Avernus scanned the area for the daemon, but he had vanished without a trace. Avernus sensed a wave of malevolence, trailing toward the road.

Eizen turned to Rokurou. "Do you know that daemon?"

Rokurou, now calm and in control with his demonic eyes dimmed, shook his head. "No, but I know the sword he was using. It was a blade called Stormquel."

Magilou moved closer to Rokurou, her mind speculating about the sword’s name.

Avernus checked Laphicet for any visible distress or injuries."Are you okay, Laphicet?"

The little malak slowly nodded in confirmation.

Velvet gave Rokurou a stink eye. "Whatever the sword and that daemon have nothing to do with our goal. Just get to the port already."

A plan that everyone agreed to after that awkward and bizarre confrontation. Avernus was the only one who didn't put away his weapon, still wary that the daemon swordsman would probably ambush them.

Rokurou approached Laphicet and lowered his voice, face all sober. "Laphicet, I'm sorry about what happened back there."

Laphicet glanced at him innocently from the corner of his eyes, still filled with uncertainty. "I thought you were going to get killed."

"I know. You were just doing what you thought was right at that moment. It was partially my fault because I didn't give you a clear enough warning to stay out of it. If it ever happens again, I will give you a decent warning."

Laphicet was still not convinced, still confused about his hasty reaction. "You really don't want me to help? Even if your life is at risk?"

"Yes." Rokurou bluntly said.

"But Why?" Laphicet insisted.

Rokurou dropped his shoulders, "To tell the truth, I don't know. There's someone out there I need to defeat by my own hand." Rokurou was suddenly fired up, eyes beaming with anticipation, "I want to strike him down. I want to defeat him. But to achieve that, I need to be a better swordsman."

"Someone, you have to defeat?” Laphicet asked.

"In a swordfight, yes. And I will do anything to ensure that I triumph over him in the end. I don't care how much it costs me, life, my body… hell, even my soul, I will gladly pay it." He then smirked, "Those feelings have been so central to me for so long… I lost my very humanity somewhere along the way. Beating him is more important than life."

Rokurou leaned over Laphicet with gratitude behind his smile, "But still, I owe you for saving me back there! There is no point in defeating my opponent if I'm dead!"

Eleanor hurried to Rokurou’s side as Laphicet left for Velvet’s side, "Is that how you thank someone for saving your life!?”

"What is it with you? I’m just honest with the little guy. And no offence, but why do you even care?" Rokurou wondered.

"It baffles me that you don't even think it is disrespectful! You truly are a daemon."

Rokurou raised his chest proudly. "Yes, this is what I'm, a big bad old daemon."

As Rokurou was looking satisfied with himself, Avernus placed a firm hand on his shoulder and felt his threatening glare as he turned. "Raise your hand, draw your swords, look at Laphicet the wrong way," Avernus’s grip tightened. "And I'll kill you."

Eleanor observed their interaction with great interest. The passion and care Avernus showed for Laphicet were plain and clear from the moment they met face to face. But she couldn't get over the fact that why an average human and, most importantly, a Shepherd would be on the side of daemons and pirates.

Eleanor felt the need to dig deeper, not just the group's history and psyche, especially Avernus. She increased her speed and moved closer to him.

"Given your background as a ‘Shepherd,’ you must know that murder is wrong, I assume." She spoke with a straight face. At first, Avernus didn't pay attention. But slowly, he began to acknowledge that he heard something,

"I'm sorry, are you speaking to me?"

"Yes! How can you even go and murder responsible and good folks who want nothing but protection for their families and people?! You are not a daemon, but your assistance and aid in their cause will make you an accomplice. Listen to your heart. It is not too late for you."

Avernus suddenly dropped his head in shame. "Yes, you're right, Eleanor. Lately, I'm beginning to regret the life that I've lived."

Eleanor’s face beamed with hope. "I knew it! I had a feeling that deep down you're ashamed, you seem to be a good man… wait a minute, are you toying with me?!"

He abruptly raised his head again, trying to look normal and hide his smug face,

"No! It's true, and I regret it all."

Eleanor frowned. "You are making fun of me…Why are you acting like a child? Are you incapable of a single serious conversation?"

Avernus shook his head and, with a guiltless look. "I know, I'm a terrible person, and it makes me sad. Velvet, can I ask you something?”

"Hmm? What is it?"

"May I rest my head in your bosom? I wish to cry."

Velvet’s face blushed red for a second, her brows knotted even more, "You can cry well away from my bosom, I'm certain."

Eleanor growled in annoyance. “That’s an inappropriate way to talk to a girl, you know!”

Avernus gazed innocently at Eleanor, ignoring her complaints. "Did I tell you I was an orphan, Eleanor? I never knew my real family."

