Ryu was observing the structure while sitting on the ground with Akari, Kyros, and Zara. Ryu was deep in thought, contemplating something.
"Hey Shin, what was that cold feeling we experienced earlier? It was truly terrible," Ryu asked Shinji in his mind.
"Well, there is something with a very divine pressure of mana," Shin replied.
"Hmm... What could it be?" Ryu asked Shin again.
"It could be anything, like a monster," Shin replied.
"But that aura was truly insane; even my aura feels like a particle of water in an entire glass," Ryu explained.
"Yes, that may be true for you, but still, it is nothing compared to when I was in my prime," Shin replied.
"Really?... I knew the Great Mage was powerful, but this much I had not expected," Ryu said.
"Yes, but I was not alone in my strength; there were many mages like me, though I was slightly stronger, which is why I am remembered and they are not," Shin replied.
"Many others, really?" Ryu asked.
"Yes, but today's humans are far weaker than before," Shin replied.
"Yes, I know. As they reduced their use of magic, they lost their high potential," Ryu said.
"Indeed, and looking at you, you are quite adept at magic for this time. However, compared to my era, you are insignificant, as even a novice could easily defeat you without employing any high-grade magic," Shin said.
"Really?..." Ryu asked in shock.
"Well, yes. They would need only the simple fire spell you first learned, and they could easily defeat you," Shin said.
"Really? But how, with only a single fireball the size of a little finger?" Ryu asked curiously.
"Because the mana concentration was much greater then," Shin replied.
"Oh, I see," Ryu said.
"Yes,...but," Shin said.
"But what?..." Ryu asked.
"But the mana burst you felt earlier seems strangely familiar," Shin said.
"Really? But—" Ryu was cut off as Shin began speaking.
"Yes, I know I may sound childish, but I truly have felt this aura before," Shin said.
"Okay, I trust you, as you are experienced," Ryu replied.
"But first, you need to go there," Shin said.
"Yes, we will go there, but... let me ask something of my sister," Ryu replied.
"Alright, ask whatever you wish; tell me if necessary," Shin said.
"Okay," Ryu replied.
Then he turned and looked at everyone once more. They were in a state of panic, the fear from the aura clearly visible on them. Zara was sitting with her forehead resting on her arms, and Kyros was gazing at the sky. Akari was attempting to manage her expression, but it was evident that fear had affected them internally.
"Hey Shin, what happened to them?" Ryu asked in his mind.
"Ah, nothing; they are merely affected by the presence. You are less affected because you possess a strong aura from the divine sword you wield," Shin explained.
"But what can I do now?" Ryu asked.
"Nothing; just release your aura around this area," Shin suggested.
"Well, I'll give it a try," Ryu replied.
Then he attempted to release his mana, also utilizing the ring to spread mana throughout the area. Immediately after he did so, they glanced around and suddenly looked at Ryu. The change was clearly visible on their faces.
"Thanks, Shin, for that," Ryu said in his mind.
"Ah, it is my role to guide you; simply follow me if you become lost," Shin replied.
"Hey, Ryu, what are you doing?" Akari asked.
Ryu ceased releasing his mana.
"Well, nothing, sister. I merely released my mana so you all might feel better," Ryu replied.
"But who informed you of that? A normal student would not conceive such an idea," Zara said.
"Well... I read in a book that if one releases their mana around others, those who are comfortable with it may feel relief, even after the mana dissipates," Ryu said with a strained expression.
"Ah, that is quite advanced for a child, Ryu. Where did you read that?" Kyros asked.
"Well, I cannot recall precisely, as I always prefer to read books in my free time," Ryu replied with an awkward expression.
"Only Yuki knows what I actually do in my free time," Ryu thought to himself.
"Do not forget me; I can also hear your voice," Shin said.
"Ah, do not tease me, Shin," Ryu replied to Shin in his mind.
"Well, let us leave the topic. I do not know what to do next. Ryu, have you considered any course of action?" Akari asked.
Ryu paused. He looked at Akari's face; her eyes revealed all the questions in her mind. She wished to rely on someone, and her expression clearly indicated that she could not think further about the situation. Ryu sensed her unspoken words.
"Well, sister, we have no alternative, as there are no clues to act upon. Thus, we have only one path: to explore the mysterious structure," Ryu said.
"Are you mad, Ryu? Did you not feel the aura burst from there?" Zara shouted.
Fear resonated in her voice; it was unclear and trembling. Ryu looked into her eyes. Her face expressed nothing but the fear of death.
"This is too difficult for her, as she witnessed death closely," Ryu thought to himself.
