“What is your name!?” Rebecca asked, jamming her finger in front of Kanashi's face.

Kanashi was tied to a chair inside what he assumed to be her and Jason's room which was double the size of his. Talk about unfairness well they were staying in the room together so it made sense. But they seemed to have separate living areas so they weren't a couple. At least not officially. Based on Jason's demeanor he has no interest in Rebecca and seemed to not fancy her in any way besides a professional relationship. WAIT MAYBE JASON IN THE TSUNDERE?! Okay enough joking around.

“Kanashi Sarumalder.” Kanashi said as if reflexively.

“!?”

Why did I answer her? I didn't even realize I said anything until the words came out of my mouth and I didn't intend to tell her anything either!

“Okay then Mr. Sarumalder, why are you on this ship?”

“I’m on a mission to Edoland to help plan the Edoland Liberation.” Kanashi again blurted out suddenly without meaning to. Is this her magic?! Some kind of clairvoyant type spell? No she doesn't seem to be the one using it. Kanashi looked over to the man Jason who was standing near the front door looking at Kanashi with eyes full of sterness. Like a dad trying to block his child from leaving the house. It must be something he’s doing… something with these chains I’m tied down with forcing me to answer her questions truthfully! Can I not answer? There must be some kind of weakness to this spell. Some kind of restriction or condition that I can abuse to get free or even lie with.

“Who are you working for?” Rebecca asked.

“The Venator Society.”

“Oh wow, okay that’s a lot bigger than I was expecting some punk like you to be involved with.”

Wow, rude! I’m not a punk, I'm an upstanding citizen.

“Well then do you know the man Jinen Lutece?” At this question Rebecca's eyes narrowed and her face turned cold and serious.

“Yes, he’s the one who taught me magic.” What the hell did Jin do to these people? Why am I the one who has to pay for his sins? If I die I’m haunting you Jin!

“When was the last time you interacted with Jinen Lutece?”

“Yesterday when he dropped me off at the ship's port.”

“Hmmm, I didn't see him here yesterday when we were looking at all those boarding.

“!”

I didn't tell her that he was wearing a disguise. So it must be posed as a question then? Probably something basic and with a clear intent. No long convoluted inquiries or trick questions. I can find a way to abuse this… I know I can!

“What is your and Jinens relationship?”

“He’s the one who taught me magic and is also my friend.”

“Friend?” Rebecca asked with a surprised expression.

“Yes, he’s one of the people who helped me out after Azhar was destroyed.”

“Why would Azhar being destroyed affect you? Do you have family there or something?”

“...”

I didn't answer! She posed two questions there so it was unclear which I was supposed to answer hence I didn't answer either of them.

“Oh woops, I got my words all jumbled up there. Why did Azhar being destroyed affect you?”

Kanashi tried to bite his tongue, even if it killed him he didn't want to say why. He wanted to smash his own head into a brick wall or self explode but the words came out of his mouth anyways. “I’m the only survivor of the fifth horseman's pseudo awakening.”

“!?”

“!?”

Both Jason and Rebecca's faces lit up with shock and they looked at each other and then Kanashi.

“Explain what you mean by only survivor.”

Tears were in Kanashis eyes as he began to speak, he didn't want to cry and he didn't know why maybe some hidden emotions were being pushed out by this spell. That must be it, yeah I’m tough and real men don't cry, real men don't cry! “I was found by the Venator Society in the rubble of my home city. The only one found alive.”

“I see…” Rebecca said, crinkling her brow in thought. “That’s enough for now Jason.” She said after a few moments of silence.

“Rodger.” Jason said and the chains around Kanashi vanished, immediately he could feel the mana in his body and he thought about using [HellStorm] or [Bog] to try and escape, he had nothing for 2v1 situations in close quarters so he rattled his brain to come up with a plan.

“Don't try anything.” Jason said with a voice full of anger which made Kanashi flinch.

“We won't hurt you, we were just trying to make sure you were not our enemy and it seems you’re not.” Rebecca gestured for Kanashi to sit back down.

“Who are you people?” Kanashi asked, still on guard.

“Private investigators, we can’t tell you who hired us or why but it does involve Jinen Lutece so any information you can give us to lead to his arrest would be appreciated.”

“Well there’s two things I need to say about that, Number one I’m not going to rat out my friend and number two even if you did get me to squeal and got to Jinen you wouldn't even lay a finger on him.” Kanashi said with a raised eyebrow.

“We’ve realized that, hence why we’ve assured other means of detainment.”

“Well good luck with that.” Kanashi said shrugging, it didn't matter what they tried to do Jin would win, Easily. Kanashi had yet to see him in real combat going all out but just the respect from powerful people who he has seen go all out is proof enough that he holds the claim of the title “The Strongest.” You won't catch a lion with only a butterfly net no matter what plan you come up with after all.

