Chapter 4: To the Seas

"We were away for ten minutes… ten fucking minutes?" Kisane exclaimed, her voice laced with shock and disgust.

Rei, equally astonished, chimed in, "Twenty bottles of Davy Jones Rum... That's got to be a record."

Their eyes remained fixed on Kris, who was on the brink of ordering yet another bottle, prompting Kisane to intervene. She reached out and firmly grasped Kris's hand. "That's enough for you," she declared.

Kris protested in her drunken haze, "B-But..."

Kisane signaled to Rei for assistance, tossing a handful of runes onto the counter. "C'mon, let's get her to an inn," she urged, her tone urgent.

Reluctantly, Rei hoisted Kris onto his back, with Kisane's support, the overwhelming scent of alcohol assaulting his senses. "Why am I the one carrying her?" he grumbled, shooting a glance at the shorter, white-haired woman beside him.

Kisane responded bluntly as they exited the Black Pearl tavern, "It's practical. And if she vomits, it's your problem."

"Wow, how considerate," Rei retorted sarcastically, only to be met with stony silence from Kisane.

Rei began to think, "How do I always find myself in these situations?"

Earlier that night…

Kisane, Rei, and Kris eventually arrived in the coastal town of Depp Port, their final halt before reaching Seiran.

"Finally, no more walking…" Rei exclaimed, leaning heavily on a nearby pole for support. 

Kisane and Kris exchanged a knowing glance. "He's going to need more training," Kisane remarked quietly.

"Don't worry, stamina is one of the areas we'll focus on when we get back," Kris reassured.

Rei turned to see them both seemingly unfazed, his own heart pounding in protest. "How are you two okay with this?! My heart feels like it's ready to kill itself!"

"Tell it to prioritize mind over body," Kris quipped as she strode past him, his clothes and sword magically restored to their pristine state.

"What did she just do?" Rei questioned, bewildered.

"Relax, I just utilized my relic on you. Everything should be back to its peak condition, with a few minor enhancements," Kris explained calmly. "Can't have you not looking presentable."

"First let's get checked into an inn it's getting late." Kisane looking at the setting sun.

Kris was eyeing The Black Pearl, "You guys go I'm going to get something to drink…"

"She's going to get drunk isn't she?" Rei asked.

"Yup."

Kisane and Rei made their way to a nearby inn to get checked in. Now settled in their room, Rei sat comfortably in a chair, engrossed in a book, while Kisane occupied one of the beds, meticulously attending to her sword.

After a moment of quiet, Rei decided to break the silence with a loud slam of the book closing. "Hey, Kisane?"

"What's on your mind?" Kisane responded, her attention momentarily diverted from her sword maintenance.

"How did you meet Kris?" Rei inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Kisane's hands faltered for a moment, nearly causing her to cut herself as she was caught off guard by the question. "That's... a touchy subject," she admitted cautiously.

"Sorry, I didn't realize..." Rei apologized, sensing the sensitivity of the topic. "Well, then... How did you get your sword?"

"Also a touchy subject. You're not very good at this, are you?" Kisane teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood despite the weight of their conversation.

"Hey, I'm trying my best here, okay? Small talk isn't exactly my forte," Rei cried out in frustration, his sincerity evident in his tone.

A muffled giggle escaped Kisane's lips. "I can see that. Is there anything else you want to ask?"

Rei paused, carefully considering his next question. "I have to tread carefully to avoid upsetting her," he thought to himself. After a moment of contemplation, he finally spoke up. "What's it like in Seiran?"

Kisane fell silent for a moment, reflecting on the question before responding, her words tinged with a sense of awe. "Well, Seiran... it's hard to encapsulate in words. The country itself is on top of one of The Four Titans: Seiryuu The Leviathan. But believe me, it's an experience that stays with you forever."

"Wait, the myth about the Four Titans is true!?" Rei exclaimed, his expression one of disbelief.