"Hey, Zara, Ryu is right," Kyros stated.
Zara and Ryu looked at Kyros's face.
"But, Kai—" Zara began, her voice slowing. She quieted as she saw the confidence in Kyros's expression.
"Yes, we can trust Ryu. Although there is a risk to our lives, we cannot do anything else, as we are not in our real timeline," Kyros said.
"Yes, Kai, but we could spend time here normally. Why must we seek clues?" Zara said.
"Your concern is understandable, Zara, but we do not know where Yuki is. Also, consider Amelia; Kenji's death will be in vain if we do not seek revenge. Think of our other loved ones; how will they feel if we disappear from time?" Kyros explained.
His voice was confident; although he too had faced death closely, that experience rendered him fearless rather than afraid. He appeared so assured that his confidence convinced Zara.
"Okay, we can do that," Zara replied.
"Yes, sister, we will retreat if any danger arises," Ryu said.
"Indeed, but still, Kai, you become remarkably reliable in situations like these. Even though you can be childish, when the time comes to fight, you become profoundly serious," Zara said.
Her voice was clear, as if she had momentarily forgotten all that had occurred. A different kind of glow appeared in her eyes; she looked exceedingly confident. A gentle smile graced Zara's face after a long time.
Then Ryu approached Akari and offered his hand to help her stand. Akari rose and looked at Ryu. His face appeared confident; the environment emitted a different aura—the collective confidence of the entire team.
"Hey, Ryu, I remember the time we undertook many adventures with your father. He was so similar to you," Zara said.
Ryu turned and looked at her.
"Yes, Ryu, Kenji was truly amazing. He never let us become demotivated; his confidence in every situation gave us strength, and you have inherited that same quality from your father," Kyros said.
"Yes, brother, I know he was a great person, but I do not know as much about him as you do, having undertaken many adventures together," Ryu replied.
A gentle smile appeared on Ryu's face. He was filled with gratitude and respect toward his father.
"I did not interact much with Father, but I still know who he was and how great he was," Akari stated.
Ryu turned again and looked at Akari's face. They all were showing respect toward Kenji, and Ryu felt gladdened to know his father was truly a great person to everyone. He looked at the sky and imagined his face.
"Hey, Dad, if you can see us, know how much we miss you," Ryu whispered.
Then, slowly, he lowered his gaze and observed everyone's faces. He recalled the Shadow Cult, and his anger surged. That anger became motivation, and he shouted, "We will avenge Father, and to do that, we must return alive to our real timeline and defeat our enemies!"
"Yes!" everyone shouted with Ryu. They raised their hands, appearing motivated.
With that flow of motivation, time slowly passed, and they began their journey toward the mysterious structure. They traveled through the deep forest.
"Hey, Brother Kai, that place is much farther than we thought, perhaps," Ryu said.
Kyros looked at Ryu's face.
"Yes, Ryu, you are correct. That place appeared closer, but it is quite distant from here. Moreover, due to the dense forest, our speed has decreased, so we must traverse a great distance," Kyros replied.
Ryu glanced around the forest once more.
"Well, Brother, unlike in the cave, I could use my powers, but when I employ them in large quantities, the domain nullifies them," Ryu said.
"Really? But when did you attempt this?" Kyros asked in shock.
Ryu gave an awkward reaction.
"Well, I was trying to use my detection skill," Ryu replied.
"But what happened next?" Kyros asked.
"Nothing; when I increased the range, it was completely nullified," Ryu replied with a strained smile.
Then they looked back at Akari and Zara. They were at a distance, approaching slowly.
"Hey, Ryu, do you not think they are walking too slowly?" Kyros said.
"Yes," Ryu replied.
"Hey, what are you saying about us? Can you not wait a moment? You both are walking too fast," Zara said in an angry yet humorous tone.
Akari was laughing softly from behind.
"Ryu, do not believe her; she always held us back during travels when we adventured with your father," Kyros whispered in Ryu's ear in a teasing tone to provoke Zara.
"Yes, Brother, I can clearly see that," Ryu said, narrowing his eyes with an odd expression.
"Can you not stop teasing me, Kai?" Zara shouted.
With the humorous moments, time passed into the evening. The sun was setting, the light began to fade, and darkness started to expand.
At that moment, Ryu looked at the clear sky.
"Hey, Brother, very little time remains until night," Ryu said.
"Yes, Ryu, it will be dark very soon," Kyros replied.
"Well, Brother, I believe it is best we set up camp here," Ryu suggested.
Then he looked back at Akari and Zara. They appeared tired. Ryu turned his face toward Kyros, who also looked exhausted.
