Kanji slips into yet another familiar dream, but this time, a twist awaits him. Astonishingly, he finds himself able to survey his surroundings. The room is designed as an eerie metal bunker, its walls padded with soundproof foam. Intrigued, he gazes at the desk, attempting to decipher the contents of the paper again, yet the words remain frustratingly blurred— except for the line, "135.8706° E."

A sudden epiphany jolts him awake, prompting him to grab his phone. With nimble fingers, he swiftly begins typing away.

Kanji "I knew it! Mount Yoshino. Why do I feel like I went there before? No matter. Preparation is in order."

Emerging from the training room, Kanji navigates past remnants of scorched metal, the aftermath of the session. As he steps into the main section of the ship, he encounters Amelia, who appears engrossed in devouring what he presumes to be the last of the cookies. Abruptly halting her feast, she stares wide-eyed at his entrance.

Initially puzzled by her reaction, Kanji begins to inspect the surroundings. It's not long before he catches sight of his reflection on the room's reflective tiles. To his shock, pale streaks of white intertwine with his signature blue hair, creating an unnatural contrast.

Kanji "Oh shit! I didn't know it would be this bad-

Suddenly, eleven portals materialize, introducing the other wielders into the room, all surprised by each other's looks.

Dave "Bro! What is this?! A retirement party!"

Gwen "It appears that our training has produced enough stress to initiate The Marie Antoinette syndrome or the less-known Thomas More syndrome caused by norepinephrine entering into the follicle of my scalp during abnormal about of stress."

Claire "I don't know about you guys are complaining about. I think Kanji's silver hair is kinda hot."

Gwen "Y-Yeah, me too." "Damn. She's bold."

Sarah "What do we do? I don't want to look like an old grandma."

All "Agree."

AN "Hey, guys! It's been a while- Oh shit! What happened?!"

Noah "Mental stress training."

AN "I see. Anyway, I just want everyone to know that we are going on the defense. Our plan didn't go as intended."

Mina "Oh no! I hope you're alright."

AN "Yeah, we're in the grotto so we should be fine for now. I'll update you guys if anything happens. See ya and take care!"

Gwen "That sort of ease of bit of our worries."

Kanji "Calm down everyone. I got just the plan. We'll form a circle from the order in which we were picked up and then help each other pluck them out."

They exchange a nod of understanding before gathering in a circle. Without hesitation, they search and begin taking out their silver hairs.

Kanji "Wow, you only have a single strand of white hair. As expected, you have nerves of steel."

Gwen "What do I say? I'm very versed in controlling my emotions. Though I do find it comforting when you look through my hair, Kaney."

Claire "Kaney, having some silver hair is cool. Are you sure you want them gone?"

Kanji "I am all in favor of symmetry and would like them gone. Sorry, Claire."

Dave "Yo, Cla'bro. There are so many of them silver bois. What happened in there, dude?"

Claire "Oh, nothing. Nothing I can't handle."

Sarah "I'm surprised that you of all people would have some silver hair, Dave."

Dave "Yeah, it was traumatizing as shit! Not gonna lie, man. The fucking suits and reading and you what... let's stop talking about it."

Noah "Jeez, you sure have quite a few of them. Is everything all right, Sarah? How do you feel?"

Sarah "I'm fine. I'm more worried about you."

Diana "Yeah, dude. There are so many of them that I'm afraid you might end up with a bald spot."

Noah "Please be gentle. The last thing I want is that."

Adrian "Wow. Only a single piece of ghostly hair. Your mind is as strong as your body... and your lovely heart, filled with bravery."

Diana's cheeks flush with a rosy hue as she quickens her pace, carefully pulling out Noah's silver hair.

Mina "Hot damn! Adrian! You... You don't have any!"

Adrian "Wow, really?"

Diana "That's impressive. I see that is where all your strength has gone to."

Azan "You on the other hand have quite a few. Almost rivaling Noah's. If you want, I can help you if there's anything on your mind- Ow! Gwen!"

Gwen " You're one to talk! I would say that you have more than the two of them combined."

After a few more minutes of meticulous plucking, the last strands of silver hair are finally removed. Claire swiftly retreats to her room, returning with brushes for everyone. As they begin to comb through their hair, Kanji discreetly signals Adrian with a subtle tilt of his hand. Recognizing the cue, Adrian excuses himself from the gathering, slipping away to his room.

Gradually, the other wielders disperse to their respective chambers, leaving only Dave and Amelia lingering behind in the space.