“Well someone surviving the fall of Azhar is rather interesting and news to us…” Rebecca muttered.

“It mustn't have been reported. That raisin El-Saber is good about getting his hands onto things before anyone else can. It’s his trademark at this point.” Jason said with a dry laugh.

It seemed like El-Saber didn't have the best repertoire, but every time Kanashi had seen him he filled out the kind wise old men stereotype to a T. The only thing he was missing was to secretly be the one of the strongest people in the world which he might actually be since he’s one of those [Holy].

“Kanashi, about this Edoland Liberation attempt by the Venator Society… I’d like it if you told us more about that.” Rebecca said.

“Why didn’t you just force it out of me?” Kanashi asked bluntly.

“I can’t force you to tell us anything that doesn't involve our current investigation and the related details. The Edoland Liberation has nothing to do with the purpose for our investigation on Jinen and it doesn't seem like he will participate in it based on your knowledge.”

That is completely untrue! Thank you God for not having them ask me if he is involved in the liberation! “Well, I guess I can tell you some info about my mission if you share some about yours.” Kanashi said with a smile.

“Cant.” Rebeeca said instantly.

“Huh why not?”

“It’s a contract we made with our employers. We cannot discuss our investigation with those not involved.”

“Well you questioned me, doesn't that make me involved now?”

“Hah, nice try but no. It doesn't matter if we think you’re involved, it's based on our employer's perception.”

“Hmm, I see what a tricky thing. If you break the contract then what?”

“We don't know and we don't want to find out. Depending on the gravity of a contract you could end up sick for a week or something that small but in the worst case you’ll just straight up die. Me and Jason don't intend on finding out the cost of this contract breach.”

“If Jason used his Truth telling spell thingy on someone with a contract like yours would it work?”

“I don't know, I've never tried it.” Jason answered. “But I assume they would cancel each other out or it might end up with them telling me something vague enough to not breach their contract but still answer my question.”

I’ll have to have someone for a contract with me next time then to get around this sort of situation then… Kanashi thought with a frown, “Well I guess I can tell you something since you’ve went ahead and explained some of your private details with me, I can't say much but The Orochi Kingdom as taken a hold the Edoland Government and are using the Toumeikan Yakuza company to enforce their rule. My plan is to set waypoints for a potential invasion if a war occurs.” Mix a little bit of lies in with the truth.

“Interesting, I didn't know anything about this but if the Venator Society is acting upon it then it must be true. But I don't understand what Edoland would mean to them besides a good image as a loyal ally…” Rebecca muttered.

For all the Edoland Media you fool! That alone is more valuable than anything else in this damn world! Well at least that’s Kanashi's opinion but there was also the Spear Of Longinus. He didn't mention that part but Rebecca didn't ask about the horseman or act surprised at their mention so maybe she knows about them but not the spear and stone.

But that wouldn't make sense. Why would you continue to work if you knew the world was gonna end in a year and some change? Well maybe they did know about the Spear but not that it was in Edoland? And who was their employer? Someone investigating and wanting to arrest Jin? Private investigators normally don't have the right to arrest someone so it must be a real big issue if they can at least attempt to arrest Jin legally. Could it be Randolph's work? Maybe the Emperor Orochi or some other villain Kanashi is unaware of? Or it could be something petty like a shoplifting charge from when Jin was a kid or not paying taxes. Well it seems like Rebecca and Jason were not his enemies so it's probably not someone like Randolph or Orochi.

“Wait, how did you guys know I’m associated with Jin in the first place?” Kanashi asked abruptly.

“Oh, with this.” Rebecca said, pulling a small compass out of her pocket which pointed at Kanashi. “It detects the mana residue of whoever it’s programmed to look for and in your case Jinen must have left some kind of energy behind on something you’re wearing or using.”

Something I’m wearing or using? Well I can't think of anything like my clothes or… !!! Oh the rings! He infused them with his own spells and mana so they must have gotten a reading. Well it’s not like I can blame him since I doubt he knows someone is looking for him. He just expected a quick trip in and out. Oh and the Griffon! Maybe I could convince these guys to help me or get me in contact with someone who can help like animal control or the International Species Trading Committee.

“There’s a griffon on board this ship.”

“Hm?” Rebecca hummed curiously.

“Below on the bottom level there’s a Griffon being trafficked, I want to help it.”

“Interesting, but unfortunate. We can put in a word for you when we arrive in Edoland but we’re not allowed nor interested in interfering with the Griffon.”

“Damn!” Kanashi muttered.

“But how do you know about this Griffon even being on this ship? Your mission involves Edoland right, why would they double stack you as a rookie?”

