A few hours before Arata defeated Divine in the dungeon, the air in the dimly lit chamber thickened as Angela stood before him, her piercing eyes locking onto his with an intensity that sent a chill down his spine. She crossed her arms slowly, her fingers drumming against her bicep, before she spoke. “There is a truth you need to know about your family, Wolf’s son, before we move on.”
Arata stiffened at her words, his heart hammering in his chest. His hands flexed, clenching into fists by his sides, a subtle tremor running through his fingers. His legs shifted uneasily as he took a step back, the weight of her words crashing down on him. Angela’s expression remained unreadable, her lips pressed into a thin line as she continued, her voice sharp, slicing through the silence.
“I want revenge for my old master. Harry Ryan, your father… and also my old master’s wife, Sheena Ryan.”
Arata’s breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening in disbelief. His shoulders tensed, and his hands unfurled, fingers twitching as if reaching for something that wasn’t there. He blinked, trying to process what he had just heard. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his heartbeat quickening as his mind raced. His lips parted slightly, confusion swirling in his eyes.
“Revenge?” he muttered, his voice barely audible. His brows furrowed deeply as he searched Angela’s face for any sign of deception. He took another step back, the soles of his boots scraping against the cold stone floor. “Wait… Sheena? Isn’t that the same person we’re fighting? Isn’t that Elio’s mother? What the hell is going on?!”
His voice trembled with frustration, his hands now raised halfway in the air, palms turned upward as if grasping for answers. Angela, remaining stoic, unfolded her arms and let them hang loosely by her sides. Her sharp gaze never left his, but her mouth curled into a bitter smirk.
“Once you reach Travis Loverheart, you will understand,” she replied coolly, her chin tilting up slightly, as if daring him to question her further. “But you will have to eliminate Hex since they were the reason my Master died in the first place.”
Arata staggered back, his legs suddenly feeling heavy, as though the weight of her words had anchored him to the spot. His breathing slowed, but his hands clenched into fists again, his knuckles turning white. His gaze flickered downward for a brief moment, his thoughts muddled and chaotic. Then, he raised his head slowly, meeting Angela’s cold eyes once more. His chest rose in a deep, steady breath, as if steeling himself for what was to come.
“I…I accept…” His voice, though quiet, was resolute. His jaw tightened as the words left his mouth, and he straightened his back, squaring his shoulders. His lips pressed together firmly as his resolve solidified, and he glanced down at his hands as if seeing them for the first time—unsure of what he was becoming.
Angela’s expression shifted ever so slightly. Her eyes darkened, and without a word, she extended her hand towards Arata. Her fingers glowed faintly as she took a step forward, her body rigid and deliberate with every motion. “Good. Let’s merge now,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
The moment their hands connected, a searing light erupted between them. Angela’s form dissolved into pure energy, her body twisting and spiraling like smoke being drawn into a fire. Arata’s body tensed as the energy coursed through him. His legs buckled for a brief moment, and he instinctively dropped to one knee, pressing his palm against the cold stone floor to steady himself. His fingers dug into the cracks of the stone, gripping it tightly as Angela’s consciousness began to fuse with his own.
As their memories intertwined, Angela’s voice rang out, startled and horrified, echoing in the recesses of Arata’s mind. “What?! NO WAY!” Her shock rippled through their shared thoughts like a cold wave crashing against jagged rocks. “You—You are a monster…” Angela’s words faltered, her voice trembling as she sifted through the fragments of Arata’s memories, piecing together the truth.
Arata’s face remained still, a cold calm washing over him. His lips curled into a faint smile, the corner of his mouth twitching with a dark amusement. His eyes glimmered with a cold, calculating light as he slowly rose to his feet. He straightened his jacket, brushing off the dust with a slow, deliberate motion, as though each movement held more weight than the last.
Angela’s voice rang out again, more frantic this time, her presence within his mind trembling with disbelief. “You have been planning this far already?!”
Arata’s smile widened, but his eyes remained distant, almost detached. His fingers twitched slightly as his hand hovered near his side. His entire posture shifted—his once uncertain stance now replaced with a confident, almost arrogant demeanor. He tilted his head to the side, his eyes narrowing in amusement as Angela’s shock continued to reverberate through their shared thoughts.