Frustrated, Eleanor placed a hand over her forehead. "Oh my god! I give up."

Avernus chuckled in victory. "I will be here, Eleanor if you want to talk seriously next time."

Eleanor crossed her arms and moved farther back. She glanced one final time at Velvet and noticed her reaction to Avernus was different, and his interaction with Velvet was smooth and natural. As a girl would’ve understood, Velvet’s gaze was changed when she looked at Avernus. Velvet was a little bit more trusting.

Laphicet slowed down and walked closer to her. "Eleanor, thanks for stepping in earlier."

"Think nothing of it. My orders are to protect you, so I did just that." Eleanor replied. Laphicet saddened at her response, feeling that he's still a tool to them.

"Oh… I see." He depressingly acknowledged. Eleanor noticed his reaction and felt a pang of guilt. "Of course, orders or no orders, I'd save anyone under threat from a daemon."

Velvet observed their interaction with a little bit of jealousy, " How noble of you…." She muttered.

Velvet then slowly approached Avernus, now walking side by side, whispering fiercely, "We need to talk seriously, Avernus."

"About your bosom? As you wish."

"Oh, my god, you're impossible, Avernus! I wanted to say that we need to watch over Laphicet a bit more."

"Why? Are you jealous of her?”

Avernus was sharp as ever. Velvet blushed as she was caught off guard. "Wh-at? No, of course, that's not it. I just don't want Eleanor to succeed in her mission. That’s it."

Avernus smiled confidently. "Don' worry, I have it under control. She tries anything, and she’s in it for a surprise. But I have an idea. instead of trying to look like a threat, we need to gain her trust."

"What do you mean?"

"Eleanor is a good person at heart. Manipulating her is easy. Also, having her in a good mood will make it simpler to discover her plots and motives." Avernus implied.

"You're right. I'll tell Eizen later. He definitely can help with that." Velvet agreed.

"Oh! I got it now!” Magilou shouted, straightening her chest as she prepared to tell a story. "The tragic tale of the sword Stormquell. Gather around and listen to you all grimy wayfarers! Once, a long time ago, there was a sword renowned the world over for its peerlessly sharp edge, its forger shrouded in mystery. So mighty was each swing of the sword. It produced howling winds that could level mountains! No other sword could match its power. The people, in their superstition, began to call it the God Blade."

“So you can tell stories too?” Avernus whispered.

"Shush! Now, there was one man who was truly enamoured with the God Blade. His name was Kurogane, a blacksmith of extraordinary talent. His heart was set on forging an even greater sword. He wanted to name it: Stormquell, the sword to conquer God Blade's roaring winds."

"So, did he make it?" Laphicet inquired.

"Kurogane forged scores of challenges to the God Blade, but the implacable God Blade itself shattered each one." Magilou narrated.

"What happened to this Kurogane?" Avernus asked.

"Some say the God Blade's wielder chopped off his head. Others say he took his own life. The truth is lost to history, but perhaps he and his grudge towards the God Blade somehow yet live. If that's the blade, we should all stay wary tonight.”

Rokurou interrupted. “Because the ‘God Blade Kurogane wanted so desperately to the top has been passed down through my family for generations. its name is Stormhowl."

"Weapons and their legends. Interesting," Avernus muttered,

Tiamat came to Laphicet's side as he was deep in thought. "Do you want to know about another legendary weapon, Laphicet?"

Laphicet was fired up, looking eager to hear more. "Oh boy, do I? Yes, please!"

"A long time ago, daemons and monsters had ravaged a far-away land. The king was desperate, losing legions after legions of his soldiers to the daemon horde. The people from around the country massed unto the capital, the last safe city on the continent. Grief, sorrow, and misery overtook the souls of the population." She continued. "The advisors and mystic pioneers of the king's court discovered the lair of an old goddess who was slumbering beneath the deepest depth of all the Earthpulses. A lone warrior volunteered to journey into the earthpulse and raise the goddess from her sleep. But one day, when the calamity was at the very door of the capital, in the last attempt at saving their people, they decided to dive deep into the unknown parts of the earthpulse. The warrior travelled into the innermost and dangerous province of the hallowed underground. There, he found a Malak, under attack by the daemons. The warrior killed all of the daemons, but it was too late for the victim. The Malak died but not before gifting the warrior with his own body and weapon to wield the power of the spirits; the Staff of Shadows."

Laphicet was enamoured by Tiamat’s charming voice, much more desirable than Magilou.

"Then, he found the lair of the five-headed dragon of the legend. After a small quarrel, the entity decided to grant him her vessel and the power to eradicate the daemons. The warrior came back, and with his newfound powers, he pushed back the daemon horde to the brink of annihilation. People revered him. His distinguished staff brought both hope to the people and planted fear into his enemies' hearts."

