”Let’s go, they need our help!” Seiya exclaimed.

Without hesitation, they all leaped onto a sled and plunged down the slope.

”Can this thing get faster!?”

Eiji urged.

”I... I think I can help,” Nadare hesitated.

”Whatever it is, it’s now or never!” Nobutaka shouted.

Nadare staggered but slowly stepped in front of the sled.

“Hope this works.”

He waved his hands as if he were trying to command something, but all they could hear was the wind against their sled rushing down the slope.

“Did you do something?” Nobutaka asked.

Red-faced, Nadare shouted,

“I'm telling you, it worked earlier!”

“Did what, exactly?” Seiya asked.

Nadare’s thoughts were scrambling, but then,

“Just try again. You can do it.”

Eiji patted Nadare’s back.

Nadare relaxed after hearing Eiji’s voice.

He closed his eyes and moved his hands.

This time, streams of water burst from the ground, sending the sleds hurtling downhill, faster.

”Water! You can summon water!”

Eiji clutched his head, his eyes wide with disbelief.

“That’s incredible!”

With Nadare’s water guiding their path, they were able to escape faster.

Halfway down the mountainside, they could see the village engulfed in flames.

Their hearts sank.

”What is going on...”

Upon hitting the flat ground, they were ushered toward the southern caves, where the villagers had been evacuated.

Luckily, the path they forged down the summit was near.

Finding all the samurai safe who were trapped with him at the summit, Eiji approached a high-ranking samurai.

”What’s happening with the village? Are we under attack?”

“It's the Phantasima. We don't know what they want, but they've unleashed countless phantom beasts. Even our troops are struggling to hold them back.”

Eiji looked back at the village.

”General Hyosei and Vice General Asatsuyu are out there, dealing with the enemies along with the other Blades.”

The Officer added.

"Is everyone safe?" Seiya’s eyes were fixed on the officer.

”We can’t confirm that yet. But I’d like to believe that.”

Eiji searched the crowd, looking for a familiar face.

”Fuyuki! Fuyu-kun! Where are you!”

His chest tightened, and anxiety began to choke him.

”Eiji! Thank goodness you’re here.”

Lady Tsuki sobbed, rushing toward him.

”Lady Tsuki, you’re safe,”

Eiji held her trembling hands.

”You need to find him. Fuyuki is still out there. He went out looking for you,” she explained through tears, her voice broken.

Eiji froze.

His little brother had walked straight into the burning village.

Eiji bolted through the burning streets, praying Fuyuki had found shelter.

“Eiji!”

Nobutaka called out, closing the distance alongside the others.

”We’re gonna find him, okay,” Seiya assured him.

”You’re not alone,” Nadare added.

Their words steadied his mind.

Eiji drew in a deep, shaking breath and exhaled loudly, forcing himself to focus.

“Thanks, guys.”

“Let’s split up. I’m sure Fuyuki’s not that far from here.”

Nobutaka suggested.

They then scattered.

Somewhere beyond the smoke, a familiar voice echoed.

Eiji stopped.

He looked around, but no one was in sight.

"...Fuyuki?"