As the sun cast its golden rays upon the forest, Ken embarked on his daily inspection of the communication tower. He meticulously examined the device, ensuring its proper functioning. The tower, a silent sentinel, remained unresponsive, its eerie silence a stark contrast to its usual chatter.

Disappointed but determined, Ken returned to his cabin, his mind preoccupied with the tower's malfunction. As he prepared to leave, a familiar voice crackled through the static-filled air.

"Ken... Are you there?"

Ken's heart leaped with joy. He rushed back to the tower, his hands trembling with excitement.

"Yes, I can hear you," he replied, his voice filled with relief.

The voice, however, was distorted, barely audible. "Ken... You... Hear..."

Panic set in as Ken realized the device was malfunctioning. He fiddled with the settings, his frustration mounting with each failed attempt.

"Damn it," he muttered, his voice laced with anger. "Why can't this thing work properly?"

Just as he was about to give up, the device crackled to life, its voice clear and crisp.

"Ken, can you hear me?"

"Yes, I can," Ken replied, his relief palpable.

"I've been trying to reach you for the past thirty minutes," the voice said. "It's important."

"Say what you have to say," Ken urged, his curiosity piqued.

"A couple of young people visited me a few days ago," the voice revealed. "They were looking for you."

Ken's heart raced. How did Elsa know about his visitors? Had she been watching him? A chill ran down his spine as he realized the extent of her surveillance.

"Was one of them named Orano?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

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"Yes, that's the name! And there was a girl with him," Elsa confirmed, her voice filled with excitement.

Ken's mind raced, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place.

The witch's request, though unexpected, ignited a spark of curiosity within Ken. He had spent years searching for ancient artifacts, his passion for the unknown driving him forward. The prospect of obtaining a powerful artifact, one that had eluded him for so long, was too enticing to ignore.

"I'll do it," Ken agreed, his voice filled with determination.

The witch, her eyes glinting with satisfaction, revealed her plan. "You must find Orano Tatsumi and gather information about his mission. I've provided you with a crystal that will allow you to pass through the barrier."

Ken, his heart pounding with excitement, accepted the crystal. It was a relic of immense power, capable of defying the most formidable enchantments.

With the crystal in hand, Ken ventured back into the Black Forest, his mind filled with anticipation. He found the Rift, a shimmering portal suspended in the air. The chains that bound it were a testament to its power.

Ken approached the Rift, his heart pounding. He held the crystal towards the barrier, its energy pulsing with a vibrant glow. The chains, unable to resist the crystal's power, began to weaken, their hold on the Rift loosening.

With a final surge of energy, the chains snapped, the Rift opening wide. Ken, his journey now clear, stepped through the portal, disappearing into the unknown.

As Ken embarked on his pursuit of Orano, he knew that the fate of the world rested on his shoulders. The battle against Nuzuki Serumu had taken on a new dimension, a personal quest fueled by his unwavering determination.

-------------------------(Two days later, At Idrisud)---------------------------

The group, having navigated the perilous journey to Idrisud, arrived just hours before the anticipated attack. The city was abuzz with anticipation, the air thick with tension. Knights, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, patrolled the streets, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.

Orano and Caitrin, their reunion with Lydia and Yuma a bittersweet moment, were soon joined by Miko and Bachi. The unexpected reunion sparked a flurry of questions and explanations.

Yuma, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension, revealed their recent encounter. "Tatsumi sent us a letter, instructing us to inform Miko and Bachi about the impending attack."

Caitrin, her curiosity piqued, inquired about the details. "How did you meet Miko and Bachi?"

Yuma, his smile a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation, explained. "We followed Tatsumi's instructions and met in a secret location. It was there that we met Miko and Bachi."

Orano, his eyes fixed on the horizon, nodded in approval. "It was a wise decision."

Lydia, her voice filled with concern, questioned the wisdom of their plan. "Are we sure this is the best course of action?"

Orano, his expression grave, replied, "We have no other choice. Our fate is intertwined with the fate of this kingdom."

The group fell silent, the weight of their responsibility heavy upon their shoulders. They were united by a common goal, a shared destiny, yet the path ahead was fraught with peril.