As the day wore on, the sky gradually transformed into a tapestry of darkness speckled with shimmering stars. Two moons adorned the heavens—one large and fiery red, the other small and radiant blue. The dual illumination cast by the celestial bodies provided ample light for Lazarus to see his surroundings even without night vision.

Lying on the ground, Lazarus found himself gazing up at the mystical night sky. The beauty of the stars and moons captivated his attention, filling him with a sense of wonder. Somewhere out there in the vast horizons of space is his home planet, Earth.

Lost in his thoughts, he took a deep breath in. It was then that he heard a rustling. He turned to look.

Sylphi stood there, her radiant blue hair flowing like a waterfall, catching the faint glimmers of moonlight. Her captivating eyes, matching the shade of the midnight sky, sparkled with an otherworldly allure. She wore a flowing green dress, its fabric embracing her form with elegance and grace. Golden lacing adorned the hem and the edge of her skirt, adding a touch of enchantment to the verdant attire.

A soft "hi" escaped her lips, and Lazarus responded with a nod, before looking away;

An uncomfortable silence settled between them, and Lazarus hoped that Sylphi would soon leave. However, she broke the silence with a question that he had been dreading. "Why did you save me?”

-’So this is what she wanted to talk about’- He mused.

"Because only you could lead us ashore," Lazarus replied with a flat tone, offering a straightforward answer.

"I see," Sylphi responded, nodding gently. She'd anticipated as much, but his confirmation brought a certain weight to it. “Regardless, I am still deeply grateful for what you’ve done. So-... thank you for saving my life.” Her words hung in the air, as though she dared not break the silence that followed.

Lazarus held his tongue, his thoughts replaying their past encounters like an old film. He remembered her arrow, the one aimed straight for his head. Recalled the time she'd challenged him to a duel, her pride stinging like a fresh wound. And the many occasions she had pursued him, relentless and determined, like a wild dog on the hunt. A part of him was tempted to voice his regret, yet he remained silent. He knew better than to rebuke her gratitude. And her current gentleness? It was unnerving.

With that, Sylphi moved on to the next subject. "So you really knew nothing about the flower?" she asked, curiosity veiled in her voice.

"No," Lazarus asserted firmly.

Silence enveloped them, Sylphi crossing her arms and casting her gaze downward. Regret tugged at her heart for the way she had pursued him and the burdens she had placed upon him.

Sylphi opened her mouth, attempting to voice her apology, but found herself at a loss for words. "You know I-..uhmm.." She cast fleeting glances between Lazarus and the ground, struggling to articulate her feelings. A life had been saved, a few words shouldn't be so hard to express, and yet...

With a clenched fist and a firm resolve, she managed to stammer out, "I-..uhmm I apologize..."

Lazarus's gaze briefly met hers, causing her to flinch. She hurriedly averted her eyes, and Lazarus turned his attention back to the stars.

"I'm sorry...I truly am…for everything I’ve done to you, and for what my people were about to do to you," Sylphi confessed, her words brimming with sincerity. Strangely enough, once she had started, the words began to flow more naturally. She ventured further, "If only I–”

Lazarus asked with a trace of incredulity in his voice, “Do you really believe what I said?”

“I do…” Sylphi replied. Her eyes studied his face, a stony mask devoid of any emotion, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. “Were you lying?”

“No.” Lazarus's answer was blunt and swift.

A pause stretched out between them, their conversation swallowed by an uncomfortable silence. The silence hung in the air like a tangible presence, taut and expectant.

“The truth is," Sylphi began, "almost everyone knows about the Azalea flower and its significance to us elves. So, initially, I struggled to believe your words. It's also a common target for bandits and other races due to its potent healing properties…" Her explanation unfolded slowly, the words tumbling out of her mouth. She seemed to misconstrue the silence, assuming that Lazarus was the one who doubted her words.

Lazarus cut her off, his voice cool. "I've heard it's quite common knowledge, so there's no need for you to explain. My circumstances are unique, that's all. I don't really know much about what this so-called common knowledge is."

"Oh, I see," Sylphi replied.

"On that note, now that we've cleared up this misunderstanding." Lazarus shifted, sitting upright. From his D-storage, he quickly materialized the flower and extended his hand to Sylphi.

In his hands, he held a white, transparent flower with a single leaf sprouting from its stem.

Sylphi's eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by his gesture that dispelled all her doubts. If he was so easily willing to return this flower, then she’d been wrong all this time. Sylphi realized and it just served to deepen her guilt causing her to avert her gaze.

