Cheng laughed as he saw those fuckers come after him, treating him as if he was their grandfather. Weren't they so mighty before? When the two Saints were here, didn't they condemn Sarina? Look at them now! Scrambling to give up the locations of their secret treasures in hope to escape this place! What shallow bitches! How unsightly!

But hat is how humans are!

Cheng laughed harder. He truly enjoyed the sight of human beings being honest to their desires. He could never get enough of it. Seeing the so-called good ones fall down into the abyss of their dark sides. He loved it. To think he would one day see so many proud and lofty experts in such a way. If only his real self had been here...

He sighed.

Then, he grinned once more. Fuck his real self! He was just as real! It would be his turn to live life. To enjoy himself throughout the lands once again. Fear mortals! For the name of Cheng will resound throughout the many lands once again!

"Mwahahahahah!"

His laugh went on, not stopping the fervent other remnants from screaming at him, ready to give their everything for a chance to escape this place.

He couldn't help but glance back at Sarina. It was all thanks to this hated enemy of his that he could enjoy such a scene. Back then, he never expected her to come up to him with such a good deal. Heck, he never expected anything but insults from her. But what she said back then... He could still remember vividly and forever would...

...

Two thousand years ago or so, in a different era, the two of them were already remnants. They spent the previous years chatting with the other experts and benefitted greatly. Yet, they could only discuss theories and were unable to practice anything. Only words were available for them to spend the time. Due to many restrictions, unless they were inside a dome, they were unable to use any energy. Sure, it prevented any fights to break out but it made everything so dull. Every day became boring.

Speak, speak and speak some more...

Cheng was tired of it. He was already close to giving himself to madness. His psyche was never strong at resisting boredom. He was the kind to always remain active... And here, he was slowly dying inside.

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Then, his hated rival came up to him, taking him apart to discuss 'things' according to her. He thought she was going to preach at him once more, as usual. He went with her since their time bickering was still less boring than the other things available to him. Discussing whether the fire or water elements were best was...so goddamn boring.

As he was pondering on which insults to use first, she struck first and stunned him speechless as she stated: "Let's escape"

He thought he heard her wrong but she repeated it as many times as he asked. Until she got angry and forced him to give her an answer. Of course, he agreed. Not only was he overjoyed to see her fall into the darkness but he was more than eager to leave. At the time, he believed it was possible.

The both of them proceeded to inquire their seniors about the rules and the ways of this place. They learnt a lot. Especially the punishment reserved to those who failed.

Being petrified, sent to the other crypt they named the 'typewriter' and turned from a statue to a book. The process of being turned into a book meant to be erased. The soul would be translated into words on paper. It was a real end. The only reason the Saints did not proceed to do so right away was because having a talking teacher's guidance was better than reading a book...

After learning of this, they discussed in length. And, in the end, not wanting his life to end, even if he had to remain a remnant, he refused to continue. That's when she said that she would be the only one to take the blame. If it worked, they would leave together, if not, only she would 'die'. If she was erased in such a way, her real self wouldn't suffer any damage either so, it was fine. At the very least, it was an escape as well.

He agreed. There was nothing to lose.

But they needed a way to prevent her from being sent to the 'typewriter'... They pondered together in secret for years, decades even. And one day, they found a solution...

...

On the way back from the grand hall, Saint Bôrakos could not help but ask: "Why did we not take her to the typewriter?"

Saint Alvaro paused. He turned around, his poker face back on and stated: "It is to remind them of what happens if they fail us. Just a little threat to imprint your authority over them. My predecessor did the same back then... Anyways, just leave her like that for a century and they most likely wouldn't ever dare question you later on"

Saint Bôrakos nodded. While they wouldn't be able to resist him anyways, he would rather that they stayed obedient by themselves. In the end, predecessors or not, they were no more than caged remnants. They were prisoners. After some more thoughts, Saint Bôrakos asked: "What about Jin?"

Saint Alvaro chuckled as he stated: "You are the Saint Patron now, Bôrakos. You decide. I shall now take my leave"

Saint Alvaro left. Saint Bôrakos left and went on to meet some of the personnel. He talked to one of the managers of the castle and ordered him: "Send a wanted notice for the champion 'Jin' with the required warning notices and a good reward worthy of our status"

The manager nodded but couldn't help asking: "To whom, venerable Saint?"

Bôrakos turned away to leave. As he exited, he left a single word: "everyone"

The manager gulped and proceeded to do as ordered...