Kisane responded with a deadpan expression, her voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "In a world filled with magic and countless mysteries, is the existence of four elemental beasts, sculptors of this realm alongside the Holy Mother, really beyond the realm of possibility?"

Rei paused, conceding the point with a sheepish smile. "Touché..."

"Most of Seiran's population consists of merfolk, with refugees making up the majority of the rest. It's a bustling city, with our base situated in the underwater half. Once you pass through the veil, you won't even notice that we're underwater," Kisane explained further.

Rei nodded, intrigued by the prospect. "Interesting..."

"Is there anything else I should be aware of before we arrive?" Rei inquired.

"Hmm, nope," Kisane replied, returning her attention to cleaning her sword before her curiosity could be piqued once more. "Hey Rei where are you from?"

"That's... um, so what if I told you I don't know..." Rei said, rising from his chair with a sense of uncertainty.

Kisane immediately sensed her misstep. "Shoot, I'm sorry, sensitive topic," she apologized, hoping to undo her mistake.

Rei shook his head, his expression more resigned than hurt. "It's not a sensitive topic, it's just that I don't remember where I'm from."

"Wait, so you have no memories of the place?" Kisane inquired, her curiosity piqued.

"Nope, I just remember everything Mother reminded me of," Rei explained, a hint of melancholy in his voice.

"And your father, if you don't mind me asking?" Kisane asked, finishing up her sword maintenance.

Rei sank onto one of the beds, letting out a heavy sigh. "Don't even know the guy... but Mom always told me on his birthdays that 'he made the ultimate sacrifice for me.' Still trying to figure that out. What about your family?"

Kisane's gaze softened as she reminisced. "I haven't seen them in eight years. I have a twin brother, Izumi, a little brother named Jin, and a little sister, Mio."

"Do you miss them?" Rei asked, sensing the weight behind Kisane's words.

"I do, but it's better this way..." Kisane replied, her voice tinged with sadness as she looked away, lost in her memories.

Rei glanced at the clock, concern etched on his face. "Should we go check on Kris?"

"Yeah," Kisane agreed, rising from her seat.

Leaving the inn, they headed towards The Black Pearl, a tavern fashioned from a large ship. As they approached, a burly man stood at the entrance, blocking their path.

"Excuse me, but we need to get in," Rei asserted.

The bouncer scrutinized Rei for a moment before shaking his head. "Sorry, kid, no minors allowed."

"I'm literally 19..." Rei retorted, his tone tinged with annoyance.

"Not buying it, not with that baby face. Go home to mommy and daddy before they get worried," the bouncer dismissed him with a wave.

Rei persisted, attempting to explain their purpose. "Listen, we're here to check on our companion. She's tall, platinum-haired, and looks like royalty."

But the bouncer cut him off with a dismissive gesture. "Look, kid, stop wasting my time."

Rei tried a different approach. "I'll pay you to let us in."

The bouncer's interest was piqued, a grin spreading across his face as he finally made eye contact with Rei. "How much?"

"Fifty runes. Take it or leave it," Rei stated bluntly.

"Fine," the man agreed, taking the runes and counting them, but he remained in place.

Rei grew frustrated. "Hey, can we get in now?"

"You're too naive, brat. Get out of my sight before you wake up in the trash tomorrow," the bouncer chuckled, amused by Rei's persistence.

Before Rei could protest further, Kisane intervened. "I've got this." With a swift movement, a red afterimage of Kisane struck the bouncer, rendering him unconscious.

Rei stared in astonishment. "What did you do to him?"

"He isn't dead. That's all you need to worry about," Kisane reassured him, adjusting her sword back on her hip. "Now, let's go check on her."

Kisane entered the tavern first, while Rei remained outside, ensuring the coast was clear. Once he was satisfied, he swiftly rifled through the bouncer's pockets. Spotting 50 runes, he left them as intended, but his eyes widened as he discovered an additional stash of 500 runes. With a sly grin, he pocketed the larger sum and then made his way into the tavern.

