After the remote viewing spell had suddenly dissipated, Shu returned to HQ. Since he had donned his gear, he felt like letting loose, but he also needed to acquire more information and leave a message with Caia.

In the end, he decided that it was best to go back to Caia before he began eliminating the Chain Emporium, so he teleported to the edge of Harbrook town.

Thinking back to his frustrated state at the time of his departure, he began feeling like shit all over again. He hoped to all hell that Lisa was doing well, but a voice shouted at him from within that there was no way the girl would be fine after how he had treated her.

However, he had made his decision. The Chain Emporium had to go, the faster the better. Once he had completed that task, he could return to Lisa's side and support her in her growth.

Shu didn't have to wait long before he saw a familiar green-robed figure rushing out to meet him. The figure froze half-way and Shu recalled his appearance. Caia had probably caught sight of Apophis and the Crown, not to mention the glowing symbol of Pandemonium on his forehead.

Maybe he was a little bit conspicuous at the moment, but it couldn't be helped.

He raised a hand and waved. ”Hey Caia, Sorry for the delay.” He shouted. That seemed to get the woman moving again, and she walked the rest of the way over to where he sat on a rock just outside the city gates near a tree.

”Shu? Is that you? What is that, thing?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

This was the first time he'd heard a note of weakness in Caia's voice, but it wasn't altogether unexpected. Before he could answer, Apophis writhed in his grip and its red eye turned to gaze sharply at Caia.

”I am Apophis the Unmaker, the strongest servant of the one true Master. The glorious---”.

”Don't mind him.” Shu said, interrupting Apophis, who was no doubt about to name him Darkstar of Pandemonium again. The staff had often called him that in Edge online.

”There's more to you than meets the eye, isn't there.” Caia said under her breath, and Shu chuckled.

”Well, that isn't important right now. First, take this.” He threw a ring towards Caia, and she caught it deftly between her index and middle finger. ”This is?” she inquired.

”This ring will allow me to know where you are at all times, please pass it to Lisa if you will. Also, should you require my aid in the future, all you need to do is channel mana into it and I will know something is wrong. It is my insurance to you guys.” Shu explained.

”Does that mean you won't be coming with us then?” Caia asked, and he nodded.

”That is correct. I have decided on a course of action for myself that requires a brief absence from you guys. I intend to return to Lisa's side though, if she will have me...” Shu said. He had spoken with confidence, but that last part betrayed his insecurity and the smart High elf picked up on it.

”Lisa hasn't been the same since you left, you know that? What you did... Well I can't exactly approve of it, but I'm sure you have your reasons. ” Caia said, twining her hands together.

Shu coughed. ”Nevermind for now, have you guys decided on where to go yet?” He asked, and Caia nodded.

”Indeed we have. Lisa expressed a desire to become stronger, and I thought enrolling in the Royal academy of Xuberanth made sense. I'm sure you've heard of it?” Caia said. He just shook his head.

Edge had Academies, schools and universities. But they usually contained quests relevant to your class and spec, and it wasn't in any way traditional, merely a stopover when leveling to pick up new skills. He did not recall the name Xuberanth, so he raised his eyebrows in question.

”I haven't. Is it an amazing place?” He asked.

Caia smiled, shrugging. ”It sure is, but whenever I look at you, I kind of lose perspective.” Biting his lower lip, Shu fidgeted with Apophis, gently scraping it across the ground and tapping it against the rock.

”Please don't tell the others. I made a decision and go to fulfill my promise, nothing more. It isn't anything major, just a little errand I have to run before I return to you guys... that is.. if you want me back...” Stupid. He felt so stupid.

Tentatively, Caia approached, and with a careful hand, she caressed Shu's cheek. ”You're something else, you know that?” She whispered quietly, using an intimate voice that Shu had not heard her deploy before.

”Of course we want you back. Lisa has been pining after you ever since you left. She... No I shouldn't tell you that. Suffice it to say that you would be most welcome to return to us once you've concluded your business.”

A solitary tear escaped from his eyes, catching Caia's attention. Ever so gently, the high elf scooped up the tear and licked it from her index finger, then she threw him a warm smile.

”So the enchanted glasses were hiding those eyes from us, huh.” She said contemplatively. ”They are quite unique, that's for sure. Especially that angry red one...”

”That is the eye of Diablo, the former Demon King. Master slew him, took his power, his eye, his title.” Apophis rasped, and Caia's eyes opened wide in shock.

Shu silently cursed his talkative staff. Why did it have to talk to Caia so much? In the game, it usually only chatted with him and those close to him, like his 13 commanders... wait, did that mean that Caia had become someone close? Without even noticing it, had she stepped into his inner circle just like that?

”Just... forget about that, please.” Shu said, unsure of how to tackle this situation.

”In my 176 years in this world, I have never met someone like you before. I don't really know what you are, or what you're going to do.... but just you remember this Shu. You always have us. I'll be there for you. And Lisa. Lisa for sure. That girl is... but I can't say that, can I? Sorry.” Caia said, smiling mischievously as she apologized.

Shu raised an eyebrow, curious now. ”What do you mean? You've been talking about Lisa since awhile ago. What aren't you telling me? Did something happen while I was away? Is she ok?”

With that mischivous smile still grazing her elegant and luscious elven lips, Caia winked at him.

”That's our little secret. You have your secrets too, so it's only fair to make you suffer a little as retaliation, don't you think?” Caia said. He could only lower his head in acquiescence.