“Are you really the same Jamie I know?!” Angela demanded, her voice tinged with fear.
Arata’s eyes flickered with dark amusement as he tilted his head back, letting out a low chuckle. His shoulders shook slightly with each laugh, and he turned to face the empty air in front of him, his legs firmly planted on the ground now. His hand moved to his chin, brushing lightly against his lips before he let out a sigh.
“Jeez,” he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “I just want to keep the dumb, innocent guy who’s acting to save people act on so that I can easily infiltrate Hex and destroy it from within.”
He turned his head slightly, his eyes glinting with a mischievous gleam as he caught Angela’s presence still lingering in his mind. His lips stretched into a menacing smile, teeth barely visible under the soft curve of his lips. His fingers curled inward, clenching into a loose fist at his side as he took one slow, deliberate step forward.
“So please,” he added, his voice dropping to a whisper as he gazed into the empty space ahead, his smile widening, “don’t tell that to anyone.”
The silence that followed was deafening, as Angela’s presence recoiled in horror, her shock reverberating through his mind. Arata stood tall, his body now relaxed, exuding an eerie calm as his smile lingered, full of menace.
As the dust settled from Divine’s defeat, the dim light of the dungeon flickered across Arata’s face, casting long shadows that danced with the shifting light. He stood with his back slightly hunched, a grim expression etched deeply on his features. His hands were loosely clasped in front of him, fingers twitching occasionally, as if subconsciously processing the gravity of the situation.
Arata’s gaze was fixed ahead, his eyes narrowed with cold contemplation. His jaw tightened, clenching firmly as he focused his thoughts on Angela. He could feel the weight of his next question pressing on him like a heavy stone. His shoulders were tense, the muscles visibly knotted under his clothing. He closed his eyes briefly, then reopened them with a determined glint, signaling his readiness to delve deeper.
Within the confines of his mind, Arata sent his thoughts to Angela. He envisioned the question as a deliberate probe into the murky depths of their plan, his mental projection of the words sharp and focused. “Travis Loverheart, that guy is a professional rapist, isn’t he?” The thought carried a weight of suppressed anger and revulsion, as if the very idea of such a person was a stain on his perception of justice.
Angela’s response came through his mind with a chilling clarity. Her thoughts were measured, her mental voice calm yet tinged with a cold edge. “Yes, his ring, the cupid makes it so that women & men with weak will fall to his side.” The information was conveyed with a clinical detachment, her tone carrying a weight of bitterness and resignation.
Arata’s brows furrowed deeply as he absorbed Angela’s words. His posture stiffened, and his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides, knuckles turning white as he tried to contain his rising frustration. His breathing became slightly erratic, his chest expanding and contracting with quick, shallow breaths. His eyes darted around, scanning the dim surroundings as if seeking something tangible to latch onto.
His thoughts continued to churn, his mental voice now laced with a sense of strategic planning. “Weak will, huh? Elio would be a perfect target for him, after all, he will know the partial truth once we reach there.” The thought carried a tone of grim realization, mingling with a cold calculation. Arata’s head tilted slightly to one side, as if weighing the implications of this information. His gaze shifted downward, his eyes darkening with a brooding intensity.
The muscles in his jaw worked furiously as he processed the information. He took a deep breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he focused on the practical aspects of their next move. His hands, now relaxed but still tense, rested against his thighs. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, a subtle but telling sign of his agitation and the mental maneuvering required to handle the situation.
Angela’s mental presence remained steady, her thoughts echoing a subdued, analytical calmness. Her focus was clear, her mental communication precise and devoid of any emotional fluctuation. The exchange of thoughts between them created a palpable tension, an unspoken agreement forming between them as they prepared for the challenges ahead.
As Arata’s thoughts drifted back to their current predicament, his expression hardened into a steely resolve. His eyes locked onto a distant point, as if envisioning the next phase of their plan. His fingers fidgeted with the edge of his cloak, smoothing the fabric in a rhythmic, almost compulsive manner, as he mentally prepared himself for the confrontation to come.
Before leaving, Arata approached Jennifer with a purposeful stride. His expression was serious, eyes locked on her with a focused intensity that commanded attention. His shoulders were squared, exuding an aura of authority and determination. He extended his arm, palm open, offering Jennifer a small device—a sleek, modern phone.