"So what happened to the warrior? And his weapon?!" Laphicet eagerly asked.

"After a few years, He went on a pilgrimage to the lands far away. The truth is, he never came back. People say he was lost at sea, and the Staff of Shadows is resting at the bottom of the ocean."

Eleanor stroked her chin constantly, trying hard to figure out the identity of the tale’s protagonist. "I don't know why I have a feeling that the man in this story seems familiar."

Avernus shook his head with a noticeable sigh. "One day, Eleanor, someone will summarize the terrible events of your life so quickly."

Eleanor gasped before gesturing at Avernus. "Y-You're that warrior!"

"Warrior and Shepherd. Yes, I'm that man."

"Those are a lot of titles for one man to bear." Eizen pointed out.

“I'm none of them now. I'm a dead man to the world.”

"I thought you called your weapon, the Dreamshadow not Staff of Shadows," Rokurou asked.

"Same as Stormhowl and the God Blade. The staff of Shadows is the name people chose to call it."

"So your weapon is made of… what, a malak's body?" Eizen asked.

"Not the entire body, but he fused himself into what you can call a "Blessing.””

However, Velvet was more interested in the ‘goddess.’ "So, that goddess in that story. she is "you, I presume?"

Tia smiled intently, acknowledging Velvet. " I'm known by many names.”

Velvet frowned in annoyance. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“Do you really need to know the answer?” Tia spoke calmly, making Velvet more uncomfortable.

“Now you’re just like Magilou. I asked you a simple question.”

Avernus stepped between them. “Tia was thought to be a goddess. I was her vessel for the past five years before I came to Midgand. She is a powerful malak, but not close to what you can call a goddess.”

Tia raised a brow at Avernus, glaring with a subtle disagreement in her eyes as if he ruined her fun.

Velvet sobered and accepted Avernus’s answer. "Whatever. As long as she can kill exorcists. She can even be another lost Empyrean for all I care."

Tia studied Velvet's face with mocking eyes, and her mouth twisted into a humourless smile. “ Another lost Empyrean .” She whispered.

The group continued down the path. Soon, they reached a mining cave. They passed through several deep holes on the ground and navigated narrow spaces between fallen rocks. Eizen tapped Avernus on his shoulder. Avernus turned and saw him with Magilou and Rokurou smirking with intent.

"What is it now?" Avernus asked.

"We were just talking about you. We need you to settle a matter for us." Eizen said.

"Magilou is involved, so it's about a bet, and I’m probably going to be offended." Avernus guessed.

"That may be right.” Magilou teased. “ You and Tia are friends for a long time, is that right?

Avernus glared at Magilou, "That's right. What about it?"

Magilou smirked maliciously. "So… you two... um… ever were more than just friends ? If you know what I mean."

“What do you- Oh, for the love of… really?!"

"Look, Avernus, it is a natural thing to be curious about," Rokorou said.

Avernus shook his head in annoyance. "Maybe for a twelve-year-old, not for some grown-ass people."

Magilou leaned closer. "Don't panic Avernus, it will be our little secret."

Avernus pulled himself back before distancing himself from her. "This conversation is over! If you have any more questions, go and ask Tia instead of bothering me with them."

"Now who's twelve," Magilou whispered, waving her hand dismissively.

Suddenly, they heard echoes of swords clashing and immediately scrambled, following the narrow corridors to the source.

As they rushed into a large open area, they saw the Swordbreaker daemon lying on the ground; his sword was broken, and a tall, muscular man with long black hair was staying near him. He wore a unique shirt that only covered his shoulders and the top portion of his back, leaving the torso exposed. Rokurou jolted hard, and his expression instantly alerted at his presence.

"Well, you're the strangest daemon I've ever seen! Your body is much harder than your own sword!" The man claimed.

"Who is this?" Velvet.

"That's Lord Shigure, one of only two legate exorcists in the entire Abbey," Eleanor said.

Avernus readied his staff. "What's a lone legate doing all the way here?"

Shigure turned to them and a slight smile curved on his face in recognition.

"Eleanor! What are you doing here? What the hell happened to you? Did you get captured by daemons, or are you a defector?"

Eleanor's voice began to stutter, unable to answer the legate correctly and stayed silent.

Shigure shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I don't care, do whatever you want. But still, today is my lucky day. Encountering the one and only Stormquell and… my target at the same time!" As he was checking the broken sword on the ground, he switched his attention to Avernus, eyes frowned but smiling at the same time.

"Your target?!" Velvet was surprised as she glanced at Avernus.

"I was displeased when I heard that you were at the Empyrean throne causing trouble, and I've missed the opportunity to meet you, Shepherd from afar."

