Back at the palace, silence hung heavy. The echoes of the argument between Neve and Kazimir still lingered, as did the uncertainty surrounding Gendai—who had been taken by Vanessa. Felicia's eyes drifted to the ceiling, thoughts distant.
"Kazimir and Neve have been butting heads a lot lately," she murmured.
Kamaki leaned back slightly, curiosity flickering across his face. "Not even a year since I've been here… is this a common thing?"
Felicia shook her head. "No. They used to sync a lot, but I wasn't around during that time. Kazimir and Riah… they weren't always Vandors. They were guided by the current Vandors—the ones we see now. Neve mentored Kazimir, Jessie mentored Riah. Both were naturally gifted, with massive energy projection capacity. Riah with her eternal phoenix flames, Kazimir with Imaginary Essence—one a blessing, one a curse. Kazimir's curse… he uses it for good, but it doesn't always go the way he wants."
Kamaki's eyes narrowed. "So they're natural prodigies?"
Felicia nodded, her gaze softening. "Yes. But talent alone isn't everything. They were born with potential, but their skill… that's hard work. Kazimir has this talent for refining techniques. Watching him fight—it's almost like a melody, a song in motion. Riah is the same."
Kamaki closed his eyes, reflecting. "I guess I shouldn't speak either. I'm the strongest vampire alive now, wielding this power, but I'm no Kazimir or Riah—or even a Vandor. Being gifted doesn't automatically put you at the top. You still have to work."
Felicia smiled faintly. "We're all gifted, Kamaki. Few take it to the heights those two have reached."
Kamaki raised an eyebrow. "And… what does any of this have to do with Neve and Kazimir's argument?"
Felicia let out a sigh. "Honestly… I forgot for a moment."
Kamaki chuckled. "Even a supercomputer can forget, huh?"
Felicia muttered, "Shut up."
She continued, her tone thoughtful. "I just hope they can make up. I understand why Neve saw Kazimir's words about peace as hypocritical. But that was just one mistake. Alone, he eliminated the parasites and decreased their threat—but that wasn't his true reason for the day. He fought tirelessly for something else."
Kamaki tilted his head. "And what's that? You knew all along?"
Felicia's gaze grew distant. "Usually, I can't read Kazimir. But that day… I could. His true reason was to find Abiba. Think about it—parasites corrupted his people, our dynasties. They were not even close as strong than the ones here. Abiba had to be involved. Kazimir didn't fully know who or what caused it, but when James told us, a change appeared in him instantly. Riah knew this, but no one else did—except you and me."
She leaned back slightly. "That's also why he never saw himself as a hero. Kazimir isn't evil… nor strictly good. He doesn't act out of selflessness. His only reason for standing with us? He hates the Nullity. He wants a world where he doesn't have to raise his blade ever again. He seeks peace—but his actions… they always hurt those dear to him."
Raijin groaned, breaking the heavy tension. "Still talking about Kazimir and Neve? I'm already sick of this planet. I can't get any buzz here—they all view me as disgusting."
Riah's white flames shimmered faintly as she approached. "If you want to go back, you can. Earth still needs you. But Felicia stays. Tyrone and Lihanna… you remain too. Those three were requested to stay."
Kamaki's eyes narrowed. "Wait… what do you mean?"
Before anyone could answer, Vanessa appeared, carrying Gendai through the grand halls. Every mouth fell open at the sight: Gendai, battered, swollen, and with a broken arm. All except Riah, who stood calm, expression unreadable.
Vanessa's lips curled into a smirk. "She wanted to act like a bully. I taught her a lesson. I hope you're okay with that."
Riah stepped forward, her hand hovering over Gendai. White phoenix flames erupted, enveloping the injured woman in a warm, glowing aura. Slowly, the wounds began to knit, the broken arm mending under the gentle but fierce flames.