INDEED, NOBUNAGA WAS NEAR-INVINCIBLE against magic and power when using the mana of Pashapura, the Ishvara of Beast. But he was not invulnerable to his own power, the power of a race known as Rakhani (sing. Rakhanos).

The Rakhani were a race of “demonic” creatures that descended from an even more ancient race, the Rakshasas, the bane of the creator of Laniagaea, of the Ishvaras, and of the world of Laniagaea itself. The Rakhani were more humanoid in form and possess more intelligence, being able to build a civilization that lasted for thousands of years.

Nobunaga, however, was not a full Rakhanos. He was an artificial being, an amalgamation of a human and Rakhanos DNA and essence.

Rakhanos were known for having the ability to absorb mana and essence, an ability they got and refined from the Rakshasas. And Nobunaga was successfully created possessing this ability as well.

He was created hundreds of years ago, during the time of the conquest of the Avarice Army to collect all God Orbs dubbed as the Second God Orbs War, with a sole purpose --- to hunt down and extract mana from Vishendu, the Ishvara of Space.

With his ability known as the Phoenix Flame, he was able to withstand the power of the Ishvara, regenerating from fatal wounds, and successfully extracting enough mana and assimilating it to himself, gaining Vishendu’s power as well.

And with that mana in the Avarice Army’s possession, the leader of the Avarice Army was able to create their ultimate weapon.

However, the Supreme Council intervened during their conquest, but it resulted in a catastrophic end with the death of millions of innocent people, including the lives of the Avarice Army’s supreme leader and generals.

Nobunaga’s loyalty was immeasurable. He would do anything for his creator, especially if it will give him a new purpose.

“Bring us back, Nobunaga!” the last words of the supreme leader of the Avarice Army.

Nobunaga jolted from his slumber. It has been two days since the Pit Valley incident. His wounds have already healed, for the most part.

The blast of the black flame sphere took a toll on him and he almost disintegrated. He never thought that he was vulnerable to his own power. But it never happened before, Nobunaga thought. Could it be the cause of using the Ishvaran mana? He asked himself.

It was a good thing that he used the power of Vishendu just in time to create a portal that sent him far away from Pit Valley.

He massaged his nape. “That avatar can wait.”

* * * * *

A few days ago, Melody offered the Pit Valley Bandits to live in the Aeternas Kingdom. Now that the Pit Valley has been completely changed due to the incident, it would be unsafe for them to stay.

However, Cobalt was reluctant to accept the offer. After all, he made a promise to a friend of his that they will meet again.

“And who is this friend of yours?” asked Melody.

“He’s an elf from Maria Island. His name is Daisuke,” said Cobalt, much to Melody’s surprise.

“‘Daisuke’? Well, what a coincidence, we just met a person named Daisuke before arriving here.”

Cobalt’s mouth opened wide. “Seriously?! Y-You know Daisuke?! He’s really here now in Aria?!”

“Whoa, whoa, calm down. Yes, I know him and yes, he’s here in mainland Aria. I think they are here for some time now.”

“They? He’s made friends?”

“It seems so.”

“That’s great,” Cobalt felt relieved. “He had no friends when we first met. I’m glad that he’s able to leave his home island and start his dream adventure.”

“You know, we could use people like the Pit Valley Bandits. That’s why I would like you all to live in the Aeternas Kingdom and be part of the Supreme Council. Once you are all there though, you may not leave until you all become stronger. It might take some time before that happen. So I’ll give you an offer.”

“And what would that be?”

“I know where Daisuke and his friends are right now. You can meet him there if you agree to join us.”

Cobalt looked at his family. They were all orphans from different kingdoms around Pit Valley. He admitted that he hates putting the lives of his family in danger. He wanted their lives to change for the better. He’s tired of raiding kingdoms for food and money.

“It’s not my call where my family and I go from here though.”

“I understand. Talk to your family about this matter first. Then let me know. Meanwhile, I have to make a report,” the last part made Melody sigh.

* * * * *

That evening, Cobalt ate dinner with his family and talked about the conversation he had with Melody.

“This is a huge decision to make, but I just want you all to know that this is for everyone’s sake,” said Jack after he concluded telling what Melody told him.

“After what happened here, I think it would be wise to accept her offer,” said Alloy.

“I agree as well. We cannot protect everyone forever. Besides, it is the Supreme Council we’re talking about. I’d rather be with them than get caught by the United Alliance,” Silver added.

Everyone voiced their agreement as well.