Kisane waited patiently for Rei before they began navigating through the bustling tavern, their eyes scanning the crowd for Kris's distinctive platinum hair. Finally, they spotted her in a specific booth, her hair standing out amidst the sea of patrons.

Kris downs another bottle with a Kraken wearing a pirate hat and eye patch labeled "Davy Jones Rum". Her eyes widened upon recognizing them, "Oh hey you two come to join me?' she giggled.

Kisane sighs and Rei is speechless, "We were away for ten minutes… ten fucking minutes?" Kisane exclaimed, her voice laced with shock and disgust.

Rei, equally astonished, chimed in, "Twenty bottles of Davy Jones Rum... That's got to be a record."

Their gazes remained fixed on Kris, who teetered on the edge of ordering yet another bottle, prompting Kisane to step in. With determination, she reached out and firmly grasped Kris's hand. "That's enough for you," she declared firmly.

"But— Aww, nooo~ Kisane, I'm fine~," Kris slurred out, her words barely coherent before she crashed face-first into the table, sending a bottle tumbling to the floor.

Kisane glanced at Rei, briefly releasing Kris's hand as she silently beckoned for his assistance.

Rei let out a heavy sigh, momentarily distracted by his thoughts, but the overpowering scent of alcohol quickly brought him back to reality.

Carrying Kris on his back, Rei led the way back to the inn. Upon arrival, he gently settled her onto one of the beds, ensuring she was comfortable.

Under the blankets, Kris tossed and turned, her murmurs tinged with sadness. "Luke, Fafnir... I'm... a... mess..."

Rei's curiosity was piqued by the names Kris mentioned, lingering in his thoughts even as Kisane returned from her shower, towel-drying her hair.

"How is she?" Kisane inquired.

"She seems fine, just sleep talking," Rei replied, his tone calm.

"That's normal. Well, if she's alright, there's no reason for me to stay awake," Kisane remarked, finishing drying her hair before settling into the other bed. "Oh, and try not to stay up too late. Goodnight, Rei."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Kisane," Rei said, taking a seat in the chair from earlier before eventually drifting off to sleep.

Rei was transported back to the only place of his origin that he could remember—the haunting memories flooding his mind with vivid clarity. He recalled the raging inferno that engulfed everything, consuming the lives of countless souls. The echoing cries of despair, the final pleas of those facing their inevitable demise, haunted him still. And amidst the chaos, he vividly remembered the anguished cries of his mother. He remembered that night all too well.

The night the sky burned blue…

Rei stirred from his sleep, blinking groggily as he noticed Kisane busy packing a few items while Kris groaned in discomfort, clearly grappling with a powerful hangover.

"Morning," Rei greeted, his voice raspy from sleep.

"Morning," Kisane replied, her tone subdued.

"Not so loud!" Kris protested, wincing as she held her pounding head.

"Well, if it isn't the consequences of my actions. We didn't tell you to drink that much," Kisane deadpanned, her words laced with a hint of amusement.

"Are you going to help me while you find this amusing, you little sadist?" Kris snapped, her tone sharp with discomfort.

"Sorry, I don't know any spells to heal others, just myself. And Rei is incapable of magic," Kisane explained, her voice void of sympathy as she finished her packing.

Kris winced in pain, taking a swig from a flask that had appeared seconds ago, hoping to alleviate her hangover.

Rei's expression turned genuinely concerned. "Is she going to be okay?"

Kisane reassured him with a nonchalant shrug. "Yeah, she's one of the Nine War Powers. She'll live. Besides, this isn't her first rodeo."

The three of them exited the inn, making their way to the port where a large ship awaited them. Two figures stood at the dock, a man and a woman, patiently awaiting their arrival.

`The woman appeared to be around Kisane's age, her brown hair blending into a soft shade of blonde. Her vivid green eyes searched for someone until she met eyes with Kisane, her face adorned with a sprinkling of freckles. Clad in attire reminiscent of Kisane's, her outfit bore a distinct pirate-inspired flair, complete with a sliver cutlass hanging at her hip.

