In a familiar white void, also known as the spirit world, the elven woman from before floated about, seeming to be watching something. Suddenly, a little boy with fairy wings and elf ears came from behind her and stood next to her.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, Jovar?”

“When is daddy gonna be here?” he said, looking awfully sad.

“He’ll be here soon… I’m sure of it.”

“I hope so… I really miss him…”

“I do too… He’ll be here, don’t worry.” she said, patting his head.

“Please get here soon, Grust… Please don’t do anything rash…” she said as her son looked up at her.

◆◆◆

In the dark basement of the arena, Grust floated about. Mordecai and Azlana were getting ready for the show, so he was all alone. An eye appeared on his face, it glowed in the dark damp room.

“Can you hear me? It’s me…” he said to a mysterious person who wasn’t even in the room with him.

“Elizabeth joined the others… Well… Her name isn’t even Elizabeth. She’s Derek’s sister, Petra Valtaheim. I’m gonna need your help now… We have to see that my vision comes to fruition… I trust that you won’t fail me…”

His eye glowed even brighter, symbolizing his satisfaction. And then, it suddenly went dim.

“The stone is gone… Uh— nothing… Thank you… big brother…”

As his eye disappeared he floated there in silence.

He began to wonder why he felt that the stone was gone, Azlana was supposed to be the one who had it. Had she misplaced it? Did she leave it in her hotel room? He hoped that was the case. He began to hate himself for even allowing himself to even get bound to the stone, he’d have so much more freedom if he wasn’t bound to that accursed thing. But something within it kept him from attempting to detach himself from it. Something very convincing and influential.

He hoped the stone would be back in Azlana’s hands soon.

◆◆◆

A shadowy figure hopped from building to building in the moonlight, seeming to be enjoying himself.

“I’ve been caaaalled~ It’s finally my turn to help out!” the figure thought.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment for 19 years, ever since that very day.”

The figure landed on a building and stood up. Walking into the moonlight, he reveled in his long-awaited opportunity.

“I won’t fail you, Grust…”