As he spoke, his voice was steady and deliberate, each word weighed with careful consideration. “Jennifer, I am going to proceed with my plan to eliminate Hex. I am going to start by eliminating Travis Loverheart so I need you to help me here.” His fingers traced a delicate line along the edge of the phone, emphasizing the importance of the device in her hands.
Arata’s gaze was unwavering, his eyes narrowing slightly to convey the gravity of his request. He leaned in slightly, the movement subtle but conveying his seriousness. His lips pressed into a thin line, and his brows furrowed deeply, underscoring the weight of the task he was assigning.
“Steal the wolf ring while I am away so that when I am back, I will get the Wolf ring,” Arata continued, his tone firm and commanding. He raised his other hand, his fingers gesturing with precise, deliberate movements as if outlining an invisible plan. His hand hovered briefly before coming to rest on Jennifer’s shoulder, a firm, reassuring touch.
“Don’t say anything,” he added, his voice dropping to a lower, almost conspiratorial tone. His gaze flickered down to the phone in Jennifer’s hand. “I have sent you a sheet on your phone that will explain how to steal the wolf ring and when to.” His eyes darted to the device, his expression intense as he ensured she understood the importance of the instructions it contained.
Arata’s fingers drummed lightly against his thigh, a subtle sign of his impatience and eagerness to move forward. His gaze remained fixed on Jennifer, studying her reaction with a penetrating focus. The gravity of the situation hung heavily in the air, adding weight to his every movement and gesture.
Jennifer’s response was marked by a subtle but appreciative smile. Her eyes softened with admiration as she took in Arata’s meticulous plan. She held the phone close to her chest, her fingers curling around it with a sense of determination. Her posture straightened, her shoulders squared as she prepared to take on the task.
“I see, you are just the genius I knew.” Her voice carried a tone of both respect and confidence, her smile widening into a genuine expression of trust and understanding. She nodded firmly, her head tilting slightly as she accepted the responsibility Arata had entrusted to her.
Jennifer’s movements were smooth and assured as she tucked the phone away securely. She clasped her hands together, her fingers interlocking in a show of commitment and readiness. Her gaze held steady on Arata, her expression reflecting both her determination to fulfill his request and her respect for his strategic acumen.
As Arata took a step back, his gaze lingered on Jennifer for a moment longer, his eyes reflecting a mixture of confidence and reassurance. He gave a final nod, his movements deliberate and purposeful as he prepared to leave. His posture was erect, a sense of finality in his stance as he turned away, leaving Jennifer to carry out her part of the plan with the weight of his trust and expectation.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Jennifer stared at the phone Arata had handed her, her fingers gently tapping the screen to open the document. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, casting shadows that danced across her features as she scanned the detailed sheet. Her brows furrowed in concentration, eyes darting back and forth across the text with a focused intensity.
Her posture was attentive, her back straight and shoulders squared. Her left hand held the phone securely, fingers curling around the edges, while her right hand hovered over the screen, occasionally swiping to reveal more of the document. The tips of her fingers moved with precision, almost instinctively navigating through the information.
Jennifer’s lips moved silently as she read, her eyes narrowing slightly as she absorbed each detail. Her breathing was steady, but her chest rose and fell with a slight quickening pace as the gravity of the task became apparent. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, a subtle sign of her anticipation and readiness to act.
The document detailed the guard patrols, and Jennifer’s eyes tracked the meticulous descriptions of their movements. Her head tilted slightly to the side, her gaze following the lines of text that outlined the timings of each guard’s shift. Her fingers paused momentarily on the screen, her thumb resting lightly on the edge as she absorbed the timing and patterns.
As she continued, her eyes widened slightly at the section detailing the optimal infiltration times. Her lips pursed into a thin line, a sign of determination mixed with a hint of apprehension. Her gaze flicked to the sections outlining the easiest and hardest times to infiltrate, her fingers scrolling rapidly as she took in the strategic advice.
Jennifer’s expression shifted to one of focused resolve as she reached the part about the ringmasters. Her fingers tapped quickly, moving with practiced efficiency as she read the names and details of each guard. Her eyes narrowed, reflecting a steely resolve as she processed the strategies for dealing with each ringmaster if necessary. She noted the specific methods to handle them, her face set in a determined frown.
