Ashell frowned at the revelation. It wasn't exactly a surprise, but the sheer amount of information she had just received was overwhelming. She had been given a mission by her master to protect his daughter, and she couldn't shake the feeling that the more Kin was exposed to danger, the more she was as well. She had allowed herself to be careless.
Inside Ashell, a young girl listened to the conversation unfolding around them. Unlike Ashell, however, Iku was unaware of her presence.
"My Lady," Ashell spoke softly. "What do you think? These two have been touched by fate for a reason. I fear their presence in this world may bring more harm than good, yet I also believe the dangers ahead can only be resolved with their help. The mortal realm is in peril. The gods and demons have already begun making their moves."
"Ashell..." the little girl called out.
"I don't care about the gods and demons," she replied, her voice laced with quiet determination. "They hurt Mother, and they won't hesitate to hurt Father too. I want to protect Father. I don't want to be a burden to him anymore. And I want to stay here, with the boy, so Father won't worry about me."
Her voice trembled with conviction. "I won't forgive anyone who stands in my way."
Her power flared with her emotions, sending a wave of energy through Ashell. The woman grew pale. She knew her mistress was as powerful as Ra, and she understood all too well how unstable that power could be.
Quickly, she spoke, her tone urgent yet soothing. "Calm down, my Lady. No one will take you away from here. I will make sure of it. And as for the demon—he's in the way anyway. We will take care of him."
After reassuring her, Ashell returned her focus to the conversation with Thia.
Meanwhile, Kin was growing increasingly uncomfortable. He didn't like how Thia had infiltrated his internal dialogue with Ashell. That conversation was his most private space—one that no one had ever interrupted. Now, he had to be cautious around her too.
"Can you block her out?" Kin asked, his annoyance evident.
"Yes, I definitely can," Ashell replied.
"I told you dropping in like that would be rude, my Lady," Iku scolded, making Thia rub the back of her head awkwardly.
"This place is getting crowded," Kin muttered.
Deciding to return to a more traditional conversation, they spoke aloud.
"So," Kin began, addressing Thia. "You said we carry the mark of chaos deep in our souls, and that's why the demon is after us. As much as I'd like to understand what that means, I first want to know—how do we defeat a demon?"
Thia's expression darkened. "According to Iku, we have to destroy its host's soul. The demon is using King Jai as an anchor to this world. We must completely obliterate King Jai's soul."
Ashell nodded in confirmation.
"And how exactly do we do that?" Kin pressed.
"By using the most dangerous element in nature, chaos" Iku replied.
"Naturally, you there would have been a need for us to teach you how to use chaos, but I noticed something when Lady Thia me with Are's vessel, their curse resonated the more they were together and it's the same even at this very moment. That's why the three of you must be the ones to do this," Iku said. "The only way for you to harness chaos energy is together. Individually, you can't control it. But whenever you are near each other, your curses grow excited and begin to resonate. That energy, when combined, is powerful enough to channel chaos."
Thia and Kin naturally had many questions, but Iku refused to explain much because they were not ready for those answers yet and Ashell agreed too.
Considering the available options Kin spoke "So we have to work together?" he mused.
His skepticism surfaced. "It's not that I don't like working with strangers, but why should I trust you? And don't say it's because we have similar curses. That's barely a reason."
"Well, what other choice do you have?" Thia countered. "Even without a curse, you wouldn't stand a chance against your uncle. Now, when the odds are stacked against you, do you think you're in a position to refuse help?"
"She's right, you know," Ashell added. "Accepting help isn't a bad idea."
"I'm not worried about accepting help," Kin said, his voice firm. "I'm worried about trusting them. I don't believe in blind trust. I've learned that the hard way. I'll accept their help, but not without contingencies."
"Fair enough," Ashell conceded.
"But there's an issue," Kin continued. "You said there are three of us. How do we find the last person?"
"That's why we're meeting with Mystos. He'll help us," Thia explained.
"Fine," Kin agreed. "But there's something else I want us to do. If we're going to fight my uncle, I need something."
"What is it?" Thia asked.
"I need a black refined crystal. We should add it to the list of things Mystos will fetch for us."
Thia frowned. "A black crystal? What do you need that for?"
"I'm trying to make a weapon—something that will help in the coming battle."
"Really?" Thia's eyes lit up. "Can you make one for me too? And for my friend?"
Kin smirked. "Why should I arm you with weapons?"
"Who would you rather arm—your enemies?"
He chuckled. "Fair enough. I'll make a sword for your friend. As for you, you already have that scythe of yours. I'm not making anything else for you."
Thia pouted, disappointed. "Fine."
"What else do you need?" she asked.
Kin's expression grew serious. "I want us to hunt something...."
**
In the Kingdom of Omi, that same night
Gor walked quietly through the palace grounds, making his way to the place the princess had sent him. Ever since he was appointed as her personal guard in place of Ija, he had spent most of his time in the palace, staying close to the princess. At first, he hadn't been sure what his duties would entail, but with Henry's help, he had little trouble adjusting—at least, he wasn't supposed to.
Despite proving his strength during the reward ceremony a few months ago, many still resented the fact that a child had been chosen as the princess's royal guard. Some despised that another Kindel held such a high position, while others were unsettled by the idea that someone with a curse was serving in such an esteemed role.
Contrary to what Gor had originally thought, his duties extended beyond military responsibilities—there was a political side to them as well. The princess was the future ruler of Wize, and many would quite literally kill to be chosen as her personal guard. Noble scions, powerful generals, military officers, members of the royal court—even the royal family itself—had all vied for the position. When a commoner like Ija had been chosen, many opposed it. Now, with a cursed child from a legacy family in the role, the discontent had only grown.
But Gor didn't resent protecting the princess. In fact, he had come to enjoy it. It gave him purpose, something meaningful to do. He didn't care about the hateful glares that followed him whenever he walked the palace grounds—especially after what happened a while ago.