In less than twenty seconds, Alfie's fists were a blur—his punches pounding against the thick trunk of the tree with such speed and precision that each strike echoed through the forest like distant thunder. What began as measured training had now evolved into something more intense, more primal. His breathing remained steady, calculated, as he moved from one side of the tree to the other, refusing to focus all his force in one spot to prevent boring a hole clean through it.
Sweat streamed down his face, soaking into his shirt and dripping from his chin, while his aura—the manifestation of his force energy—radiated off his body like steam rising from boiling water. With every rotation around the tree, his fists landed faster, harder, and more rhythmically. The ground itself began to tremble as the base of the tree cracked and the roots groaned from the mounting pressure.
"Just a little more," Alfie murmured between breaths.
A final, thunderous punch landed—sending the massive tree hurtling off the ground. It crashed down through the forest, toppling several trees in its path before it finally slammed against the earth with a booming thud. Alfie dropped to his knees, panting heavily and holding himself up with both arms.
"I think… I overdid it this time," he groaned, chest rising and falling with exhaustion.
Suddenly, realization struck him like lightning.
"My sword! No no no no no!" he shouted, scrambling to his feet and sprinting toward the direction where the tree had landed.
He flipped over branches, rolled aside splinters, and frantically searched beneath trunks, muttering to himself. Just as panic began to overtake him, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Looking for this?" Lucy asked, appearing out of thin air with his sword held casually in her left hand.
Alfie spun around in disbelief, eyes wide. "Master?! How—how did you get here so fast?!"
He rushed to collect the sword, cradling it as he strapped it back into his scabbard.
"Don't act surprised," came Rebekah's voice as she walked up from the same direction. "That's something only Master can do. Remember, she was a special Darkside Knight."
"I know that," Alfie muttered, still bewildered. "But her speed is just... insane. Was that some kind of spell?"
"When you're ready, I'll teach you," Lucy replied calmly as she turned and began walking toward the border of the Kingdom of Eminence.
Alfie leaned toward Rebekah and whispered, "Hey, where's Master's horse?"
"She's sick," Rebekah whispered back. "Master keeps her in her ring for now."
As the two followed after Lucy, they kept a small distance behind.
"You two shouldn't lag behind, my dear students," Lucy called without turning her head. "I won't bite."
"We're good from here, Master!" Alfie and Rebekah chorused, though they quickened their pace slightly to stay within reach.
The trio pressed forward, weaving through the forest toward the border that separated the Kingdom of Eminence from the Kingdom of Sunflower.
---
Meanwhile, perched on the high branches of a thick tree that overlooked the path, Sasaki sat calmly with one knee raised, his sword resting beside him. Below him, Lyon remained sprawled across a broad branch, still fast asleep.
"They're getting close," Sasaki murmured with a grin that was all menace and teeth. "Rise and shine, partner—our results are walking right into our trap."
"Mmmmnnn…" Lyon stirred, his voice groggy.
Sasaki tapped him with his foot. "Come on, get up. We've got a kid to catch."
Lyon sat up, stretching his arms and yawning. "So… it's time for action already, huh? After all that tracking…"
He leapt down from the tree and landed silently on the ground, dusting off his cloak.
"There's a lake up ahead. Let's drink and prepare."
"I don't need water," Sasaki said, his expression turning cold. "If necessary, I'll break the kid's legs and drag him back. Their strength doesn't compare to mine."
Lyon narrowed his eyes slightly. If it comes to the worst, he thought, I'll seal the woman. I won't spill innocent blood—not unless I'm forced to.
He turned and walked toward the shimmering lake nearby, the surface reflecting the creeping light of dawn.
---
Elsewhere, deep in the Kingdom of Scale, preparations were also underway. At Bash's residence, Jackson and Marcel were putting on their gear when a voice rang out from the doorway.
"Come out, both of you. The spell's ready!" Bash called from outside.
Jackson and Marcel dashed out.
"Stand close," Bash instructed, stepping between them.
"Uhh… hey, old man," Marcel said, inching away slightly. "Don't you think you're a little too close? And what's with the mask?"
"Stop calling me 'old man!'" Bash barked. "It's Mister Bash. I'm tired of the disrespect."
"Okay okay—Mister Bash," Jackson added, smirking. "But, like, shouldn't you stay back? Won't your Renshi signature mix with ours if you're in the circle?"
"You fools," Bash snapped. "I'm the one casting the spell. Of course I'm coming with you. Now shut up and let me focus."
He closed his eyes and brought his hands together, a low hum of energy vibrating through the air. A glowing Renshical teleportation circle began to form at their feet, charged with pulsating lines of pure Renshi.
"You're coming with us?" Jackson exclaimed, now genuinely surprised.
"Obviously," Bash said with a grin under his mask.
And with that, the teleportation circle activated—flashing with blinding white light.