Cyrene and Gideon travel toward the wide open verdant plains. Gideon gazes at the landscape losing himself to the packs of docile creatures and colorful foliage. The huntress’ eyes shift to the large bramble in the distance. 

“Are you sure your master has an idea of who I’m lookin’ for?” 

“I can’t exactly guarantee that, but he may likely have some knowledge..." 

She turns to him. 

"By the way, won't your master be sort of pissed that you left without his permission?"

"I believe he might become irate at my decision, though given my findings, I am willing to accept whatever punishment he distributes."

"And... what kind of punishments does he usually dish out?" 

Gideon stops in his tracks. Cyrene stops as well, eyeing his confusion. He arches his head down and rests his finger on his chin. He thinks for a moment, then his eyes widen. 

"I... I don't know! I don't believe he has ever been irate before! The very notion is a great cause for concern!" 

Gideon shivers as his mind races of the countless possibilities his master would punish him; with each passing imagination causing him to grow more distraught. 

"What will he do? I-I have no idea what could happen of me once I encounter him!" 

Cyrene approaches the trembling youth and places her hand on his shoulder. Gideon looks down at her. 

"Cool it down, silver. What's done is done. Let's just head over and-"

Suddenly, Cyrene’s eyes perk up. Her finger clutch onto his shoulder and she pulls him backward and toward her side. Gideon breaks from his frightened state and snaps his attention to his surroundings. The huntress eyes something ahead. The wind gently blows against their hair. The pasture softly sways to reveal enemies prowling in the long grass; a pack of tripwires were low to the ground and fastly approaching. Gideon hastily releases his power and readies himself. Cyrene, albeit slightly panicked, motions her hand outward, and a dark substance in the form of her sword conjures into her hand.  

Gideon prepares to move forward to attack. Cyrene follows behind him, but Gideon catches wind of something. He beckons to the huntress. 

"Hold it!"

He holds out his arm in front of Cyrene, stopping her in her tracks. She looks up at him. 

“Wh-what?" 

Something was shifting through the ground at tremendous speeds, moving in the direction of the malformed beasts. Cyrene was only able to catch wind of it when it was very close, as it was nearly invisible to the naked eye. When she was able to see it, she felt her body paralyze with fear. 

“Get back!” Gideon shouts.  

Gideon leaps backward, but Cyrene stood motionless. Before the tripwires could even pounce her, they were suddenly skewered from below and held in place by something camouflaged. The creatures' bodies trembled as they were held several meters in the air. Cyrene’s heart raced and her eyes tirelessly darted in all directions. Gideon, however, looked ahead and saw something looming before them. He points to the anomaly. 

“Over there."

When the looming threat seemed to have halted, she turned to face the unknown entity.  She was barely able to make out an ethereal heat signature walking toward them. Its visibility became more clear the closer it got. Though the light shone upon it, it was basked in complete shadow. The unknown character was lanky, holding onto the appearance of a man with no face. Cyrene and Gideon stood motionless as the figure stood erect before them. The invisible force that held the tripwires above began to take shape, revealing themselves as long, sharp, tendrils. The bodies of tripwires that were suspended in midair, were swiftly hurled aside, prompting Cyrene to forcibly steel herself. She grips the hilt of her blade and draws it against the abnormality.  

“Wh-what the hell is that?” She stammers. 

Gideon steps closer to the huntress while eyeing the tall creature. 

“Master…? Is that you?” Gideon pressed forward curiously. “Did you foresee my arrival?” 

Cyrene gradually lowers her guard.

“Master?” She repeats.  

The figure looks to the huntress, his head slightly tilted as if looking at the weapon in her hand. 

“Mistress.” 

A sleek, calm, voice emerges from the figure’s head. She grips the hilt of her blade tighter and glares at the man, her hands somewhat trembling. The figure eyes the glare of the huntress, then turns to her weapon. 

“Another Artisan..." he mumbles. 

The motionless figure stares at Cyrene before looking at Gideon. 

“Gideon, exactly what have you brought to our home?”

“Apologies, but if I assisted her with a small struggle in the cavern, she would grant my request to show you there was proof of outsiders beyond that of the Emerald Sea. Proof of a world greater than that of these beautiful plains. And she is all I need to show you! She looks not like I or the others in The Sapling! She, too, has a similar power to that of I and yourself! Truly, master, there must be a world bigger than that of this luscious field of greenery!”

The figure’s head droops down and slowly shakes. The two could barely make out a sigh echoing in their ears. 

“Not only do you disobey me, but you expect me to follow up on a proposal you have made with this young woman?”

Guilt creeps into Gideon's heart and falters upon hearing his master’s question. He shies away from his master’s sight. 

“F-Forgive me, master…” 

Cyrene comes in between the two. 

“Sorry to butt in between master and student, but I have somewhere to be right now."

“Yes, well, the young woman would also like to know the whereabouts of someone you may have encountered,” Gideon said. 

“Unbelievable,” the man sighs again while shaking his head. “Alright then, who is it that you’re looking for?” 

“Cloaked man with an annoying voice. A real bozo," she describes. "Ring any bells?"  

“That is… quite the description,” the master replies, uncertainly. “Very well. I shall help you, but only once. Make your way back home Gideon, and bring your friend along as well.” 

“Thank you, master.” Gideon bows slightly. 

“However, our conversation about your wants and whereabouts will be brought up once more.” 

“Y-yes, sir.”   

His body melts into several tendrils that seep into the earth and disappear. Cyrene exhales, lowering her guard, and causing her weapon dissipates away. Gideon approaches her. 

“Are you alright?” 

“Y-yes..."

“Really? You seem shaken up.” 

“I just... never seen something like that before. And you said he’s your master?” 

“Indeed, though not his true appearance. Forgive his sudden introduction, he was merely taking a precaution of your sudden coming, I’m sure.” 

“Don't worry about it. Let’s just head over there, already.” 

Gideon nods. 

"Certainly."