Oh shit, I didnt think about how to explain this. Pompeii found out by illegally spying apparently and I don't want to rat him out since he's been nothing but nice but… he did drink my $2.50 Cream Soda bottle and eat some of my specially ordered Saharis Style bread. Not only that but he didn't care about the Griffons' well being either so he dug his own grave there… no I won't throw him out under the bus yet. Not unless I have to.

“I heard some people talking about it when I was looking for my room and ended up in one of the lower level restricted areas.”

“Hmm, and this is information you think you can trust.”

“I don't see why they would lie about that especially since they didn't know I was there.”

“Fair point but they could be speaking in code or having a conversation referencing something you’re not in on.”

Well damn this woman really can’t just take the hint huh? Okay whatever, no matter what I say she won't change her mind and help out anyways. “Never mind it’s fine, I don't intend on just raiding the down stairs and blowing stuff up. I’ll make sure to scope it out first.”

“Well, we’re not in any realm to stop you, so do as you please.” Jason said, opening the room's front door.

Guess you want me to leave huh? You sick pervert! Nah just joking I’m pretty tired and hungry too actually. “Alright then I’ll be heading out then.” Kanashi said getting out of the chair he’d been sitting in and making his way out the door.

“Wait.” Rebecca called out.

“?”

“If you need us for anything that we can help you with we’ll be here. Of course it can’t stop our mission but it’s not like we have much to do on this ship anyways. Even if you just want someone to talk to, that's fine.”

“Oh well thank you…” Kanashi said with an awkward smile. Maybe this woman wasn't so bad after all, maybe he just read her wrong.

# # #

In the ship's lowest deck as the sun began to rise the Yakuza members were preparing for their day which would be another day of nothing but loitering around.

Satoshi was bored out of his mind, he simply sat in the same spot as he always did on the couch and stared at the ceiling. He’d been on this ship for a month already and it was another 15 or so days before it arrived in Edoland and he could complete his mission. The other Yakuza were more than happy to sit around and tell the same stories and jokes while bragging about their crimes but Satoshi was different. He was bred for combat, that was the purpose of him being born and what he found the most joy in. Fighting and killing those who posed a challenge to him, whether they wanted to or not he didn't care. To grow stronger, to be the strongest. That was his goal simply put. Nothing heroic, noble or grand. He just wanted to be strong. The reasons for that dream? There were many too many to talk about now but this was just another turn on the path to his journey. But then a rock appeared to block his path. That boy who had entered the ship the day before. The one with the Death Defying aura which made Satoshi sick to his stomach yet full of excitement. He knew the boy was nothing special, much weaker than himself. Satoshi wasn't one to brag just to brag but he was confident he could kill that boy without problem. But that wasn't what enticed him, no it was the feeling that even if he killed him he wouldn't die, He couldn't die it was as if he was already dead! A dead man walking something Satoshi had never before seen and it drove his fighting spirit wild.

But he needed to wait. Wait until the moment was right when everything was set in place for the best chance of their fight to the death being uninterrupted. That was why he was waiting.

As Satoshi began to fidget with his fingers Kensuke barged into the room from his small office, office isnt the correct word since it was just a closet that was big enough to fit a desk, computer and bed. He was the highest rank amongst them all and as such was given the role of leader.

As for the rest of the group they simply slept wherever. None of them knew where Satoshi slept though, just that he did at some points disappear for a few hours at a time and then come back looking as if he’d slept. Why he did this they didn't know. Must just be his Edgy phase not yet being cycled through. The same reason he sits on the couch in the corner against the wall watching the rest of the room. He watched too much anime, they all thought. But he was strong, too strong. They had an arm wrestling contest and though he lost in the semi finals it was clear he did so on purpose. He wasn't a great actor and when he lost he really threw the towel in. But those who did compete with him in that game could feel the power coming from that little body.

“I’ve printed out a list of all the new passengers from yesterday's docking. For those of you who can’t read Shinkai that well, I've also printed it out in Edo but the Kanji and Katakana are a bit of a mess so take it with a grain of salt.” Kensuke said, passing out a pamphlet of papers.

The men took turns looking through the list of people, sometimes laughing at their names and making crude jokes about how they sounded similar to various swear words and such. When the pamphlet got passed to Satoshi though he showed an unusual amount of excitement, it wasn't Christmas morning excitement but he seemed to be eager to flip through the names.

