"I made a promise to a friend, a true defender of mankind. I can't abandon that now, Your Highness."
Marco's voice remained calm, but the seriousness behind his words was unmistakable.
The ruler narrowed his eyes.
"A friend? What kind of promise could make you hesitate to carry out a mission for your own kingdom?"
"It's personal."
Marco slowly rose to his feet.
"I never said I wouldn't go. I'm simply telling you that there's something else I need to take care of."
The ruler folded his arms.
"Then what will it be, Marco?"
"I'll accept the mission."
Marco's expression hardened.
"But I'll go alone. I don't need an accomplice."
The ruler studied him for a moment before finally nodding.
"Very well. If that's what you want, go alone. But avoid combat at all costs. We cannot afford to lose you."
He stepped closer, his expression stern.
"You're the very foundation holding this kingdom together."
Marco remained silent before bowing his head.
"As you command."
Without another word, he turned and left the castle.
The young Shinra hurried after him, his shoulders slumping.
"Just when I thought I'd finally get to go on a mission with the strongest Shinra in the kingdom. Looks like luck isn't on my side today."
Marco glanced at him.
"Don't complain, kid. Going on a mission with someone stronger than you won't make you stronger. It'll only make you dependent on them."
He continued down the street.
"Take missions with the other academy Shinras. Protect them with your life, and put yourself through real battles."
Marco looked back at him.
"That's how you reach your limits and break through them."
The young Shinra listened intently.
"For now, don't take on anything above Beta-level Darkside Spirits," Marco continued. "Master the basics. Survive. Grow."
The young Shinra clenched his fists, his disappointment giving way to determination.
"I think I needed to hear that."
He smiled.
"Thanks, Captain."
With that, he turned and ran off.
Marco watched him disappear before slowly lifting his gaze toward the sky.
"It's time to visit Guhan."
His expression grew thoughtful.
"I hope Falco's son is at least half the man his father was."
He paused, reconsidering his words.
"No. I hope he's even better."
Falco's final words returned to his mind. He had kept his son from joining the Shinra Academy, fearing the world would discover what Alfie truly was.
"A child with that kind of fighting spirit…"
A faint smile touched Marco's lips.
"He's worth teaching."
He let out a quiet sigh.
"It's been… how long now?"
His expression grew distant.
"Three centuries since I last had a student."
The smile faded.
"And that didn't end well."
Marco continued toward the outskirts of the city until he reached his horse. He rested one hand on the reins and lowered his head.
"Pretending to be just another Shinra for so long. Hiding who I really am…"
He sighed.
"It's exhausting."
Looking toward the road leading to Guhan, he tightened his grip on the reins.
"Maybe it's time for that to end. I'll meet the boy in my true form."
Just as he prepared to mount his horse, a voice called out from behind him.
"Captain."
Marco stopped and turned.
"The ruler needs you back at the castle. It's urgent."
Marco clicked his tongue in irritation.
"This isn't the time."
He glanced toward the road ahead.
"Tell him I've already departed. I can't waste another second."
With that, he mounted his horse and pulled the reins.
"Hyah."
The horse surged forward, carrying Marco away from the city and onto the long road toward Guhan.
He had no idea what was happening behind him.
---
The Same Morning --- Guhan Kingdom
"Big brother…"
Elijah stepped into their father's old smithing area, where Alfie sat at the forge, carefully crafting arrows.
"Mama left really early today. Don't you think that's strange?"
"Yeah."
Alfie kept his eyes on his work.
"She usually waits for us. We always eat breakfast together."
He set another finished arrow aside.
"I have no idea where she went."
Elijah hesitated, concern creeping into his voice.
"Do you think she went looking for Papa? It's been over a week now. He's never been gone this long."
Alfie paused before picking up another piece of material.
"I doubt it. She's probably at her shop."
He placed the finished arrow beside the others and looked at his brother.
"Want to go check?"
"Yes. Let's go."
Elijah immediately turned toward the door.
Alfie stood and reached for his sword, fastening it at his side.
"Is Marcus still asleep?"
"Yeah."
"Alright. I'll bring my sword, just in case."
His expression grew serious.
"If Mama's in trouble, I want to be ready."
The two boys hurried through the quiet morning streets, their footsteps echoing through the nearly empty town.
"What if she's not there?" Elijah asked.
Alfie frowned.
"I don't know. Let's just hope she is."
After about eight minutes of running, they finally reached the shop.
Both boys stopped.
The shop was closed, and the door was locked.
Alfie stared at it, his breathing heavy from the run.
"This isn't good…"
His gaze remained fixed on the door.
"She never closes the shop without telling us."
A sense of unease settled over him.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
Suddenly, a panicked voice rang out from down the street.
"Everyone, get inside your homes."
A man came sprinting toward them, his face filled with terror.
"Darkside Spirits are attacking the farmers up at the cliffs. I barely escaped."
He didn't stop to explain further, rushing into an alley before disappearing into a nearby house.
"Lock your doors."
An elderly man standing outside his home turned toward the boys.
"You two shouldn't be out here. Go home to your parents…"
He hesitated, his expression darkening.
"If they're still alive."
Elijah's face went pale.
The old man glanced toward the road before continuing.
"Something like this hasn't happened in over eleven years. It's going to be chaos for anyone with Renshi."
He hurried inside and slammed the door shut.
Alfie stared down the street for a moment before turning to Elijah.
"Come on."
He grabbed his brother's hand.
"We're going home."
"But what about Mama?"
Elijah's voice trembled.
"Leave Mama to me," Alfie replied firmly. "I'll find her."
The two boys broke into a run.
"What are you going to do, big brother?"
Elijah looked up at him, but Alfie didn't answer.