Two days after the meeting.
The moon's crater trembled faintly beneath their feet.
Arnold watched Karry closely.
"That's the spirit," he said.
"Aura training paid off. You're handling it like a captain now."
Karry steadied his breath.
"Thank you."
Arnold nodded once.
"Next—sword combat."
"But I already know how to fight with a sword," Karry replied.
Arnold stepped forward.
"No. This is different."
"You must attack and defend while circulating aura," he continued.
"Sword and body must move as one."
Karry's condition was worse than it looked.
Dried blood still stained his skin—remnants of the monster's blood clinging to him.
Maizy clenched her fists.
"Sir, he needs rest. His body won't endure more."
"That's exactly why now is the best time," Arnold replied coldly.
"But—"
Karry turned to her.
"Miss Maizy… thank you for worrying. It makes me happy."
He bowed his head slightly.
"But don't stand in my way."
Maizy hesitated.
"…Alright."
She turned and left the crater, heading toward the moon base.
Moon Base — Maizy's Quarters
She changed her clothes in silence.
Then—
The air shifted.
A man stood inside her room.
Maizy spun around, anger flashing.
"I told you not to invade my privacy. Entering a woman's room without permission—have you no shame?"
The man smirked.
"Relax, sister."
His eyes were cold.
"You're still a failure of the Blood Clan."
Maizy's jaw tightened.
"What do you want, Arcus?"
"Orders," he replied calmly.
"The Blood Clan's higher-ups want you back on Earth."
A pause.
"Brother Sam is involved. It's a mission."
Maizy lowered her gaze.
"…Understood."
Ritna — Blood Clan Headquarters
A vast hall drenched in crimson light.
An elder's voice echoed.
"How do we strengthen our position within the Blood Clan? Aura output? Sword forms?"
Sam leaned back, smiling lazily.
"No rush."
"The government supports us because we are the Blood Clan," he said.
"We've stood with them since ancient times."
He glanced sideways.
"Isn't that right, Old Simon?"
Simon scoffed.
"I'm not that old. Watch your mouth."
Sam chuckled.
"Just joking."
Simon's tone shifted.
"And Maizy?"
Sam's smile twisted.
"That failure? That's why she was sent to the moon—to clean up trash."
His eyes darkened.
"But Jack made her his lieutenant."
"Tch. Pathetic."
"When she returns," Sam continued,
"we'll teach her what reality looks like."
Simon frowned.
"What exactly are you planning?"
"Nothing complicated," Sam replied.
"A bait. Power always follows bait."
The head of the Blood Clan spoke calmly.
"Turning trash into opportunity… how could I refuse?"
One by one, voices answered.
"Yes."
Moon — Departure Platform
Maizy boarded the ship, empty-handed.
She looked once toward Jack's base.
Said nothing.
Her book remained on the moon.
"…I'll be back soon, Captain Jack."
The ship lifted off.
Leaving the moon behind.
[End of Chapter 23]