There you are… He thought while finally finding who he was looking for. Upon closer inspection the boy looked normal, too normal except his eyes were sharp with small beady blue iris and bags under them, the boy's name “Kanako…” He muttered under his breath. In fact his room number was right there, floor 3 room forty four. Satoshi wasn't dumb enough to jump up and run over there right now that’d be too obvious so he instead decided to wait. He’d wait as long as it took.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Eventually he’d waited long enough, the other members had left to do their own bidding or simply went back to bed and he was alone in the small lounging room. He silently got up out of his spot on the couch and walked over to the stairs which lead up to the first floor. He walked up them silently, he didn't try to be silent, his footsteps just made no noise. Well not no noise but as little as possible. Unless you had super hearing or a vibration reader you’d never know someone was walking up those stairs.

As he reached the first floor he then quickly and easily made his way to the third, one of the first things he did when he boarded the ship was study its layout. He knew every air duct's path, the hallways and hidden rooms. All of it so much so he could walk from one end to the other blind folded.

He quickly reached the room he was looking for. Floor Three room Forty Four. The door was the same as all the others. Satoshi wanted to break the door down and begin a fight right then and there. Test himself against this unkillable boy Kanako but he held himself back. Not yet he had to wait a bit longer. But he couldn't contain his aura, which radiated a cold malice without his intention.

Standing here will only excite me more. He decided and then suddenly he vanished! Yes he disappeared, It looked as though he was pulled into the floor into his own shadow.

As Room Forty Fours door opened and the boy Kanashi peeked his head out he saw nothing and closed the door confused.

# # #

Deciding it was time to eat dinner after his interrogation ended Kanashi made his way back to the cafeteria, his wallet was thankfully not picked through by Rebecca and Jason so it was still ripe for heart aches when his dinner was rung up.

“Hmm, maybe I should go with the Steak and potatoes…” Kanashi muttered piering through the kitchen's glass displays, “Hmm but the Smoked Salmon and Rice doesn't look bad either…”

After deciding what he was going to eat, Kanashi took an empty seat at the cafeteria and ate quietly while reflecting on the day's events. That is until he was interrupted by someone, a female with short black hair that reached her shoulders and turtle neck T shirt with a heart shaped opening in the chest.

“Long time no see!” Rebecca said sitting down with her food of choice which was some kind of Pasta and Salad.

“Why’re you sitting here?” Kanashi asked with a frown.

“Wow rude, I saw you were lonely and didnt want you to feel too sad. That’s it.” She said as she began to eat.

“Where’s Jason?”

“He said he wasn't hungry. His diet is normally tar colored black coffee and cigarettes. I don't know how he can live like that.”

“Me neither.”

“Have you ever smoked?”

“No, I wasn't that bad of a kid.”

“Oh but you were bad then?” Rebecca asked with a smile.

“Not really, But I definitely had my moments.” Kanashi laughed, rubbing the back of his head nervously. It felt kind of weird talking to the people trying to arrest his friend but well it’s not like they were going to succeed anyways. And besides it was just them doing their job not a personal grudge so it should be fine.

“Say how come you didn't answer my question?”

“What question? I tried to answer them all there.”

“No, the other day.”

“Oh the one about the rooster?”

“Yeah, we could have avoided a lot of this if you’d said yes.”

“I didn’t understand the question though, and I still don't.”

“What? You don't know about the code phrases.”

“No clue.”

“You say a certain phrase that seems nonsensical to a normal person but another magic user will know what it means and answer yes.”

“What, I was just supposed to pick that up? I’ve had people ask me weird questions all the time so I can’t just go around saying yes to them all.”

“No, no, no you should have been taught about them by your mentor.”

“Yeah Jin kinda didn't mention alot actually.”

“Hmphf, not surprising honestly. I’ve never met the guy but his files are nothing but a list of negatives.

“Hey… I know you said you can't talk about it because of your contract but is Jin in trouble for something bad?” Kanashi asked with a nervous smile.

“....” Rebecca didn't answer and seemed to be seriously considering her response, whether that be to not break her contract or another reason in general he didn't know but her expression didn't make him feel too good about the situation. “It’s a serious crime if he’s found guilty…” Rebecca finally said and then once again bit her tongue as if considering what to end with. “That’s all I can say.” She sighed, shrugging her shoulders.

“Oh, it’s fine, don't worry. But I do know Jin, maybe not as much as some others do and while he’s a total jackass he’s also not a truly bad guy. He has his moments but I’ve never seen him do anything to hurt someone else for no good reason.”

“Well, it really just depends if he’s guilty or not for his crime. We’ve tried to get in contact with him directly but to no luck.”

Kanashi had seen first hand Jin burning a mountain of unopened envelopes he'd received at one point, his excuse was “There’s some real sick people out there man and a lot of them have it in for me. One of these might have Anthrax or something in it.” Which to Kanashi was total bullshit since Jin also complained about being unable to get drunk because of his blessing which gave him an immunity to all illness and positions so he really was just lazy.

