"Join the resistance?"
For a moment, silence hung in the air. Seeing Teppei's eager expression, Lu Chen could only dodge the question with a vague reply.
"Haha, we're here to deliver some inside information about the Shogunate army to Captain Lumine. Technically, we're already on the resistance's side."
"That's great!" Teppei's eyes lit up. He leaned in and asked quietly, "So... what kind of inside information is it?"
"Well, if I told you, it wouldn't be inside information anymore." Lu Chen smirked. "Let's just say it's the kind of top-secret intel that could pose a serious threat to the Shogunate army."
Of course, there was no such "highly dangerous intel." He just needed an excuse to meet Lumine. Once he saw her, he could always drop a few story-relevant tidbits—after all, Lu Chen had a god's-eye view of the entire situation.
Teppei nodded solemnly. "That was careless of me. Matters involving classified intel should stay within a small circle. I'll lead the way! Just around this ridge—you'll see Captain Lumine and General Gorou soon!"
With Teppei in the lead, the group began climbing toward higher ground.
Along the way, Teppei grew emotional. "If more powerful fighters like you joined us, I'm sure our resistance would eventually prevail!"
Lu Chen nodded, playing along.
"Raiden Shogun has been ruthlessly stealing people's Visions. There's no way the Vision Hunt Decree will ever take hold on Watatsumi Island!" Teppei declared, his voice rising with indignation. "Now that Lady Sangonomiya has raised the banner of rebellion, we just need heroes like you to rally—and victory over Raiden Shogun will be within reach!"
"That's right! Victory is only a matter of time!" Lu Chen echoed indignantly. "Raiden Shogun is unyielding and cuts down anyone in her way without even giving them a chance to speak! It's outrageous!"
Then he turned to Ei with a cheeky grin. "Don't you agree?"
"Mm-hmm!" Nahida nodded eagerly, clearly enjoying the show.
Ei slightly lifted her straw hat. A faint look of exasperation crossed her shadowed face.
Teppei, oblivious to the sarcasm, was visibly moved. "Exactly! As long as we unite, we'll definitely be able to—"
But then curiosity took over. "So, Hero Lu Chen, have you actually fought Raiden Shogun before? Did you take her legendary 'Musou no Hitotachi' head-on?"
"I only escaped by pure luck," Lu Chen said with a fearful expression. "When that sword came down, there was lightning and thunder everywhere. It was terrifying..."
It had even destroyed the door to his bedroom—and his microwave.
"Incredible..." Teppei's eyes shone with admiration.
...
Lu Chen thought the topic was over, but Teppei had become talkative. He was clearly fascinated by Vision holders.
"They say those who are watched by the gods are truly blessed. They're given unimaginable power. If only I had that kind of strength..."
"Why do you want power so badly?" Lu Chen asked out of curiosity.
"If I had that power," Teppei said, "I could win victories for the Watatsumi Army, save countless lives, and become a great hero in everyone's eyes!"
Lu Chen looked at him and saw an honest, longing glimmer in his eyes. He'd seen something similar in Zen's eyes—but Teppei's desire was far simpler. He wanted to be favored by the gods just so he could become a hero.
Zen, on the other hand, wanted power to get revenge on the people who had looked down on him—his ambitions were far more bitter.
Lu Chen couldn't bring himself to dislike Teppei, even as an "enemy." In fact, he found himself liking the guy, and ended up chatting with him about things only Vision holders would know.
This only made Teppei more enthusiastic. By the time they reached the military camp, he was reluctant to part. "We'll talk more later. Wait here in this tent—I'll go notify Captain Lumine."
"Thanks," Lu Chen said with a smile.
After Teppei left, the tent fell quiet. Ei lifted her hat slightly, quietly observing the camp.
Although it was near the front lines, the Watatsumi Army's camp was orderly. Lu Chen saw a steady flow of supplies being transported in—there were clearly many more teams like the one they'd encountered earlier.
They didn't have to wait long before Lu Chen heard two familiar voices outside.
"Teppei? You're not kidding, right? How could Lu Chen just suddenly show up here?"
"It really is Lu Chen!? Finally, we don't have to camp outside and eat roasted apples every day... sniff..."
"Paimon, are you complaining about my cooking?"
"Hehehe, no, no! I just miss when Lu Chen was around. His cooking was sooo good! Just thinking about it makes my mouth water..."
"What kind of weird conditioned reflex is that? Who's the emergency food now?"
"Hey! I'm not emergency food!!"
"I didn't say it—you admitted it yourself!"
"You—! So annoying!"
Lu Chen couldn't help but laugh. The way they bickered was like a comedy skit. Though their time together had been short, the journey had been filled with unforgettable moments.
Like when they left the city—without a place to stay, they often camped outdoors. Using whatever food, spices, and cookware he had, he'd whip up simple yet tasty wilderness meals.
Whenever he cooked soup by the river, Paimon would zip around impatiently, chattering nonstop. Lumine would play along, pretending to tie her up with Lu Chen and jokingly threaten to cook her as emergency food. Paimon would go quiet in a flash...
While Lu Chen was lost in the memory, the tent flap lifted. Teppei returned, bringing with him a blonde girl and a small white-haired girl floating in the air. When they saw Lu Chen, both of them gasped.
"Lu Chen!"
"It's really you!!"
Seeing their excitement, Lu Chen felt the joy of reunion after a long parting. He smiled.
"Long time no see, my two travel—"
Before he could finish, Lumine threw herself at him, hugging him tightly.
"Thank goodness... I thought Raiden Shogun had killed you!"
"I'm fine... really..."
Paimon floated closer, circling them with delight. "Yeah, yeah! The Traveler and I thought you were dead. We were so sad!" Then she changed tone, her face suddenly downcast. "We were even thinking of booking a coffin for you at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor..."
Lumine's hug was so tight Lu Chen could hardly breathe. Struggling, he looked at Paimon in the air.
"Can't you think a little better of me? A coffin? Were you cursing me?"
"Hehehe, I didn't mean it like that..." Paimon chuckled sheepishly.
"And also..." Lu Chen glanced down at the blonde girl just inches from his face. "Lumine, I know you're happy, but... could you maybe let go first...?"
He hadn't expected her to be this happy—this... bold.
Especially with Ei standing right there.
This could get him killed!
"Hm?" Lumine's amber eyes filled with confusion.
But she didn't let go.
The atmosphere in the tent suddenly went silent. Unnaturally silent.
From Nahida's wide-eyed look, Lu Chen tried to glance behind him—and spotted Ei, her expression hidden under the shadow of her hat, eyes already turned icy cold.
At that moment, the gloomy sky above split with a crack of lightning, bathing everyone's faces in pale light.
Then came a thunderous roar, as if the sky itself was tearing apart.