A small but chubby-looking cat appeared from behind him. Avernus quickly recognized the malak,

Avernus recognized the malak. "Morgirm?”

"Aw, fancy meeting you here, Avernus. Back from the dead, I see." Morgrim looked up at Shigure. "Please, he is a considerate and a kind young man, Shigure. Show him the respect he deserves."

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Shigure laughed and nodded. "Of course, don't worry about it." Shigure turned his attention to Avernus once more, "I must thank you for saving Morgrim's life. She speaks highly of you. When Artorius demanded your death, I couldn't pass the chance. With the concern in the old man’s eyes, I finally understood that I have a chance to fight someone that has some boldness up his sleeve!"

"What can I say, legate. When your life is nothing but fighting after fighting, you'll always get dragged into it, no matter what."

Shigure’s eyes glittered with eagerness and thrill of a brewing fight. “That's what I wanted to hear, Shepherd!"

"But Shigure, I think there is someone else over there that wants your attention. He looks lonely and left out." Morgrim said.

"You're right. I’m a jerk. I just can't pass up the chance to tease my little brother. Can I, Rokurou?"

Rokurou and Shigure were locked in the staring contest.

"You haven't changed a bit, brother," Rokurou observed.

"What? Are you blind? I'm a lot stronger, you dumb ass. You're the one who hasn't changed. Are you still thinking about trying to take me down?" Shigure said.

Laphicet finally figured it out. "So he is the one who you want to beat in a fight!"

Rokurou went for his blades. He pulled out the swords swiftly as his front hair whipped to the side, revealing his face’s dark and mutated half. His demonic eye blazed. "I'm not who I was that day either… Brother."

Shigure smirked at discovering Rokurou’s demonic side. "Wait a minute. You're a daemon now! This is good! But I wonder, has that really changed anything?" He slowly pulled his sword out of the sheath. "When my real Stormhowl split your pathetic toy again, you're going to piss yourself like the last time?"

Shigure slashed his sword in mid-air, creating a gust of wind and blew against the gang.

"I will handle him,” Rokruou said, turning to Laphicet. “No matter what, I need you to stay out of it."

Laphicet stepped back, obeying his request. But his eyes were hazed with worry.

Then without wasting more time, they rushed at each other like slingshots. Shigure used the superiority of his long reach and slashed his sword vertically. Rokurou evaded the attack, stepping to the side. Shigure immediately changed the direction of his attack and quickly followed the last attack with another, faster slash to the side. Rokurou pulled up his guard in the last second as the great sword connected with his defence.

"It's been too long since we crossed swords, brother." Shigure clung to Rokurou’s stare, assured of his victory.

Rokurou gritted his teeth, losing his composure. "Shut up! You're dead! I will make you regret sparing my life last time!"

Rokurou pushed back, breaking the stalemate and moved his foot to his right side, trying to stab Shigure from his flank while he saw an opening. But Shigure was much faster and stepped out of Rokurou’s reach. Shigure gripped his sword with two hands and thrust it towards Rokurou with full force. Watching the tip of the blade coming for him, Rokurou jerked his body out of the way, barely evading the attack.

Shigure placed his sword over his shoulder in confidence. "You fight more lively as a daemon, and I like it!"

Visibly and by his tease, Rokurou roared in anger and charged at his brother. Shigure obliged the challenge and raised his sword, meeting his attack head-on with a quick dash. Shigure slashed his sword quickly, forcing Rokurou to switch to a defensive stance, crossing his sword. The Stormhowl landed between his blades. The force from Shigure's long sword broke his defence, throwing Rokurou to the ground.

"Unfortunately, I think our fight is over," Shigure claimed, pointing his sword at Rokurou’s face.

Eleanor suddenly gasped. She looked down on her arms as her hands moved on her own, raising her spear. “What?! I-I can’t stop it!”

She thrust her spear at Shigure.

“No!” Rokurou threw one of his blades at Eleanor. As she helplessly watched the sword coming at her, Avernus jumped in between and hit the blade out of the air with his staff, saving Eleanor’s life at the last second. Avernus turned to Laphicet, knowing that the kid instinctively used Eleanor to protect Rokurou as Laphicet’s face was all tense.

"I said stay out of it!" Rokurou shrieked and pulled his broken sword. "We are just getting started!"

Shigure was uninterested and shook his head dismissively. " We are done here. We can't have a real fight unless you actually bring a decent sword. Go ask that old daemon Kurogane to make you one. I'll be waiting."

Laphicet turned to the daemon that was lying on the ground. "It is that blacksmith! From Magilou's story!"