"Hmm, everyone appears exhausted, and I am as well, so it is best we rest," Ryu whispered.
The journey had exhausted everyone; the entire day consisted of nothing but walking.
"Hey, Brother, let us go find some firewood, and Sister, you try to find some food with Sister Zara," Ryu said.
Everyone agreed.
"Okay, Ryu, let's go," Kyros replied.
They went to find dry wood to burn.
They walked together within the forest. They discovered a dead tree on the ground. It appeared dry.
"Hey, Brother, I found a dead tree," Ryu called to Kyros.
"Okay, I am coming," Kyros replied.
Kyros walked over to Ryu.
"Wow, nice, Ryu. We have more than we need," Kyros said.
"Yes, Brother, but we should store extra firewood for our journey, as we must travel farther," Ryu replied.
Kyros looked at Ryu's face once more.
"Well, Ryu," Kyros called.
Ryu paused and then looked at Kyros's face.
"Yes, Brother?..." Ryu replied.
"Well, your words sound exactly like your father's," Kyros said.
Ryu looked into Kyros's eyes. He was not particularly happy, sad, or angry, but a strong feeling of respect was evident in his eyes; they glowed with the joy of hearing something positive about his father, even long after his death.
"Brother, I am not a great person like my father. I am still only a child, and you must protect me, so I believe I hold you back on this journey. Still, I am so grateful that my father existed. If he were alive now, he could surely find a way to help us," Ryu replied.
Kyros looked at Ryu and then slowly turned his eyes toward the sky.
"No, Ryu, you are not an ordinary child. You are the son of our team leader, the son of a great knight, and, above all, the son of a kind-hearted and dependable person, which means you are truly fortunate. You are not holding us back; you are genuinely assisting us on this journey," Kyros replied in a calm tone. His voice was slow, calm, and comforting.
Ryu looked at the sky and realized it was growing darker.
"Hey, Brother, the sky is growing darker; we must return to camp," Ryu said.
"Yes, Ryu, you are right. Let us collect the wood and return," Kyros replied.
Then Kyros took his sword in hand, and Ryu summoned his sword. They looked forward to the dry tree on the ground. They glanced at each other.
"Let's begin," they both whispered and ran toward the dry wood to cut it.
"Hey, you little child, how can you cut wood with that great sword? It is a divine weapon!" Shinji's voice echoed in Ryu's mind; he was objecting to this action.
"Just shut up, Shin. Although it is a divine sword, we need wood now," Ryu replied to Shinji in his mind.
"How can you disrespect this divine item?" Shin said in frustration.
"Ah, it is only for this occasion. Who even knows it is a divine item? Only you and I know, so do not worry," Ryu replied to Shin in his mind.
"What do you mean, no one knows? It is a divine item..." Shin was saying something in Ryu's mind, but Ryu ignored him, his voice cut off as Ryu began speaking.
"Hey, Brother, I think that is enough," Ryu said.
"Yes, Ryu, I think so too," Kyros replied.
"Brother, you are remarkably fast with the sword; I could not wield a sword like you," Ryu said.
"Yes, how could you even compare yourself to an experienced warrior who respects his sword?" Shin said, teasing Ryu in his mind.
"Hey, Shin, I want to hit you. If you were in physical form, I swear I would beat you severely," Ryu replied to Shin in his mind.
Ryu tried to control his facial emotions while responding to Shin.
"Ah, Ryu, it is nothing. You could easily surpass me with training. Speed is merely a basic attribute for a swordsman, but you can utilize your magical space—that is so amazing. I must always carry my sword," Kyros replied to Ryu.
"No, Brother, you are an experienced swordsman; experience is more valuable than speed," Ryu replied.
Kyros glanced at Ryu's face once more, then looked at his sword and sheathed it.
"Ryu, you truly speak like a seasoned individual, though you are not," Kyros whispered slowly, smiling gently.
Ryu stored his sword in his magical dimension, then looked at Kyros.
"Hey, Brother, did you say something?" Ryu asked in confusion.
"No, Ryu, nothing," Kyros replied with a gentle smile, then slowly shifted his gaze to the wood pieces.
"Hey, Ryu, now we must work quickly; it will be dark very soon," Kyros said.
Ryu looked at the sky.
"Yes, Brother, we must hasten," Ryu replied.
Then they quickly began collecting the wood, with Ryu placing it into his magical space as they gathered. In this manner, they collected all the wood, and Ryu stored it.
Then Kyros looked at Ryu.
"Hey, Ryu, let us return to camp," Kyros said.
"Yes, Brother," Ryu replied.
