Asukem collapsed to his knees, drained as his divine energy diminished. He surveyed his friends, all of whom were battered, bruised, and unconscious. It was then that he spotted the figure in black robes, the one who had entranced him and his companions. Gathering his strength, Asukem rose from the ground and approached the man, seizing his robe and striking him in an attempt to rouse him.

The man clad in black robes stirred awake, realizing he had been captured. His eyes widened as he recognized Asukem as his captor. In a desperate attempt to defend himself, he exclaimed, "Oh, by the Great Divines, please don't hurt me!" Asukem seized him, drawing him in close and locking eyes with him, causing the man to shrink back in terror. Asukem's voice was firm as he stated, "Ah, good, you're awake. You can teleport, can't you?" The man nodded, trembling, and managed to whisper, "Yes." Asukem tightened his grip and ordered, "Excellent. You will teleport everyone here, including yourself, to Tradithia." The man quaked in fear, stammering, "Okay, okay."

The man invoked a spell, causing the atmosphere to thrum and shift. The tower of Eveleana began to transform, pulsating and dissolving into a different landscape. The tower's walls appeared to throb and merge into those of a grand cathedral, while the floors transitioned in the same manner. Suddenly, a rune materialized, erupting with magical energy at the spot where Gimp had fallen, as runes swirled around, altering everything in their vicinity. It was as if the man's incantation was being amplified, teleporting them precisely to the destination Asukem desired. A smirk crossed Asukem's face as a tear rolled down his cheek. "That little troublemaker still had a trick up his sleeve," he thought. "By the Great Divines, I will miss you, Gimp," he murmured to himself.

Alejandro, Petal-rain, Adam Moonbirth, and his sister Milissa Moonbirth stood in shock as they watched individuals materialize out of thin air before their eyes. Suddenly, Milissa noticed Grant, Leo, Kittienia, and Kwitwaka, all battered and unconscious. Reacting quickly, Milissa drew her bow, a holy arrow forming as she aimed it directly at Asukem's head, unaware of his identity. With narrowed eyes filled with fury, she shouted, "Who are you? Why are Asukem's friends with you and unconscious? Answer me now!"

Asukem swiftly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and exclaimed, "Hold on, Milissa, it's me. I am Asukem!" Alejandro scrutinized him closely, assessing whether he was indeed the genuine article. Rising from his throne, Alejandro seized his polearm and approached Asukem, lowering Milissa's bow as he demanded, "If you claim to be him, then explain what happened to our city; only he would know." Asukem let out a sigh of relief and responded, "There was a traitor among you, along with my companions, Kittienia, Nightclaw, Grant..." Before he could finish, Alejandro cut him off, saying, "Alright, alright, it’s really you."

 Milissa surveyed the group and inquired, "What has occurred? And where is Gimp?" Asukem struggled to suppress the anguish that surged within him at the mention of Gimp, though the distress was evident on his face. Milissa gasped in alarm, covering her mouth as she exclaimed, "Oh no!" Adam approached Asukem, wrapping him in a comforting embrace and saying, "I’m sorry, Asukem. I know how close you were to him." Alejandro glanced at Eveleana's lifeless body and asked, "Is that...?" 

After Adam released him, Asukem nodded, confirming, "Yes, that is Eveleana." The man whom Asukem had awakened attempted to flee, but Petal-rain ensnared him, questioning, "Who is this?" Asukem looked at the man with disdain, replying, "Just one of her followers." A guard swiftly apprehended the man in the black robes. Adam turned to Clair, Aquatina, and Elewa, asking, "And what about them?" Asukem responded, "These are the remaining friends I’ve assisted. I was hoping you could help restore their health and return them to their homes."

Alejandro shuts his eyes and gives a nod in response, saying, "Anything for you, Asukem." Milissa, filled with enthusiasm, exclaims, "You should stick around, Asukem. Share your journey with us!" Asukem beams and agrees, "Alright, alright."

The group found refuge in a nearby tavern, enjoying complimentary accommodations thanks to Asukem's close ties with The Order. Asukem, along with Adam and Milissa, gathered at the bar, sharing drinks and laughter as if they were long-time friends. Asukem recounted the adventures he had experienced with his traveling companions, leaving Adam and Milissa in awe of his tales. However, the time came for them to return to their duties. Asukem chose to withhold details about Naztheros and his intentions regarding Rikros, recognizing that The Order had pressing matters to attend to and that Alejandro was busy managing the city. He remained at the bar, sipping his drink and listening to the whispers of an ancient priest who had mastered Divine energies and sought refuge in the heights of Mt. Manna.

As time passed, Asukem diligently scoured the order's libraries in search of any details regarding Mt. Manna or a priest associated with it. Unfortunately, his quest for information about the priest proved fruitless. However, the insights he uncovered about Mt. Manna sparked his intrigue. He discovered that Mt. Manna is an active volcano, yet little was known about its volcanic nature. This volcano is unique, as it emits magical energies that often nurture rather than destroy. The lava it produces is a striking neon blue, and consuming it grants healing powers. Despite these fascinating attributes, Asukem's primary focus remained on finding the priest rather than the volcano itself.

Asukem dedicated himself to researching Mt. Manna and its divine energies, yet he could not uncover any information about the specific priest he sought. While he was engrossed in his studies, Jefferson, a guard familiar to Asukem, approached him. Placing a hand on Asukem's shoulder, he leaned in and whispered, "Holy Lord Alejandro wishes to see you, Asukem." Asukem turned back, offering a warm expression and a soft smile as he replied, "Alright, thank you, Jefferson." Jefferson noted the stark contrast between this version of Asukem and the one he had encountered in the past during his Sin Kin days.

Asukem collected all the notes he had taken from the library books, placed them into a leather bag, and made his way to the cathedral. Upon arriving, he encountered Alejandro, who informed him that his friends had all recovered fully. Asukem then unfolded a map and indicated the locations of his friends' towns. Standing before Alejandro, he declared, "Return them all to their homes; I want no one to know I am heading to Mt. Manna." Alejandro agreed but wore a look of concern as he asked, "Why is that?" Asukem responded by shaking his head and inquiring, "Do you trust me, Alejandro?" Taken aback by the question, Alejandro answered, "Always, but why do you ask?" With a serious expression, Asukem replied, "Then please, keep this to yourself." Alejandro nodded, assuring him, "Your secret is safe with me; I won't breathe a word to anyone."

As Asukem gets ready for his expedition, Alejandro leads his companions back to their residences, allowing them to recuperate at their own pace. Asukem packs a leather satchel with provisions for the trip and extra garments, aware that he would be away for an extended period. He departs from the sacred city of Tradithia, casting a final look at the city and uttering, "Farewell, everyone," before setting off towards Mt. Manna without revealing his destination to anyone.