling back, then raised his foot with a kick. "[Some of this! And finally, one of these!]" He jumped, striking the street with a punch hard enough to split stone. "[I'm invincible!]"

Takigawa ceased his stumbling and paused, feeling an odd chill run up his back as his fur stood on end. Curious, he glanced over his shoulder, finding himself alone on the streets. He glared, leaping from the street and onto the rooftop despite his drunkenness.

"[Heh. How foolish. I do sense a killer intent nearby, and it's pathetically underwhelming. My weakling siblings truly died to scum. Show yourself, assassin! If you wish to take on a real challenge…]" He struck his fists together, generating sparks of flames between them. "[I will gladly teach you the ways of death!]"

"[Still as arrogant as ever. Eh, Touma?]"

The Primeape's eyes widened, feeling a powerful pressure erupting behind him. He grasped his throat, feeling as if he was suffocating for a split second. He glared over his shoulder, staring down a hooded figure standing on the roof with him. They emitted a powerful killing intent, effortlessly swallowing the pitiful presence he detected seconds prior.

[What's with this pressure all of a sudden?]

The cloaked figure stepped forward, a noticeable limp in their step. "[Lord Father always had a bad habit of raising terrible children. I guess that's to be expected.]" Their left eye blazed in red light. "[At the end of the day, it's all about our strength. Our will to survive.]"

Touma scowled. What is this? "[Sister! What matter of treachery is this? Identify yourself!]"

The cloaked figure raised her hand, beckoning him forward. "[Seek answers with your fists, Brother.]"

"[Tch.]" He reared his fist back, channeling a ghostly flame around it. "[I've trained this punch to incinerate anything that stands in my way! I'll burn a hole straight through you, Sister!]" He leapt forward, a comet tail of flame erupting off his fist. "[So, you're the one who has been slaughtering those weaklings! Well, I will not fall as easily! Prepare to be—]"

"[Shatter Point.]"

Her hand lunged forward like lightning, striking into his fist with a single finger. All of Touma's momentum collapsed as blood red lines flashed over the ape's arm before bursting open with true blood.

"[GAAAAAAAHHH!]" Touma recoiled, grasping at his limp arm as a fountain of blood spilled out over the roof. With one finger? I barely felt that, though!

"[Remember now, Brother?]" the assassin asked. "[I've always been…bloodthirsty.]" Her right eye gleamed within her hood, revealing a solid, silver glow. A similar glow appeared in her blazing left eye, though swallowed greatly within the blaze's aura.

Touma's eyes widened. "[Sister…Makiko?]"

"[Tell Lord Father that I'll be hunting him soon enough.]" She reached inside her cloak, revealing a short blade concealed with a shirasaya, or wooden scabbard. "[Your corpse should get the message across.]"

Touma growled. "[Makiko! You damnable traitor!]" He lunged at her, igniting his other fist. "[You think you can escape the Takigawa Clan without consequence—]"

Makiko walked past him, her movements smooth and unseen. She flicked her blade, and a network of blood-red lines flashed across Touma's body. The Primeape stared ahead, eyes vacant and wide.

"[When I'm done, all Takigawa will repent for their sins…with their lives.]"