Dave "Wow, where is the party even going, man?"

Amelia "They must be really tired from ordeal. Hey. How about you and I have a bit of action, love? You know to reduce stress."

Dave "Sure, why not?"

Entering Dave's room, Amelia and Dave are greeted by an explosion of confetti, enveloping them in a shower of colorful fragments, glitter, and candy pieces.

Amelia "No way! You guys remembered!"

Dave "Oh fuck yeah! I'm so fucking hard right now! This is going to be the greatest birthday ever!"

Amelia "I thought we were going to keep training! Thank goodness!"

Kanji "Seriously? During one of this journey's many ends. I'm not that cruel."

Adrian "Journey's many ends. Journey's... ends. Journey's Ends. That's it! I got the final piece! Excuse me, guys. I don't think I could join the party as there is an emergency on my end. But... HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU TWO! Here, have a t-shirt cannon, Dave!"

Dave "Ah sweet! Always wanted one of these!"

Adrian "And for you, Amelia. Here is a pan with the handle signed by Gordon Ramsay."

Amelia "Gosh! This is amazing. How did you- and he's gone. Should tell him to come back?"

Dave "Nah, leave the man be. It was a loki emergency. I can feel it. Now... LET'S GET THIS FUCKING PARTY STARTED!!!"

Throughout the ship, the air is alive with the sounds of jubilation, marking a night of celebration. Amidst the festivities, a writer finds solace and inspiration, diligently crafting the final words of the first act of his magnum opus.

___________________________________________________________________________

XEROS "This should be it. Are you ready, Kaja?"

KAJA "Orbital cannons check! Invisibility ready to go when you are!"

XEROS "Right! Let's do this!"

Ascending a ladder, the pair arrives at a locked hatch. With a determined push, Xeros's right glows with magical radiance, effortlessly unlocking the barrier.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

As Kaja extends her hands, a mysterious grey mist emanates, shrouding them in invisibility. Cautiously, they navigate the area, their senses keen as they attempt to unravel the mysteries of their surroundings. Spotting a faint light at a distance, they begin to approach, slowly unveiling a desolate warehouse. A thick layer of dust blankets the floor, causing them to cough with each footfall.

Their eyes fixate on an outline resembling a switch. With a shared resolve, Kaja clasps Xeros's hand, leading them toward the mysterious mechanism. Upon closer inspection, they recognize it as an ancient electrical switch, reminiscent of their empire's bygone era. With a synchronized attempt, they grasp the handle and pull it down.

In an instant, the entire warehouse is engulfed in an eerie green glow, exposing a strange machine at the far end of the room.

KAJA "That must be the teleporter! There is definitely a trap here."

XEROS "You sure? I mean look around you. This place is old as shit. I doubt any traps would still function."

KAJA "... Maybe you're right. I might just be a bit anxious because of all the Empress's drones flying around."

XEROS "It's okay. We're in this together so calm down."

KAJA "That's sweet but we should really get this over with. This place is giving me the chills."

XEROS "Alright if that's what you want."

Silently navigating the expanse of the room, the pair approaches the imposing machine at its other end. Towering before them is a colossal cylindrical structure, its transparent glass body revealing intricate inner workings. At its apex and base, rusted circuits intertwine, connecting to a series of four machines, two flanking each side.

Turning their attention to the right, they discover a weathered metal sphere adorned with four empty slots at its crown. Adjacent to it sits a cube brimming with a labyrinth of wires, presumably serving as the processor. On the opposing side, two panels await their exploration. With a sense of recognition, they identify the familiar models— one designed to project an interface, while the other serves as a display for maps.

Despite their diligent efforts, the panels remain unresponsive, getting more frustrating as they tinker around with it.

KAJA "I knew it! It is busted! She sent us all the way here for nothing!"

XEROS "Calm down. Let me talk to her."

He straightens up his antenna and focuses... Granny Tio connects.

TIO "What is it, boy?"

XEROS "The teleporter isn't working. It's all rusty and there is no power left."

TIO "I knew this would happen. Hey! Voltum! Take over!"

VOLTUM "I know! I know! Gosh! Hello. My name is Voltum Battera."

XEROS "Who? Are you one of Granny's colleagues?"

VOLTUM "We can leave the introduction later. Now, the teleporter is our number one priority. First, no need to fuss about the rust cause I made that thing to function in any condition. The real problem is that there are no quantum cells in the induction sphere. Luckily I store some backup cells in a safe under the tile in front of the machine. Embarrassingly, I forgot the password-

XEROS "Yes, I got it opened!"

