His feet shifted, the katana’s hilt turned cold in his palm. A chill rose from the grip—Amaya’s quiet answer.

Velgorn opened his mouth—but Ren whispered, “Okay then.”

FSSHHT—

He vanished. A blur of black mist.

No one saw the step. No one saw the slash.

Ren appeared behind Velgorn. His katana was already sliding back into its sheath.

Click.

Silence.

Velgorn stood still. His body didn’t fall. Not yet.

Then—CRK-CRK-CRACK!

Twenty clean slices appeared across his flesh. Thin red lines formed like lightning across his body.

Still suspended.

Still untouched by gravity.

Still held in stunned silence.

Blood didn’t even spray—only quiet, cold disassembly.

Every person watching—froze.

Not a breath. Not a whisper.

Only stunned, open-mouthed silence.

****

Inori froze. “…What the—” Her lips barely moved, her eyes wide, hands unconsciously clutching her tunic.

Ren’s move replayed on the screen before her. It didn’t look real.

At the checkpoint, Miko stared at the live feed. “Did he just… kill that beast?”

Her tone was barely audible. Even the Haruki beside her didn’t hear.

“Wait… that slash—he didn’t even touch it twice…” Haruki leaned beside her, arms folded—but his fingers had stiffened.

In the center of the forest, where the Controllers were, Tanvika slowly stood from her chair. Anvitha remained silent.

‘What’s… that move…?’ Her eyes narrowed on the screen, voice dropping low. ‘…And why does his face look like that?’

Miko’s screen buzzed. Esha sat beside her, one hand over her mouth.

At another checkpoint, Maki turned toward Renshiro. “…What’s happening?”

On the far edge, where crystals were being stored in the trunk—Haruto sat beside it.

He stared at the Mini screen without blinking.

****

First second.

Velgorn’s eyes widened. He felt his body split—no pain yet, no blood—but it was like he was in pieces, floating. ‘What… happened?’ His limbs were still there, yet they weren’t connected. They hovered—detached, frozen in midair, held together only by thin, glowing red lines.

Second second.

Pain. A terrifying surge. Like fire igniting under his skin, crawling over every muscle. He couldn’t move. Couldn’t scream. His mind tried to react, but his body was... disconnected. As if it didn’t belong to him anymore.

Third second.

Confusion. A black haze swept his thoughts. ‘What is this?’ He didn’t know if he was alive… or dreaming… or fading. Everything felt distant.

Fourth second.

A chill ran through his fading mind. ‘Am I… trapped like this forever?’ The silence around him was unbearable. His heart didn’t even beat. Time didn’t seem to move.

Fifth second.

Suddenly, his body snapped back. The pain vanished. His limbs reconnected. He stood whole again… as if nothing happened.

But the fear remained. His eyes, wide with horror, slowly turned toward the man behind him.

Ren.

****

Ren stepped forward, his katana already sheathed, eyes calm—as if nothing had happened.

He spoke just one word. “Kneel.”

Velgorn’s legs gave in immediately—

His massive front and back limbs collapsed to his elbows, and his head bowed low into the dirt. No resistance. No will.

His voice trembled. ‘…What’s happening…? Why can’t I move my legs…? Why can’t I fire from my mouth? W-Why…?’

“Don’t think too much.” Ren’s voice stayed cold. “I didn’t kill you.”

He reached out, brushing back the thick fur around Velgorn’s neck, and pulled out a scroll hidden in the beast’s tangled mane.

“It’s the Soul Shere.”

“Your body parts don’t obey your mind. You can’t fight me. Not after fear entered your spine.”

“Now… say it. From which world did you come?”

Velgorn’s breath hitched. “…Vorai.”

“Then why did you attack them?” Ren’s tone stayed the same. Not harsh. Not soft. Just firm truth.

Velgorn muttered, voice trembling, “They… attacked me first…”

“Did you try saying anything to stop them?” Ren raised an eyebrow slightly. “Or did you just charge at them?”

Velgorn didn’t speak.

Ren stood still, his red eyes dimming slowly. “Did you hav—hmm…”

“You don’t have any blank scroll,” he paused, then exhaled, his voice firm again. “Go back to your world.”

“But remember—once you leave, you can’t return here,” his tone dropped cold. “I don’t know what your world looks like... but coming here like that, and attacking out of nowhere? That was your mistake.”

Still, Velgorn didn’t respond.

“Say something,” Ren’s head tilted slightly, his voice softened, almost irritated. “Or what… you want to stay here?”

Velgorn slowly lifted his eyes. “...Can I stay?”

“Yeah,” Ren didn’t blink. “But only for some time. After that, you should go back to your world. I’ll come too—when I do, I’ll bring my scroll. Then we’ll make the contract.”

“Contract…?” Velgorn’s ears twitched. “I think it means… isn’t that something both sides have to agree to?”