Shigure walked away from the scene but glanced from the corner of his eyes at Avernus, smirking confidently. "I will also be waiting for you at port Cadnix, Shepherd. Unless you can beat me, I will not let you or your friends get off this Island. Take a hint from my little brother."

Velvet nearly transformed her arm, leaning for an attack. "Who are you to decide that?"

"Do you have a problem with that, lady?"

Shigure swung his sword at Velvet, creating a blow of wind that surged at her. She braced, but Avernus jumped and slammed his staff on the ground, creating a wind art of his own that collided and nullified Stormhowl's blow in a brilliant clash.

"I will accept your challenge, legate," Avernus said.

Laphicet hurried to his side in fear. "No! You can't!"

Shigure nodded in satisfaction. “Then best of luck to you, Shepherd. You will need it."

Eleanor followed Shigure, trying to appeal to the legate. "Lord Shigure! Sir, I'm on a high-level mission!"

"I get it, Eleanor. You've gone rogue. Enjoy it while it lasts. I see you again. I will kill you."

Avernus held his arm in front of Eleanor, shaking his head as Shigure and Morgrim exited the area.

"He was only playing with us. I can tell that he didn't even try, though." Eizen observed.

Avernus turned to the group. "I will take him on, you guys just-"

“Denied.” Velvet interrupted. “You will stay put or else.”

"You don't trust me, Velvet?"

"No, and that's my decision. Instead, if it comes to it, we will all fight him together or will try to sneak past him out of the harbour."

The daemon struggled to stand up. The sound of his armour plates clashing against themselves alerted the group." That won't do you any good, but there is another way," the daemon said in his disembodied voice. "Follow me, Rokurou."

Rokurou followed the daemon without hesitation, but the rest stayed behind.

"Aren't we going after him?" Laphicet asked.

Velvet shook her head. "This is his fight, and it has nothing to do with Avernus or me."

"But Shigure said that he'd be waiting for Avernus at the port. He may be crazy, but he's not stupid enough to let us slip by." Eizen said.

Eleanor joined them, nodding at Eizen. "Lord Shigure is a master swordsman, and he is even more skilled than Lord Artorius! I doubt Avernus and Rokurou have a chance at beating him."

“We’ll see about that.” Avernus sheathed his staff and gestured at the tunnel that Rokurou and Kurogane entered. “Let’s see what they are up to. Maybe that daemon has a plan of his own.”

Velvet hesitated before agreeing to Avernus. They left the area and navigated the tunnels. In the meantime, Velvet decided to gather more intel and moved closer to Eleanor with the intent of interrogating her. "What was that fat cat creature accompanying Shigure?"

"Morgirm? She is a malak. She just looks different."

"And what else?"

"She has all the abilities of a malak."

Velvet glared at Eleanor skeptically, and she was alarmed by her distrust.

"I'm not trying to hide anything. This is all I know of her. Even Lord Shigure is an exorcist legate. He can match exorcists or daemons even without the use of malak artes. And since no one has ever seen Shigure using an arte, Morgrim is considered one of the seven wonders of the Abbey."

They soon entered the hideout, a large smithy with swords clattering around. Lots and lots of swords.

Rokurou noticed their approach. "This is what happens when someone is so obsessed with forging swords he forgets to die."

Kurogane growled in a low voice. "I gave up everything, thinking of nothing else but forging a sword that could surpass Stormhowl. And before I knew it…."

"You left your humanity somewhere along the way…." Avernus said. "Resentment for a purpose.

Kurogane turned to Rokurou, acknowledging his transformation into a daemon. "And I'm not the only one who traded his humanity. Your grudge against your brother must be great."

"We're not so different. You've never broken, and I'm living in the same way. If anything can break Shigure and his God Blade, it's the bitterness I carry!" Rokurou said.

"Then I will forge you a new blade for you to wield.”

"Should I take it from the top?"

Kurogane nodded, "My arms are all I'll be needing."

Rokurou quickly pulled one of his blades and slashed it widely, cutting off his head instantly. Eleanor and Laphicet stood frozen in shock and dismay. "What are you doing?!" Eleanor yelled.

"I'm just cutting some raw materials for the sword.”

Kurogane picked up his head from the ground. His voice came deep within the hollow armour. "With this hunk of Pure resentment, I will forge you a new Stormquel."

"No, this sword is a reminder of my weakness in the past,” Rokurou said. “I will defeat my brother using my secret, dual-wielding technique that I practiced all these years."

"Very well. A pair of short blades, as you requested."

Kurogane walked behind his forge. He dropped his severed head into the smeltery. The heat began to melt the ore as he picked up his hammers, ready to turn the molten ore into weapons.

“Go outside, Laphicet,” Avernus advised. “You don’t need to see this.”

Velvet interfered and joined them. "Why? You want a sword too?"

