The ship that Saito’s family was travelling on wasn’t too big, all things considered. If he had to compare it with sea-faring vessels Gaius had seen before on Earth, a passenger ferry was probably the best word he had to use. As the three landed on the deck, a few guards, bearing a short sword, ran out of a rather modest cabin.

“Intruders!”

“Protect the young master!”

It took a moment or so for the guards to notice the curious Nakama in Isabelle’s arms, and the five men looked at the person in the centre, who looked like a leader of sorts. Evidently, their common sense had informed them that robbers and murderers do not usually carry out their craft while bringing a little child around.

“We come in peace,” Gaius said. “I’ve an item from Paragon Sai—Tsurugi, which I need to show to the current head of his family.”

“An item?” A youth walked out of the cabin, before shutting the door pointedly. “It’s you!”

“Yes, it’s me, Tsurugi. Long time no see.” Gaius grimaced. “I had hoped to meet you without being the bearer of awful news, but reality does what it pleases. Is there a private space around here? I need to find the current Tsurugi head for a private talk.”

“You’re looking at him,” Tsurugi replied.

“You’re the current head?” Gaius blinked. “I’m impressed.”

“Don’t be,” the teenager replied. “I inherited this position after my father passed away on the frontlines. Enough about me. I’ll get us a private room.”

He waved his hands. “Stand down, he’s a friend.”

The guards snapped their heels together in some kind of salute, and then returned to the cabin. Tsurugi turned his attention to Isabelle, who was busily setting Nakama down, and greeted the two girls with a smile. That expression vanished as he turned to Gaius.

“Bad news, eh? Follow me.”

Gaius glanced at the young man, who had taken a few lessons in seriousness and lost some levels in brevity, before following him into the cabin. The interior was filled with surprisingly modern recliner-style chairs, which were filled with people. Most of them were asleep, save for a few children at the side who were playing something that looked suspiciously like Go.

None of them noticed anything as Tsurugi led Gaius and company through the living space and into a sparsely decorated room.

“Sit.”

Gaius quirked his lip up. “I see you’ve grown.”

“Hard not to, when your parents never returned from the frontlines. I’ve suppressed my fair share of attempted revolts, treachery and selling out.” Tsurugi walked over to the window and gazed at the sea. “It’s not something someone my age should deal with, but…”

He paused. “I apologise. I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s okay.” Gaius tapped his foot thoughtfully. “There are times when voicing things out is nothing short of a comfort.”

“…Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me just yet,” said Gaius. “First, I need to show you this.”

He took out a small gold plaque, one that Paragon Saito had tossed over to him nonchalantly after a duel while the two discussed his impending death under veiled words.

The young man froze at the sight of the plaque, and then knelt down. “I am the current head of the Tsurugi family, Tsurugi Kenouji. What are the Patriarch’s orders?”

“I’m here to relay the final instructions of Paragon Saito, and to escort you to the…oh?”

Tsurugi Kenouji looked up as Gaius stopped speaking, just in time to see the plaque glow brilliantly. At the same time, something on Tsurugi’s body flew out, flying towards the plaque that Saito had given Gaius. There was a flash of electric-blue light, and the two combined to form what looked very much like a Display artefact.

“Wow. That’s some…black tech.” Gaius couldn’t help but comment.

“Black?” The young man blinked. “Sure looked blue to me.”

For a moment, Gaius saw the youth he’d met back when he entered the East for the first time, the Tsurugi that had been carefree and impudent. The vision vanished as quickly as it came, however, and a mask of solemnness returned to his face once more as the Display lit up.

A familiar face appeared on the screen. “Tsurugi Kenouji. When you receive this message, I will have fallen on the battlefield. Our enemies are vast and numerous — and my presence was the only thing that was holding them back. Hear my orders. Settle down in the Mortal Light Dynasty and never return. My seal will lead you to a vault of treasures. Use them as needed.”

Paragon Saito coughed. “Gaius…or should I say, the Butcher of Gods, he who destroyed the Divine Ladder.”

Everyone jumped.

“Don’t be surprised,” he continued. “The Plenum had pieced together your true identity when you returned to the frontlines the second time. A word of advice: the Zeroth Armament in your hands shouldn’t be used this openly. There is visual evidence of your assault on the Last Star — and of that weapon.”

Understanding coursed through Gaius’ mind. The Plenum had betrayed him…by revealing his identity to the Human God. No, perhaps the Human God already knew. What they did was to arrange a convenient place, out of public eyes, for him to be captured at.

Like a deserted defence line.

Paragon Saito continued on. “For both of you, the East is now a forbidden land. Most of the gods will be arrayed against the Tsurugis and Gaius, which is why my instructions were to seek refuge in the Mortal Light Dynasty. But for safety’s sake…the Tsurugi name must fallow in history.”

“Henceforth, the family shall return to our oldest name,” said the image. “It is a name of legend, one that is steeped in history. Kusanagi.”

The Display flickered and died. At the same time, a thunderclap echoed in the cloudless skies above, as though as that name had somehow unleashed something upon Orb. It was an odd feeling, but somehow, it felt appropriate.

“Kusanagi…” The young man murmured. “Kusanagi Kenouji. It’s even alliterative. Did the Patriarch plan this out from the very start?”

He shook his head, the shadow of humour in his sad smile. “Regardless, thank you for relaying his last words to me, Gaius. But allow me to excuse myself for now. I need to talk to my family. Please make yourself at home.”

Kenouji walked out of the room, leaving the three behind.

“Three months…” Gaius muttered. “Nexus better wake up soon, or this would be a very boring period.”

He glanced out of the window, and began to think about the past twenty-four hours.