The man stood with an air of casual confidence, his eyes closed as his wavy light brown hair danced in the ocean breeze. Rei's gaze was drawn to a striking patch of vibrant red amidst the waves of brown. Leaning nonchalantly against the ship's hull, he exuded an aura of authority and charm. His attire, reminiscent of a pirate captain minus the hat, combined with a touch of divine presence with the blues and grays, seemed to proclaim him as both ruler of the seas and master of adventure.

The woman dashed towards Kisane, excitement lighting up her features as she leaped to embrace her. Kisane, however, remained stoic, making no move to return the gesture. She simply stood there, allowing the woman's embrace to envelop her as if acknowledging that resistance was futile and there was no point in trying to stop her.

Kisane sighed softly, offering a small smile. "It's nice to see you too, Mari."

Mari released Kisane from the hug, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You've got to tell me everything that has happened. We totes have to have a girls' night when we return to base."

"If I'm not busy..." Kisane replied awkwardly, leaving her response somewhat ambiguous.

"That's Kisane for 'Yes'," Mari quipped with a playful grin, clearly familiar with Kisane's mannerisms.

Rei's sharp observation skills didn't fail him as he noticed something peculiar about Mari. Her nails appeared sharper than usual, and he couldn't help but notice the subtle webbing between her fingers, hinting at a more aquatic heritage.

"Hey, Mari..." Kris greeted, still displaying signs of a lingering hangover.

"Oh My Gods Lady Kris are you alright?" Mari observed Kris's condition and, without hesitation, performed a simple chant. Taking Kris's hand in hers, she spoke with serene confidence, "Blessing of the Mother, may I ask to banish all ailments from this misfortunate soul and rejuvenate them with your holy light." As she uttered the words, a small green magic circle materialized over Mari's hand, emitting a gentle glow. The magic flowed from Mari's hand into Kris, and within moments, her hangover disappeared, leaving her feeling revitalized

"Thanks, Mari. What would I do without you?" Kris expressed her gratitude with a happy smile.

"Eh, you'd probably have to go to Bianka," Mari replied casually.

Kris looked visibly shaken but quickly gathered herself, slapping her cheeks lightly. "Alright, everyone, let's get on board. Next stop: Seiran."

Kisane glanced at her friend, a hint of disappointment flickering in her expression. "Did you have to heal her?" she asked, her tone tinged with disappointment as she walked towards the ship alongside Mari.

Mari's brows furrowed in response. "What? She looked like she was in genuine pain," she reasoned, following Kisane's lead.

As everyone prepared to board the ship, the man finally opened his eyes, revealing a sharp teal glaze. Without hesitation, his hand swiftly pointed towards Rei, and a bit of water from below coalesced into a shimmering silver trident with a sapphire at its core.

"Who are you?" The man's long trident was pointed menacingly at Rei's throat.

"Woah, I'm Rei. I'm with them," Rei explained calmly, his eyes locked on the weapon aimed at him.

Kris swiftly intervened, moving the trident away from Rei's direction. "Chill, Zeke. He's a recruit," she assured, her voice steady.

Zeke turned towards Kris, his expression tense. "What do you mean, 'recruit'? You can't just recruit anyone without our knowledge. What if he's a spy?"

"Relax, if anything happens, I take responsibility," Kris responded confidently.

"But, Kris, that's not enough. Have you sensed his aura?" Zeke persisted, pointing his trident back at Rei. "Look, he's a walking-"

Kris shot Zeke a commanding look, silencing him instantly.

Zeke gulped upon seeing Kris's serious expression and corrected his mistake, addressing Rei directly. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me. I'm Zeke, and that's my twin, Mari. We're also members of Lost Eden. Pleasure working with you, Rei," he added, though his apology seemed forced, his teeth gritted in obvious strain.

"Now, come aboard, Rei," Kris instructed, gesturing towards the ship.

As Rei stepped onto the ship, he wasted no time in approaching Kris with questions. "Alright, Kris, what did he mean by my 'aura'?"