"What? I want to watch him forging new swords."

Velvet glared for a few moments skeptically before leaving the room.

"Shigure is mine,” Rokurou said, raising his fist. “Whatever he said to you back there is of no concern. I'm the only one who has a chance to beat him."

"Very well. You will have the first shot. But if you fall or fail to stop him, I will kill your brother. You may hate me for this but know that I don't care. I have people in this group that I need to protect, and I could care less about your honour and your old family dispute or whatever this obsession with him is."

Rokurou nodded in respect, feeling fired up as he watched Avernus’s conviction. "Agreed. But only if I'm dead or I will fight you too."

As they talked, Kurugane forged the blades of resentment for Rokurou. The swordsman picked up and hefted them in hand, eyes brimming with satisfaction. They left the cave to join their group, and as they exited the caverns, sounds of sword clashing altered them. They followed the commotion to the source and saw Eleanor fighting an exorcist. Eager to test his new blades, Rokurou rushed in from the side and slashed away his swords. The lightness worked in his favour, and the move was so quick that the exorcist had no time to react, and the blades found their clothes and cut through their armour. The exorcist fell senseless to the ground soon after.

Eizen noticed Rokurou’s new sword. "So, I take it you two are ready?"

Rokurou sheathed his new dark red swords. "No, I will be the one to kill Shigure, not Avernus."

Velvet marched at Eleanor, looking disturbed. "Keep fighting like that, and you will be dead, and Laphicet will lose his vessel.”

Eleanor remained silent and visibly shaken from fighting her old comrades, unable to answer Velvet.

Velvet calmed her nerves and shook her head slightly. “I have new orders for you; Fight the exorcists, but make sure they don't die."

Eleanor agreed, nodding as her eyes lit up with hope.

Avernus’s eyes fixated on Velvet, smiling in content. "Velvet is like a diamond in the rough if you can see past her current state." He whispered.

"What's the plan now?" Velvet asked.

"We will go to the docks and fight the legate." Avernus turned to the swordsman. "You will fight your brother. I will remain as a backup in case he fails to finish him off."

Rokurou nodded at Avernus, showing respect for his decision. The group agreed with the plan and made their way to the village. The small town was situated behind the cave, and as they entered it, they quickly passed the streets and reached the pier.

As they expected, Shigure was waiting for them.

Morgrim noticed their approach. "They're here, which means they took out every one of the exorcists who went after them."

"I told them not to bother, but those exorcists didn't listen," Shigure said and turned to his brother. "So, did you get a new sword?"

Rokurou remained silent, eyes clinging to Shigure with murderous intent.

Shigure pulled his sword out of its sheath. "Alright, I will find out for myself then!"

Rokurou unsheathed his new short blades and readied himself for the onslaught,

"Go, Rokurou and find your victory!" Laphicet cheered,

Rokurou scrambled at Shigure. His shining new swords shimmered in red as his demonic eye.

The new set of resentment swords clashed into Stormhowl, locking it between their sharp edges.

"I hope you don't die too soon! I want this fight to be fun, brother!" Shigure taunted.

"Shut up and die!" Rokurou relentlessly pushed on against his guard, resisting the sheer power of the Stormhowl.

Shigure noticed the new blades and gazed with admiration. "Oh! Those are some fine-looking swords!"

Rokurou gritted his teeth, baring them in anger. "Take a good look because they're going to cut you down!"

Rokurou took a quick swing. His swords missed Shigure as he stepped back. Rokurou let another blow after blow of his slashes. The swords shone with power, with blades hammering Shigure’s defence. Then, as Rokurou saw a flinch, he pressed his feet and jumped up, crossing his sword as he aimed it at Shigure and swung widely.

"Rangetsu style! Haron!"

His sword found Shigure, and sparks of white flashed all over them, hitting the legate with all the heavy swings Rokurou could out muster out. But Shigure with strand all the attack, guarding himself with the Stormhowl. Then, with a broad smile, Shigure pressed his feet to the ground and raised his sword.

"I don't even need to dodge! It's not over yet! Rangetsu Eagle!"

Shigure slammed his sword to the ground. An incredible amount of power surged from the blade and burrowed deep into the ground. The earth cracked, and fissures appeared like snakes rushing Rokurou. The power swept Rokurou from his feet, tossed him over the area, and crashed his body near the gang.

"You put up a good fight, brother,” Shigure declared. “I'll give you that. But I expected more from a daemon. Shouldn't you bring more to our fight than "pretty damn good Rangetsu style"? Shigure was disappointed, and his tone changed from playful to disdain and hate. "You don't have what it takes to win against the rightful heir."

Furious, Rokurou scrambled to his feet and dashed like a rabid animal at Shigure. "This isn't over. I have got something else to show you!"