They began walking. Ryu and Kyros observed their surroundings; the environment looked incredibly beautiful with an orange hue from the sunlight. The light of the setting sun covered the entire forest, and the beauty of nature appeared as if the sun had released magical particles that captivated Ryu and Kyros's eyes.
"Hey, Brother, this is truly beautiful," Ryu said.
"Yes, Ryu, everything appears magical," Kyros replied.
They walked toward the camp.
The scene shifted to Yuki.
"Hey, Yuki, let us go home. We must find Ryu if he was teleported as well," Lumi said.
Yuki looked at her surroundings, then slowly turned her eyes toward Lumi.
"Yes, Lumi, but is there a home where you live?" Yuki asked.
"Yes, of course," Lumi replied, then suddenly took Yuki's hand and opened a portal to pass through. She entered the portal, pulling Yuki with her.
Upon entering, the portal resembled an infinite void tinged with purple. The domain appeared endless. Yuki simply gazed at her surroundings, utterly confused.
Lumi noticed Yuki's reaction.
"Hey, Yuki, what is wrong?" Lumi asked.
Yuki looked around, then at Lumi.
"Hey, Lumi, where are we now?" Yuki asked.
Lumi looked into Yuki's eyes; confusion was clearly visible. Lumi paused, then said, "Well, it is like a different dimension. The magic used was teleportation; I summoned a portal that passes through this dimension."
Yuki looked at the void again.
"But, Lumi, how does this work?" Yuki asked.
"Well, it is not simple magic, but you can think of it as a portal that creates a shortest path from one place to another by utilizing a different dimension," Lumi explained.
"Well, I cannot fully comprehend it, but it is amazing," Yuki replied.
"Well, it is not ordinary magic; it is magic only gods can use," Lumi said.
Yuki suddenly looked at Lumi in shock.
"Only gods?..." Yuki whispered.
"Are you a god, Lumi?" Yuki asked.
Lumi looked back at Yuki.
"Well, not exactly, but as I am blessed by a great goddess, I can use it as well. It is very complex to explain," Lumi replied.
"Well, regardless, you are truly amazing, Lumi," Yuki replied.
"No, Yuki, you were far better than me in this timeline; you cannot even imagine," Lumi said.
Then she began walking forward through the dimension. After Lumi took a step or two, Yuki noticed her movement and followed.
They traveled a short distance through the void. Then, gradually, the void dissipated. A beautiful palace appeared before them. Yuki looked around in curiosity. They stood in a beautiful garden belonging to a massive white palace. Yuki was utterly speechless and amazed.
Lumi noticed Yuki's reaction.
"Hey, Yuki," Lumi called.
Yuki suddenly looked at Lumi's face.
"L-Lumi, is this your place?" Yuki asked in shock.
"Well..." Lumi began but abruptly stopped when she noticed someone.
Yuki looked in the same direction and also noticed two individuals running toward them, dressed in servant attire.
They reached Yuki and Lumi, then kneeled to show respect to Lumi.
"Welcome back, Lady Akari," the two servants greeted Lumi.
Yuki looked at them in shock; her expression indicated total confusion.
"H-hey, Lumi, are you truly the owner of this palace?" Yuki asked in astonishment.
The two servants noted the name "Lumi," which only Yuki used. One of them grew angry.
"Hey, you little girl—" he began, but the other servant placed a hand over his mouth.
"Hey... stop," the second servant whispered.
The first servant forcibly removed the second servant's hand.
"Hey, what are you doing?" the first servant said to the second.
"Hey, you stop. Look at the girl's face and also at Lady's eyes; she is angry as well," the second servant whispered.
The first servant then looked at Yuki's face and was shocked. He then observed Lumi's angry expression and realized his error. Both servants apologized.
"S-s-sorry, my lady; sorry, miss," the first servant apologized. They both rested their heads on the ground in respect.
"What happened to you both? Why are you shaking in fear?" Yuki asked in confusion. Then she noticed Lumi's anger toward them.
"Hey, Lumi, let it go; they do not know me well, so do not worry," Yuki said to Lumi.
Lumi looked at Yuki's face.
"Okay, this time I forgive you, but be more careful next time," Lumi said.
"Thank you, my lady; we will be more careful next time," the two servants replied.
"Now, stand up; how long will you sit like that?" Lumi told the servants.
"Yes, my lady," the servants replied, standing up.
"Well, my lady, why were you gone for so long? And has Lord Ryu returned?" the first servant asked.
"Well, nothing; I was merely resting and regaining my strength after the fight, so I am late," Lumi replied.