They’ve been living in Pit Valley for years now. It was their home. But just like Daisuke, he needed to face a new uncertainty and leave his comfort zone.

“That’s settled then. We’re going to the Aeternas Kingdom!”

Everyone cheered.

“But first,” he continued. “There’s a person that I must meet with Melody. The Supreme Council will take you all to the Aeternas Kingdom before me. I’ll follow a day later with Melody and her friends.”

“Wait, is this person you’re talking about is the elf you met years ago when you went to their island?” asked Alloy.

Cobalt nodded.

“That’s awesome. Say hi to him for us, okay?” said Silver.

“Sure will. And I hope you all meet him as well one day.”

* * * * *

Daisuke and his friends were already away from the Arcanas Kingdom, riding Geri and Freki. With the addition of Mirana with them, mana was no longer a problem for Brunnhilde. Jack was still having difficulty with motion sickness though.

Soon, the group reached the Hills Patch, a unique area of geological formation in Aria. There were thousands of hills in Hills Patch and they must follow them to get to the Elysian Republic.

“We’re not seriously going up and down of those hills, are we?” asked Riku.

“Don’t worry, Riku,” assured Raijin. “There are spaces between the hills. We can go through them.”

“But before we do that, let’s go to one hill summit and see the view from there,” Daisuke suggested.

“Agreed,” said Mirana who was also looking forward to seeing the view from the top.

“Can we…rest for a bit as well?” asked Jack.

The group went to the top of a hill and saw how magnificent the Hills Patch was. There were hills scattered all over the place and forests around. One particular forest caught their eyes.

“That forest looks weird,” Siegfried pointed south.

“Ahh. That’s Shiromori, the White Forest. Those trees are called blancipresses. Oddly enough, their leaves are white,” Raijin informed.

“We don’t have to go through it, right?” asked Brunnhilde.

“Not at all. The Elysian Republic is just eastward. We just need to follow the Hills Patch.”

The group rested for a bit, had a few pieces of bread to eat as they enjoyed the scenery. Even Geri and Freki were just lying down on their stomach when suddenly, both of them jolted and howled.

“Now, now. What’s going on?” said Brunnhilde as she tried to calm down her wolves.

“Something’s coming. Something big,” said Siegfried as he gazed north.

From the horizon, they could see nothing. Just a cloud moving south. Only, it wasn’t a cloud.

Siegfried’s observation was sharp. He knew immediately that there was something odd with the cloud. When it was almost just above them, they could now see clearly what it was.

“Is that a bird?!” asked Mirana.

It is a bird, indeed, and it dropped down to where Daisuke and his friends were. It flapped its wing that sent winds all over.

Melody went down from the bird, followed by Catriona, Miho, Pirouette, and then Cobalt. The bird then transformed into Ashe.

Everyone reacted differently --- Mirana was confused about who those people were; Raijin was not moving, shocked to see Melody once again; Siegfried and Brunnhilde were awestruck by Ashe’s transformation; Riku noticed three new faces; Jack’s soul almost escaped his body after seeing Melody; Daisuke almost cried after seeing his human friend from seven years ago.

The group welcomed Melody, her friends, and Cobalt, with Daisuke immediately going to Cobalt.

The two shared a hug like brothers who have been separated for a long time.

“Long time no see, Daisuke!” Cobalt greeted.

“Right back at you, Cobalt!” Daisuke responded.

“What’s going on? And how did you find us?” Riku asked Melody.

“We are actually going to the Aeternas Kingdom with our new recruit, Cobalt, who turned out to be friends with Daisuke here.”

“Right. This is Cobalt,” Daisuke introduced him. “He was in Maria Island seven years ago. We became friends there when he stayed for a few days.”

“And these are Miho and Pirouette,” Melody introduced them. “They are our…new members of my treasure hunter group.”

Before they meet up, Melody explained that Daisuke and his friends don’t know their true affiliation. And hoped that Cobalt would understand since it was crucial to their mission.

Miho and Pirouette understood right away and will act as if they just met Melody, Catriona, and Ashe.

Melody promised to tell Cobalt everything once they reached the Aeternas Kingdom. For now, he acted as a new member of a group called Sonnet Hunters.

The whole shared stories and ate dinner all together. Since there were no animals around to catch, Daisuke’s group decided to use their provisions instead that Raijin cooked to make a meal.

Catriona’s and Ashe’s mouths drooled as they smelled the food being cooked.

Miho joined Brunnhilde and Mirana, talking about the Sonnet Hunters while Pirouette was being entertained by Siegfried and Riku.

