Ricardo's heart churned with a maelstrom of anxiety, a tempest raging within. The prospect of Valverde rejecting his destiny unleashed a torrent of worries, each crashing against the shores of his soul like relentless waves. The phrase "Chaos and darkness of Beelze..." echoed ominously in his mind, a dire prophecy casting long shadows over the world. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine, as though the darkness itself were reaching out to engulf the land.Ricardo's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing in deep contemplation. The weight of his thoughts pressed heavily upon him as he silently pondered, "What will I do?" The question lingered, taunting him with the uncertainty of what lay ahead. A fleeting notion crossed his mind: "Perhaps I should force him to understand..." But he quickly dismissed it, like a wave recoiling from the shore. "No, he is of age," Ricardo reminded himself, acknowledging Valverde's right to choose his path.The struggle within Ricardo was evident on his face, his features etched with concern. His lips pressed into a resolute line as he grappled with the burden of his responsibilities. The fate of the world hung in the balance, and Ricardo's thoughts weighed the options with the gravity of a judge at sentencing.He stood in pensive silence, his gaze fixed downward as if peering into the depths of his own soul. His brow furrowed further, reflecting the inner turmoil brewing within him. The weight of the world's fate rested heavily on his shoulders, an almost unbearable burden.Suddenly, a low, rumbling voice boomed from the shadows, reverberating through the chambers of Ricardo's heart. The sound was like thunder on a summer's day, shaking the very foundation of his being."Ricardo!" the voice thundered, commanding his full attention.Ricardo's eyes widened in shock, and he sank to his knees, bowing his head in reverence. His white hair fell forward, obscuring his face like a curtain, and his hands clasped together in a gesture of supplication.The air vibrated with the power of the voice, as if the very fabric of reality had been stirred. The atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation, as though the world itself awaited Ricardo's response."Yes, my Lord," Ricardo whispered, his voice trembling with conviction as he pressed his face to the ground.The voice of Lord Jehu, now gentle yet authoritative, carried the weight of ancient wisdom. "Why are you troubled, Ricardo?" The words hung in the air like a soothing mist, enveloping Ricardo in a sense of calm.Ricardo's eyes, filled with worry, looked upward, seeking guidance from the heavens. "My Lord, the one you have chosen denies his fate, and we are in grave peril. What am I to do now?" His voice trembled, betraying the turmoil within.Lord Jehu's voice responded, soothing as a warm breeze on a cool evening. "Fear not, Ricardo. He is but a youth, still learning. He will come to understand in time." The words dripped with reassurance, like honey easing into a cup of tea.But Ricardo's face remained drawn with concern, his brow deeply furrowed. "My Lord, but when? Will it be before Beelze and his fallen cohorts rise to destroy the earth with their dark magic and power?" His words spilled forth, urgent and unstoppable.Lord Jehu's voice remained steady, like a mountain unmoved by the wind. "I hold the key to every heart, Ricardo. Give him time, and teach him more." The words resonated within Ricardo's mind, filling him with renewed purpose.Ricardo's expression hardened with determination, his jaw clenched as if forged from iron. "Yes, my Lord, I will do as you command." His voice rang out clearly, filled with unwavering resolve.As Lord Jehu's voice faded into the ether, the atmosphere thrummed with an otherworldly energy, like the lingering resonance of a harp string. The air grew thick with anticipation, awaiting Ricardo's next move.