“Why don't you try contacting his family? He didn't really speak about them but they should have a better chance right?”

“...” Rebecca's eyes seemed to narrow at this and her brow furrowed.

Wait, is it involving his family then? Do they think he did something to them?

“Well, let's change the topic from Jinen. I don't like talking about Work during my time off.”

“Oh yeah, you’re right my bad…”

“No problem.”

“....”

“....”

“Say, Rebecca, how'd you learn magic?” Kanashi asked after an awkward silence.

“Through my Grandmother. She was a member of the Witches Cult In Neverland in her youth so she had a pretty good grasp on it. Though she was a clairvoyant and I’m an Energy Manipulator so there was only so much she could teach me.”

Hmmm Kanashi had never thought about that really, having a teacher or student in a magic category you couldn't use well or at all. Jin was able to use 100% power in all of them, probably 120% so he could answer all of Kanashi's questions and provide examples.

“What did you do to me earlier with energy manipulation?”

“Hm?”

“When my head suddenly got heavy?”

“Oh, yeah. That’s my main spell.’

“What is it?”

“I can't tell you that!” Rebecca said as if Kanashi asked a ludicrous question.

“Huh why not?” Kanashi asked confused

“Magic is like your asshole, you don't go showing people your asshole every time they ask now do you?”

Hearing this women say “Asshole” is both intriguing and gross at the same time… “Well I can't say I’ve had anyone ask me to show them my ass but if they did then yeah I guess I wouldn't.”

“You guess?” Rebecca repeated, raising an eyebrow.

“I mean I wouldnt!” Kanashi corrected blushing.

“Alright I was about to say…” Rebecca giggled.

Hmm, this is nice. It’s actually kind of fun to talk to someone.

“Well what’s your magic then?” Rebecca asked.

“Oh well I’m an elementalist. Since we’re not supposed to share too much I don't think I should share the specifics but I’m pretty well rounded in the elements and skill I think.”

“I see, I thought you’d be a Spatial Manipulator honestly…”

“Huh why's that?”

“Because of how big your mana pool is, elementalists normally don't have near that much.”

My Mana Pool? I thought it was just barely above average? “I was told it’s about average.”

“By whom? Compared to most people out there you’re in the top 10%.”

“Oh, well by Jin.”

“Ah, then yeah if you’re comparing yourself to him then it’s not even a drop of water in the ocean. He has the second largest mana pool after Murlock after all.”

Murlock again… I figured the Evangelium was based in truth but I don't know how much is true and how much is fiction. The God Pillars and the horseman were left out of it so there must be more left out and more included. “What’s the deal with Murlock?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“Well like what’s the truth and what’s fiction?”

“Good question. No one really knows who or what he was before being Murlock. Some people think he’s an Atlantean that survived whatever killed them off and others think he’s some kind of demon spawn but he nor anybody else ever said what the truth was so it's been lost to history. We know he had the largest mana pool in history and was also the strongest being to ever live. Physically he was thirteen feet tall, had Six Arms and Four eyes.”

“Was he stronger than Jin?”

“Much stronger, maybe if there was another person equal to Jinen in power who was there to fight alongside him they might have a shot at beating him but even then it’d be a close call and rely mostly on luck.”

“How did they even kill a guy like that then? Were the God Pillars all as strong as Jin?”

“The exact details aren't known so all we have is what the Evangelium says which is that they launched a surprise attack on his kingdom and then threw 120% forwards.”

Murlock, the Dark Lord who ruled the world for 400 years with an army of monsters. It’s almost like a fairy tale come true. Well, it’s a true story that became a fairy tale.

“Oh what’s Jason's magic?” Kanashi asked, remembering the leather capped man.

“Oh well… I shouldn't be the one to tell but he’s not an attack type that’s more my style. He’s purely utility and support. You saw his [Chains Of Truth] earlier today.”

“Yeah, those were pretty tricky…”

“Well it’s mainly stuff like that. Of course he does have some more offensive magic but that’s as a last resort.”

“Normally the guy is the offensive fighter and the female the support. It’s nice to see the opposite.” Kanashi said with a smile.

“That’s what I thought when we first started working together too.” Rebecca laughed.

# # #

Kanashi was laying in his bed just letting his body feel the swaying of the ship on the waters rough surface. He expected to get Sea sick but thankfully that was not what came to be. He’s one to get car sick rather easily but I guess it’s not motion sickness in general that gets him. Maybe just the small confined space and air? Who knows, but anyways after he finished talking to Rebbeca and they split their paths he headed straight back to his room which was in the exact same condition as when he had left it earlier that morning.