"What's wrong?" Lazarus furrowed his brows, confused by her reaction. "Take it."

Sylphi placed her hand on the tip of his fingers, gently closing his palm around the flower. She looked up at him, offering a faint smile. "Can you keep it?"

"What?? You’ve got to be kidding me, no, take it." Lazarus protested, unwilling to accept what he considered to be an ill-gotten gift. He had taken it to spite them after all.

"Okay..." Sylphi acquiesced, her guilt weighing heavy upon her. Moreover, the flower had no use to the elves anymore since it had already been plucked. She took the flower back into her own hand.

"Then..." she began, extending the flower back toward Lazarus. "Can you accept it as an apology?"

Lazarus furrowed his brows, studying Sylphi intently. He still held reservations about keeping the flower, yet the idea of turning her down and dismissing her apology tugged at him. Moreover, the flower could be sold at a high price so he was a bit hesitant.

"You're not entirely at fault, so..." Lazarus trailed off, his voice softening. "Sorry for taking the flower in the first place..."

Sylphi shook her head gently, her determination unwavering. "No, this is important to me," she insisted, her gaze meeting his. "Please, accept it as my apology."

Lazarus hesitated, his eyes searching hers for sincerity. He understood that the flower held a significance that he couldn't fully comprehend, but he also recognized the weight of her remorse. With a sigh, he finally nodded, a flicker of understanding passing between them. "Alright," he conceded, his voice laced with a newfound acceptance. "I'll accept it. Thanks…"

Still, Lazarus couldn't shake off the feeling that he was constantly receiving from Sylphi without being able to give something in return. As he observed her, he noticed the white grains of dried-up salt on her forehead and clothes, remnants of their encounter with the sea and remembered.

"By the way, I'm done with the water," Lazarus spoke up, gesturing towards the three holes he had dug.

Sylphi's gaze shifted to the sight before her. Vapor emanated from one of the holes, accompanied by a soft blue light where the sword was dropped. The leaves, skillfully arranged, captured the evaporated water and directed it to the next hole, where droplets fell rapidly.

Amazement painted Sylphi's features as she watched the peculiar sight. Lazarus knelt down next to one of the holes without the blue light, inviting her to taste the water.

Curiosity flickered in her eyes as she cautiously dipped her finger into the water and brought it to her lips. A look of astonishment spread across her face. "Fresh water... but how?"

"Saltwater is essentially water with salt dissolved in it," Lazarus explained, his voice tinged with a hint of satisfaction. "By boiling the water, the salt is left behind, and only the pure water evaporates. It condenses on the leaves, gathering and cooling down, before transforming back into water and dripping down.”

Sylphi marveled at the ingenuity of the process, her eyes shining with newfound understanding. "That's incredible," she breathed, a mixture of awe and disbelief.

–

"With this much water, it could last us for weeks!" Sylphi exclaimed, her smile radiating pure joy as she admired the holes filled with water.

Lazarus nodded, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him. "Yeah, and I can keep making more whenever we need it." He then noticed Sylphi's sticky appearance from the salt water. "And, Elf, aren't you feeling uncomfortable with all that salt sticking to you?"

Sylphi's expression shifted, and she muttered in agreement, "Indeed, I am. But–" Her voice became softer and more lonely "–why do you still insist on calling me 'elf'? I would be much happier if you called me by my name," she admitted, her gaze locked onto his.

Lazarus paused, realizing that he had been habitually using the term "elf" without much thought. He averted his eyes, feeling a tinge of guilt. "It's... a bad habit of mine. I've been so used to calling you that, I didn't really consider using your name."

Just then, a deep robotic voice chimed in, its tone carrying a distinctly artificial quality.

-="Master, Doctor Rex has also observed that you have a tendency to address anyone you're not close to by their title or as 'you'. In this case, since you were annoyed by the elf, you unconsciously referred to her as 'elf'.”=-

Lazarus didn’t know that but made a mental note to avoid it if he could help it. Realizing the significance of using her name, he said,

"So, Sylphi, you want to wash off the salt, right?"

Sylphi’s eyes sparkled with delight as he called her by her name for the first time. It felt as if a barrier had been broken. "Indeed, I would if I could," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of gratitude and happiness.

Lazarus pointed towards the third hole. "You can also use that one for bathing."

Sylphi's gaze lingered on him for a moment, wide-eyed with surprise. "You... made that one for me?"

