The moment Kame and the trio overheard Envy's words, an invisible shockwave passed through them.
"War?!" Kame exclaimed, unable to control his voice. "What do you mean by war? What kind of war is this? Tell us something!"
The word itself felt unreal—too heavy, too sudden. Kame's mind raced, trying to make sense of it, but before he could press further, Pride raised his hand.
"Wait, Kame," Pride said calmly. His tone carried an authority that instantly forced silence. "You'll understand everything soon enough."
He then turned his gaze toward Joshen and Catia. The weight in his eyes was different now—calculating, almost cautious.
"And you two—Joshen, Catia," Pride continued, "the level of shifter's ability you emit is still comparatively low. If you ask for my honest recommendation, it would be better for you not to take part in the war. For your own safety."
For a brief second, the air felt suffocating.
Catia clenched her fists tightly, her jaw set with determination.
"No," she said without hesitation. "That won't happen. We won't leave Kame alone."
She turned toward Joshen. "Right?"
Joshen didn't answer immediately.
His eyes lowered, memories surfacing—his cold behavior, his calculated indifference. When he finally spoke, his voice was steady, yet heavy with honesty.
"At first," he said slowly, "I only saw Kame as my assistant. I tried everything to make him uncomfortable… just like the others. I wanted him to leave."
He paused, then lifted his head and met Kame's eyes directly.
"But things have changed. Kame isn't just an assistant anymore."
Joshen inhaled deeply.
"He's my friend."
He straightened his posture.
"And I declare that openly."
Kame froze.
Warm tears gathered at the corners of his eyes before he could stop them. He quickly turned away, clenching his fists, refusing to let them fall.
"Guys…" he said softly, his voice trembling despite his effort. "Thank you. For showing me this kindness. This… love."
For a moment, no one spoke.
Pride watched them quietly before letting out a slow breath.
"Very well," he said. "If that is your decision, I won't stop you. But understand this—there isn't much time left before the Great War begins."
The word echoed ominously.
"You all must begin training," Pride continued. "Immediately."
"What kind of training?" the trio asked together.
Pride allowed a faint, knowing smile.
"Let's break this down."
He turned toward Joshen and Catia first.
"You two will focus on refining your shifter's abilities. I have several methods prepared for that. As for the Crombus Compound powers—don't worry about them yet. We are short on time, and priorities matter."
Then Pride looked at Kame.
"Kame… your shifter's ability is already at a high level."
Kame frowned. "Then why does it feel like I still don't understand it?"
"Why that is," Pride replied calmly, "I cannot tell you yet."
He paused before adding, "And don't concern yourself with the Crombus Compound either. From now on, you will begin learning the third power of the Witch's Blessings."
Kame stiffened.
"The third power?" he asked cautiously. "What exactly is the Witch's Blessings?"
His eyes narrowed as his thoughts aligned.
"Wait… the shifter's ability and the Crombus Compound—are they the first two powers of the Witch's Blessings?"
Pride smiled, clearly impressed.
"Just as I expected from you," he said. "Your intelligence has already reached this level. And I'm certain—it will grow even further."
Before Kame could ask more, Pride turned sharply.
"To begin your training, Joshen and Catia, you must go to the other travellers—"
A chilling voice cut through the air.
"No need, newbie."
The atmosphere shifted instantly, as if the world itself had tensed.
"I already came."
A figure emerged from the shadows.
"Growndie," Pride said quietly.
The pressure emanating from him was overwhelming. Catia's breath hitched, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Joshen felt his shifter's ability react on instinct alone.
Growndie's cold eyes swept across them before stopping.
"Where is Amanda?" he asked.
Catia swallowed hard.
"A… A… Amanda?" she repeated, her voice barely audible.
Growndie turned toward her slowly.
"Are you talking about that Amanda?" he asked. "Do you know her, by any chance, newbie?"
"Yes," Catia replied shakily. "She's… she's my older sister."
Silence fell.
"The same sister," Growndie continued, "who showed you the final power of the Crombus Compound."
Kame and Joshen felt their blood turn cold.
"She's… here?" Joshen whispered.
Kame stood frozen, stunned beyond words.
Growndie's lips curved into a faint, unsettling smile.
"So fate finally begins to move," he muttered.
Far away, unseen yet undeniable, something ancient stirred.
The Great War was no longer a distant possibility.
It was approaching.