"What!!?"
A thunderous scream echoed across the training field. Erick, along with the others, was in shock at the revelation made by Cosmo.
"W-what do you mean, Captain?? T-this must be a lie, r-right??" Erick stammered, lips trembling.
Cosmo let out a loud laugh, clearly enjoying their reaction.
"Not all Inverses are what they seem, young Erick. Just trust your own truth… and follow your heart."
He then called for Wally, who slowly approached.
"Well, I'm off to have some tea. Any doubts or questions, Wally will answer," he said, walking away from the group.
Wally tried to call after him, but Cosmo had already vanished. He looked at everyone's faces and sighed, fully aware of the situation he had been left in.
"The captain told you, huh?" Wally asked, a gentle firmness in his tone, fingers tightening slightly at his sides.
The group remained silent, unsure how to react. Lilith stepped forward first, biting her lower lip nervously, eyes flicking up at Wally.
"Mr. Wally… are you an… Inverse?" she asked hesitantly, fingers fidgeting.
"…Well… yes, I am," Wally replied, eyes kind yet shadowed with a hint of regret. "But I'm also human. I've always wondered why I was born this way… but that doesn't change who I am or the life I want to live. I'm sorry for being part of a race known for being cruel and terrible…"
A gentle touch rested on his arm—it was Lilith, holding him softly. Her eyes shone with warmth, a small, reassuring smile tugging at her lips.
"I don't think you're a bad person, Mr. Wally."
"Me neither!" Louis said, stepping forward, brow furrowed but smile sincere, fists lightly clenched.
"…Me too, I guess…" Rose murmured, eyes downcast, fingers intertwined, voice barely audible.
Erick stood still, Cosmo's words echoing in his mind: "Just trust your own truth and follow your heart."
He exhaled slowly, eyes softening.
"I don't think you're evil either…"
Wally felt relief wash over him, shoulders loosening, and he embraced them. To Erick, it felt gentle and comforting, almost grounding.
After the hug, Wally stepped back, fingers brushing his sleeve nervously. Erick thought to himself, eyes narrowing slightly in contemplation:
"Mr. Wally really is kind… maybe the captain was right… but… is he really…?"
***
Three hours later, the Paths were returning from training. Sunlight bathed the field; a mild breeze drifted through the trees.
"I'm so tired!" Emily exclaimed, leaning on Mei with a cheeky grin, eyes sparkling. "I can't wait for a refreshing bath!"
Mei crossed her arms, neutral, lips pressed lightly, eyes narrowing in mild disapproval.
"Don't you think you're standing a little too close?"
Emily just smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye, fingers brushing lightly along Mei's waist.
Mei exhaled, eyes slightly widened but shoulders relaxing, not minding the touch.
Wally, cheeks reddening, stammered, "Um… don't you think that's a little indecent…?"
Emily's eyes twinkled.
"What? You like what you see…?"
"O-of course not!" he blurted, face flushing deeper, hands clenching slightly.
Angel huffed, rolling his eyes, and strode toward the door.
"Tch, what a waste of time."
He closed the door. Emily, still grinning, led Mei upstairs, casting Wally a teasing glance before disappearing.
"Ah… Miss Emily is really strange… just like the captain… hm?"
Soft sounds drifted from the training room. Wally quietly approached, opening the door. His eyes widened.
It was Louis, katana swinging with intense focus, teeth clenched, brow furrowed with determination. Each movement radiated effort. Wally smiled faintly, stepping back, careful not to disturb him.
"One more time!" Louis called, voice tense.
He swung again, slipped, and the katana flew from his hands. Eyes widened, teeth gritted, he groaned, "Ouch…"
"That was pathetic…"
The katana glowed faintly. Louis approached it, shoulders slumping, eyes narrowing in frustration.
"I've never used a sword before… it's normal to mess up!"
A sarcastic laugh echoed, and the katana's glow flickered.
"No whining, just training. We don't have all day. You need to get stronger quickly so I can devou… I mean, be freed."
"But you said you'd help me!" Louis protested, eyes blazing, fists clenched.
"Hm, I said I would give you power… not that I would train you. Don't get things mixed up, boy."