Her body remained still, save for the occasional shifting of her stance as she mentally prepared herself for the infiltration. Her hands, now holding the phone with a firm grip, trembled slightly with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She made a mental note of the crucial details, her gaze never wavering from the screen.
As Jennifer finished reading the document, she took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as if to release the tension that had built up. She glanced around briefly, her eyes sharp and alert, before her gaze returned to the phone. Her fingers performed a final check, making sure she had absorbed all the necessary information.
With a final, resolute nod, Jennifer tucked the phone securely into her pocket. Her movements were deliberate and confident as she straightened her posture, her shoulders squared with a renewed sense of purpose. She took a moment to steady her breathing, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and readiness as she mentally prepared to execute the plan.
Jennifer sat cross-legged on the floor, her focus intense as she carefully assembled the lockpicks Arata had instructed her to make. Her fingers worked with precision, deftly manipulating tiny components and tools. The small, intricate pieces of metal glinted under the ambient light, reflecting Jennifer’s concentrated expression.
Her brows were furrowed deeply, eyes narrowed in concentration as she adjusted a tiny spring with a pair of pliers. Her hands moved with practiced agility, fingers deftly twisting and aligning parts. Occasionally, she would pause to wipe a bead of sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, a sign of her absorbed focus and the effort she was putting into the task.
Dan, who was sitting next to Jennifer, leaned over slightly, his curiosity evident in his gaze. His posture was relaxed, but there was a hint of concern in the way he tilted his head and furrowed his brow. His hands rested casually on his knees, but his fingers drummed lightly, betraying his anxiety.
“What are you working on?” Dan’s voice was tinged with curiosity and a touch of concern, his gaze fixed on the lockpicks in Jennifer’s hands.
Jennifer glanced up from her work, her eyes meeting Dan’s with a calm but determined expression. She continued to work on the lockpicks as she spoke, her voice steady and matter-of-fact. “In case we are doing a stealth mission in the future, I am working on some lockpicks.”
Dan’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he let out a sad sigh, his gaze dropping to the floor. His posture became more hunched, a visible sign of his worry. “Jeez, I am worried about Arata… After all, he is branded as a traitor… It will be hard for us to help him…”
Jennifer’s fingers paused mid-motion, and she looked up at Dan with a puzzled expression. Her brow furrowed in concern as she considered his words. “Hmm? Why are you worried about him?” Her tone was inquisitive, tinged with a note of genuine curiosity.
Dan’s face was a mix of sadness and worry, his eyes meeting Jennifer’s with a troubled expression. He shifted uncomfortably, his hands fidgeting nervously. “Umm… Don’t you know that his life is in danger?! They will kill him if he doesn’t come back.”
Jennifer’s expression softened, and she placed the lockpicks down momentarily. She leaned forward slightly, her hands resting on her knees as she gave Dan a reassuring smile. “Oh, don’t worry about it, Arata is back to his normal self.”
As Jennifer spoke, a loud, piercing scream cut through the air, jolting both her and Dan. Their heads whipped around in the direction of the sound, their eyes wide with alarm. Jennifer’s mouth opened in a startled O, and her hands flew to her sides as she instinctively tensed. Dan’s eyes widened in shock, his body stiffening as he looked toward the source of the scream.
The scream of Lila echoed through the space, creating a palpable sense of urgency and dread. Jennifer’s face turned from calm to one of immediate concern. Her fingers gripped the edge of the floor for support as she quickly stood up, her movements sharp and urgent. Her body was tense, her posture rigid as she glanced at Dan, who was already on his feet, his face a mask of anxiety.
Jennifer’s legs moved with purpose, her feet rapidly carrying her toward the source of the scream. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her breathing quickened as she sprinted, her previously focused demeanor replaced by one of urgent concern. Dan followed closely behind, his steps hurried and frantic, mirroring Jennifer’s sense of urgency.
The room was filled with the sound of their rapid footsteps and the lingering echo of Lila’s scream, adding a heightened sense of immediacy to the scene. Jennifer’s hands clenched into fists, her knuckles white, as she prepared herself for whatever awaited them, her expression set with determination and readiness.