A hint of a smile played on Lazarus' lips as he confirmed, "Yes, it's to thank you for that leaf blanket."

A warmth blossomed in Sylphi's chest. She couldn't help but keep her eyes fixed on Lazarus, captivated by the gesture. To think just a while ago, they were at each other’s throat, and then he suddenly saved her, and while the talk was awkward at first, it seemed that the two became comfortable somewhere between their conversations that his honest gesture surprised her.

Slightly uncomfortable under her intense gaze, Lazarus averted his eyes. "Anyway, I've already filled the leather pouches with water. I'll bring them to Leo while you take your bath," he said, taking a step away.

"Thank you..." Sylphi whispered, her voice filled with heartfelt gratitude.

—---------------------

Sylphi’s POV:

Sylphi waited a few minutes, hesitating before she began to strip off her clothes. She trusted Lazarus enough to believe that he wouldn't do anything inappropriate, but she couldn't help the flutter of nerves that danced in her stomach. As for why, she doubt he was the type to sneak a peek.

But what if he did?

For some reason, Sylphi found the idea somewhat embarrassing. With a brisk shake of her head, she brushed away the intrusive thoughts, reassuring herself that she could trust him. A frown traced its way onto her face. It puzzled her why the thought induced embarrassment rather than anger. Sylphi heaved a sigh, her thoughts tangling into a confusing jumble. For now, she chose to simply dismiss the bewildering ideas churning in her mind, favoring clarity over complication.

As she hung her clothes on a nearby branch, her graceful figure was revealed, captivating in its allure. Her ample curves and toned physique would make any onlooker's heart skip a beat. The dense vegetation around her provided a modest cover, ensuring that only her head would be visible to anyone passing by.

Sylphi tentatively dipped her toes into the water, and her eyes widened at the pleasant sensation that enveloped her. Slowly, she immersed herself in the hole, allowing the warm water to embrace her body. The discomfort of the salty residue melted away, replaced by a soothing and comforting sensation that spread through her.

For days, she had yearned for a proper bath, as the constant exposure to saltwater had left her feeling uncomfortably sticky. It was a rare indulgence for her, back in the elven village, she was used to bathing on rivers which was fairly cold.

Her thoughts continued to wander as she bathed, replaying the encounters with Lazarus and the events that followed. The mixture of gratitude, curiosity, and an unspoken connection between them lingered in her mind.

A silent thought unfurled in her mind. 'Isn't this perhaps the very first time I've felt comfortable near a human?' Yes, she realized her judgement might be clouded due to him saving her life, but this revelation about his true character -- that he was a misunderstood individual rather than a bandit -- took her by surprise.

Who was this man really? Who was this human named Lazarus?

His ease in surrendering the flower once their misunderstanding was resolved suggested a fundamentally good nature. Yet, his inexplicable strength, his ability to pry open the Leviathan's stomach when their spells proved futile, and his other mysterious capabilities only deepened the enigma surrounding him. Sylphi found herself drawn to these mysteries, her curiosity about Lazarus intensifying.

She also remembered the time he'd fallen asleep while she dragged him through the water. The sight of this strong, seemingly invincible man in a state of vulnerability was...strange. It sparked within her an unfamiliar sensation, one she couldn't quite comprehend. It was a feeling she found equally as mystifying as the man himself.

Intrigued by the prospect of uncovering more about Lazarus, Sylphi found herself lost in thought. What mysteries would unravel with each conversation they'd share?

Feeling in high spirits, she began to hum.

“Hmm~ hmm~” The tune was simple, yet the way it melded with the rustling leaves and the rhythmic lapping of waves created a harmonious symphony.

As she hummed, Sylphi's thoughts strayed back to Lazarus. So far, he'd been mostly terse and direct, providing just enough information, no more, no less.

Suddenly, a simple but effective idea flashed in her mind, a method that might help her learn more about him. A mischievous smile bloomed on Sylphi's face.

"That might work," she murmured softly to herself, eager anticipation brewing within her at the thought of her new plan.

As time slipped away, her mind and body embraced the tranquility of the moment. The island's beauty, illuminated by the dual moons and starry sky, painted a picturesque backdrop for her introspection. Lost in the warm embrace of the water, she allowed herself to be carried away by the gentle currents of her thoughts and emotions.

—------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lazarus glanced at Leo, who had just finished gulping down the contents of a leather pouch. A satisfied sigh escaped his lips. "Ah, that hit the spot!" Leo declared, wiping his mouth nonchalantly with his hand.

