Shirei was still in the cafeteria at Lilies Park, seated at the somber table of Cragar’s children alongside Marina and Dahlia. The place buzzed with lively conversations about training, lessons, and mythological tales. The air carried the warm scent of freshly baked bread, creating a relaxing atmosphere. Yet, as often happened, the violet-eyed boy seemed distant, almost disconnected from his surroundings.

Marina and Dahlia laughed at some joke, exchanging glances, but Shirei did not partake in their lightheartedness. His eyes stared into the void, reaching for the lost memories in his mind, trying to assimilate these moments into his past. His rigid posture and impenetrable silence formed a barrier between him and the others. Even though he sat beside the two girls, it was as if he were somewhere else entirely.

Marina noticed his absent gaze and slid some food toward him, hoping it might serve as a bridge for conversation.

To her disappointment, however, she watched as the Blendbreed slowly rose from his seat. The blonde girl looked at him curiously, while Dahlia merely shot him a quick glance, her usual mischievous smile lighting up her face.

“I’m going to train,” he announced in a low, composed voice.

He offered no further explanation, nor did he bother with any elaborate goodbyes. It was a simple phrase, one he often repeated to himself, as if training was the only thing giving him direction since arriving at Lilies Park.

Marina stood up with him. “Why don’t you stay until the end of lunch?”

The other Blendbreeds fell silent and turned to look at him, some with a faint sense of unease.

There was an unspoken law that all Blendbreeds knew as a fundamental truth—Cragar meant trouble. But they could never truly understand his connection to the darkness, not when he himself still struggled to grasp its depth.

Within seconds, a mass of pure shadow began to coil around his body. The temperature in the room seemed to drop by a few degrees as the darkness thickened around him.

“Finish without me. I’ll see you soon.”

With those words, he vanished, slipping through the Interworld and leaving behind only a murmur of awe and concern.

The daughter of Ien remained still, staring at the spot where Shirei had disappeared, a thoughtful look on her face.

── ⋆⋅❂⋅⋆ ──

The darkness dissipated around Shirei, giving way to the world in between. The Blendbreedwalked with steady steps, crossing the spectral dimension that stretched before him in a chaotic swirl of greens, whites, and blacks. An unreal space, where the earth seemed to dissolve into smoke, and the sky did not exist. The landscape constantly shifted, as if it had no defined shape but was instead made of fragmented thoughts and distorted emotions.

A place dedicated solely to Cragar and his progeny.

The Interworld was a safe path, crossed countless times, a temporary refuge that distanced him from the chaotic world of the living and immersed him in a dimension where nothing held any meaning. As he walked, his face remained impassive, but his mind was constantly in motion.

I could have stayed a bit longer, but I prefer to train now. Sorry, Marina.

It wasn’t just to avoid distractions or the noise of the Blendbreeds at Lilies Park. It was a deeper necessity, a need to perfect himself again and again. Cragar had often admitted his opposition to uncalculated effort, yet it was always the same deity who had reminded him repeatedly how crucial it was to become more powerful.

And the only way I know to improve is to train.

There was a challenge that lingered inside him, a silent voice urging him to prove that he was worthy of his mysterious destiny. He had to not only master his abilities but also rediscover his identity. Every time he thought of his potential, he felt a rising pressure, an expectation that rested upon him.

This feeling… I’ve been sensing it since I arrived here…

It had been his decision to ask to be brought to the park, although he honestly didn’t even know why. He had trusted his instincts, hoping they would lead him to uncover something more about his past. He had yet to find any answers, but he felt as though he had made the right choice.

My body is reacting to this place… why?

A question that would remain unanswered for the time being.

As the Interworld began to dissolve around him, Shirei emerged beyond the boundaries of Lilies Park, into a hidden, peaceful area surrounded by tall trees, above which loomed the high walls that marked the safe enclosure. The contrast was stark: from the spectral darkness of the Interworld to the calming serenity of the forest, the Otherworld seemed almost too bright and peaceful. Yet, that contrast perfectly reflected his state of mind: outwardly calm and resolute, but internally in perpetual doubt.

Shirei ventured deeper into the forest, searching for the perfect spot to train. His violet eyes scanned the surroundings with sharp attention, looking for an area secluded enough to ensure he wouldn’t be disturbed. He had gathered that there were no monsters within the park’s borders, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t accidentally come across other creatures.

I imagine there must be elves, dwarves, or nymphs somewhere around here…

The towering trees, their branches intertwining above him, formed a natural canopy. The silence of the place was broken only by the faint rustling of leaves as the wind passed through.

He wandered for about fifteen minutes before finally finding a clearing spacious enough, enclosed by tall trunks that seemed to guard his personal space. Sunlight barely filtered through the thick foliage, casting long, fractured shadows over the soft, damp earth.

Perfect.

With a slow and measured motion, Shirei extended his right hand before him and closed his eyes. He could feel the darkness of the Interworld responding to his call, a surge of energy rippling through his body.

A shadow began to emerge from the darkness cast at his feet.

The Blade of Discord materialized slowly, as if being forged directly from the void. It was a sword of dark metal, its blade originally black but reflecting an eerie, acid-green light.

It was not merely a physical weapon but a conduit for magic. By absorbing mana from the environment, the blade inflicted wounds that not only tore through flesh but also induced sharp, paralyzing pain that gradually slowed the enemy’s movements. The agony would then subside little by little, but not before sending the victim into a state of shock.

Shirei regarded the sword calmly. He had wielded it many times during his training in the Underworld and knew its power well. Cragar’s first gift had proven useful in more than a couple of situations.

And I never even thanked him for it.

His expression remained unreadable, but he could feel the power pulsing through the sword. The connection between him and the Blade of Discord was absolute, as if it had been forged for him and him alone.

Time to focus now, he reminded himself. Enough distractions.

Before starting his real training, Shirei performed a series of warm-up movements. He was meticulous in his preparation, knowing that every motion was an essential part of his growth. Training put him in the best condition to face any battle and win.

His warm-up ensured he was in peak form for a productive session.

With his feet firmly planted on the ground, he began moving slowly, focusing on his breathing. His body responded seamlessly to his mind’s commands. The sword’s movements were precise, its weight feeling like an extension of his arm.

Every movement was practiced and repeated to reach the perfect balance between mind and body, ensuring that emotions would not overpower the clarity he needed to maintain. That was the first step of training: taming adolescent instincts and cultivating a proactive mindset.

After completing that phase, Shirei began the real training, gripping the Blade of Discord with both hands.

Every movement was calculated, the perfect representation of a river flowing without obstacles. He started with basic exercises, focusing on slashes and deflecting imaginary attacks, moving the blade with terrifying precision.

The sound of metal slicing through the air was thin and almost unsettling, like a distorted whisper in the tranquil nature. It was a weapon born from darkness, and the power Shirei felt coursing through it made him even more cynical.