Lila stood in the center of the room, her eyes wide with a mix of shock and distress. Her breathing was rapid, each exhale coming in short, uneven bursts. Her hands trembled slightly as they clutched at the edges of her shirt, her fingers gripping tightly as if to anchor herself in place. Her face was flushed, a stark contrast to her usually composed demeanor.
Lila’s stuttering was barely controlled, her voice trembling as she repeated Arata’s name. “Ara-ara-ara-ara…” The words spilled out in a frantic, almost incoherent rush, her eyes darting around the room as if seeking answers in the faces around her.
Carly, standing nearby, looked at Lila with a furrowed brow, her concern evident. Her posture was rigid, her arms crossed over her chest in a defensive stance. She took a step closer to Lila, her gaze steady and searching. “What’s the matter, Lila?!” Carly’s voice was a mix of concern and confusion, her hands reaching out as if to steady Lila.
Lila’s eyes locked onto Alex, who was sitting nearby, attending to his injuries. His movements were deliberate but pained, his face contorted in concentration as he applied bandages and tended to his wounds. Lila’s voice rose in intensity, her tone nearly desperate. “ALEX TELL ME, DID ARATA REALLY FORGET EVERYTHING THE NEXT DAY AFTER HE CAME TO OUR SQUAD?!”
Alex winced at the volume of Lila’s voice, his face tightening in discomfort. He raised a hand to his temple, rubbing it in an attempt to alleviate the throbbing headache. “What are you screaming for? It’s hurting my head,” he replied, his voice strained and edged with irritation. His movements were slow and deliberate, each action carefully executed to minimize the pain he was feeling.
Carly, still focused on Lila, pressed for more information, her gaze intense and concerned. “What’s the matter, Lila?” she repeated, her voice softer but tinged with urgency.
Lila’s hands moved animatedly as she spoke, her fingers slicing through the air as if to emphasize the gravity of her realization. Her eyes were wide with disbelief, and her mouth worked quickly to articulate her thoughts. “Arata…He is a genius…A genius born 1 in a million…” Her voice quivered, a mix of awe and frustration coloring her words. “Someone whose brain surpasses maybe even someone like Commander Travis Loverheart, even Commander Williams and even Commander Warrier…”
Her gaze was intense, her eyes fixed on the others with a mixture of admiration and disbelief. She took a deep breath, her shoulders rising and falling with the effort, as she tried to convey the magnitude of her realization. “This guy, I don’t believe that this guy passed the test on a fluke…” Her voice trailed off, her expression one of profound contemplation and unease.
Lila’s body remained tense, her posture upright but rigid, reflecting the weight of her thoughts. Her hands continued to fidget, occasionally reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair from her face, only to fall back to her sides in agitation. The room was filled with the palpable tension of her revelation, her emotional turmoil manifesting in her restless movements and fervent expression.
Lila, her emotions still running high, took a deliberate step towards Alex, her movements sharp and purposeful. Her face was flushed with frustration, and her eyes were wide, reflecting the intensity of her conviction. She held out a sheet of paper towards Alex, her fingers gripping the edges tightly as if to emphasize the importance of what she was about to reveal.
Alex, still seated and nursing his injuries, glanced up at Lila with a skeptical frown. His expression was a mix of irritation and disbelief, his eyebrows knitted together in a skeptical arch. He rubbed his temples again, trying to dispel the lingering headache while attempting to focus on the document Lila was thrusting in his direction.
“No, I am not, Alex, look at his numbers during his school!” Lila’s voice was sharp and insistent, her tone leaving no room for argument. Her eyes were locked on Alex’s, and she held the report card up with both hands, thrusting it closer to him as if to force him to see the evidence.
Alex hesitated for a moment, then reached out with one hand, his fingers brushing against the paper. He took the document from Lila, his movements deliberate but with a hint of annoyance. He unfolded the sheet carefully, his eyes scanning the numbers on the report card. As he looked at the numbers, his expression remained skeptical, but his brow furrowed in concentration.
Lila’s hands remained outstretched, her fingers splayed as if to hold the document in place, even though Alex was now holding it. She leaned slightly forward, her body tense with eagerness and frustration. Her eyes remained locked on Alex’s face, watching for his reaction.
