Ikku stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the phone screen. A wave of shock rippled across his face, making it impossible for the others in the room to ignore.

“What’s wrong, Ikku? Don’t tell me you know this guy?” Carla asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Yes,” Ikku replied simply, still stunned.

Carla and the others exchanged confused glances. Kenny was the first to speak.

“That guy is the most wanted person in the world! He’s as impossible to find as your legendary jewels. Some people even think he doesn’t exist, and here you are, casually saying you know him like he’s your next-door neighbor!”

Ikku took a deep breath before answering, his tone heavy with seriousness. “I met him a little over a year ago in the Saqar Forest. He was my mentor until I took the exam. He taught me everything I know. But… he never talked much about himself. I never would’ve guessed he was hiding such a huge secret.”

“Maybe he wasn’t able to tell you,” Yumé suggested gently.

Ikku shrugged, uncertain.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” Kenny said with a firm tone. “I’m sure you’ll get your answers when the time is right. But for now, it’s probably best to keep this to yourself.”

Ikku nodded, his composure slowly returning. “You’re right.”

Carla let out a small laugh. “Imagine, one of your friends is part of the Three Calamities…”

“The Three Calamities?” Ikku repeated, confused by the term.

“They’re the three most wanted people in the world,” Kenny explained.

Ikku clenched his fists. “I’m sure we’ll meet again. And when we do, he’ll tell me everything.”

Turning to Kenny, he added, “By the way, what exactly are those jewels capable of?”

Kenny sighed and began explaining. “The Jewel of Life can bring the dead back to life, but it binds them with a pact, allowing the summoner to control them if they wish. The Jewel of Knowledge grants near-omniscient wisdom. The Jewel of the Heart can manipulate minds. And lastly, the Jewel of the End… it destroys everything around it.”

Ikku thought for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “Those sound like god-like powers…”

Kenny nodded. “Yeah, but that’s to be expected. Anyway, some clues about the jewels can be found in Mekira. Yumé also needs to head there to learn more about his family, so we can kill two birds with one stone. But all of that can wait. For now, we need to focus on our Brand. In six days, we’re heading out on a mission with Master Zéno.”

Everyone replied in unison, “Got it!”

Yumé suddenly stood up. “I’ll train on my own for a bit. I just got an idea for my Brand. See you all in six days.”

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“Alright. Good luck, Yumé,” Carla said with a smile, waving at him as he left.

Once Yumé was gone, Carla turned to Ikku. “I’ve got an idea for my Brand, too. Would you help me out?”

Ikku answered with enthusiasm, “Of course!”

Kenny chuckled as he made his way to the door. “I’ll leave you lovebirds to it. I’m heading out to work on my own Brand.”

“We’re not lovebirds!” Ikku snapped, visibly embarrassed.

“Sure, sure…” Kenny replied with a smirk, waving as he left the room.

Ikku turned back to Carla, curious. “So, what’s your idea? Maybe it’ll help me figure out my own Brand.”

Carla hesitated for a moment before responding confidently. “Chains.”

“Chains?” Ikku repeated, surprised.

She nodded. “Yes. Chains have always meant a lot to me. When I was a slave, I was constantly bound by them. But now, I’ve broken free of those chains, and they’re no longer a burden. Instead, they’ll be my strength. With them, I’ll capture every criminal who preys on the defenseless.”

Ikku was impressed by her resolve. “Wow! That’s an amazing idea, Carla! How do you plan to make it work?”

Carla scratched her head with a sheepish grin. “Uh… no clue.”

Ikku couldn’t help but laugh, and Carla quickly joined in.

“What if we ask Master Zéno for advice?” Ikku suggested.

“Why not? But how do we find him?”

“His contact should be saved in the phones we were given.”

Ikku scanned his device, quickly finding Zéno’s number. When he called, an enormous holographic bubble emerged from the phone. Inside, they could see Zéno, his hair wet, and his modesty concealed by soap suds, he was clearly in the shower.

“Hello, kids,” Zéno greeted in his usual monotone. “Good call reaching out if you need help.”

Ikku blinked, stunned. “M-Master Zéno? Are you… in the shower?”

“That’s correct. As your instructor, it’s my duty to be available at all times.”

Carla burst out laughing. “No need to take your role that seriously, Master. By the way, do you ever take off your eye patch?”

Zéno ignored her question. “What do you need?”

Carla quickly composed herself. “I’ve decided on the Brand I want to develop. I want to manifest chains, but I don’t know how to get started.”

Zéno nodded thoughtfully. “Interesting choice. Negative categories allow you to materialize what you imagine. Start by finding a real chain. Feel its cold surface, memorize its shape, texture, and weight. Repeat this process for several days. Once you’re familiar with it, close your eyes, focus on the chain, and attempt to manifest it.”

“Got it! Thank you so much, Master Zéno!” Carla replied, her enthusiasm renewed.

Zéno shifted his gaze to Ikku. “And you, Ikku? Have you come up with anything?”

Ikku looked down, feeling defeated. “Not really…”

Zéno observed him closely. “During the trials, I noticed you have excellent reflexes and impressive physical conditioning. Where did you learn all that?”

“I had special training. I spent about a year and a half in the Saqar Forest,” Ikku admitted.

“The Saqar Forest… that explains your agility and quick reactions. So, tell me, Ikku, what are your goals? What drives you?”

Ikku raised his head, his eyes burning with determination. “I want to complete the Millennium Quest. I want to prove to myself that I’m capable of great things, that I can change and become better.”

A faint smile tugged at Zéno’s lips. “That’s an excellent Brand for you to develop.”

Ikku frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”

Zéno replied cryptically, “The answer lies in our conversation. It’s up to you now. Good luck, kids.”

With that, the holographic bubble vanished. Carla was bursting with motivation, while Ikku was left utterly puzzled.

“The answer lies in our conversation?” Ikku muttered.

“Master Zéno is full of mysteries,” Carla said with a laugh.

“Tch, I’ll figure it out eventually. In the meantime, let’s find some chains for you.”

“Yeah! Let’s go!” Carla replied, her excitement infectious