Kris shot him down with a firm tone. "We'll discuss this back at base, okay?"

"Right," Rei acquiesced reluctantly, though he couldn't shake the feeling of unease. He had no reason to doubt Kris, but his instincts were telling him otherwise.

"Wait, there's no wind," Rei observed.

Zeke twitched slightly, shooting Kris an exasperated look. "Does he always talk this much!?" he muttered under his breath.

Ignoring Zeke's irritation, Kris clarified for Rei, "Rei, the wind doesn't matter because Zeke here is The Apostle of Water."

"Oh," Rei replied, understanding dawning on him.

Zeke rolled his eyes at Rei's realization before tapping his trident on the deck. Suddenly, the ship began to move swiftly, propelled forward by the power of water magic. Despite its size, it surged through the water at an impressive speed, even faster than a typical galleon.

Kisane was on her way downstairs when Zeke intercepted her with his charms. "My dearest Kisane~ You don't want to stay on deck with everyone else especially me~?"

Kisane rolled her eyes at his flirtatious demeanor. "Spare me, womanizer. I'm just going to rest before we return."

Undeterred, Zeke maintained his suave tone. "I pray you have blessed dreams~"

"Please, prayers from you are more like nightmares," Kisane retorted before disappearing into the depths of the ship.

"Ooh, burn..." Mari winced at the exchange.

Rei caught the tail end of the exchange and couldn't help but inquire, "What was that about?"

Mari chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh, that? That was just my idiot brother trying to swoon Ms. Antisocial," she explained casually.

Rei's brow furrowed in confusion. "You say it like it's a routine thing."

Mari sighed a hint of resignation in her voice. "That's because it is." She settled into the seat next to Rei, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But enough about them. I'm curious about you, fresh meat," she teased, flashing him a toothy grin.

Rei raised an eyebrow at her playful demeanor. "What is it about me that interests you?" he inquired, intrigued.

"Firstly, what does Kris see in you?" Mari queried.

Rei shrugged, a hint of uncertainty in his response. "I don't know myself."

Mari pondered for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "Then... you must be special, like Kisane."

"Like Kisane?" Rei echoed, intrigued by the comparison.

"Yep. There's only one way to get into Lost Eden, which is to get scouted by Izzy, Luke, or Kris," Mari explained, 

"I know Kris, but who are the other two?" Rei inquired, curious about the remaining members of Lost Eden.

"You'll meet them soon, but I should probably go help my brother with the ship. It was nice meeting you," Mari replied with a friendly smile before departing.

"Likewise," Rei responded, watching Mari walk off before turning to find Kris.

He quickly located her in the captain's quarters, engrossed in a game of chess by herself. "Hey, Kris, got a second?" Rei called out, approaching her.

Rei's gaze shifted to the chessboard, where Kris's pieces gleamed like diamonds, reflecting a myriad of colors. In contrast, her opponent's pieces bore a red draconic design, with magma-like engravings that glowed like molten rock.

Kris moved one of her furthest pawns with a thoughtful expression. "Yep, just playing a quick game with a friend. What did you need?" she inquired, her focus split between the game and Rei.

"I want to know how to use magic-" Rei began, but Kris cut him off before he could finish.

"While I like your eagerness, we are in the middle of the ocean, and I don't want you to destroy Zeke's boat. He might kill you then," she explained her tone firm yet laced with a hint of humor.

"Okay, that's understandable. Next question," Rei said, his frustration evident as he slammed his hands on the table. "What's so special about me?"

Kris deftly used a bit of magic to shift her pieces back into place before a scarlet knight moved on one of her pawns. "You might want to sit down for this one," she suggested, her tone serious.

Rei complied, taking a seat across from Kris, anticipation coursing through him.

"Do you know of The Curse of Ruin?" Kris began, her tone grave.

Rei's expression darkened at the mention of the curse, but he chose to press further. "Yes... I know about it. The curse that has no cure and kills slowly, the process painful for both the victims…their loved ones," he explained somberly.

