Vaos sat quietly on the bus bound for Silene Tomentosa, his thoughts consumed by the imminent reunion with Eliza. With each passing second, his anticipation grew. He couldn't shake the worry that something might have gone wrong during her training. Vaos's mind raced with doubts and uncertainties. What if there had been no training at all, and the White Trial had merely tricked her? He couldn't bear the thought of Eliza being misled or endangered.
Lost in his thoughts, Vaos stared out the window. Abruptly, the vehicle came to a halt, jolting him out of his thoughts. A quick glance around revealed the driver stepping out, a furrow of concern on his brow as he investigated the source of the unexpected halt, punctured tires. Amidst the collective whispers of confusion and annoyance, Vaos rose from his seat as he made his way to the front of the bus. With a gentle push, he eased past the passengers, he stepped outside to speak with the bus driver.
Following the bus driver's explanation of the situation and the anticipated delay, Vaos considered his options. With a resigned nod, he retrieved his belongings from inside the bus, acknowledging the inconvenience. Shouldering his bags, he decided to continue on foot, determined not to let this setback derail his journey to Silene Tomentosa.
As the morning sun bathed the landscape in a warm glow, Vaos continued on his journey by foot. Despite the setback of the punctured bus tires, he remained undeterred, determined to reach his destination. With each step, he appreciated the beauty of the surrounding countryside, taking in the sight of hills and fields stretching out before him. The trip was expected to last no more than three hours.
While he adored the tranquility of the countryside, his mind remained firmly fixed on the task at hand: reaching Silene Tomentosa as swiftly as possible. For Vaos, there was no greater priority than ensuring Eliza's safety. Vaos transitioned from a brisk walk to a steady jog, surprisingly, despite the long run, he found himself unaffected by fatigue, his stamina seemingly boundless.
As Vaos pressed onward, an unexpected disruption shattered the tranquility of the path ahead. Without warning, a massive arc of spirit energy cleaved through the asphalt just meters ahead, halting Vaos in his tracks.
"Such a surprise, I didn't think I'd see you again, Vaos..." The voice, dripping with condescension, instantly recognizable to Vaos. Paired with the imposing figure wearing white armor and wielding a large katana, it could only belong to one person: The White Crusader.
"White Crusader, you're no different at least..." Vaos sighed.
"Both of us might be part of the Victorious Ten, but let's be clear, I never found any reason to respect you, even after the war ended. You're lucky I'm holding back my blade from ending you right here and now." The White Crusader pointed his katana threateningly at Vaos.
"Because of what I am, correct? Hmph, I'm not here to fight; I have more important tasks at hand," Vaos said dismissively as he walked past The White Crusader.
"Stop, unless you want to be cut down..." The White Crusader threatened, Vaos halted his steps just a couple of inches past him.
"Make this quick, White Crusader," Vaos sighed in annoyance.
"What are you planning on doing? If you're going to Legis. You know if they're successful, you'll be the first one they target," The White Crusader said.
"I don't know if you've met them, but I need to meet up with one of my students, Eliza," Vaos replied.
"Eliza? Right, that's the half cat beastkin with that anomaly and the human boy with Iren's sword... They're your students?" The White Crusader asked.
"Hmph... Her name is Eve, and yes, they're my students. I don't have much time to explain, but Eliza is at the White Trial sanctuary receiving training from Heine," Vaos briefly explained.
"From the Soul Harvester? How strange. What possible interest could Heine have in someone like her?" The White Crusader's skepticism in his tone as he thought about the situation.
"Nevertheless, I must press on. While I would like to say it was nice seeing you again, White Crusader, the truth is, our encounters have always been contentious at best. Farewell." With a slight nod, he resumed his journey.
"Unfortunately for you, it seems we'll have to endure each other's company for the time being. As fate would have it, I'm headed in the direction of Legis." The White Crusader said as he began to walk behind Vaos.
