(Back to the original timeline)
The storm raged on within the three nations and among those whose actions would shape the future. King Jai was preparing to launch another attack on Eru, while Eru scrambled to defend itself. Hazel and Dylan had gathered their forces, swiftly defending the nation after Conet fell. Wize also assembled its generals, conscripted men from each of its provinces, and prepared for the coming war.
Meanwhile, Omi was desperately trying to negotiate a deal with King Jai—perhaps even an alliance—while Kin and Thia eventually met Mystos. Together, they devised a plan. The Pillar would assist them by involving the god sword, Bale. Mystos, well-acquainted with Bale's chaotic nature, knew that while most people might see surrendering to Jai as a solution, the god sword would rather conspire to have Jai removed permanently. Since their plan involved Gor anyway, Mystos decided to present their strategy to Bale. They would use the princess of Omi, whom Jai sought to marry for an alliance, as bait and launch a strike against the King of Wize using Kin, Thia, and Gor. Mystos and Jo, Bale's son, would support them until Bale and Hazel arrived. Since those two were being watched like hawks, neither could make a move until the last moment.
Mystos also agreed to help Kin with the black crystal he sought. Kin and Thia then set out to retrieve the last ingredient: the carapace of a powerful beast. Mystos directed them toward a Khelsaroth—a ferocious beast dwelling in solitude within the Jut Forest. Its attributes and powers matched Kin's needs, making it a prime target.
Mystos explained that the beast resided in an abandoned temple deep in the forest, once belonging to worshippers of the King of Beasts. Many atrocities had been committed there, one of which was said to have birthed the Khelsaroth, now the temple's guardian. Even magical beasts avoided the area, which gave Kin and his group the advantage of undisturbed combat.
Kin and Thia were eager to test their abilities against such a formidable foe. Kin was excited to see what Ashell would craft from the beast, while Thia was curious to witness Kin's crafting skills firsthand. Sanjay and Vera, however, were far less enthusiastic. A ferocious beast was no joke, especially one as special as the Khelsaroth, a beast shrouded entirely in mystery. The mission was undeniably perilous. But Kin was resolute—if he couldn't defeat a mere beast, he had no chance against Jai. He needed to overcome this hurdle. And besides, he had a nagging suspicion that fate had already decided they would succeed.
Following Mystos' instructions, Kin, Commander Lei, Vera, and Thia took a boat down the Yahju River into the Jut Forest. They could have traveled further along the river, reaching the temple sooner, but that path led into the territory of a white-scaled leviathan—a powerful magical beast. That was a confrontation they were not yet ready for. Fortunately, Vera's abilities allowed them to conceal their presence from most beasts. Even if something sensed them, she would detect it in time for them to escape or formulate a plan.
Navigating the treacherous forest cautiously, they remained ever alert. Here, predators could easily become prey. Once night fell, they set up camp. There was no need to rush; they would reach the temple soon enough.
Sitting at the edge of the camp, Kin took the first watch. Thia approached him, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
"What happened the night you summoned your curse?" she asked.
Kin turned to her, his gaze sharp. His stomach churned at the memory—the torture...
"Nothing worth mentioning," he replied flatly.
Thia studied him. Though he masked it well, she could see the grief and fear in his eyes.
"What about you?" Kin asked, shifting the focus.
"Same as yours."
"You mean you were also captured by a maniac and tortured?" Kin quirked a brow.
"Something like that," Thia muttered.
"Hmmm," Kin responded, unimpressed.
"I'm guessing the last boy went through the same..." Kin sighed, shaking his head. "Goddess of fate, I swear, if I ever get near her throat—"
"Get in line," Thia interrupted dryly.
That same night in Omi…
Gor made his way back home from the palace. The coming days would be more dangerous, and he knew he had a role to play. His father's words had hinted at something deeper, but Gor wasn't too concerned. He was finally going to see Thia again—sooner than expected. That alone put him in a good mood.
As he walked, his ever-persistent stalkers once again trailed behind him. Ever since his encounter with Jo, the assassins had retreated, leaving him alone. He had considered luring them into a trap and dealing with them himself, but Jo had scared them off. Now, however… Gor was seriously considering finishing the job.
Just as he was lost in thought, the shadows around him shifted.
"Hey, Gor," a voice called.
Tanith appeared beside him out of nowhere. Instinctively, Gor almost summoned his blade, only to stop upon recognizing the intruder. Annoyance replaced tension.
"What do you want?" Gor grumbled, his tone cold.
"Oh, don't be like that, little brother," Tanith said with a smirk. "I was just curious. I never imagined someone would send assassins after you."
"Do you want us to take care of them?" Tanith offered casually.
"Us?" Gor asked, raising an eyebrow.
At that moment, Tuk emerged from the darkness, followed by Jo.
"Why are you all here?" Gor demanded.
"Father sent us to get you," Jo replied. "Said not to waste time on irrelevant pests and come straight home."
Gor's expression darkened. "They're my pests. Mine, not yours."
"Duly noted," Tanith said, barely suppressing a chuckle.
"And how did Father even know about them?" Gor pressed, narrowing his eyes at Jo. "Did you tell him?"
"I didn't say a word," Jo shrugged.
"I don't believe you."
"Shocking," Jo deadpanned.
"Does Mom know?"
"No."
"Good. No one tells her. Got it?" Gor warned, glancing at his brothers. They remained silent, all staring in the direction of the assassins.
"These guys must be expensive," Tanith mused. "Their shadows move in a fascinating way."
"Really?" Tuk said, intrigued. "Do you know who sent them?" he asked Jo.
"Jack Gin."
"Oh," Tuk muttered. "That guy."
"Who?" Tanith and Gor said simultaneously.
"Jack Gin," Jo repeated. "You killed his son, Beltazar. Remember?"
Gor frowned, tapping his chin. "Beltazar… Beltazar... Nope. Doesn't ring a bell."
His brothers all shot him incredulous looks.
"Exactly how many people has he killed?" they silently wondered.
"Anyway," Jo continued, "Dad said to leave them be. He has other plans for them."
Gor scoffed but relented. "Fine. Let's go home."
As they walked, Gor turned to Jo. "Dad said you have something to talk about. What's this about?"
Jo smirked. "I'll tell you everything when we get home."
"Great," Gor muttered. "I love surprises."