VOLTUM "What?! How?!"

XEROS "I sorta got the power to break locks."

VOLTUM "Interesting... then proceed to insert the cells."

KAJA "Umm... what is that? And who were you talking to?"

XEROS "One of granny's colleagues I think. Anyway, let's place these in."

KAJA "Gotcha!"

The machine bursts into light, its panels on the left side glowing with a countdown— "12 hours" until reboot.

XEROS "Well. Shit. Hey, are you still there?"

VOLTUM "Yes... and by the sound of your voice, the machine is rebooting. Isn't it?"

XEROS "Yeah and I guess now is the best time for introductions. Kaja! Join the call!"

KAJA "Alright. Alright. No need to shout, dummy."

Throughout the passing day, Voltum elaborates on Granny Tio's ties to the rebels and their ongoing struggle against the Empire.

___________________________________________________________________________

KARNAT "You guys are so right! I feel amazing! Like I can run around the entire planet."

MEYTAZ "A bit exaggerated but I like your enthusiasm."

VERTO "Are you guys curious about what the elder said yesterday? The secret that was passed down from generation to generation. Why haven't we heard of it?"

KARNAT "Perhaps, revealing it would cause more harm than good. I know that feeling a little too well."

MEYTAZ "Karnat. Stop sulking. You might not have any powers but you got a mighty heart."

VERTO "You are also tough. I can't believe you survived out there for several days alone and without proper equipment."

TENSO "It seems you three younglings are getting along quite well."

VERTO/KARNAT/MEYTAZ "Greetings, elder!"

TENSO "Oho! It seems someone is picking up our tribe's etiquette faster than I anticipated. Now, it is time I fill you in on everything about the tribe's history and reveal our long-guarded secret. Only the twins, you and my daughter will be told this secret. You must vow never to tell a living soul unless to the time is right."

VERTO/KARNAT/MEYTAZ/TENYA "We promised!"

For a moment, Karnat spots the elder's right hand glowing with the prayer symbol.

TENSO "Okay. Follow me."

Returning to the town hall, they stride towards the fireplace. With a swift motion, the elder grabs a jug of water from a nearby shelf and douses the flames, extinguishing them. Stepping into the pit, they're met with a sight beyond expectation – it's far more expansive than it appears. The elder raises a hand in prayer, intoning ancient words that cause their surroundings to shake. The platform beneath them begins its descent into the abyss. At the bottom, radiant purple lights illuminate their path, leading them to a grand stone bridge overlooking a vast chasm and ending on a platform. Upon this monumental platform stands eleven altars, each wall in front of them adorned with intricate carvings of deities. The chasm separates them from the gods' images, creating a kind of symbolism.

MEYTAZ "Whoa! This must be the communion hall! I can't believe we got to see it in person. Normally, only Elder Tenso can go to this place."

VERTO "This is an amazing honor. I am stunned by how beautiful the carvings are."

TENYA "So... glorious. We pray to our lords."

KARNAT "They feel-

TENSO "Familiar? Come and take a seat, everyone."

They form a circle at the center and stare at the elder with great suspense.

TENSO "Okay. The story goes like this..."

Once upon a time, Caverrin was ruled by the benevolent Emperor Jargon and his wife Mara who had twins, a boy named Victor and a girl named Mistra. Joyous festivities filled the empire on Mara's 40th birthday. Yet, amidst the revelry, a sudden tragedy struck with the ferocity of a giant serpent's maw, known thereafter as the Tragic Bite. This calamity devoured not only half of Jargon's cherished empire but also claimed Mara's life, leaving behind a legacy of grief and an empire forever altered.

Consumed by a relentless hatred and fear towards the beast that stole his happiness, Emperor Jargon's heart turned cold. Discovering that some of his subjects worshipped the serpent as a deity further fueled his fury, leading to countless massacres of any who displayed religious devotion. Unbeknownst to Jargon, his own children, Victor and Mistra, were among the secret worshippers.

You see when the serpent departed, its eyes met with the twins, bestowing upon them extraordinary gifts. Victor became the first Judge, marked by the serpent's right eye, while Mistra became the first Seer, marked by its left. Alongside their newfound powers came a revelation that burdened their souls with the weight of truth, bringing tears to their eyes.