The glow vanished. Louis exhaled sharply, jaw tight, eyes staring at the floor.
A voice broke the silence:
"You're placing your foot too far to the left."
Ike descended from above, sheath in hand, eyes sharp, lips pressed in a straight line.
"V-veteran Ike… how long have you been there?" Louis stammered, eyes wide.
"Your body is off-balance. Relax the muscles in your fingers and fix your posture."
Louis obeyed, brow furrowed in concentration. Something whizzed past his neck—he flinched, shivering. Heart racing, he realized he was still standing.
"W-what was that?"
"Not bad, but next time, don't hesitate to move your wrist. You could've died…"
"R-Really?!" Louis gasped, eyes sparkling with awe.
Ike merely nodded, walking to the door and grasping the handle.
"Wait! How did you do that?!" Louis asked, surprised, with admiration in his eyes.
"Just keep practicing."
And with that, he left. Louis exhaled, eyes narrowing in renewed determination, fists clenched as he resumed training.
Night fell, and silence took over the base of the Paths. The trees swayed in the wind, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere… or so it seemed. In one of the rooms, something was off.
Erick tossed and turned in bed, drenched in cold sweat. His face was pale, his breathing uneven—trapped in a nightmare he couldn't escape.
He found himself in a massive place, an arena stretching endlessly. The silence was heavy, suffocating. Hesitant, Erick took a step forward.
Where his feet touched the ground, black marks spread, slowly crawling outward as if alive. His chest tightened.
He kept moving… until he saw someone.
It was the same man he had seen the day he first arrived at the base of the Paths. The figure walked calmly toward a massive door covered in strange symbols, faintly pulsating.
"Hey! Sir!"
Erick tried to run, but his muscles refused. His steps were heavy. Slow.
The man passed through the door.
In that instant, a deafening explosion engulfed the arena.
Erick was thrown to the ground. Pain tore through his body. When he managed to rise, staggering, the world had changed.
People lay all around… motionless. Silent. Their bodies torn and broken among the rubble.
A metallic smell hung in the air.
Erick lifted his gaze.
Shadows floated above the arena, distorted, watching.
Then—
He woke abruptly, clutching his chest, gasping for air.
"Another nightmare…"
He sat on the bed, heart still racing. His hands trembled slightly.
"My dreams are getting more and more real… what's happening to me…?"
But something caught his attention—the shadow of someone sitting on the roof of the headquarters. Erick looked up, eyes widening.
It was Rose, sitting on the roof, gazing at the moon. Her expression was serene and beautiful, and the moonlight reflected on her body and face, giving her a soft glow.
She crossed her legs, gently closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with her breath.
A faint blush colored Erick's face. He couldn't look away—and then… their eyes met.
"W-were you spying on me?!" Rose shouted, blushing. She stood up quickly, ready to attack. "You pervert!"
"Wait! I—"
In that instant, she jumped on him, ignoring any explanation.
The next day, Lilith walked through the corridor when she saw Erick looking out the window. She approached.
"Erick-san! Good—"
But stopped, startled by his face—full of scratches.
"What happened?! Why is your face all scratched up?!"
"Complicated…" he sighed.
Meeting Room
Cosmo looked at Erick with an intrigued expression, clearly curious about his appearance.
"What happened to you, kid? Fight with a cat?"
Rose crossed her arms, glaring furiously at Erick.
"This pervert was spying on me!"
"H-hey! Don't say that, people will get the wrong idea!" Erick protested, embarrassed.
"You're only making it worse…" Mei commented, neutral as always.
"I don't care if he's a pervert!" Emily said, trying to defend him with a huge smile. She leaned close to Erick's ear and whispered:
"If you didn't see anything… I can show you later, if you want…"
Erick blushed completely and stepped back, stammering, unsure where to hide.
"N-n-no! T-thanks!!"
"Okay!" she replied, smiling as if nothing had happened.
Cosmo clapped, calling the group's attention.
"All right, let's get to the point. I called you here to announce the next Battle Festival. It starts in three months."
Erick raised his hand, curious.
"Battle Festival?"
"It's an event held every two years. Ten groups participate, and the winner receives a divine blessing," Wally explained. "But normally, we don't participate."
