The mountain wind howled through the trees. Standing before the invisible border to the Wind Kingdom, Ruka took a step forward—but a firm hand caught her shoulder.
It was her father, Emperor Ryujin Akagiri, cloaked in deep crimson.
"Ruka," he said gently, "as a father—I'll support you. Even now, deep into the night, I'd walk with you to find him."
She nodded, eyes burning. "Then why are we waiting?"
"Because," he continued, voice lowering, "I'm also the Emperor. I can't give you permission to enter."
Ruka turned. "Father, we both know you could wipe out the entire Wind Kingdom by yourself."
Ryujin smirked, but his tone remained calm. "Maybe. But doing that isn't good for our continent. I have to manage political balance. Sixty-seven nations answer to me. One rash move could ignite wars that would burn for decades."
Ruka's fist clenched. "But what if something happens to Ardy?!"
"He's Ardy," Ryujin replied. "Not a child. He'll survive."
He turned and started walking. "We'll go home for now. When Akumo, Zero, Edward—all of them recover—you'll return with full strength. And bring him back."
Ruka stared at the distant mist that marked the border. Then slowly—she followed.
A golden ray slipped through stained-glass windows. Inside the palace suite, Ardy stood beside a velvet curtain and gently knocked on the outer chamber door.
"My Lady," he called softly. "It's morning."
A sleepy voice answered: "Ardy… give me your hand."
He opened the door.
Princess Ayraine, dressed in thin moon-blue silk, reached out. He offered his hand, and she gracefully pulled herself upright.
"I'm going for a bath," she said with a stretch. "Please bring my dress."
Ardy nodded silently.
Minutes later, he returned outside the royal bath chamber. "My Lady… I've brought your dress."
Ayraine replied through the steam. "Come inside."
Ardy flinched. "My Lady—no. I can't."
"Oh, don't worry. Just put the dress on the table."
He entered slowly. Steam curled around polished tiles. Ayraine's back was turned, her hair gleaming wet like woven starlight.
"Come here, Ardy," she said.
He stepped closer.
"Wash my hair."
Ardy hesitated, then knelt behind her, gently rinsing her locks with scented water. His thoughts spun.
What is wrong with this bitch…? Is she trying to mess with me?
Ayraine smiled. "Okay—you can wait outside now."
"Yes, My Lady."
Ardy waited in the outer chamber.
Ayraine emerged in a floor-length silk gown, the same moon-blue shade, trimmed in gold. Her hair was tied into loose twin braids over her shoulders. She wore light crystal bracelets and matching silver anklets that glowed softly.
She looked at him.
"Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, My Lady."
She nodded. "Come."
Inside the crystal dining room, Ardy's steps slowed.
He saw them.
The Elf King, seated at the head. The Queen, regal and poised. Royal advisors lining the marble table.
They all stared at Ardy.
Why are they all… looking at me like this?
Ayraine sat down calmly beside her father.
The King pulled out a glowing magic stone from a velvet box.
"What is this?" he asked.
Ardy's eyes widened.
It was the same type—one of the Chaos Stones.
The King's fingers didn't burn. He could touch it. Control it.
Ardy's heart raced. So that's how Leo was able to use it. This stone suppresses its own power unless the wielder's body can handle it. Otherwise… it kills.
He remembered Leo's words:
"This only contains 1% of Erabus's power."
If that's true… how powerful is Erabus… really?
The King's voice snapped him out of thought. "Ardy. What happened?"
Ardy straightened. "My Lord—I'm an S-rank student of the Holy Knight Training Center and Academy. An evil organization attacked us. They were after that stone."
He paused. "We fought. One of our closest friends turned dark. We lost someone… and to protect that stone, I jumped off the mountain and ended up here."
The King studied him. "All because of this stone?"
He looked into it. "Its power is… unending."
Ayraine leaned closer. "So you risked your life for your people? Impressive. You're truly loyal."
Ardy bowed. "Thank you, My Lady."
At the training barracks, morning light filtered into the infirmary.
Zero opened his eyes.
Akumo jumped up. "He's awake!"
Edward raised a fist. "Careful, is he normal?"
Sumi ran over. "Zero?"
Zero blinked slowly. "…Why are you all staring at me?"
Akumo smirked. "You flipped the entire battlefield last time you opened your eyes."
Zero sat up. "I feel… normal. Like the monster's quiet again."
Edward nodded. "Good. Then we won't tie you to a chair."
Sumi smiled tearfully. "Welcome back."
Zero looked around and whispered, "Thanks…"
Suddenly, Ruka burst into the hall.
"He's alive! Ardy's alive!"
Everyone turned.
"I found his trail—his hoodie, his footprints. We're going. All of us."
Akumo grabbed his sword. "Let's go!"
Edward nodded. "We're ready."
Zero stood. "Lead the way."
Sumi grinned. "We're bringing him back."
The team assembled. A new storm rising behind their eyes.
Because friendship wasn't just survival.
It was war.
And Ardy wasn't dying alone.