“Will you really trust me?” He looked down at his own clawed legs. “I’m a beast…”

“Don’t worry about that,” Ren’s voice turned colder again. “But if something happens again while you stay—”

He looked straight into Velgorn’s glowing red eyes. “—you won’t know what will happen next.”

“I really won’t do anything...” Velgorn lowered his head slightly, shame washing over him.

Ren narrowed his eyes. “You talking… well.” He just sighed, casually opened the crack, and pulled out a grilled fish plate.

“Eat. And stay quiet here.” He slid it gently toward Velgorn. “A competition’s going on—don’t even think of disturbing it.”

Velgorn’s entire beastly form perked up. He instantly grabbed the fish and began chomping.

“Okay! I’ll stay quiet right here!”

Then he turned slightly and gave a grumpy glare toward Takeshi. “...But you threw a weapon at me first!”

“Haa?! What?” Ren’s eyes flashed with annoyance.

“Didn’t I tell you?” He stepped closer. “You were the one supposed to convince them! Not just appear and roar!”

“Okay, okay… master…” Velgorn looked down, his tail brushing the dirt. “I understand now. From today, I’ll be your mount.”

Ren froze. “Tch—don’t call me that and I can walk.”

He walked quietly toward the tree where Sakura was sitting, her back against the bark.

“Are you okay?” he asked, eyes scanning her face, then her injured ankle.

“Just ankle pain…” She gave a weak smile. “I think it’ll go away after some time.”

“Hmm…” Ren glanced toward Velgorn, who was lazily laying down, his ears flicking. “Can you ride on it?”

Sakura instantly straightened. “No! No, no, no!”

Just then, Ayesha came over, kneeling beside her. “Show your leg. I’ll heal it.”

She gently touched Sakura’s ankle. A soft yellow glow bloomed around her palm, warm and calming. The pain began to ease.

On the other side, Megha walked over to Takeshi. “Niisan... Now I understand why he smiled yesterday.”

“Hmph,” Darven nudged Shoren. “We can also do it, you know.”

Velgorn raised his head slowly.

“What’re you looking at?” Darven snapped. “Eat quietly, idiot.”

“…Though you’ve got some brain,” his voice softened slightly. “I’ll admit—even for a beast.”

Velgorn flicked his tongue, licking the fish plate like a spoiled giant cat.

Rayan stood at the pillar of the building, arms folded, still eyeing Velgorn uneasily. “This is the same beast that attacked us…?”

“Well, all of you finished searching?” Ren, arms folded, looked around at everyone. “Go and search.”

****

He turned back to Sakura. “Can you walk now?”

Sakura gave a sly little gesture—waving him closer with a finger.

Ren leaned in slightly.

She said, “Don’t tell master.”

“What? He won't scold you for this, don’t worry.”

“Stupid Ken… If my leg doesn’t work, he’ll carry me, right? Help me, please!” she snapped in a whisper, her tone hushed but playful.

“That’s what you’re worried about?” He blinked, then stared into her eyes. “I was worried about something serious. Don’t force it, idiot. It has to come naturally.”

“Um... I’m trying my best from my side,” she looked down, fingers fiddling with her sleeve. “What else can I do?”

“It’s your matter,” Ren exhaled through his nose, half annoyed, half smiling. “I won’t get involved.”

He straightened. “We’re going now. Just rest here. He’ll come with the token, then you can move.”

“Huh?! Take me with you.” Sakura reached forward and tugged lightly at his sleeve. “I’ll rest at that building. Tokens are probably over in this one.”

“With this much fear,” Ren sighed, his head tilting as a faint smirk curved his lips. “Why do you even want to be in the tournament?”

Sakura narrowed her eyes, cheeks puffed slightly. “Hmph! Again with your preaching mode!”

Then she leaned forward with a whisper. “Please don’t start Ken...”

****

Meanwhile, in another building—

Yuta and Himari stepped cautiously into a dimly lit room.

A table stood at the center, eerily quiet.

Plates and bowls were half-filled. One fruit lay bitten at the edge. Tea had dribbled from a toppled cup, dried and sticky on the wooden floor. Sand clung to their shoes as they stepped in.

Himari folded her arms. “Huh?! Did someone actually eat here?” Her eyes narrowed. “Or they… set it up like this on purpose?”

Yuta didn’t answer. His gaze was locked on the table.

Seven bowls. One large plate. Each with a spoon… but then—a ninth spoon sat at the corner. Slightly dirtied. Almost hidden.

Himari bent down, brushing her hand beneath the table—her fingers froze.

“…A handprint?” she muttered, “Damn it… they could’ve placed it properly! Why hide it like this?”

She stood, brushing off dust with a scowl. “This is exactly why I hate searching.”

Yuta didn’t move. His eyes scanned the edge of the table. A faint glint.

Taped to the side of the wood was a thin, folded slip.

He peeled it off and opened it slowly.

And read, “Don’t eat what is there. Search for what vanished.”

Yuta blinked.