Kris nodded in acknowledgment before moving one of her rooks. "Correct. But do you know its origin?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Rei. 

Rei shook his head in response keeping his eyes on the chessboard.

"Rei, do you know about The Millennium War?" Kris questioned.

"I know just what was in the storybooks," Rei replied.

"Then I don't need to explain much," Kris said thoughtfully, contemplating her next move as she pushed a pawn forward. "During this world's second millennium, when the forces of Eden were just about to seal off the boundary between worlds at The Plain of Origin."

Kris painted a vivid picture of a savanna, where endless stretches of green grass extended as far as the eye could see, devoid of any trees. Remnants of ancient ruins and colossal statues dotted the landscape, hinting at a long-forgotten civilization. Further, along the horizon, the lush grass gradually transitioned into the blackened ground and rocky terrain, with towering mountains of obsidian-like jagged peaks rising ominously, acting as a natural barrier.

However, despite its desolate appearance, this place was far from empty. Hundreds of demons, orcs, ogres, goblins, giants, vampires, lamias, gorgons, beastmen, centaurs, and other monstrous creatures surged forth from the border of Ruin, charging across the once-beautiful grasslands. Their relentless advance trampled the verdant beauty underfoot, leaving destruction and chaos in their wake. Black dragons, black wyverns, and gargantuan flying insect-like creatures filled the skies as the would-be final battle commenced. The air reverberated with the thunderous flap of wings and the ominous screeches of the airborne beasts, casting a shadow of dread over the battlefield below.

On the opposing side, standing on the beautiful, perfect pasture, were the forces of Eden, a diverse coalition consisting of multiple races hailing from all seven nations. Humans, merfolk, elves, dwarves, dragonkin, dragons, yokai, and angels alike stood shoulder to shoulder under one flag. This was the Millennium Army of Eden, a united front against the encroaching darkness, determined to defend their land and protect their world from the imminent threat.

Standing at the forefront was The First King of Edenia, King Kristein Arthur Edenia. Clad in gleaming silver armor, which he shared with his army, he radiated an aura of regal authority and unwavering resolve. Behind him stood numerous world leaders, their presence a testament to the unity and strength of the allied forces. With golden eyes fixed upon the horizon, King Kristein surveyed the approaching enemy, his expression a mix of determination and steely resolve.

Drawing his greatsword, King Kristein Arthur Edenia reeled back from the Alicorn he was riding, his voice booming with commanding authority, "FOR MOTHER EVE! FOR THE REALM OF EDEN! VANQUISH THE ABOMINATIONS AND SEND THEM BACK TO LILITH'S HELL FROM WHENCE THEY CAME!" With a resounding battle cry, the king spurred his mount forward, leading his army into the fray with unwavering determination.

Kris deftly moved her King across the board, overtaking a red knight. "The Millennium Army soon clashed with the Vanguard of Ruin and began to gain the upper hand," she explained, her voice filled with anticipation.

Suddenly, from the horizon, a massive red dragon with green eyes and golden horns and spikes emerged, followed closely by a dark blue dragon with red eyes and silver horns. These were the flames of fate incarnate, Draig and Tiamat, making their grand entrance.

With a deafening roar, Draig and Tiamat unleashed torrents of crimson and azure flames, engulfing most of the Ruin Vanguard in a blazing inferno, turning the tide of battle in favor of the Millennium Army.

from one of the border mountains she observes her army being decimated by her sister's creations, Lilith herself emerges, her presence casting a chilling aura over the battlefield. Her expression twisted into a scowl of disgust as she surveyed the carnage before her. "Weak," she spat, her voice dripping with contempt as she watched her forces falter against the might of Tiamat and Draig.

"Mother, your forces are losing," a hoarse voice stated from beside Lilith.

Lilith's pink eyes shifted to the cloaked, tall figure standing next to her, his crown of black-gold tipped horns the only visible feature atop his head. "I know, Malos," she replied with a hint of frustration, her gaze meeting his.