"At least… not until now."
Everyone turned to Cosmo, surprised.
"Are you serious, Captain?!" Takamiya exclaimed, standing up. "Why the sudden change? Is everything okay?!"
Cosmo laughed warmly.
"Don't dramatize, Takamiya. I just found it interesting to participate this time. That's all."
He interlaced his fingers on the table.
"So, prepare yourselves. You're dismissed."
The group began to stand. Cosmo scratched his chin, thoughtful.
"I feel like I forgot to mention something important… Nah, it must be nothing."
Outside, Erick was bouncing with excitement.
"I can't wait, Louis! This is going to be amazing! I'll train until I drop!"
Louis smiled, nodding.
"I agree, Nii. But… who will train us?"
They saw Wally leaving the headquarters.
"Wally-San!"
He stopped and turned. The two ran to him.
"Please, train us!" they asked in unison.
Wally scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed.
"Well… I can help, but Louis, what about you? I'm not very good with weapons."
Thinking for a moment, he snapped his fingers.
"I know! Why don't you train with Ike or Takamiya? They're really good at it."
"Okay!" said Louis, already heading upstairs.
Erick smiled with determination and followed Wally, starting his training.
***
Three months passed. The group gathered in the garden. Cosmo stepped forward, standing in the center.
"I believe everyone is ready… right?"
The group responded in unison, but Cosmo's gaze lingered on Lilith. She seemed… uneasy.
"How was your training, Lilith?"
She hesitated, glancing sideways, her words trembling.
"I-it's… great, sir!"
"Are you sure?"
Her voice faltered further. Rose held her hand and replied:
"She's sure, sir. I was with her."
"…Very well, just wanted to confirm. Time to depart!"
With a snap of his fingers, Cosmo teleported everyone to the capital of Ars. The city was packed, with crowds and festival flyers everywhere.
"Wow! This place is huge!" Erick exclaimed, eyes shining.
The group approached the grand gate, while Erick and Louis looked around in awe.
"Look at that, Nii!"
Erick turned in time to see a giant reptilian mount pass overhead.
"This is incredible!" they shouted together, enchanted.
Suddenly, Louis bumped into someone, spilling juice on their clothes.
"My sincerest apologies!"
The person turned slowly. An intense aura emanated from him, pushing the onlookers away.
"How dare you… stain my clothes?"
He raised his hand to attack, but Erick held him firmly.
"Hey, he already apologized!" Erick said seriously.
"Let me go… now."
Tension rose. They were about to clash when Cosmo and Darth arrived just in time.
"Hey, calm down! Save that energy for the festival."
"What did I tell you about fighting outside the festival, Ren?" Darth muttered, releasing his grip.
"I know, sir…" Ren said, crossing his arms, irritated.
He looked at Erick.
"I'm sure we'll meet again. But next time… I won't be so friendly."
And he left.
"I apologize if he caused any trouble," Darth said.
"It's nothing, sir," Erick replied, relaxing.
"Come on, we need to join the rest of the group. No time to waste!" Cosmo urged, pushing them forward.
"See you later, Darth!"
Darth crossed his arms, sighing.
"Same as always…"
On the way, Louis approached Erick.
"Thanks for saving me, Nii…"
"No problem, Louis," Erick said, ruffling his hair affectionately.
Soon, they joined the group in front of the gate. Just as they were about to enter, a guard stopped them.
"Sorry, only five participants are allowed. And Ultra-High rank members cannot compete."
"Ahhh, that's what I forgot…" said Cosmo, snapping his fingers.
Erick sighed.
"Expected, coming from him…"
Cosmo then smiled at the others.
"I trust all of you!"
His eyes landed on Erick, Rose, Lilith, Takamiya, and Ike. Lilith hesitated.
"I-I'm not good at fighting…"
Cosmo scratched his chin and decided:
"Then Ike will go in your place."
"Yes, sir." Ike replied, gripping his sheath firmly.
The chosen ones passed through the gate. Cosmo cast a final enigmatic smile at Lilith.
"Cosmo, are you sure they'll be okay?" Emily asked, holding his arm.
"They have potential. Now… all we can do is believe in them."