The Teih Continent sprawled with its vast expanse, home to millions of Jagged Beastmen who formed constellations of tribes known as the Jagged Fangs of Teih. Within these tribes, six distinct families flourished, each embodying unique traits and characteristics.

The Equinix, resembling majestic horses, possessed unparalleled speed and strength. The Feralkin, akin to wolves and panthers, exuded untamed fierceness. Wyrmtouched, with reptilian features and scales, bore an air of ancient wisdom. Soarwing, with their bird-like faces and wings, symbolized the freedom of flight. Ursocor, reminiscent of mighty bears, emanated power and dominance. And lastly, the Draconian, the mightiest of them all, bore resemblance to dragons, evoking awe with their unmatched strength.

Connecting these Jagged Fangs of Teih to the rest of mankind were the Jagged Ports—gateways between worlds. However, the West and East Jagged Ports stood as starkly distinct entities, earning a reputation for their bewildering differences. Hence, whenever someone mentioned they hailed from a Jagged Port, it was imperative to clarify which port they referred to.

The East Jagged Port, where Dante and his group had disembarked, held a long and storied history, dating back to the second century of North Fall or 200 N.F.

Having expressed their gratitude to Captain Danka for his assistance, Sir Lysander, Ravka, and her enigmatic companion sought refuge in an inn within the bustling town. However, Dante had yet to bid a proper farewell or offer a sincere apology to the Holy Chaplain Knight and the Holy Archivist for his previous behavior.

"Boy!" Captain Danka called out to Dante, beckoning him to approach. Seated at the edge of the ship, the captain had just concluded issuing commands to his crew.

The three-year-old Dante glanced up at Captain Danka, observing the weariness etched into the man's visage. In Danka's eyes, Dante caught a reflection of himself, recognizing that both had suffered the consequences of their past sins.

"Danny boy..." Danka placed a hand on Dante's shoulder, though a hint of discomfort emanated from his injuries.

"Yes, Cap?" Dante responded.

"I'm angry... Dante..." Danka tightened his grip on the young boy's shoulder. "You... you endangered my daughter's life. She... she is not like you... Holyfolk... She is just like me... fragile."

Dante met the man's gaze, perceiving only sincerity.

"Do not endanger her again. If necessary, stay away from her. She lacks the ability to invoke magical prayers and heal herself if she were to sustain an injury alone. And she does not enjoy the favor of any deity... unlike you or those accompanying you."

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Dante grasped Danka's hand and attempted to speak, but before he could, the captain interrupted, shaking him gently. "I am not ordering you to do anything. Just... from a father to his daughter's friend... I wish for her to achieve her dreams, not perish alone on some unknown island."

With that, Captain Danka rose from his seat, leaving Dante rendered speechless. In an unexpected gesture, Danka lifted his shirt, revealing black veins snaking across his chest—a rotting infection concealed beneath the bandages that covered it, an ultimately futile endeavor.

"I lied that time. When the Avianborn came and asked me about your mother, I made a covenant with them to speak the truth. And yet, I lied to protect the woman I love..."

Dante's eyes widened.

"Not for you," Captain Danka clarified firmly.

"For Marvia—the mother of my only daughter."

Leaving Dante in stunned silence, Captain Danka made his way toward the town, overseeing the distribution of supplies for the Teih Rangers venturing deeper into the Teih Continent.

Now, Dante comprehended why he and Trela shared the Divine Mindlink. He understood why Captain Danka would risk his life for Marvia and entrust Trela to them. And he finally grasped the truth behind Marvia's unconditional love for Trela—their bond as mother and daughter.

As Dante embraced this newfound understanding, his mind succumbed to darkness.

He descended the ship's staircase and retreated into the cabin, gathering his belongings and retrieving Trela's rusty sword.

Stepping off the ship, he slipped away unnoticed, embarking upon his solitary path through the bustling town.

All he could see were his own footsteps, like a ghostly presence leading him onward.

And so, he followed that phantom trail, venturing deeper into the unforgiving and unconquerable lands of Teih, where savage tribes of the Jagged Beastmen roamed, untouched by the vices of mankind.

With each resolute step Dante took, a set of footfalls echoed behind him. Sir Lysander, the Holy Chaplain Knight, trailed the young boy, understanding the fragility of Dante's mind, teetering on the precipice of shattering into countless fragments of madness.

The Holy Archivist, Ravka, followed in their wake, her own reasons veiled in mystery, as was the whereabouts of her enigmatic companion.

Meanwhile, Trela, who had returned from her shopping excursion in the markets of East Jagged Port, brimmed with excitement, eager to share the new varieties of street food she had discovered.

Bounding toward the ship, she clasped baskets overflowing with delectable treats.

"Dante! Look! They have Roasted Shinka Mushrooms here! And Jinnthro Juice!" Trela called out, her voice resonating through the air. But Dante remained unresponsive, lost in his own thoughts. With time, worry gripped Trela's heart as she frantically sought Dante's whereabouts.

She questioned her father and the crew, but none possessed any knowledge or so they claimed.

Suddenly, a realization dawned upon her—she could use the Divine Mindlink to reach out to Dante.

"Dante?" Trela concentrated, her thoughts focused intently.

"Danny! Where are you?"

However, Dante's mind remained blank, impervious to the words Trela attempted to communicate.

"Danny! What are you doing? Why are you leaving me behind?"

Dante's footsteps pressed on relentlessly, trampling through the undergrowth, brushing against trees. Neither cliffs nor swift rivers could sway him from his chosen path.

"Danny... You promised me... You and me... Remember? Please... I need you." Her voice quivered with a blend of desperation and longing.