The next morning, Cosmo calmly descended the stairs, his expression serene and relaxed. In the lobby, he spotted Erick coming in, a book in hand and his eyes fixed on Lela, lost in thought.
Cosmo called out to him with his usual calm tone:
" What are you reading, young Erick?"
Erick looked up and quickly closed the book.
" It's a book Miss Mei gave me. It's about 'the Inverses and their nature' " he answered, showing the cover.
" Hm... sounds like an interesting read. But unfortunately, I have a meeting today. We'll have to discuss it later."
Cosmo turned to leave, but Erick stopped him, stumbling over his words:
" Wait, Captain! I still have so many questions!"
He opened the book quickly and pointed to a passage.
" Here it says the Inverses are wild and irrational, but... the one that attacked us in Cilvett could talk! And think! Even Louis said he saw someone turning into an Inverse right in front of him, back in Systella!"
Cosmo let out a loud laugh, placing a light hand on Erick's shoulder.
"Looks like you still have a lot to learn about the Inverses… It's settled!"
He walked toward the door, already throwing down a challenge:
"I want you at the field early tomorrow morning. And bring the others, too. Don't be late."
And with that, he left, leaving Erick behind, lost in thought.
"Why is the captain always so mysterious?" he muttered as he climbed the stairs again with a sigh.
***
Capital of Ars
In the enormous central headquarters, the great hall was packed with leaders of various groups. A buzz of conversation filled the room while Cosmo, at the center, calmly sampled a few local dishes.
"It's been quite some time since we were all gathered together, hasn't it, Cosmo-Sama?"
The voice came from Nori, captain of the Golden Phoenixes. She observed him from across the table with a sharp, curious gaze.
"Oh, Nori! Long time no see! I can tell you've grown quite a bit."
Nori smiled faintly, lifting a wine glass to her lips, trying to hide the slight blush on her cheeks.
"Of course I have. It's not like I didn't want you to notice…"
"Hmm, I see…"
Before he could respond, someone tried to sneak up on him from behind, but Cosmo dodged easily, letting the intruder fall to the floor with a soft thud.
"Your reflexes are still sharp, Cosmo!"
It was Vulgo, captain of the Purple Dragons.
"And you're still predictable, Vulgo," Cosmo replied, offering him a hand to get up.
"Mind if we join you?"
Kagura, captain of the Wild Flowers, appeared alongside Darth, captain of the Falcons.
"You're still as annoying as ever…" Darth muttered, crossing his arms.
"Oh, come on, Darth… Be nice. It's been ages since we last saw each other."
Nori laughed, poking his cheeks playfully. Darth sighed, giving in.
"Yeah, yeah… I missed you too, Cosmo."
A deep bell rang out, silencing the hall. Everyone turned toward the three elders seated on their thrones, with the leader of the mage squad standing beside them.
One of the elders rose and spoke in a firm voice:
"Thank you all for being here. I assume you're aware of the disaster that occurred in Systella…"
One of the attendees raised a hand.
"Yes, sir. We were informed a few days ago."
Another one quickly followed up.
"Many are talking about a fierce battle. They say the enemy was an Inverse of overwhelming power. No one knows how it was defeated, but… rumors mention a masked boy."
The hall buzzed with anxious murmurs. The leader of the mage squad stepped forward.
"Please, remain calm. My squad has taken full responsibility for investigating the area, searching for clues about the boy… and the victims."
Darth raised an eyebrow before lifting his hand with a mocking smile.
"Taking responsibility? That's new, Sr. Fukuchi…"
Fukuchi looked directly at him, his voice filled with gravity.
"What are you insinuating?"
Nori elegantly placed her wine glass on the table. Crossing her legs, she shot a sharp look toward Stealth.
" Something similar happened in North…"Nori set her glass down on the table. The sharp sound echoed louder than it should have. "If it weren't for Cosmo-Sama, everyone would've been slaughtered"
A faint murmur rippled through the hall. Fukuchi clenched his jaw, but remained silent.
Her expression darkened. "And where were you that time, Sr. Fukuchi?"
Nori's gaze was sharp. Fukuchi averted his eyes for a brief moment.
" She's right."
" I completely agree!"
Voices began piling on, putting Stealth in an uncomfortable position. He was breathing more heavily, visibly cornered. Then, one of the elders raised a hand.
"Silence! What's done is done. We must focus on the present. Fukuchi will be in charge of Systella's restoration. As for the other matter…"
From above, several papers began to float down, quickly distributed to those present.
"In three months, a grand combat festival will be held. We expect all captains to attend with their groups. That is all."
With that, the elders began to leave in ceremonial silence. Fukuchi also turned to go, but for a moment, his eyes met Cosmo's—who had been watching him for some time, arms crossed and a slight smile on his lips.
Without exchanging a word, Fukuchi looked away and walked past him toward the door. As he passed through it, he muttered to himself, clenching his fists.
"Cosmo…"
His fist slammed into the nearby wall, cracking the stone slightly.
"Soon, I'll get what I want… and you won't stop me."
***
The next morning, early. Erick walked toward the field with the others. All of them looked visibly exhausted, their eyes heavy with sleep.
"Nii... Why did you have to wake us up so early?" Louis asked, letting out a long yawn.
" The captain told me to come with you guys... But he didn't tell me why" Erick replied, shrugging his shoulders, still half-asleep.
As they approached the field, the group spotted Cosmo sitting casually on a rock. He watched the Paths training in the distance. Upon noticing the newcomers, he gave a small wave.
" I see you managed to bring everyone"he said with a faint smile.
Rose huffed, crossing her arms and turning her head away.
" Hmph. I only came because Lilith insisted…"
Erick let out a deep sigh, already used to Rose's behavior, and stepped forward with a question.
" So, Captain... why did you call us here so early?"
" Ah... about that…" Cosmo stood up and began walking slowly. "I imagine you all have a lot of questions. It's time to clear some things up."
The group followed him in silence, paying close attention to every word and movement.
" Inverses… No one really knows where they came from or how they appeared. The old records only mention savage, irrational creatures consumed by darkness."
He stopped beside Wally, who was training with deep focus.
" But after many years, we discovered something… the Inversion."
Lilith tilted her head, confused.
" Inversion?"
" It happens when someone's soul is corrupted by negativity… by hatred, fear, despair. When that happens, there's no turning back. The person loses control of themselves. Well, here's an example" he pointed at Wally " What does he seem like to you?"
Erick raised his hand confidently.
" To me, he looks normal, sir!"
Rose rolled her eyes and scoffed, her gaze full of disdain.
" Of course he looks normal to you. You're an idiot, after all."
" Hey!" Erick protested, offended.
Lilith, standing beside Rose, gently nudged her and whispered:
" Nee-sama... that was a little harsh…"
" Hmph!" Rose replied, turning her face as if she didn't care.
Louis, curious, stepped forward.
" And why do you say that, Rose-san?"
" Because of the smell."
The group exchanged confused glances.
" Smell?"
" Yes. He gives off a heavy, dense odor… but at the same time it's calm, almost... gentle. I noticed it the first time I entered the Paths."
Cosmo smiled, satisfied.
" Your sense of smell is remarkable. Worthy of a true Herwolfys."
Rose quickly looked away, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.
" Hmph…"
" And what does that mean, exactly?" Erick asked, furrowing his brows.
Cosmo turned to them with an enigmatic smile.
" It means he's an Inverse."