“Every single time, exactly 35 out of 100,” Lila continued, her voice rising with a mixture of exasperation and urgency. Her fingers pointed emphatically at the numbers on the report card, tracing the figures as she spoke. “Exactly the amount of numbers needed to pass a school exam. Not exceptional, not bad, just pass every fucking time for 4 whole semesters.”
As she spoke, her voice was punctuated by sharp gestures, her hand movements emphasizing the repetitive nature of the numbers. Her face was a mixture of determination and frustration, her eyes wide and intense as she tried to convey the significance of the pattern to Alex.
Alex’s gaze shifted back and forth between Lila and the report card, his expression slowly changing from skepticism to a thoughtful frown. He continued to examine the document, his fingers lightly tracing the numbers as if trying to comprehend their meaning. His posture relaxed slightly, but he still looked perplexed.
Lila’s stance remained assertive, her shoulders squared and her posture rigid as she waited for Alex’s reaction. Her eyes, still fixed on him, held a glimmer of hope that he would finally understand the significance of what she was showing him.
The room was charged with tension, the air thick with Lila’s palpable frustration and Alex’s growing curiosity. Lila’s hand movements and expressions were a reflection of her emotional state, her earnest attempt to make Alex see the gravity of the situation.
Lila’s frustration was palpable, her eyes blazing with a mixture of determination and exasperation. She stood close to Alex, her posture rigid as she tried to drive her point home. Her fingers drummed impatiently on her thighs, her irritation evident in her movements. She clenched her jaw, her face flushed with the intensity of her conviction.
“And that makes you think he is a genius?” Alex’s voice was skeptical, his eyebrows arching in disbelief. He held the report card with one hand, his fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the paper. His gaze was fixed on Lila, his expression a mixture of confusion and impatience.
Lila’s eyes narrowed as she met Alex’s gaze, her frustration mounting. She took a deep breath, her hands gesturing emphatically as she spoke. “No, it’s the fact that he got 4 students expelled in a school which doesn’t expel students.” Her voice was sharp and insistent, her fingers pointing dramatically at the report card as if to underline her point.
Alex’s confusion deepened, his brow furrowing further. He looked at Lila, his face a mask of skepticism as he tried to grasp the significance of her statement. “Huh? Are you implying that makes him smart?” he asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.
Lila’s frustration boiled over, her hands moving animatedly as she tried to convey the gravity of the situation. “What if I tell you… Those students… They all tried to harass Jennifer, they were all kids from rich families and all their fortune went to shit after their interactions with Arata.” Her voice was a mixture of anger and urgency, her hands slicing through the air as she spoke.
Jennifer, sitting nearby and focused on making lockpicks, looked up at the mention of her name. Her expression was calm, almost disinterested, but a glimmer of something hidden flickered in her eyes. She flashed a brief, enigmatic smile as she responded to Alex’s question. “Who knows?” Her tone was nonchalant, but the smile masked a deeper secret.
Lila’s frustration was evident as she turned back to Alex, her posture tense. “Tsch! They aren’t going to speak.” Her voice was sharp, her lips curling into a slight scowl as she spoke. She crossed her arms over her chest, her fingers tapping impatiently against her elbows.
Carly, who had been listening, now spoke up, her face reflecting a mix of contemplation and concern. “Arata during the start while joining did seem different but it’s like he was completely different from the first time I met him…” Her voice was thoughtful, her gaze distant as she recalled her observations.
Lila’s eyes narrowed, her expression darkening as she addressed Carly. “That guy is not normal…I am telling you Carly…He is dangerous…” Her voice was low and urgent, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. Her body was tense, her shoulders stiff with the weight of her warning.
In stark contrast, across the distance in London, Arata stood with a resolute expression as he faced the Queen. His stance was firm and determined, his posture upright with a sense of purpose. His gaze was intense, his eyes locked onto the Queen with unwavering focus. “I will kill Travis Loverheart,” he declared, his voice steady and full of conviction.
The Queen, standing before him, looked on with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. Arata’s words hung in the air, a promise of impending action and a reflection of his unyielding resolve. The contrast between the tense, urgent atmosphere with Lila and the calm, determined demeanor of Arata highlighted the gravity of the situation unfolding across the distance.