“What the hell does that mean?” Himari stepped closer, her frown deepening. “Where do we have to search in this empty room?”

Yuta finally spoke, “Well… if my avatars find anything… They will come, don’t worry.”

****

Sira and Amika were walking down the corridor on one of the building floors.

“Hey, search in other rooms,” Amika’s footsteps were sharp and fast. “We can't waste time, idiot. It's a small box.”

“No. We just search together,” Sira followed calmly, hands in pockets, glancing into each doorway like she had all the time in the world. “Whatever happens, don’t worry about the token.”

Amika rolled her eyes, her expression was tight—not cold, just anxious. “Don't talk. We are playing to win, not for fun.”

“Hey, mom said right?” Sira glanced sideways at her, nudging her arm gently. “Just play for fun.”

They entered a room—four walls covered in broken mirrors, jagged edges touching edge to edge like a mosaic. A lone chair and table sat at the center.

Amika paused, eyes caught in the mirrored pieces. Her reflection scattered—eyes in one shard, hair in another, lips crooked in a third.

She leaned slightly, studying herself.

Sira stepped beside her, tilting her head like a curious puppy. “Oh, you're checking your smile?”

A tiny smirk played on her lips, nudging her shoulder with playful pride.

“Can’t I check my face?” Amika’s voice was lower now, more mumbled than sharp.

“Then you can smile in front of others too,” Sira stretched out one leg lazily and plopped into the chair. “Mom may be silent, but her smile is beautiful.”

Amika folded her arms. “Idiot. I want to smile too. But if I smile, everyone will react dramatically like something rare has happened.”

She frowned, brushing her fingers down her hair. “That’s why I don’t.”

“Are you sure you want to talk now? Ghost moths are here,” Sira teased gently.

“That’s a fact,” Amika looked up and her voice turned quiet. “Everyone says I should talk. But I always think—what if I say the wrong thing?”

“If I stay quiet, there’s a problem,” she looked up slowly at her fractured face. “If I don’t, there’s a problem too.”

Sira leaned toward her reflection, eyes soft, voice gentle—no teasing now. “Don’t worry about that, okay? First time they’ll react. Then maybe ten times. After that… it becomes normal.”

Amika clutched her hands. “Don’t say nonsense. If I could, I would long ago. In those situations… I couldn’t.”

“Well… is it wrong to be self-reserved?” she looked at her sideways, almost whispering the last part. “Say?”

Sira leaned closer, brushing a stray lock of hair behind Amika’s ear. “If you smile,” she said softly, “you’ll look like mom.”

Amika turned toward the door. “Don’t change the topic.”

But her eyes lingered once more on the broken glass. “Well, let’s go. In this room there is no box, just mirrors.”

Sira glanced at the broken mirror walls, eyes narrowing. “Wait. What if the box is behind these mirrors?” Her fingers brushed one of the loose shards, eyebrows furrowed in thought.

Amika stepped back sharply, arms crossed. “Are you mad?!”

Without another word, Sira grabbed the chair beside her and swung it hard—CRASH!—the mirror splintered loudly, pieces raining down onto the floor like jagged snow.

Amika flinched. “Hey! The pieces might fall on you—be careful!”

Sira didn’t even turn. “I know.” She smashed all the panels. More glass crumbled, sharp glints dancing across the floor. A few fragments still clung stubbornly to the wall—but a gap had formed now, just enough.

She stepped forward, reached through the shards, and her fingers tugged at a slightly uneven brick. “See?”

The brick came out—click!—a small compartment opened behind it, revealing a dust-covered box.

Amika's mouth dropped open. “Huh?! If we hadn’t broken them… it would've stayed hidden till the round was over, huh?”

Sira beamed. “That’s why they put 90 tokens, idiot.”

****

Meanwhile…

Ren and Yui stepped into a dim room. All four walls were lined with dusty pinboards, cluttered with torn papers and faded ink scribbles. Broken cupboards leaned like dying trees, shelves half-hanging from their rusted nails.

Yui wrinkled her nose. “If we get lucky like that first token... so good, right?”

Ren scanned the corners lazily. “Everyone thinks like that.”

Yui suddenly turned toward him. – “Hey idiot—you have to control your anger!”

Ren blinked. – Huh? I’m also like you. Just a human.

– “Still, you have to control your Kairo energy. Why did it leak before?!”

– Hmph. Ren scoffed and crossed his arms. I know better than you. That was just a mistake.

Yui turned away, arms swinging with sass. – “Tch. Just boasting off yourself, idiot.”

****

Meanwhile, on the same floor where Yuta and Himari searched earlier, “Damn, still nothing found?” Kazuma entered the room, glancing around. “Huh… what is this room?”

The moment he stepped in, his eyes narrowed. Every object—table, chairs, carpet—was bolted to the ceiling. Even the bowls and spoons were glued upside down on the surface. The shelves were fixed in reverse to the side walls.