The chapter opens with an intense scene. Leonhart is at the campsite, facing a group of 12 men wreaking havoc and destruction. He fights them without using his powers. The scene is dynamic, with Leonhart employing combat techniques, nearby objects, and skillful maneuvers to defeat his opponents. The battle is grueling, leaving Leonhart exhausted but victorious. After the fight, he prepares to head to the rendezvous point.
The chapter begins with Leonhart tense, staring down the 11 men and their leader, who brandishes a knife with malice. Leonhart sweats, his gaze fixed on them, assuming a defensive stance without letting his focus waver for a moment, knowing he can't use his Art to avoid drawing attention.
The leader charges first, attempting to stab Leonhart but failing miserably, taking a solid hit instead.
The other 11 follow, all at once. Leonhart struggles to handle them all, but despite the barrage of blows, he manages to take them down one by one. Though he takes some hits, he doesn't fall, standing his ground and striking back. The men collapse and rise again, stubbornly refusing defeat, while their leader repeatedly tries to slash Leonhart with his blade, still without success.
The scene cuts to Lumen and Niori arriving at the Lumberjack's Bar, greeted by wary stares from everyone except the bartender, who seems calm.
Lumen sits at the counter, uncovering his face. Niori stands behind him, scanning the room.
Lumen:(serious but not rude) "Good evening."
Bartender:"Good evening. How can I help you?"
Lumen:"We were sent by the king to look into some unresolved matters. He mentioned there might be useful information around here."
Bartender:(pouring a shot into a glass) "And what's it about? Thefts? Murders?"
Lumen:"We're looking for Renzo, the Silver Tiger."
Bartender:(suspicious) "Renzo? He's not usually around here, but what do you want with him anyway?"
The bar fills with hushed conversations and speculation. The men present seem either scared or angry—it's hard to tell which. Amid the noise, one conversation stands out:
Man 1:(whispering) "What do they want with Renzo?"
Man 2:(matching the tone) "I don't know. Did they figure him out?"
Man 3:"Shhh! They can't hear us."
Man 1:"We can't let him get caught like this."
Among them, one man stands and strides toward Lumen with confidence, his arms and shoulders swaying with hostility, his brows furrowed in anger, his gaze locked on Lumen.
Man:(shouting) "Hey! Who do you think you are!?"
To protect Lumen, Niori steps in to block the man. She feels a faint warmth travel through her body to her hand, touching the man, who calms almost instantly, apologizes, and returns to his seat.
Lumen glances at Niori with veiled surprise but quickly refocuses.
Lumen:(eyes wide, staring intensely into the bartender's, lightning visibly dancing in his gaze) "We will get to Renzo, whether you cooperate or not…"
The scene cuts again, this time to Izumi and Takeru wandering lost through the suburbs, unsure of where to go. The few residents they encounter seem frightened and alert, their eyes darting around, steps hurried, and postures tense.
Izumi:"These cultists are really traumatizing everyone here… This place doesn't even feel alive anymore…"
Takeru:"True. We need to stop them as soon as possible, or this won't end…"
As Takeru finishes speaking, he spots a cathedral not far off. He taps Izumi to get his attention, staring at the structure, transfixed.
Takeru:"Izumi…"
Izumi turns to Takeru, sees him fixated on something, follows his gaze, and spots the cathedral on the hill. It's darkened by time, moss creeping up its stones, its surroundings neglected, the atmosphere heavy. The clouds above are thick, the air murky and purple-tinged.
Izumi:"Don't tell me…"
Takeru:"I'm telling you…"
Izumi looks at Takeru, resistance in his eyes, wanting to avoid the hassle, but Takeru convinces him without a word.
Izumi:"Ugh, fine!"
Takeru:"Heh! Let's set up a camp nearby to scope out the area better, then we'll head in."
An old man emerges from a house, cracking his door open just enough to show part of his face—his mouth visible, his eyes hidden by drooping brows.
Old Man:"The church is dangerous…"
Izumi and Takeru turn to the old man, startled by his sudden presence.
Old Man:"That place isn't for people like you. You're good, but that place is corrupt. There's no point trying to help a forgotten people like us—it'll only bring a curse upon you."
Takeru:(pausing briefly) "With all due respect, we're going in. We can't let you suffer like this."
The old man falls silent, motionless. The quiet is deafening, as if he's dead. Slowly, he reveals his eyes—piercing, fixed, traumatized, and terrified, his pupils mere pinpricks boring into their souls.
Old Man:"Then I must warn you: the cultists aren't normal people. They… they don't just worship their dark gods—they feed on fear. Every life taken, every soul lost, has strengthened their magic. That cathedral… it's where they perform their most profane rituals. They're no longer human—they've become monsters walking among us, corrupting everything they touch."
Takeru:(quietly, to himself) "That explains the weird feeling coming from it, like it's alive, breathing…"
Old Man:"There were others before you—warriors, mages, all promising to free this place. Few returned, and those who did were never the same, consumed mentally. They wandered like the dead, their gazes fixed on the abyss in their minds. The forces in that church are beyond what you imagine. If you go in, there's no guarantee you'll come out."
Izumi:(firmly) "We know the risk. But we're not backing down. If we don't act, no one will."
Takeru:(with a cocky grin) "We're not like the others. We promise we'll do everything we can to end this. You've suffered too long."
The old man sighs in resignation, his brow dropping to hide his eyes again. He opens the door wider and extends his arm, handing them an amulet.
Old Man:"Take this. This amulet reveals nearby magic and traps. It might help, but you can only use it a few times—it's pretty worn out…"
Izumi takes the amulet, thanking the old man.
Old Man:"May the gods have mercy on your souls…"
The scene cuts to Leonhart standing, injured, with all his opponents on the ground. A few struggle to rise but fail. Leonhart walks toward the group's leader.
Leader:(panting and groaning in pain) "You don't go easy either, huh… Why are there so many strong people these days? It's almost like that guy from the alley…"
Another man laughs weakly, also in pain:"True, all he's missing is the yellow eyes."
Leonhart stops and looks at the man who spoke, his expression serious, his eyes glinting like flames.
Leonhart:"Golden, you mean?"
Man:"Yellow, golden, whatever… We got beat up by him."
Leonhart:"And where did this happen?"
Man:"In an alley in the western area."
Leonhart:(intense) "I asked where."
Man:(sweating, heart racing with fear) "An alley near the Forge! We were gonna rob him coming out of the forge, but it didn't work! It was there!"
Leonhart stays silent, still staring at the man, wondering what Genesis might have been doing at a forge. He begins walking away to tidy the campsite.
Leonhart:(serious) "Take your men and leave."
The leader listens, following Leonhart's advice, departing with his group. The scene focuses on Leonhart, his expression troubled.
The chapter ends with an intercut montage showing the three groups on their respective paths. The tension is palpable as each prepares for their next challenge.
Leonhartorganizes the campsite, restless, his mind a whirlwind as he ponders what Genesis might be planning.
Lumen and Niorihead to the back of the bar, seeking privacy to extract information from the bartender.
Izumi and Takeruset up a camp near the cathedral, staying out of sight.
The final frame showcases the protagonists' determination as they face their trials, gearing up for the next step.