"Well, what about Lord Ryu?" the servants asked.
Lumi paused.
"Ah, he has gone to another timeline again," Lumi replied.
"Again?" the servants asked in shock.
"Yes, he is deeply concerned about Yuki," Lumi replied.
"Yes, my lady, that reaction is understandable," the second servant replied.
"Indeed, and I am waiting for him to find a way to recover her. However, I cannot travel as he does; I must protect Yuki," Lumi replied.
Yuki listened silently, appearing confused.
"Well, Lumi," Yuki slowly called.
Lumi suddenly looked at Yuki.
"Yes, Yuki, speak," Lumi replied.
The two servants were shocked upon hearing the name "Yuki."
"W-what? Really?" the servants whispered.
"Well, Lumi, which fight are you referring to? And had Ryu arrived before that?" Yuki asked in confusion.
Lumi paused.
"Well... it is a very long story; I will explain when we have time. Regarding Ryu, yes, he returned during the fight, and you cannot imagine how powerful he has become," Lumi explained.
"Really?..." Yuki replied, then paused briefly.
"Well, I am waiting for my Ryu to find me," Yuki whispered.
Lumi looked at Yuki's blushing face.
"You are finally expressing your true feelings about Ryu," Lumi said.
Yuki suddenly looked at Lumi, then paused briefly.
"Yes, because there is no reason to hide them from you, as you already know about us," Yuki said, covering her face in embarrassment. Her face flushed red.
"Ah, but still, you are unaccustomed to this feeling," Lumi said.
Suddenly, Yuki changed her expression.
"Hey, Lumi, please do not tell Ryu about this," Yuki said.
"Yes, yes, Yuki, I know; I do not wish to spoil your story," Lumi replied with a slight laugh.
Yuki exhaled deeply, finally feeling relieved.
"Well, my lady, is this reality, or are we dreaming? We can scarcely believe it," the servants said.
Lumi looked at them.
"Believe what?" Lumi asked.
"Is she truly Lady Yuki?" the second servant asked.
Lumi paused.
"Well... yes, she is, but not the Yuki you know; yet she is the same," Lumi said.
The servants looked at her in confusion.
"My lady, I am confused; please explain," the second servant said.
"Well, simply put, she is the same Yuki but from a different timeline, and her story differs from this timeline's," Lumi said.
"What?... But how?" the servants asked in shock.
"Do not worry; I will explain later," Lumi replied.
"Certainly, my lady," both servants replied.
"My lady, let us return to the palace; the others are eagerly awaiting you," the first servant said.
"Sure, let us go," Lumi replied.
Then she looked at Yuki.
"Yuki, come," Lumi said.
Yuki looked at Lumi's face.
"Yes, Lumi, let's go," Yuki replied.
They began walking, slowly reaching the massive gate of the palace. The two accompanying servants opened the gate. Other servants awaited them. Yuki observed the number of servants in shock; there were hundreds. They all welcomed them, and every servant was astonished upon seeing Yuki.
Time slowly passed into the evening. Yuki stood on the balcony, gazing at the setting sun. The wind flowed gently, causing Yuki's hair and dress to flutter softly in the breeze.
"I do not know where Ryu is, but I am waiting for him to come so we may return," Yuki whispered.
Lumi arrived on the balcony at that moment, hearing Yuki's whisper. She slowly walked to Yuki's side and stood with her.
"He will come very soon," Lumi said softly.
"Oh, Lumi..." Yuki said.
Then they both admired the beauty of the sky.
"Well, Lumi, do the servants usually fear you as they did this morning?" Yuki asked.
Lumi paused briefly.
"Well... actually, the two servants you saw this morning are the most trusted in the palace. I always speak to them calmly and gently, like family. However, today I was angry because they disrespected you, so they were terrified by my anger," Lumi said.
"Yes, I noticed your demeanor; you were consistently gentle and calm with them at all times," Yuki replied.
"Yes, because I consider them like family," Lumi replied.
"You are so kind, Lumi," Yuki replied.
Lumi looked at the sky.
"No, Yuki, you have not seen my past; how brutal I was," Lumi replied.
"But still, Lumi, you are so kind... Well... I wonder what Ryu is doing right now," Yuki said.
"Yes, I do as well," Lumi replied.
Then they both gazed at the evening sky.
The scene shifted to a mysterious place. The location resembled an old fortress. A person wearing warrior attire, with a long sword, stood with arms crossed. He observed the outside sunset; his sword rested against a wall. His appearance was entirely black, resembling a mere shadow. Slowly, the person vanished into the shadows as time flowed.
.....