"Can I go down there, Mother?" Malos asked, his voice tinged with eagerness, his long, spiked black and gold tail thrashing about behind him in anticipation.

"Go ahead."

As Malos's power surged, his cloak unfurled to reveal his massive black and purple wings, unfurling majestically behind him. His purple eyes blazed with intensity, radiating raw energy and determination as his body began to contort and shift into a massive four-winged dragon his fully spread wingspan dwarfed the lesser peaks around him as he roared rallying his troops and horrified his enemies.

A purple miasma emanated from the beast, its dark energy causing the corpses of the Ruin Vanguard to mutate as they rose back to life. Even Tiamat and Draig were caught off guard by this unexpected turn of events. 

Snapping out of their momentary shock, both true dragons unleashed their respective beams at the new dragon, only to find their attacks blocked by its massive wings. 

As the unstoppable force moved forward, the sounds of the reanimated dead became its orchestra, accompanying its every step with an eerie cacophony. Its presence commanded authority, its claws acting as spears that impaled any unfortunate souls in its path. With each flap of its wings, hurricanes formed, and its flames brought nothing but calamity to all who dared oppose it.

He was Divine Destruction.

He was Destined Death.

He was The Vermillion King...

Kris's pawn was taken over by the red queen.

Continuing, Kris spoke, "After The Vermillion King's appearance, Eden was nearly lost to Ruin until a champion emerged. In their darkest hour, the first hero, Gabriel, arose to challenge him. This rivalry lasted for 229 years until they returned to the point of origin of both realms, The Plain of Origin."

As their armies clashed in the chaotic fray, an emotionless blonde woman clad in silver armor stood her ground. Her eyes, gleaming with golden intensity, bore into her foe with unwavering determination as she tightened her grip on her holy sword. The black dragon before her roared, signaling the beginning of their final clash.

Meanwhile, Kris's Knight faced down the red queen, poised for battle. Just as the queen prepared to make her move to overtake it, Kris continued her narrative.

"Hero Gabriel was able to slay the Vermillion King, but with two major consequences," she explained. "Afterward, the king's divine energy poisoned both worlds with the Curse of Ruin. In a last-ditch effort, Gabriel formed a protective veil using her remaining life force and the Plain of Origin's residual mana. This caused the once-beautiful plain to become Dust, The Desert between Realms."

"Why are you telling me this?" Rei asked, his curiosity piqued.

Kris moved her bishop with a thoughtful expression. "Eh, I was trying out a hypothesis because of your strange affinity to Ruin," she explained.

Rei nodded, absorbing this information. "Oh, is this Ruin energy the reason why you let me come with you guys?" he inquired further.

"Yes and no," Kris replied, her gaze thoughtful. "I like a challenge, and you are that challenge. Your current goal also aligns with ours. So, if you want to repay me, learn magic and decide where you'll go from there."

Rei nodded, taking in her words. "Going back to the main topic," Kris continued, "you are afflicted with the curse. However, the strange thing is, you're not dying or turning into a bloodthirsty monster like most victims."

Rei pondered for a moment. "Could this relate to that voice I keep hearing?" he asked in his thoughts.

Kris nodded, continuing her explanation. "Instead, it's making you stronger, and that's what's interesting to me – and that's checkmate," she said, a faint hint of amusement in her tone.

With a snap of her fingers, the chessboard was cleared, and Kris rose from her seat with a yawn. "I'm going to head to bed. We should be in Seiran by noon tomorrow," she informed Rei.

"But I have more questions," Rei protested, standing up.

"Don't worry. All your questions will be answered eventually. Just be patient," Kris reassured him before making her way to the lower deck, leaving Rei alone with his thoughts.

Rei returned to the main deck, his gaze drawn to the expanse of the night sky stretching over the vast ocean. "Beautiful..." he murmured, captivated by the serene scene before him.

"Why the hell are you still awake?" Zeke asked, his eye twitching with irritation.