"One problem solved, at least," Lazarus said, letting out a contemplative sigh.

A grin spread across Leo's face. He bobbed his head enthusiastically. "Still, how did you manage it? You managed not only to find water, but you've even expanded your mana barrier! You're just an enigma, aren't you?"

Lazarus simply shrugged. "Just a little science," he offered with a light, casual tone.

Intrigued, Leo leaned forward. "This... Sayans thing... what is it?"

Lazarus leaned back, dismissive. "Nothing important. Don't overthink it."

Grasping the hint, Leo nodded and diverted the conversation. "Regardless, you've saved our hides yet again! But...” His voice trailed off as he scanned the surroundings. “Where’s our elf companion?”

Lazarus answered promptly, “She’s just freshening up with the freshwater." Seeing Leo's mouth open, he added quickly, "Before you ask, I’ve generated enough to last us weeks, and I can easily create more. No need for worries."

With an awkward nod, Leo responded, "T-that's reassuring…"

"But, we still need to figure a way out of this place," Lazarus stated, cupping his chin in deep thought. He briefly considered crafting a wooden canoe to escape this island, although that was a desperate measure given their lack of navigational knowledge.

Leo cleared his throat. "Actually, there might be a glimmer of hope. While you were busy, Sylphi and I came up with a plan. Ships often pass by the route we took to Kratos. We don't know our exact location, but Sylphi has enlisted the help of the local birds to find any nearby ships. Elves should be among them their passengers, and they'll relay our message. We should be rescued in due time."

At this, Lazarus' eyes widened. The ability to communicate with animals was proving to be incredibly useful. He was grateful for his decision to spare Sylphi, as her skills were even more beneficial than he had initially estimated. "That's good to know," Lazarus responded, a tone of relief echoing in his voice.

Though Lazarus himself might not have realized it, Leo could clearly discern a subtle change in his demeanor. Before, Lazarus's tone had always been tinged with defensiveness, his responses delivered promptly, as though poised on the edge of a battle. But now, he seemed more relaxed, his tone taking on a casual lilt that was significantly less guarded.

As the hours passed, the pair engaged in light banter until Leo, exhausted from the day's events, succumbed to sleep.

—----------------

Lazarus sat on the ground, his eyes fixed on the dancing flames of the campfire. Sylphi hadn't returned yet, likely still enjoying her bath. Fully recovered, Lazarus found that he didn't need as much sleep anymore. He decided to take a stroll back to the shoreline where their journey had begun.

As he reached the shore, Lazarus surveyed his surroundings. Spotting a tree perfectly positioned to offer a view of the vast ocean, he contemplated for a moment. Without hesitation, he formed a karate chop with his hand and swiftly sliced through the tree, creating a sturdy stump to sit on. He settled himself on the stump and turned his gaze towards the ocean, captivated by the reflections of the two moons shimmering on the water's surface. The soothing sound of the waves overlapping brought him a sense of calm.

Lost in his thoughts, Lazarus found himself contemplating the comms tower and the numerous tasks that lay ahead. He wondered how he would go about building it and what materials he would need. The weight of the responsibility pressed upon him, leaving him with a sense of unease.

“Hey..”

Interrupting his thoughts, a soft feminine voice broke the silence. Lazarus turned his head to find Sylphi approaching, her hair still slightly damp from the bath. Their eyes briefly met before Lazarus shifted his gaze back to the shoreline, keeping his emotions guarded.

"Thinking about something?" Sylphi's voice carried a warm tone.

"Not really," Lazarus replied, his voice devoid of any particular emotion.

"The bath was wonderful, and it was so warm. Thank you so much, Lazarus," Sylphi expressed her gratitude.

"You're welcome," Lazarus responded nonchalantly.

Sylphi hesitated for a moment before continuing, "So, umm... again, thank you for saving me..."

Lazarus remained silent, acknowledging her words without providing any further response.

"You know... it's kind of hard to believe that we were at each other's throats just a while ago..." Sylphi mused, a touch of irony in her voice.

A chuckle escaped Lazarus's lips, acknowledging the irony. "Yeah, you're right."

“So you can smile like that…” Sylphi muttered, her voice filled with a genuine warmth that matched the smile on her face. Seeing Lazarus smile had an unexplained effect on her own emotions, bringing a sense of happiness she couldn't quite comprehend.

“Well, I couldn’t really believe you can be nice like that too.”