Shigure saw the flaw and openness of his guard and thrust his blade at Rokurou. To everyone's surprise, he extended his opened palm towards the Stormhowl, and the blade pierced his hand, drilling it. With Shigure’s blade trapped between his flesh, Rokurou closed the distance for a final strike.

But Shigure was sharp as his blade and extended his free arm, snaking the broken Stormquel from the back of Rokurou and used it as a guard against Rokurou’s attack. The attack was blocked, and Rokurou’s eyes widened in defeat and shock. Shigure used Rokurou’s hesitation and, with a heavy kick, threw him back again.

"I'm impressed, brother, that was clever, sacrificing one of your hands to go for my head! Seconds slower, and I'd be dead. I like it! This is what I've been looking for." Shigure approved, feeling all fire up.

Shigure tossed the broken Stormquell at his exhausted brother's feet. "Alas, I'm not satisfied yet."

Before he could finish his sentence, Avernus slowly walked between him and the group. He grabbed his staff, and it extended to its complete form.

Laphicet and Tiamat began running towards him, but he refused their help, shouting in his strident voice. "I don't want any interruptions! Stand aside!"

Tiamat stopped and grabbed Laphicet's shoulder. He turned to her, "But he needs our-"

Tiamat nodded, ensuring Laphicet that Avernus had it under control.

Velvet instinctively readied herself for the attack but was stopped by Eizen.

Shigure smiled in satisfaction, seeing his adversary accepting the challenge. "Alright, Shepherd. I hope you're more entertaining than my brother!"

Avernus held his staff behind his back and his free arm in a clawed gesture in front of him.

Shigure was impressed by this new stance. It seemed open for an attack but ready to strike quickly with his staff. "That's a unique stance you got there. Let's see what you got!"

Contrary to Shigure's enthusiastic nature, Avernus stood calm and cold, rushing at each of them with great speed. Their weapons connected, flashes and sparks of light flickered from each hit. They stood their ground, and their legs stayed firm in their places.

Constant and rapid motions made it harder for everyone to see through the blurriness of their fight. Shigure tried to find an opening, but Avernus foiled each endeavour as he kept trapping the strikes with his staff. Shigure felt that an invisible wall blocked each move.

"I've never fought someone using a pole weapon so masterfully!" Shigure praised him.

.Avernus stared blankly into his eyes. "You talk too much, legate."

Shigure pushed as their weapons were locked, blazes of light emanating from the metals. Avernus pushed harder, and their feet slowly began to penetrate the ground as they were equal in their power.

"You don't use your magic, Shepherd. Come on, make it a little bit interesting for me." Shigure taunted.

"No."

Shigure smirked and suddenly forced his blade upward, breaking the stalemate. Then in an instant, he thrust his sword towards Avernus's face, just as he did previously with Rokurou. Avernus barely managed to evade, narrowly escaping a fatal stab as the tip made a flesh wound on his cheek and cut a few strands of his hair.

Avernus spun his staff, moving it in an upward slice into Shigure's unguarded chest. A set of long blades extended from the end of each side. The extended blades found fabric and a little bit of flesh. Shigure quickly stepped back, examining the small wound on his chest. He smirked and slammed his injury.

"That's more like it! A double-Scythe Staff! Your weapon is interesting too, Shepherd. I wonder what the story behind it is!"

Avernus wiped the blood off his face, "It’s not for your ears.”

Suddenly, a hidden blaze showed itself in Shigure’s eyes, and he dashed at Avernus. Shigure’s speed dialled up to a hundred and put Avernus on the defensive. Stormhowl hammered Avernus’s guard back to back until one heavy swing threw his staff out of his hand.

Shigure raised his sword skyward, ready to start his ultimate technique. "It will be the same every time, Shepherd! Rangetsu…Eagle!"

There was no time to escape. Velvet’s eyes widened with a pang of fear chilling her nerves.

Then, they saw Avernus raised his opened palms and clapped over the blades as it came down. The force from Stormquel quaked the area, and gusts of wind swept the air around, bellowing over the group.

Laphicet gestured over the scene in shock, “He grabbed it!”

Velvet squinted her eyes. Avernus had grabbed the blade above his head and stopped it right before the sharp edges split his skull in half.

Shigure grunted and jumped back. He chuckled loudly in satisfaction. "You are something else, Avernus! Grabbing the Stormhowl with bare hands!” With profound pride, he turned to the group. "Listen up! If you all want to take me down, come find me once you're more skilled and better armed!"

Rokurou stepped forward and raised his fist. "I will kill you, no matter how many years it takes or how much time I lose!"

"That's the vicious face I'm looking for. See you later, little brother."