Rei jumped slightly, startled by the sudden presence. "Oh, it's just you," he replied.

"Everyone else is asleep. Why are you still awake?" Zeke pressed, his tone impatient.

"I like to stay awake at night sometimes. I have issues sleeping," Rei explained tentatively.

Zeke raised his hand, cutting Rei off. "I didn't ask for your life story, okay? Just don't cause any issues, and I'll think about not impaling you on my trident."

With that, Zeke walked past Rei, roughly brushing his shoulder. As Rei watched him go, he couldn't help but wonder, "What's his problem?"

Rei retired to bed, the unsettling encounter with Zeke leaving a sour taste in his mouth. The gentle rocking of the ship on the sea lulled him into a fitful sleep. In his dreams, he found himself immersed in a sea of azure flames, their flickering light casting eerie shadows across the vast expanse.

"Where am I?" Rei questioned aloud, a sense of unease settling over him as he realized he wasn't alone in this ethereal landscape.

"Did you really think you could escape the three of us, brother?" a feminine voice echoed through the ethereal space.

Rei's heart raced as he scanned the void, searching for the source of the voices. "Who's there?" he demanded, his voice quivering with uncertainty.

"Brother... Help me... I can't stop her Plague..." another voice, weak and desperate, pleaded for mercy.

Rei's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, 'her Plague'?" he questioned, his mind racing with possibilities.

An arrogant, childlike voice interjected with disdain. "Just because you inherited Father's flames doesn't mean anything. You're still just a kobold, a six-eyed freak, unlike Angels like me and my mother," it sneered.

Rei felt a surge of frustration and confusion. "What if these aren't my thoughts?" he mused aloud, grappling with the unsettling nature of the voices in his mind.

Suddenly, the azure flames intensified, their ethereal nature devouring Rei's essence. It wasn't like being engulfed in normal flames; it felt as though his very soul was being consumed by the relentless inferno. Desperate to escape the torment, he tried to scream, but his voice was silenced by the all-encompassing flames that engulfed him entirely.

In his agony, he pleaded to the gods for release, but his cries fell upon deaf ears. The flames showed no mercy as they continued to devour him, stripping away his flesh until only his skeletal frame remained. With horror gripping his heart, he beheld six burning blue reptilian eyes peering into the depths of his soul, freezing him in terror.

Then, just as suddenly as it began, Rei jolted awake, his body drenched in cold sweat, heart pounding in his chest. The vivid memory of the nightmare lingered, leaving him shaken and breathless in the safety of his bed aboard the ship.

As Rei slowly surfaced from the depths of his nightmare, he found himself back in the comforting embrace of reality. To his surprise, Mari stood nearby, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Hey, are you okay?" she inquired, peering over the edge of Rei's bunk.

"Yeah, just a nightmare," Rei replied, his voice still tinged with remnants of fear.

Mari nodded sympathetically. "Sounds intense. Anyway, we've arrived faster than Zeke theorized. Come to the deck; you're not going to want to miss this view," she urged, climbing down from Rei's bunk.

Rei nodded in acknowledgment, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as he tightened his grip on his sword. With a determined resolve, he made his way to the deck where the rest of the crew was gathered. Kisane appeared lost in deep thought, her eyes closed in contemplation, while Zeke seemed focused on something, his expression tinged with annoyance at Rei's presence. Kris and Mari were conversing until Kris noticed Rei's arrival and greeted him warmly.

"Nice of you to join us. Trust you had a good sleep?" Kris said, her tone friendly.

"Eh, could've been worse," Rei replied with a tired yawn.

Kris's expression shifted a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, you might want to be awake for this," she said, gesturing towards the horizon. As the ship sailed through a thick veil of fog, a breathtaking sight emerged—a vast landmass with a large city along towering mountains resembling massive dorsal plates. However, the real activity was in the water, with numerous ships entering and leaving, and countless merfolk swimming about in the crystal-clear depths.

"Woooah.."

"Welcome to Seiran,"