(Six Hours Later, At Rawara Lake)

The hours ticked by, each moment a test of patience and endurance. Orano and his companions remained vigilant, their eyes fixed on the lake, awaiting Nuzuki's arrival.

Despite the mounting tension, Orano's mind remained focused on his plan. He had meticulously crafted a strategy, a carefully orchestrated dance of deception and daring.

As the sun began its descent, casting long, eerie shadows across the lake, Nuzuki Serumu finally appeared, accompanied by a cohort of his kind. The knights, their spears poised, formed a defensive perimeter around the lake, their eyes locked on the approaching threat.

A commander stepped forward, his voice echoing across the water. "Surrender! Your resistance is futile!"

Nuzuki and his companions, their expressions devoid of emotion, ignored the commander's demands. They soared above the lake, their movements graceful yet menacing.

The commander, his patience wearing thin, ordered his troops to prepare for battle. As the knights readied their weapons, Nuzuki and his companions descended onto the lake, their magic shimmering around them.

With a chilling swiftness, they froze the lake's surface, their elemental powers transforming the tranquil waters into a treacherous ice sheet.

The commander, his face contorted with anger, was at a loss. How could he attack enemies standing on a frozen lake? His plans, meticulously crafted, were rendered useless by this unexpected turn of events.

As the commander pondered his next move, Orano and his companions approached the barrier, their presence unnoticed by the distracted knights. With a wave of his hand, Yuma activated the spell, the barrier dissolving into thin air.

The knights, their attention diverted, were caught off guard by the group's intrusion. "Who are they?" a soldier exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm.

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"It's Orano Tatsumi, sir!" another soldier replied, recognizing the legendary creature hunter. "He's allowed to enter."

The commander, his confusion momentarily eased, considered the soldier's words. A creature hunter, a formidable warrior, perhaps he could be of use.

The commander, his anger momentarily quelled, issued a warning. "We will allow you to pass, but any aggression will be met with force."

Orano and his companions approached the barrier, their hearts pounding with anticipation. As they stepped through the opening, the knights watched them with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.

Nuzuki Serumu, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity, greeted them with a chilling smile. "So, our honored guests have finally arrived."

Orano, his voice steady, met Nuzuki's gaze. "How do you know who we are?"

Nuzuki, his arrogance palpable, replied, "I've done my research. You're quite famous, you know."

Caitrin, her unease growing, couldn't help but shudder. Nuzuki's reputation preceded him, his cruelty a chilling legend.

Yet, she forced herself to remain calm, her trust in Orano unwavering. "We must be vigilant," she whispered to herself.

Nuzuki, sensing their apprehension, chuckled. "Don't worry, I have a surprise for you."

With a flourish, he whistled, his command echoing across the lake. The sky darkened, and a figure descended from the heavens. It was the winged woman Caitrin had encountered in Aetas.

As the woman landed beside Nuzuki, her face obscured by the shadows, Caitrin's heart pounded with a mixture of fear and recognition.

Nuzuki, his voice filled with pride, introduced the winged woman. "This is my loyal cousin, Samania."

Caitrin, her eyes wide with astonishment, couldn't believe her eyes. "It's her? The woman from Aetas?"

Orano, his expression equally surprised, confirmed Caitrin's suspicions. "The same woman."

The revelation stunned the group. The woman who had played such a pivotal role in their lives was a member of the Orwell clan.

Nuzuki, his voice laced with affection, praised Samania's loyalty and dedication. "She has been invaluable to me, her assistance indispensable in countless endeavors."

However, a hint of frustration crept into his voice as he recounted their occasional disagreements. "She can be stubborn, but I'm grateful for her loyalty."

The group, their curiosity piqued, exchanged puzzled glances. Nuzuki's cryptic words hinted at a deeper connection between Samania and the creature hunters.

Orano, his voice filled with urgency, demanded an explanation. "What are you talking about?"

Nuzuki, his eyes gleaming with a sinister intensity, replied, "I've been tracking the creature hunters, their movements, their plans. It was Samania who provided me with the information I needed."