All the talk about Murlock had gotten him excited. He for once was looking to test his own combat capabilities. It was common for kids to play pretend with fighting Murlock but that was an actual possibility at some point. Of course not anymore since his soul was destroyed but maybe in another timeline where he wasn't destroyed entirely and only sealed or physically killed, he and Kanashi could have fought. No actually that sounded horrific, if Kanashi couldn't stand a chance against Hayai or Julius then he would probably be an ant compared to the mass of the sun that was Murlock.

There was also the Griffon situation which was unfortunate. Jason and Rebecca said they’d be able to put in a word for him but it’s not like that would do anything. There’s plenty of living things left in bad care because of all the legality involving saving them so that just wasn't an option. No, he had to do something himself but how exactly he could was not clear.

Kanashi thought up three options which are the following.

1. Storm the lower level and free the Griffon from its captors in an all out raid.

2. Sneak down and free the Griffon at a point where no one would be able to know what was going on.

3. Wait until the ship docks and the Griffon is being removed to free it.

Each of these had their own issues. If Kanashi stormed the lower level it could cause a huge mess and catastrophic damage which could negatively affect the boat, passengers and Griffon. Option two was the best but highly unlikely. A Griffon would be worth a fortune probably in the tens of millions to buy so there would not likely be an opening where Kanashi could set it free and sneak away. Also even if he did succeed in getting down there and freeing it would the Griffon be able to make its way out safely? It could freak out and try to escape and cause a lot of damage to the boat, passengers and the Griffon itself.

Finally option three was the most realistic and well rounded. But again it had its own issues mainly being that when the ship docs those incharge of taking the Griffon from the traffickers on the boat will be present and who knows how many there will be. He could end up fighting a few dozen people which he would probably die during but he could also plan his sneak attack. [Bog] mixed with [Mudd] and [Smoke Screen] could be enough just maybe… Well he had two weeks left to figure this all out so he could take his time weighing his options.

Yeah he could just go to sleep right now and think about it more in the morning. That’d be the best choice to make right now.

# # #

Randolph was sitting in his study like he had been a few months prior during the inauguration and like he always was when he had free time. He would sit in this room and read his many tomes full of ancient information. The most important being a large thick book with yellowed pages and a red dragonhide binding. Not from a Wyvern but a true dragon, inside this book was the most important information to Randolph and he held it close and secure at all times.

“Lord Randolph.” A deep voice said, a voice Randolph knew well. His loyal servant Titans voice. How long had Titan been serving him again? Over two hundred years probably two hundred and thirty or so years at this point.

“Yes Titan?” Randolph asked, staring intently at the binding of his Red Dragon Hide Tome.

“I’ve come to make my report about the dealings in Afurenthoses Albur.”

“Was the summoning of Quek a success?”

“No, it was stopped by Felix Phoenicia and a boy who I don't know.”

“A boy you don't know?”

“Yes I believe his name was Kanashi?”

Randolphs face tightened at this name and his eyes narrowed. “Describe him.”

“Average Height with Blue Sanpaku eyes and Brown hair split down the middle.”

“His Aura?”

“Nothing of note, I would have killed him if not for Felix interfering.”

“Hahaha, what a mess this is turning out to be.” Randolph said with a sigh. “I tried my best to avoid this and it still occurs anyways but I guess that’s why it’s called the threads of fate. No matter how much you try to manipulate them they always fall into place the exact same way in the end… Isn't that right Osiris?” Randolph said as he stroked the Tomes rough cover.

“I’m sorry Lord Randolph but I don't know the context of what you are referring to.”

“Worry not. It’s not within your duties. It’s my conflict to deal with and mine alone. How was Felix?”

“Strong, impressively strong. He might be a contender for a God Pillar position in the future.”

“Did you remove him from the board?”

“I was unable to as Jinen Lutece was informed of my arrival.”

“I see. Then you made the correct choice in retreating.”

“What shall I do while we prepare for the coming battles?”

“.... Do as you please within reason.”

“Understood.” Titan said with a bow and retreated from the room leaving Randolph alone once again.

Randolph leaned back in his chair and pushed his hair back out of his eyes. “So I destroyed Azhar for nothing then.” He said with a defeated sigh.

# # #

Kanashi awoke suddenly, his eyes shot open and he sat up in his bed like he’d been forcefully pulled forwards. He was pouring sweat and his sheets were soaking wet like he’d peed the bed even though he hadn't.

He swallowed loud and harsh and then placed his hand over his heart, just to make sure it was still beating. He’d had a nightmare, a horrible one at that one which had woke him up from being that it was so horrific. But he couldn't remember it, not the slightest thing was present as if the entire thing was blurred in mosaic and slowly being deleted from his brain.

