The three were already dressed and standing before the castle's front gate, ready to depart.
"Don't you guys need equipment for the missions?" DIALO asked, crossing his arms. "Your fists will get sore punching the hard skin of those Darkside Spirits."
They froze for a moment—looking like they'd completely forgotten about that.
"If you've got some to spare us, we won't mind," Sasaki said immediately.
"Come on then," DIALO replied. "These guys will take you to the equipment shop. I've got something to attend to."
In a blink, he switched out of sight.
A Shinra appeared and guided them through the castle halls to the equipment shop.
After searching for a while, Sasaki chose a massive black greatsword with a glowing red core running through its center. It exuded a dark and menacing aura—yet held no trace of Renshi.
Alfie and Jackson picked regular Shinra swords, each fitting neatly into a scabbard strapped to their backs.
Sasaki secured his greatsword as well.
When they stepped out of the shop, DIALO appeared once more behind them.
"Sorry for more disturbance," he said. "But to be on the safer side, take this before you go."
"Whatever it is, I know it's valuable," Sasaki said. "No need to apologize for helping."
DIALO tossed a Shinra badge to each of them. They caught it easily.
"With those, you won't be seen or referred to as rogues," DIALO explained. "You'll be able to move and take jobs freely. Just make sure you don't lose them."
"Thanks once again. You've been of great help," Sasaki said as they pinned the badges to their capes.
The trio then left the castle, walking on foot until they finally crossed the borders of the Kingdom of Samira.
Hours passed. The sun began to set.
They followed a long, empty concrete road used mostly by merchants.
"We actually forgot to ask them for horses," Jackson groaned. "My legs are giving up after walking all day."
"Don't act lazy, Jack," Alfie said, slowing his pace. "You're taller than me—and probably older by a few years—so don't act weak in front of your junior."
"Shut it, Alfie. Age doesn't mean anything when it comes to strength," Jackson shot back. "You might have more stamina, but I've got better skill. So don't get ahead of yourself."
"You two mind shutting up while we walk?" Sasaki said flatly, walking ahead. "Your argument's pissing me off."
Both of them sighed and fell silent.
After a while, Sasaki spoke again.
"The road's too quiet. Is this how things always are here?"
"I guess we'll never know unless we experience it," Jackson replied. "More people means more trouble anyway. Quiet roads don't bother me."
"How can we walk this long to the next kingdom? It's going to take forever," Jackson complained again, looking down the road that stretched endlessly, forests rising on both sides.
"Shut it, Jack. Your whining's getting on my nerves," Alfie said.
"Don't act all tough. I know you're tired too. It won't hurt to take a break and continue tomorrow morning," Jackson suggested.
"Where the hell do you expect us to rest, Mister?" Sasaki said, turning to him.
"We're surrounded by forest. We can make camp anywhere—it's not a big deal," Jackson said.
"It just got dark and you want to sleep? Not happening," Sasaki replied firmly.
"Hey, hey, give me a break. Night means night. The time doesn't really matter," Jackson muttered.
Neither Sasaki nor Alfie replied.
Hours later—five, to be exact—it was already midnight.
They were still walking.
"You know what, Mr. Sasaki," Jackson said, stopping in his tracks. "I think I'm done. I can't go any further."
Sasaki smirked, then stepped toward the forest's left side.
"Come on, you two. It's the right time for a night rest."
"Ohh, finally," Jackson sighed in relief.
They set up camp and slept until morning.
"WAKE UP! WAKE UP! No time for morning naps!" Sasaki shouted right into their ears.
Both Alfie and Jackson jumped up from the ground, startled.
"Hey, hey, don't yell in my ear! You trying to damage my brain!?" Jackson yelled back.
"The sun's rising. Let's hit the road," Sasaki said.
"Both of you've been filled with energy since yesterday. It's kinda cool," Alfie muttered.
"We haven't lost anything yet, Alfie," Jackson said confidently. "We're going to get Master back and rescue Rebekah. Everything will go as planned. So stay full of energy—we're not giving up. The journey won't be easy, but as long as we keep moving forward, the outcome won't change."
"That's it, huh?" Alfie nodded. "Of course we haven't lost everything. We still have things to do. The bigger picture is all that matters."
"Alright then," Alfie said. "Let's hit the road. But this time, let's go through the forest—the road's boring and frustrating. We need a little fun."
"Hah, now you're talking. I knew you were just acting tough yesterday," Jackson grinned.
"Shut it, redhead. I wasn't. Being bored and being tired are two different things, you moron," Alfie replied.
"You idiot! I told you to stop calling me redhead!" Jackson snapped.
"I'll put both of you in my domain if you don't shut up," Sasaki said, a dark smile spreading across his face.
"Hey, hey, give me a break! I don't want to be in that creepy domain!" Alfie said quickly.
"Then shut up," Sasaki shot back immediately.
And with that, the three continued their journey—side by side, their footsteps echoing softly against the forest path.