Sylphi furrowed her brows. Lazarus’ comment about her being nice and soft caused a flicker of self-consciousness to ripple through her.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sylphi crossed her arms. Although, Lazarus was sure she wasn’t mad but was just pouting. “I can be nice too!”

Lazarus quickly realized he might have gone too far with his teasing. He restrained himself, trying to find the right words to explain. “Hahaha, sorry about that. It’s just that I’m used to you shouting all the time,” he offered, attempting to lighten the mood.

However, his attempt seemed to have the opposite effect. Sylphi huffed, indicating her annoyance, and took a few steps toward him, appearing as though she was about to strike him. In reflex, Lazarus raised his hand to guard himself. But to his surprise, her blow never came. Instead, Sylphi settled down on the stump next to him, pushing him slightly to claim her share of the space. Leaning her back against his, she relaxed herself against him, radiating a sense of trust and comfort.

Lazarus could feel the warmth of her body through his back, a sensation that both surprised and disarmed him. As Sylphi nestled closer, he couldn't help but freeze up. -’Well, it's probably better than getting hit, I guess... probably,’- he mused quietly to himself, his apprehension giving way to a flicker of amusement. While it was indeed a form of punishment, he realized that this unexpected closeness held a certain level of comfort, one that he was hesitant to admit.

They sat there in silence, with Sylphi leaning against him, creating a unique connection between them. The blend of nervousness and an unfamiliar sense of intimacy filled the air, leaving Lazarus unsure of what to say or do next.

Sylphi took a deep breath, her voice carrying a touch of vulnerability as she spoke. "I grew up in a humble elven village nestled deep within the ancient forest. It was a peaceful place, full of nature's beauty. But that peace was shattered when the war with the humans broke out."

Lazarus listened intently, his eyes fixed on the shore as Sylphi shared her story. Her words painted a vivid picture of a world torn apart by conflict. He could sense the pain in her voice, the weight of loss and betrayal she carried.

"Our people fought bravely, but many lives were lost, including my parents," she continued, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and determination. "Since then, I have carried a burden of anger and distrust towards humans. It has shaped my view of the world."

Then her voice grew softer. "I have come to realize that it is wrong to judge all humans based on the actions of a few.”

Lazarus was at a loss for words. He wasn’t sure why she was telling him this now.

“Now that I’ve told you a little about myself, you should at least tell me your name. ” Sylphi then smiled mischievously.

Lazarus couldn't help but snicker. Her request to know more about him brought a mix of emotions to the surface, but he decided it was worth sharing.

"Well, honestly, I've been stuck in a forest for most of my life," he admitted. "I didn't get out much, so my knowledge of the world is pretty limited. That's why I got so intrigued by that Azalea flower. It was something new to me."

He paused, glancing back at Sylphi, hoping she wouldn't judge him too harshly. It was then that their eyes met, she had been looking at him, and in that moment, a surge of emotions washed over Sylphi. Her face reddened, and she found herself unable to handle the intensity of being so close to him, their gazes locked.

Feeling a sudden shyness overcome her, Sylphi quickly looked away, breaking eye contact. Her heart raced, and she struggled to find words to fill the silence that had settled between them. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to hide her blush.

"Is something wrong?" Lazarus asked, a note of concern in his voice.

Sylphi's anger swelled at his question, especially since it came from the person who caused her to feel the way she was feeling. In response, she leaned in closer to him, pressing her body against his. It was as if she wanted to convey her emotions through physical proximity.

Her action surprised Lazarus, unsure of how to interpret her behavior. He could sense the intensity in her movements, as if she wanted to make her presence felt. He could feel her weight against him.

Sylphi's mind was filled with conflicting emotions, wanting to express her frustration while also seeking solace in his presence. The combination of anger and vulnerability coursed through her, and she hoped that by leaning on him, he would understand that he was in the wrong and this was her way of punishing him further.

After some time, eventually the two decided that it was time for them to sleep, so they headed back.

—---------------

Lazarus was carving a makeshift canoe out of a sturdy tree using his sword. Days had passed since he finished making the water holes, and since there was no news, he decided to prepare his last resort, just in case. His hands were diligent in their task. As he worked, the sound of hurried footsteps resonated through the quiet surroundings, pulling him from his thoughts.

Glancing in the direction of the noise, he saw a familiar figure rushing towards him. It was Leo, his breath ragged from the haste of his approach.

With a moment to recover, Leo gasped out the news. "The birds... they found a ship. An elf was on board, and they were able to decode our message. Help is on its way!"