Kanashi grabbed his phone from his night stand and checked the time, [3:33] it read. What an ominous number. It made his skin crawl from nerves. “Come on anything, just a fraction of a second's worth of time…” He muttered clutching his soaking wet hair and squeezing it tightly while pressing his palm against his forehead.

“....”

“Well whatever.” He said with a sigh and climbed out of bed. He wasn't going to sleep again tonight that was for sure. Changing into presentable clothes, Kanashi cleaned himself up like anyone else would in the morning before heading out into the ship's hallway.

There he looked around the dark hallway which was only lit by a few small electric lanterns which would flicker every so often.

I should check out the water at this time, I might see some nocturnal animals going for a hunt.

Kanashi walked up to the ship's top deck all the while trying to be mindful of the sleeping people around him. Upon reaching the final door he swung it open and was punched in the face by the salty cold air. It made his eyes and skin burn with how potent it was.

I wish I brought some sun glasses or something, well I guess they couldn't help since I couldn't see the water with them on then… Kanashi thought while walking over to the ship's railing. Down below in the water was… nothing, just thick black water crashing into the ship's hull with a wet slapping sound. But just in case something decided to pop out suddenly he continued to stare down into the water's abyss like surface.

“...” It was quiet except for the sound of the water hitting the ship which was rather pleasant more than annoying. Kanashi felt himself enjoying the experience which was surprising. Maybe the people from before had damaged his opinion of the deck by being loud and annoying? Yeah for sure.

As he thought that something emerged from the water, it was a marine reptile, a kind of mosasaur, specifically a Phosphorsaurus. “Wow!” Kanashi yelled out trying to get a better look at the lizard before it slunk back into the waters.

“Never seen one of those before.” A voice from behind him came, Kanashi turned around in surprise that someone had snuck up on him and saw a short man with Edoland features. He had spiky black hair and narrow eyes.

“Me neither, well not in person at least.” Kanashi responded, trying to be nice.

“I’m not too into zoology so I never paid attention to things about animals as a kid but now I wish I did.

Wow there buddy are you sure you’re not a kid? Okay maybe that was rude, he's probably just short. It’s not nice to assume his age based on his height so let's just say that if I was a bartender I’d make sure to I.D him. “My mom was a botanist so I was kinda interested in biology for a while.” Well to be fair he still was but he didn't want to show his power level too much.

“I see. I can’t relate to that though. I never found my parents' work to be my kind of thing.”

“I can understand that, I think it might just also be how they introduce the matter to you. My parents never forced their knowledge onto me but when I asked they were more than happy to tell me the answer in great detail.” Kanashi said with a laugh.

“I never thought about it like that… My father threw me into his career from the earliest I can remember.”

“Oh really? What's that? I cant imagine a young child being able to do too many jobs.”

“Assassination.”

The man said it so calmly that Kanashi thought he’d end with a smile and laugh but instead he just looked Kanashi in the eyes with a stone cold gaze. His black eyes were like two chunks of Onyx.

They stayed like that for some time, Kanashi was too afraid to move he could feel the malicious aura radiating from this man. It was the same as from yesterday morning. Kanashi clenched his fist tightly ready to defend himself at any moment. The whole time it felt as though he didn't take a single breath.

“Well I should get going.” The man said, turning his head to the direction of the staircase which led to the ship's interior.

“...” Kanashi didn't say anything, he only stared daggers at the man trying not to make any threatening motions.

“See you later then Kanako.” The man said, walking away calmly.

Kanashi just continued to watch the man's back still with a stiff body and magic ready to activate at any time. He expected the man to turn around at any moment and lunge at him with a sword or some kind of weapon but he didn't. He disappeared into the ship's interior without turning around or saying a single thing. Just in case he ran out of the shadows to attack, Kanashi continued to watch the staircase for another handful of minutes with a tense posture.

“!” Kanashi felt something rise up from his stomach into his throat and turned around to lean over the ships deck where he vomited violently, he’d worked himself up so much that he’d become sick.

“Ha-ha-ha-ha.” Kanashi panted while hanging to the decks railing on his knees. He felt his whole body tremble with fear. That man was strong, stronger than anyone he’d ever seriously fought before, no stronger than anyone who’d wanted to hurt him. Yeah this man wanted to kill Kanashi, all of his power directed at a single target being Kanashi.

Should I go tell Rebecca and Jason?! No, they wouldn't care. It’s not their problem if I die and I’m not even able to tell them I’m going to die. All I can say is that someone scary talked to me? That would do more harm than good to our relationship. But that guy really could kill me! He’s so much stronger than I am it wouldn't even be fair. Like a child fighting an adult brown bear I’d be slaughtered.

Kanashi sat on the deck like that until the sun began to rise, when he realized just how long he’d spent there he got up and dusted himself off.

