--
Shizuka and Kishi gave each other one last stare before rushing forward as if reaching the destined tree was a competition for both of them. It was rare for Shizuka to race with running involved. Even Yuzuru and Mizuto slowed down in their steps to process what just happened.
When the clouds of dust dispersed, all they saw left behind on the ground were trails of Kishi and Shizuka's footsteps that dug deep into the ground.
"Huh, aren't they energetic?" Mizuto mused to himself, giving a breathy laugh that was followed by Yuzuru's own snicker.
"Let them be," Asmodeus chimed in with a hearty chuckle as well, closing his eyes in glee. "At least their spirits aren't down. It would be troublesome if most of us aren't in the mood for this battle, wouldn't it?"