Fearing their father's wrath and weary of his tyrannical rule, the twins secretly rallied the remaining worshippers and embarked on a pilgrimage across the land, seeking refuge in the depths of the great forest. There, they became the ancestors of our tribe, sustained by the discovery of Slouch milk, yet the structure was unstable due to the lack of answers.

Gathering the tribe, Mistra, the Seer, unveiled a revelation— the existence of another dimension called Abyssal Earth, home to the absolute God, Lord Kin. It is said that during the founding of the Empire, a Castastrian named Mira had found herself in this realm and fell in love with Lord Kin, bearing ten children at the cost of her own life. The revelation of these divine offspring fragmented the tribe into ten factions, each worshipping one of the celestial siblings as gods. At the same time, it also made the tribe more stable and united under the name "Los Treasa." And so, let's begin with the eldest of these divine progeny...

Suntarus, The Lord of Fire, Scorcher of Void, Champion of Abyssal Earth, The Burning Colossus, reigns supreme among his brethren. With a colossal serpent's body adorned in red metallic scales, flesh made of magma, and thousands of fiery lashes for arms, he commands the domain of Harm and Self, standing as the indomitable ruler alongside his wife, Plutoren.

Mercuryath, The Lord of Speed, The Light Hydra, Bane of Void. With the light-born body of a hydra, he reigns over the domain of Speed and Light, standing as a formidable force against darkness. He is the husband of Neptunez.

Venusith, The True Mother, The Queen of Setients, Martyr of Pain. She is also the wife of Uranusava. Her colossal shell, adorned with a spiral of eyes and a maw brimming with tendrils and teeth, commands servitude from all intelligent life. She holds sway over the realm of mind and heart, standing as the cherished wife of Uranusava.

Earthas, The Lord of Sea and Terra, Conquerer of Worlds, The Great Preserver, Host of the Universe, and the most well-known among our tribe. With a salamander's form crafted from earth and water, he bears mountains on his back and rivers flowing down his colossal limbs. His underbelly is an ocean dotted with inverted islands, while his face boasts a vast iron maw crowned with sandy dunes and coral spikes. Tail adorned with jungle rows and cloud-covered tips, he reigns over Aqua and Terra, his love bound to Saturngator.

Marsagoz, The Lord of Legions, Destroyer of Void, The Saphire Beetle God. Towering in azure splendor and the form of a Hercules beetle adorned with gemstone brilliance, she commands the realm of Powers and Armies. Consort to Jupiteroth, her presence resonates through the supernatural nature of our reality.

Jupiteroth, The Gas Colossus, The Lord of Chance, The Great Inquisitor. With the form of a colossal elephant, tusks numbering in the thousands, and a body of swirling gas, he reigns over the realm of Chance and Flaws. His presence presents the wisdom of all things and what's to come.

Saturnagator, The Great Screecher, The Lord of Commands, The Cosmic Phoenix. Adorned with feathers of stardust and spinning celestial rings, she embodies the domain of Space and Voice. Marvel at her majestic form, commanding authority over the cosmos, and her songs suited to deliver the message of the Almighty.

Uranusava, The Lord of Combat, Equalizer of Void, The Iron Titan. Towering above his brethren, his colossal form spans millions of galaxies, fashioned into an enormous golem. Sovereign over the domain of Combat and Balance, his presence commands the fighting spirit of all living things.

Neptunez, The All Mother, She who loves, The Kind Eyes, The Cherished Daughter. She is favored among the Almighty's progeny for reason yet to unfold. Taking the form of a vast sphere adorned with flesh, mouths, eyes, and arms, she holds dominion over the domain of Flesh and Soul. Her presence causes comfort and distraught.

Lastly, we have Plutoren, Freezer of Void, The Youngest One, and The Cryo Empress. Resembling Suntarus, she too has a serpent's form, her flesh crafted from ice, adorned with shimmering blue scales. Instead of arms, sleek fins propel her with remarkable swiftness. She rules over the Domain of Void and Aid—

Tenso suddenly falls asleep.

KARNAT "Old man! Hey, what happened?!"

TENYA "Calm down... Shit... I knew this would happen."

MEYTAZ "Oh yeah! The man has that strange condition of sleeping while telling a story. Reminds me of when we were kids. I guess we have no choice but to wait."

KARNAT "For how long? I have so many questions."

VERTO "Normally, 12 to 24 hours."

KARNAT "Shit. Can't we just discuss the rest right now?"

TENYA "No, my father will make a big fuzz if he misses out on this."

KARNAT "FIne. I guess we'll just wait."

And so, the entire day passes as they wait.