Seiju and Mei navigate from one person to another, their subtle nudges serving as a soothing alarm clock, awakening their unconscious. Navar's eyelids flutter open, and he catches a glimpse of Seiju beside him. "Did you guys beat him?"
"We wouldn't be standing here if we hadn't, bro."
"Good, I was hopin' you guys beat him."
As Chonozori and Yimono open their eyes, they are jolted out of their deep meditation by the unrelenting rain that drenches them and everyone in sight. "Oh, you've got to be kidding me! I thought the rain was supposed to stop?!" says Seiju.
"We never said it would be permanent. We only mentioned it would last for 10 minutes."
Mei lets out a long sigh of annoyance, her shoulders slumping in frustration at the relentless rain. "Darn, I'm getting tired of this rain. Chitose, summon a tent so we can wait it out."
"Got it! Magic Spell Fairy Alchemy: Size Expansion!" Chitose's mage stick brings forth multiple fairies, their delicate wings glistening with a magical radiance. They collaborate to set up a roomy tent, ensuring they have a cozy haven away from the freezing rain.
Inside the snug tent, the never-ending rain creates a symphony of beats as it rhythmically taps against the resilient fabric, filling the space with a comforting atmosphere. As Jax waits for the storm to pass, his sense of inadequacy becomes more pronounced, clouding his thoughts. "Durin' that last battle, I was only a pair of eyes. I gotta be more useful in the next one,"
Miri observes the visible signs of discontent etched on Jax's face, the furrowed brows, and down-turned lips, prompting her to extend her hand and offer him a comforting touch on his shoulder. "Are you alright, Jax?"
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Unconvinced, Miri shakes her head, the skepticism evident in her furrowed brow. "Don't lie to me. We've known each other for twelve years. I can always tell when something is bothering you."
"Well, it's just... It's difficult to witness you and Navar arguin' like this."
"We argue all the time, Jax. There's nothing new there."
"No, I mean... Usually, you two make up within minutes, but this time, there's a lingerin' tension. I hope Navar doesn't hold on to this anger forever."
"Don't worry too much. Navar won't hold a grudge for much longer. Everything will be alright."
"I sure hope so…" Jax's gaze lingers on Navar for a moment, his worry intensifying. "Please, Navar, don't stay mad at us for too long," Jax thinks to himself.
"Everyone, there is something I must tell you about the final sibling we will encounter," says Yimono.
"What about him?" asks Mei.
"Long before Chonozori and I were born, a group of hybrid beasts invaded the realm one day. Although we could take on most of them, Enmal was an entirely different story," As the silence settles in the room, a thick tension lingers, making it palpable.
"Oh, just get to the point already, bro. We're already going to fight him. Might as well tell us," says Seiju.
"He was far more powerful than all the others. He escaped and killed at least a thousand of our clan members. So much so that Watsumoto himself had to intervene and detain him, amongst his siblings, Enmal is the eldest and undoubtedly the most formidable fighter."
The heaviness of the situation is palpable in the air, with only ragged breaths and the distant hum of anticipation breaking the silence. Aware of the growing tension, Navar rises from his seat, capturing everyone's attention. "Navar, is everything ok?" asks Jax.
"No, Jax! If you all are so scared of a little fight, then why did you agree to Watsumoto's proposal?"
"But Nava-"
Be quiet!" Navar cuts off Mei, silencing her before she can say another word. "Just because our opponent seems stronger than what we're used to, that doesn't excuse us from doing what we promised! If you all feared a tough fight, you shouldn't have come!"
As Navar's words resonate with Chonozori, we now enter the POV of a conversation with Watsumoto and Chonozori a few hours before their departure. "Father, during our clan's first encounter with the Ozanians, I witnessed an astonishing power wielded by that Navar guy. It was unlike anything I had ever seen before."
Watsumoto raises an eyebrow, his interest piqued and a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "And what power was that?"
"I couldn't believe it. It was Light Force."
Watsumoto's eyes widen at the mere mention of the fabled power. Light Force. "That's the rarest of them all. Only a chosen few possess access to this power."
"Have you ever met someone with this power?"
Watsumoto's smile is accompanied by a rush of pleasant memories, causing the sun's rays to intensify their brilliance on his face. "Ozan King, The First Grand Emperor of Ozania. I had the honor of meeting him."
The mention of the illustrious name Ozan causes Chonozori's eyes to widen in disbelief. "You met him?!" Tell me about him. What was he like? Are the legends of his strength true?"
"Yes, they are. Among all the warriors who have existed in our universe, Ozan stands as the strongest, the most powerful. His will knew no bounds, and he possessed a 'unique quality' that set him apart. Those who possess such qualities often wield the Light Force."
"And what is this quality, father? What sets him apart?"
Watsumoto rises from his tree stump, his hand patting Chonozori's shoulder as he passes by. "You will find out on your own."
We now return to the present day. "I understand now, father. I know what quality you're talking about," Chonozori thinks to himself. "Sorry about earlier, Navar; sometimes Yimono lets an arduous task worry him too much. Father wouldn't assign us a task if he didn't have faith in us. No matter what, we'll stand by you, Navar."
"Good, I'm glad you're not backin' down!" Once we make quick work of Enmal, we'll give Phyton a beating he'll never forget!"
The rhythmic sound of rain hitting the tent abruptly ceases, signaling the end of the downpour. "Looks like the rain has passed. Let's continue," says Mei.
They continue their journey, the sound of rustling leaves and distant hoots of owls echoing through the dark forest. As they progress, a raspy voice erupts with laughter, causing everyone to turn their heads. Chonozori grips his wooden daggers, assuming a vigilant stance. "Who's there?"
"You delivered quite the speech, young one; it almost moved me," says the mysterious voice.
"You've been spying on us the whole time. That's strange, dude," says Seiju.
"I haven't been spying on you at all. I've been waiting here for you..."
Miri's spine shivers as the person's extraordinary hearing is unveiled. "How did he hear Navar speaking from this far away? We spent two hours walking to get here. For him to hear from a distance that far, his perception must be out of this world," Miri thinks to herself."
"Come out and stop hiding, you coward!" says Navar.
"As you wish," From the depths of a tree, a slender, bright red-skinned Humanoid Beast, standing at 170 centimeters, emerges. His eyes, dark and full of malice, create an unsettling atmosphere. "I am Enmal, Phyton's eldest son. And for bringing down my siblings Jezebel and Niack. I'll defeat you for them and send you to the afterlife…"