I guess it’s time to go get breakfast then. He thought about his burning stomach. He’d thrown up last night's dinner so he was running on an empty tank. Taking some deep breaths he made his way down into the ship's interior towards the Kitchen officially starting his 3rd day on the boat.

# # #

I was on the ship's deck watching the moons and the water when he emerged from the ship's interior, the man I’d wanted to meet had fallen into my lap. I nearly wanted to conjure my [Tsubashinai] and cut him down right then and there but I held back. Instead I decided to observe him, this man with the Death Defying Aura Kanako.

He stood on the ship's deck muttering under his breath for a while and watching the waters below, after 20 or so minutes I couldn't hold myself back anymore and made my way to him. I prepared to pull [Tsubashinai] my trusted Katana out of my Shadow storage but something jumped out of the water and Kanako snapped to life. He hollered like a monkey and smiled wide. It was creepy, almost like something from a horror movie. It made my stomach churn just seeing his face like that.

“I’ve never seen anyone like you before…” I thought aloud, I didn't mean to speak, it just slipped out in my confused state.

Kanako turned around to look at me with those sickening eyes he had, they looked straight into my soul like he was some kind of demon sent to judge me. “Me neither, well not in person at least.” he said with that smile across his face. His voice was strange sounding as if he was in pain and trying to hold something back. Maybe he wanted to fight me too? Did he know what I was trying to do? Did he know I wanted to kill him? Not only that but did he mishear what I said or is he trying to instigate something?

“I’m not too into zoology so I never paid attention to things about animals as a kid but now I wish I did.” I decided to play along, I felt nervous for some reason. Like lying to this man was something I shouldn't do. If he knew I was lying would he rip my tongue out? To my horror Kanakos face twisted and he looked at me. He didn't try to hide it either; it was clear that day that he was sizing me up. Like a wolf trying to decide whether or not to pounce another predator.

“My mom was a botanist so I was kinda interested in biology for a while.” He said suddenly, did he size me up? Did he not view me as a threat? I sensed his general strength and it wasn't close to mine but was that a trick? Could he control his aura to such an extreme that he could make himself appear weaker than me just enough to lure me into a false security?

“I see. I can’t relate to that though. I never found my parents' work to be my kind of thing.” I should speak honestly until I figure out this man Kanakos strength. I'll use his own talkativeness against him.

“I can understand that, I think it might just also be how they introduce the matter to you. My parents never forced their knowledge onto me but when I asked they were more than happy to tell me the answer in great detail.” Kanako said, was he trying to mock me? Say that I’m not smart enough to understand what my parents were trying to teach me? He must be trying to work me up so I make the first move sloppily driven by emotion. Then he could use my bad form to strike a critical hit.

“I never thought about it like that… My father threw me into his career from the earliest I can remember.” I said without thinking, I was so out of my element that I’d failed to keep in mind what I said. It's been a long time since I needed to use my skills on somebody stronger than me and my lax upkeep on those skills lead to my tongue slipping out.

“Oh really? What's that? I cant imagine a young child being able to do too many jobs.” He said as if to mock me, his face wore such a condescending smile as if it naturally fit him, it made me boil with anger. He was looking down on me, but I needed to restrain myself. I should tell him the truth so he knows that I won't fall for his cheap tactics.

“Assasiation.” I answered while putting on the straightest face that I could muster. Kanako seemed taken aback by this, he didn't gasp or do anything like that but his eyes told a million words. He was underestimating me and I’d managed to make my position clear. I was happy about that. But he looked into my eyes with those disgusting little blue iris surrounded by white. He did so for some time all the while I was prepared to defend myself at any moment from an incoming ambush.

“Well I should get going.” I said looking towards the staircase showing my intentions of not wanting to start a fight right here right now. I needed more time to prepare myself. I needed to be in the right space since this man had thrown me out of whack. He didn't say anything and just looked at me with those eyes full of an unreadable emotion.

“See you later then Kanako.” I said breaking the silence, I made sure to make eye contact and as I turned back to him, if he was a true warrior he’d find attacking me from behind dishonorable. Thankfully my upbringing instilled no such foolish ideals in me so I was able to attack wherever was the most likely to succeed without a care.

I walked down the staircase which led into the ship's interior without turning around, I just stared forwards and kept moving until I had vanished from his sight and then I sprinted. As fast as I could. Of course my footsteps were nearly silent like I’d been raised to make them but I still ran as fast as I could back to the lowest level of the ship. I jumped over those I found in the hallway blocking my path. I was pouring sweat full of fear and excitement, someone made me feel fear for the first time since that day. That day I watched my world collapse in on itself. This man awoke those same feelings which started this whole quest of mine.

I want to fight him even more now, I can’t hold back much longer. The next time I see him I’ll go for his head.