Cinister is currently chilling in the inn that was offered to him in the village.
While lying in bed, he holds his hand up and asks, "These powers…" as he lights his hand on fire. "I've been thinking of them as normal, but when you really think about it, they don't make any sense," he says.
"But I've adapted to them like they're mine, so why do I feel like there's something wrong with them? It's so confusing!" he yells.
Then a knock is heard at his door.
Huh? he wonders as he opens it, only to see a knight standing there.
Hello, Mr. Cinister. I'm a humble knight, he explains.
Can I help you with anything? Cinister asks.
Why yes. The king wants to meet with you, the knight replies.
Is it optional? Cinister asks.
No… the knight says.
Fine, I'll come, Cinister answers.
As they head toward the castle, Cinister continues questioning his power.
Why are Nexuses so normalized? Why am I so unsure of myself? Maybe it's because I couldn't save George and Brayden, he thinks as they arrive at the castle.
Cinister stands before the throne.
Cinister, do you know why I summoned you? the King asks.
No, Your Majesty, Cinister replies.
Then I shall be direct, the King says. I wish for you to join my army. There are growing rumors that several Guardians (those who have cleared Floor 50) intend to attack our floor.
Wait, but why? Cinister asks.
The reason is simple, the King explains. A new event will begin here in ten days. These Guardians seek to expand their territory so they may claim greater rewards.
And if I refuse? Cinister asks.
You will be executed, the King states calmly.
With what army? Cinister continues.
The King raises his hand, and twenty guards storm through the doors, leveling their spears at Cinister.
In response, Cinister ignites his body in blue flames, instantly incinerating the spears.
I'll join on one condition, Cinister says. I only need you to answer some questions.
The King studies him for a moment before replying, Very well. Ask what you wish.
I'll ask you later, Cinister says as he turns and heads toward the army.
Damn, this blue flame is nice, but it overheats me like crazy. I can feel my blood cells getting hotter, Cinister mutters as he makes his way to the training grounds.
The soldiers all turn to look at him with disgust, the largest among them stepping forward and looming over Cinister.
I heard what you did. Do you think you're tough? the soldier asks.
Maybe. Maybe not. Why do you care? Cinister replies.
The soldier suddenly grabs Cinister's wand and book, tossing them behind him.
Let's see what you've got, the soldier challenges.
Cinister simply nods, keeping his hands in his pockets.
The soldier swings his sword with full force, but Cinister jumps upward, pulling one hand from his pocket and engulfing the soldier in flames midair.
Anyone else have a problem? Cinister asks calmly.
In response, the remaining fifty soldiers rush toward him.
The scene cuts to Alya and Ragna returning to the village.
I can't wait to meet Cinister, Alya says excitedly.
Yeah, I can't wait to beat him up again, Ragna replies with a grin.
It might be close, but Cinister is just too strong for you, Alya says.
Yeah, but I think I got h- Ragna is interrupted when he suddenly stops.
Cinister is standing atop forty-nine unconscious guards, casually holding the last one in his fifth hand.
What's up, guys? Cinister says as he leaps down, throwing the guard aside.
"What happened?" Alya asked.
"Nothing, just a little hassle," Cinister said.
"Why are you here?" Ragna asked.
"Well, the King said that some Guardians are going to invade this land, so we need to protect it," Cinister explained. "So, wanna join and help whip these soldiers into shape?"
"Of course we will!" Alya said.
"Sure, I guess. I don't mind," Ragna replied.
The two of them registered with the King, and soon they began training the soldiers.
On the other side in a faraway cave…
"So, we're going to invade the kingdom, right?" one figure asked.
"Yeah. Cinister should be there now, with Ragna and some girl," said a hooded figure with red hair.
"And how are you so sure he's there?" asked the other hooded figure, revealing white hair and sharp green eyes.
"Gut feeling," the red-hooded woman reassured him.
"How can we trust you, though?" said a black-haired man with an immense, oppressive aura.
"I can donate one million gold to you," the woman said.
Before she could say anything else, she was suddenly pulled into a chokehold by none other than Juti.
"Are you dumb? There's no way you have that much," Juti said calmly.
The woman pointed toward a briefcase. Inside it was, indeed, one million gold.
Juti released her and returned to stand with the other five cloaked Guardians.
Irhirh, the white-haired man, spoke up. "Can we win against Cinister?"
"Of course we can win," said the man with the terrifying aura. "There are five of you, each capable of clearing Floor 50 with ease, so don't fret."
"You guys are free except thelady" he continues
As the five Guardians disappeared, only the red-hooded woman and the boss remained.
"So, what's your name?" he asked.
"It's Eulb," she answered.
"Why do you want to help us, Eulb?" he asked.
"I want to complete a long-term goal, and it starts here," she said.
"So you're using us for your own benefit," he said.
"And? So what if I am?" Eulb replied. "My goal is the most important thing. I couldn't care less if a shady organization doesn't trust me."
"Interesting," he said. "I'll work with you but on one condition."
"Which is?" she asked suspiciously.
"It is…" he said calmly.
"I'll do it I guess" she accepts
"On the 15th Octomber prepare for assault and don't hold back" he says warning her
"Of course" she answers confidently