“We need more firewood,” said Raijin.

“I got it,” Daisuke tried to use his power, but Jack stopped him.

“I’ll get the firewood. Newly created woods wouldn’t burn efficiently”.

“I’ll go with you,” Melody offered.

“Can someone fetch us some water as well?” asked Brunnhilde.

“Daisuke and I got it,” Cobalt offered.

Jack and Melody then went down the hill to collect some firewood while Daisuke and Cobalt, with Freki, went down to a nearby river to fetch a pot of water.

* * * * *

Melody used this opportunity to talk to Jack regarding the events in the Arcanas Kingdom.

“Seeing you and your friends were already out of Arcanas Kingdom, am I to expect some good news?”

Jack summarized the events that transpired; their arrival to the Arcanas Kingdom where they learned that the hunters already had one fragment, learning about the artificial powers, successfully defeating the perpetrators, and gaining information about the Eclipse Hunters.

“Never mind forgetting to tell us that the Star of Arianna is actually five fragments. We were told about an elf caught by the Arcanas Kingdom two years ago that seems to be my sister Jill. She was taken by another group of elves. Care to explain?”

Melody scoffed as if expecting what Jack said. “The Supreme Council is monitoring a group of elves known as The Roots. Simply put, they are some kind of terrorist Yoran elves. If what you’re saying is true, then it is most likely that those elves are from The Roots.”

“And what do they have to do with my sister?”

Melody continued as they collect dry firewood. “That I don’t know. All I know is that there have been rumors that they are convincing many elves to join their cause. That is, to reclaim the original elven territory in Junoeia.”

“You make it sound so bad. Why is that?”

“Right, you’re relatively young for an elf. And if you do not know why it’s a bad thing, then your council is hiding something from you elves.”

Melody stood up after collecting as much firewood as she could, then faced Jack.

“For hundreds of years, Junoeia has been surrounded by a protective barrier.”

“What’s in there that needed protection?”

“Oh, we’re not protecting anything inside. We are protecting ourselves from what’s inside. The continent of Junoeia is infested by SS-Tier Rakshasas, among other SS-Tier threats. And with The Roots trying to destroy the barrier to enter that continent, well, they're putting the whole world in jeopardy.”

* * * * *

Cobalt and Daisuke continued to talk more about the things they have gone through since the last time they saw each other.

Daisuke told Cobalt about how much his book helped him learn many things in the outside world. Daisuke even showed that the book was still in great condition. He also told him about his struggles and that he almost gave up leaving the island.

“And yet, here you are,” said Cobalt with a smile.

“Yeah, about that. I still failed my third take. Then I learned something and I just decided to leave, which is basically illegal. So now I can’t go back to Maria Island. But hey! At least we met again! But enough about me. Tell me more about this Pit Valley Bandits.”

Cobalt continued his story about the group his friends started. As for the name, Cobalt disclosed that they simply adapted the name as it is catchy and that it was a newspaper publishing that dubbed them as the Pit Valley Bandits.

“And then, my friend Silver got this awesome Bestowal power from someone. So far, I am the only one he was able to share this power,” Cobalt showed Daisuke his ability they call Iron Scale. “And if I use more mana, I could transform into an iron-scaled lizard or something.”

Cobalt continued up to the recent event when Melody arrived and fought a man that caused drastic changes in Pit Valley.

“This is supposed to be a secret, so please, don’t tell anyone, okay?”

* * * * *

Melody and Jack were already back when Daisuke and Cobalt returned with the water. The food was already done and everyone was just waiting for them before they all eat.

Melody, Catriona, and Ashe were also glad that they could taste great food again. Even Miho and Pirouette were convinced that they were not exaggerating.

It didn’t matter for Daisuke and his friends that they had to use the supplies that should last them weeks. What mattered was that they were currently having fun with newfound acquaintances.

They also celebrated the reunion of Daisuke and Cobalt, even though it was just for a short while.

The next day, Melody's group said their goodbyes as they prepared to depart for the Aeternas Kingdom which might take a few days even for Ashe.

“I hope that this will not be the last time we will meet, Daisuke,” said Cobalt.

“Of course. It doesn’t matter where we are. We will definitely meet again.”

“And when we do, I hope it’s with my friends as well.”

“That’s a promise.”

Ashe transformed into her azure bird form. Melody mounted on her back followed by her friends and Cobalt. And as she flew southwards, Daisuke and his friends waved at them, hoping for the day that they would all meet again.