“Back already?” Rani asked, after seeing Xy and Yasubo walk into the dining room.

“Kinda…” Xy replied scratching his head.

“Alright, we’re almost done preparing the food so… Do whatever you’d like!” Rani replied.

“I’m actually not feeling that hungry”

“What? You barely ate today, no excuses, I’ll see you at dinner, then let you rest.”

‘I actually just want to sleep right now, I’ve been having a little headache today… Well, fine I guess.’

“Alright then.” 

Xy walked back into the large garden where he saw a bunch of children playing around, the sky was getting darker, and the weather started feeling colder as Xy let out a deep breath.

“I wonder what Zao might be thinking…” Xy chuckingly said.

…

“Master, I’ve suggested Xy something.” Yasubo said.

“What is it?”

“I told him that you would teach him. I feel like it’s the right thing to do.”

Rani’s face went from smiling to serious as he heard Yasubo’s words.

“You know, Yasubo. The only one that is suited to teach him is only Ryushi himself.”

“How come?” Yasubo replied.

“I see a resemblance of Yehuda growing inside of Xy, my father taught him the sword, I developed my own style of fighting by getting inspiration from the Sazuka people, and I learned you my way of fighting.”

“Matter of fact, the biggest reason I decided to teach you, Yasubo is because you reminded me a lot of my younger self.”

“I did?” Yasubo replied.

“Indeed you have. I can feel some strong rivalry between the both of you.”

“Rivalry…” Yasubo softly said.

“Right now, he is nowhere near your strength, but take heed of his development, if given enough time, he might be some serious competition for you, even if you’re one of the 10 Great Sheers.” Rani said overlooking Xy who was staring at the sky silently.

“Interesting. I am looking forward to seeing more of him.” Yasubo said, walking away afterwards.

‘I can feel Xy's impatience. But he is definitely not ready to be facing the many casualities that lie on the road of his journey.’ Rani thought.

…

[Meanwhile, in Tezuka’s dorm]

“I’ve prepared some foo… Where did she go?!” Tezuka’s daughter said after walking into the lady’s room.

However, she did notice that the window was widely opened.

“Maybe she’s gotten outside or something…”

"Oh! She did wear the special white dress I brought for her, that must mean she liked it!"

…

It was in the depths of Tezuka’s large garden that led towards a small forest where the lady was, alongside another figure…

She was standing alongside a pale looking female that had red eyes and was mostly covered in a black cloak, she herself was wearing a white dress.

“So, is this a deal?” The blonde lady said.

“It is only a deal since I can’t take your life, Yurwa.”

“I know you can’t, I lose Theia, and the rumors about the dimensional crack will be spread.”

“Shut your mortal mouth.” Vadea sharply said.

“Well… It will all depend on that boy anyways.” Yurwa said.

“I have high hopes, I will be giving him a visit soon.” Vadea replied.

“Fast enough…”

“There is more than enough time, right now. Theia is just imprisoned, I don’t know what Ark will do with her.” Vadea said.

Yurwa let out a deep sigh of nervousness.

Yurwa felt the disappearance of Theia as soon as she woke up, yet she knew about something that could only make Vadea be on her side.

…

Yurwa had a deep and strong connection with the Goddess Theia, before her capture at the bridge, they both spent a lot of time together.

It was around 10 years ago, Yurwa was nine years old, living with her grandmother. They’d be living together for about two years at that time, after the passing of both of Yurwa’s parents.

Yurwa originally came from the Aria nation, but had been living with her grandmother in the Black Dragons nation, Birane.

Sadly, her grandmother fell ill with the same disease that killed her parents, Yurwa swore to be there for her at all costs. One day, after deciding to buy some groceries for her grandmother, she had almost experienced something truly abhorrent.

[10 Years ago, Birane]

A young Yurwa dressed in a green dress wearing a set of brown shoes was on her way back to her grandmother’s house.

But unfortunately, a group of adult men had been following her all along...