Her honest concern surprised Kaito, and he stood there blinking for a moment before turning his gaze back toward the shadows.

“Don’t worry,” he said. “I’m taking the passage back. If this thing is as huge as you say, it won’t be able to squeeze through those tunnels.” He turned back to Reima. “Now go. Get out of here before it gets dark. And remember, you can’t say a word to anyone about where you’ve been or what you’ve been doing.”

Reima nodded. “I promise,” she said. “Thank you for everything, Kaito. Be safe on your way home.” She turned to leave when she heard Kaito call out to her again. Reima turned back around to find him gazing at her with a serious expression.

“Your heart and mind are in the right place,” he said gently. “Whatever happens, promise me you will never stop asking questions and thinking for yourself. Don’t change that spirit of yours for anyone. Not even the Vanguard.”

Reima was sure there was more to Kaito’s words than what he was letting on, and she didn’t understand his implications. However, she simply gave him a nod before turning around and heading back towards Gederah. Kaito watched until she had disappeared from sight before turning his attention toward the forest.

You referred to that ghoul by name, he thought. What the hell is going on here? He stood pondering his options for a moment. Then, instead of returning to the passage, Kaito began making his way into the forest, his icy blue gaze glowering with a blazing intensity. Whatever the case, I should take care of this before it becomes a problem…