Shigure returned his gaze at Avernus as he was standing motionless with his hair covering his eyes. "I'm satisfied, even though you didn't go all out against me. We will surely meet again.”

Magilou jumped in joy and screamed, "We did it! We're still alive! Yay!"

Laphicet walked to Avernus’s staff and picked up. He went to his side and offered it, but Avernus was standing still.

"Shigure was strong, but you and Rokurou were amazing too!" Laphicet praised him. Tia walked to his side and placed a hand over Avernus’s shoulder. "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"I'm fine… let's go to the… ship." Avernus slowly muttered.

Before he could move, he arched forward and threw up a chunk of blood. Avernus dropped to his knees, and his arms hung from his side, unable to move them.

Tia’s hands were lit up with a healing spell, grabbing him, "What happened to you?! Avernus? Talk to me!"

Another stream of blood flowed from his nostrils. "I'm fine, I think. Can’t feel my arms though-"

Before he could fall to the ground, Velvet swiftly grabbed his other side, preventing his fall. “What did you do, stupid?!” Velvet growled in anger. Her eyes blazed with fury and concern for Avernus.

“Just-”

Avernus’s head fell, and he lost his consciousness. Velvet gasped and cupped her hand over his cheeks, raising his head and brushing her hand to push back his messy hair.

“Idiot.” Velvet turned to Rokuour. “What Shigure did to him?”

"Avernus took a full blow from Rangetsu's Eagle. The move shatters the stone. I don't know how he could've even survived." Rokurou explained.

Eizen quickly came to his aid and held his other side, pulling him off the ground with the help of Velvet. Tiamat began to move her glowing hand around his torso, "I sense several ribs are broken, internal bleeding. Laphicet! I need your help!"

Laphicet, his face filled with sadness and concern, obeyed and sent a wave of healing magic into his body.

Magilou joined them, and for the first time, she didn’t joke about the matter. "Bring him to the ship! I will make some healing potions." She looked at Bienfu, ordering, "Go find me some Aloe Vera, Gotu Kola, and Arnica. Fast! Shoo shoo!"

As the startled Biefu flew away, the misty-eyed Laphicet gazed upon Avernus with dread and sadness. “Why?” He whispered but got no answer from them.

Eizen turned to Velvet and nodded. "On my go. Three, two, one!"

They picked him up and carried him to the ship as it docked.

An hour passed. Avernus was unconscious, resting peacefully on a bed with Laphicet sitting beside him, holding his arms above him and using his healing artes. Velvet was standing outside the cabin, peeking through the slightly ajar door.

Tia walked to her.

"You can go inside if you want. Avernus is in normal condition. He just needs to rest." Tia suggested

Velvet’s gaze was on Avernus and Laphicet. "Why don't you go inside and help Laphicet with healing?" Velvet wondered as Laphicet constantly yawned.

"Laphicet needs to learn to control his powers. I wouldn’t want the same thing as the Empyrean throne to happen here. Consider this a part of his training." Tia said.

Velvet leaned against the wall and crossed her arms and legs, sighing.

"Don't worry about it. You’ll get used to his reckless behaviour,” Tia said with a smile as she shook her head. “I remember that I had to use my healing magic more than any other artes during the war with the hordes back at Hyland. He knew defeating Shigure was near impossible. That was a calculated risk, or at least that is what he will tell you."

Velvet slightly raised her head but said nothing. Her arms began to wrap around her torso as she was trying to comfort herself.

"I want to ask you something important, Velvet," Tia said, prompting Velvet to look at her, "Avernus is quite taken with you. It is hard not to notice the longing eyes he lately gives you. He thinks that I don't know, but I always understand. Too sweet for my taste, though."

Velvet looked annoyed and irritated. "That’s not it.”

“You’re a woman, and we can easily read it. Strong and collected he is, his innocence in liking someone is still there in his eyes.”

Velvet remained silent and uncaring.

Tia moved closer, her voice getting lower. “I want to ask you where you thought it was going. Avernus is a fine man, but he is quite inexperienced in the affairs of the heart itself. I would hate to see him get hurt, Velvet."

Velvet was alerted to Tia’s suspicion but remained stoic. "Why do you care?"

"He is my family, and I'm kind of his big sister. You very well know where I come from since you were a big sister yourself. There is great potential for tragedy here. I don't know you, but I know him very well. Love is ultimately a selfish act. It demands that one is devoted to a single individual. You will probably occupy his mind and heart, to the exclusion of all else. He cannot afford to be selfish. I must know Velvet; you may be forced to choose between Avernus and your revenge against Artorius."

Velvet turned her attention away from Tia, looking back at Avernus, peacefully sleeping. Laphcet was also passed out.

"What would you choose then, Velvet Crowe?"