Lazarus had more questions, but Leo was already continuing, "We should go back to camp. Sylphi can fill us in on the details!"

Understanding the urgency, Lazarus nodded. Abandoning the half-finished canoe and headed back with Leo.

Upon reaching the camp, the duo found Sylphi tenderly stroking a blue bird perched on her hand, paying close attention to its chin. When she noticed their arrival, a warm smile played across her face. "A ship is en route to us, led here by this little guy's partner."

"Is it a passenger ship, like the one we were previously aboard?" Lazarus questioned, his tone laced with apprehension.

Sylphi shook her head. "No, from his description, it sounds more like a noble’s ship."

A sense of dread washed over Lazarus, making his heart drop. "A-a noble’s ship? Do you have any idea which noble it belongs to?" Lazarus inquired, trying to steady his voice. Any royal involvement was a bad sign, but he needed more information to fully grasp the dire situation.

"I believe it belongs to the Twilight Kingdom," Sylphi responded, a note of uncertainty in her voice. "This little bird could only describe the colors it saw, but those hues certainly match those of the Twilight Kingdom."

Lazarus felt his stomach turn at the revelation. Out of all the possible kingdoms, it had to be that one! He had only vague memories of his past with the Twilight Kingdom, but he remembered enough: they treated him like a pariah, his own family confining him. If they discovered their disease-spreading son was still alive, they would undoubtedly hunt him down.

-’ Crap....... First, I get hunted by an elf, then suffer starvation, followed by an encounter with an annoying noble. After surviving being thrown overboard, I get swallowed by a colossal fish. And now, to top it all off, I’m about to be 'rescued' by the very people who I’d like to meet the least? Just... damn it all....’-

Lazarus’ thoughts swirled in a tumultuous mix of disbelief, sarcasm, and dread. His situation had indeed taken a turn for the worse.

"So is there anyone important aboard we should be aware of?" Leo asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Well... I believe a princess from the Twilight Kingdom might be present," Sylphi mentioned, recalling the bird's description of a shiny object atop the head of the person who first intercepted their message.

Leo sprung to his feet, his eyes wide with both disbelief and excitement. "WHAT!? Could it be the Twilight Princess?!"

"Twilight Princess?" Lazarus queried, a brow raised as he tried to dredge up memories of his past family members. He had spent a century in a VR world with Sena, Smith, and Rex, and had nearly forgotten his royal roots and the existence of his siblings. A specific memory floated to the surface, of a figure always beside him, her clingy nature and radiant smile.

"Princess Reisha Valheart! You don't know her!? She's achieved so much and surpassed people far beyond her age. Her smile is rarely seen, and coupled with her remarkable accomplishments and aloof nature, she's called the Twilight Princess. Like the solemn, cold night merging with the brilliant sun at the horizon," Leo enthusiastically described her, painting the image of an awe-inspiring figure.

-’Hardly smiles?’-

Lazarus vaguely remembered his younger sister always grinning around him, making this new description hard to swallow. Nonetheless, the prospect of meeting her filled him with unease. Considering how long it has been, it wouldn’t surprise him if she’d already forgotten him. A decade was a long time. His main focus was on constructing a communication tower and amassing a powerful arsenal to obliterate any obstacle in his path. No matter who and what it was.

His train of thought was abruptly interrupted by Sylphi's voice. "The message didn't specify which princess. However, she will be personally greeting us upon our arrival. Although, I can't fathom why she insists on it…"

Sylphi had encountered Reisha before, but she chose not to mention her, uncertain if it was really her aboard the ship.

As their conversation winded down without any further revelations, the group settled into a waiting game. Until one day, Lazarus' eyes widened at the distant sound of a bell tolling. He, along with Sylphi and Leo, raced towards the shore. A large ship, grander than the one they had previously sailed on, was approaching, a prominent flag flapping in the breeze.

Lazarus activated the magnification feature of his neural chip, allowing his nanite-enhanced vision to bring the image into sharp focus — a rising sun cresting over a mountain. He also spotted a maid peering their way through a small telescope. As he stood behind Leo, his figure was effectively concealed.

-’Tsk, I didn’t expect them to get here so fast... What's my next move!?’- Lazarus thought to himself, clenching his fist as he hid carefully behind Leo.

"We're saved!!" Leo, unable to contain his elation, leaped around.

"Yeah..." Sylphi echoed, a touch of disappointment shadowing her relief. Her gaze followed Lazarus as he retreated, his form disappearing into the direction of their makeshift home.