Vaos sighed heavily, "Very well, but let's aim to keep our interactions brief and to the point, shall we?"
The White Crusader grunted, a silent agreement with Vaos's proposal.
The once peaceful walk had now transformed into an awkward situation as Vaos walked alongside The White Crusader, their silence interrupted only by the sound of their footsteps. Reflecting on the situation, Vaos realized that his relationship with The White Crusader and the White Trial had always been negative, although it never bothered him.
"Vaos, have you received a message from that rabbit?" The White Crusader broke the silence with a question, his tone stern and serious.
"Indeed, I have," Vaos replied, nodding. "I'm assuming she sent a message to you as well?"
"Hmph, that rabbit thinks she's in control," The White Crusader scoffed disdainfully.
"I don't think having all of us meet in the Regione Novem building is such a bad idea," Vaos admitted, considering the proposal.
"I'm not surprised you think that, after all, you've always been content to be a pawn, haven't you, Vaos?" The White Crusader remarked.
Vaos sigh, shaking his head. "Unfortunately, I don't believe her plan will work out. Dorothy is nowhere to be found, and, well, you and she have never exactly seen eye to eye. Additionally, Aoki Kana is currently in Magnolia, leaving only Sidgroth and me."
"Hmph, Aoki Kana, the lone wolf..." The White Crusader muttered.
"If only the other five were still with us," Vaos said, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Their strength would have made this possible invasion of the Forbidden much more manageable. We were a formidable team, weren't we?"
"How disgusting, you're acting as if you're human," The White Crusader scoffed, but then sighed, "But I'll admit, all Ten of us were more than formidable. We were a force to be reckoned with."
"But human life is such a fleeting thing, isn't it?" A voice remarked, causing both Vaos and The White Crusader to turn around.
"Forbidden Wrath..." Vaos muttered as the Forbidden stood tall.
"You're sparing me the time of tracking you down, but I must ask. How did you conceal your void energy?" The White Crusader asked, his fingers tightening around the hilt of his katana, ready for any sudden movements.
"Two against one, I think I'll take my chances," Forbidden Wrath declared, and with a subtle flick of his wrist, an ethereal axe made of void energy materialized in his grasp, its edges shimmering.
"Before we destroy your core, there are several questions I have to ask you," Vaos said, his voice calm but determined, as he adjusted his gloves and took a moment to limber up his muscles, preparing for the confrontation.
"How repulsive, to live as if you're human," Wrath said, disdain in his voice. "Make it quick, for you shall be the first to fall by my hand."
"What is your leader planning exactly?" Vaos asked. "The invasion failed before, so why do you think it will succeed now? What changes have been made?"
"The Victorious Ten and the White Trial aren't around anymore, it seems, from my short time being here. Is that correct?" Wrath asked.
"That doesn't answer my question. What plans does your leader have in place now?"
"Silence! If I were the last member left standing, I would be more than sufficient to deal with all of you scum!" The White Crusader interjected.
"Is that so? Well, if The White Trial has been reduced to nothing more than frail feeble old men, we have nothing to fear," Wrath declared, taking a step forward.
"How many Forbidden are there currently, Wrath?" Vaos asked, walking alongside the White Crusader, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
"There are six of us. In fact, one of them is currently heading towards the White Trial sanctuary," Wrath answered.
"The White Trial sanctuary...? E-Eliza, no. I know you'll be able to protect yourself. I shouldn't worry," Vaos tried to reassure himself.
"If your plan is to kill the members of the White Trial, then go ahead. The world needs new members of the White Trial. Those other old relics have outlived their usefulness," The White Crusader said coldly, his tone devoid of any sympathy.
"Which Forbidden is heading to the White Trial sanctuary?" Vaos asked, his tone serious.
"Forbidden Energy, now, enough questions. Both of your lives end here!" Wrath declared as a sinister aura slowly began to surround him, causing the air to shake around them.
"Foul beast... En gardé!"