Since arriving in this city a few days ago, our time has been filled with enjoyable moments spent at the beach and hanging out with one another. Despite our impending departure tomorrow morning, we haven't grown tired of playing games and simply spending time together.

Currently, as the sun sets on this late afternoon, I find myself in the company of Mia, Nina, and Flare.

"Hey," Mia interrupted, breaking through our brief silence as we gazed up at the sky. "I have to use the restroom," she announced, rising from the floor where we sat. "I'll be back in a bit," without being able to get a word in she strode away with a sense of urgency that suggested she was in a hurry. Watching her walk away, I noticed her heels digging on the sand as she disappeared into the distance.

Turning my attention towards Nina, I remarked. "Looks like it's just you and me now," I said, flashing a small smile as I shifted closer to her.

In turn, her face flushed as she stood up. Before I could even question her actions, Nina stammered, "I need to use the restroom too," her voice tinged with nervousness as she scurried off after Mia.

With a sigh, I pondered on what could have made her uncomfortable. However, I quickly shook off the thought and turned my attention toward Flare. "Looks like it's just you and me," I said.

At my words, Flare slowly got up. Stretching her body as her paw pads curled forward against the soft ground. "I should go check on them," she spoke, turning around her fuzzy tail swung behind her back. My eyes followed her movements, and I couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked as she placed one paw in front of the other.

"I guess it's just me," I muttered under my breath, knowing no one was around to listen. My gaze then shifted from the sky to a boy that stood by the shore, his eyes fixed on the vast expanse of water before him. It was Theodore, with his jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes, standing as still as a statue with his feet buried deep in the water.

Having nothing better to do, I walked up to him. "Hey, Theodore," I called out, feeling the cold embrace of the water around my feet as I neared. "Whatcha doing?" I asked casually, curiosity heavily tinged within my voice.

He turned towards me briefly before gazing thoughtfully back toward the ocean. "Just thinking," he replied then fell silent before turning to face me once more. "Don't you find it fascinating just how everything in this world is kind of like... Around the corner?"

Tilting my head in confusion I tried to make sense of his words. "What do you mean?" I asked.

"For example, if we hopped on a ship and sailed in that direction across the sea," he spoke with a finger extended towards the horizon, "We would eventually come upon the Utaryon continent. A land full of different races of demons, unique customs, and exciting opportunities to explore," he added with a sense of wonder.

Ah? The mind of an adventurer. I thought, showing a small smile. "You want to see it all?"

As he turned towards me, I witnessed true determination in his expression. "Yes," he answered. "The only human kingdom that negotiates with the demon lord lies between here and Utaryon, so we would have to stop in Azriel before continuing our journey," he explained. "But that's not all. I also want to travel east, to the enchanted forest of Clokotora where my mother is from. She's told me stories of a welcoming village hidden deep within the woods where even the passive animals enjoy human company. Beyond that lies Grojatia, the land of the titans and home to many colossal beasts."

"I heard there were things such as Titans and Giants," I pointed out. "What differentiates the two?"

"Titans are basically the founders of all earth on this world. While Giants are wiser and much smarter," he explained. "They're the ones who created all the runes and sigils. So the one on your palm was most likely made by a Giant."

"Really?" I said sounding a bit intrigued. If a giant really made this then I wonder just what other kind of technology they have. This rune on my palm is by no means a simple thing.

Humans have recreated simple sigils, including the ice sigil that allows the mansion freezer to maintain its temperature. As well as others that give off heat or produce air. Nevertheless, this one on my palm grants a different effect. It can sense and alter the very particles that make up mana. A complex masterpiece compacted down into a single rune would certainly prove difficult to decipher and recreate.

While lost in thought, the sound of multiple footsteps plunging through the water jolted me back to reality. I then felt a powerful tug on my clothes, causing me to turn my gaze downwards, where I saw Flare pulling my shorts with her jaw. Her eyes were gleaming with a strange intensity, and her fur stood on end. "Flare?" I spoke feeling a bit uneasy due to her behavior.

With a low growl, Flare turned her snout up toward me and barked, "Woof! Woof!" It had been quite a while since I'd last heard her bark. I still remember how they used to be nothing more than high-pitched yelps, but now they actually sound menacing.

Looking towards Theodore, who also appeared unsure, I said, "Wait here, I'll be back." Knowing something was wrong, I hastily picked Flare up and sprinted away, without waiting for his response.

Once we were some distance away from all ears I spoke up, "What's wrong?" I asked, my voice heavy with concern as I gazed deeply into her blue eyes. Patiently waiting for her to respond.

Cradling my wolf companion close to my chest, I sensed a deep unease in her body language. Her ears flattened against her head and her form shook slightly. "It's Nina and Mia," she whimpered, her voice quivering as her eyes were filled with concern. "Alexander took them."

As I listened to her words, I felt a heavy weight settle in my chest, and for a moment, I struggled to wrap my head around it. My heart sank as I heard her words, and a sense of fury ignited within me. With clenched teeth, I forced out the words, the anger in my tone practically tangible as it filled the air around us. "Where did they go?"

"I can still track their scent," she said as her nostrils flared. With a swift movement, she hopped off my arms. Landing gracefully on the floor. Turning her head toward me her eyes locked onto mine. "So hurry, follow me!"

With a nod of agreement, I was about to follow behind her when. "Hey, Arata," Theodore called out, causing me to turn and face him. My facial expression must have given away the turbulent emotions swirling within me, prompting Theodore to ask, "Is everything alright?"

"No time," I said my voice loaded with heavy pressure. "Come along or stay behind," was the only thing I said as I quickly dismissed him. Turning my attention back to Flare I have her a sharp nod, signaling that we needed to move immediately. My heart was racing with adrenaline as we began rushing forward and my mind consumed with the urgent task at hand. You want a rematch, huh? Don't you worry, I'm on my way.

"Don't discard me just yet!" called Theodore from behind. Turning my head back I saw him panting and weaving between pedestrians. With sweat glistening on his forehead. "I'm coming along," he declared, fully determined.

As I turned to face him, a smile crept onto my lips, betraying my initial irritation. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of guilt for talking so coldly to him moments earlier. Flare, who ran ahead, led us with purpose, her eyes scanning the beach ahead as we made our way to our desired destination. The anger which had consumed me kept me so focused on finding Alexander that I scarcely registered my surroundings.

That was until we reached an isolated rocky area. The rocks stood as menacing sentinels, jutting from the soft sand like jagged teeth that we had to move around. Nevertheless, Flare pushed on, her pace unrelenting. Then finally came to a stop before a cave.

"Wait! Arata!" exclaimed Theodore, his strong hand gripping my shoulder and halting me in my tracks. "Before we go any further, you have to tell me what's going on," he demanded, his voice firm and insistent, uncertainty etched on his face, probably worried that I might lash out.

Taking a deep, calming breath, I felt my shoulders relax and my jaw unclench. As I held his gaze steadily, my expression grew more intense, conveying the seriousness of my words. "You'll see," I said slowly, the weight of the statement hanging in the air between us.

As we hurriedly entered the cave, terrified whispers echoed through the walls, growing louder and more frantic with each step we took forward. It wasn't until we reached a large opening in the cave that we finally saw the source of the crying. Mia and Nina, bound by ropes on the floor. The two girls shook with sobs, their eyes red and puffy from crying.

Examining them closer I saw a small bump on both of their cheeks. Alexander must have injured them, and the sight of their bruised faces made my stomach twist in anger.

"Hey!" Theodore bellowed, his voice dripping with hatred. As I looked at him, I could see his face twisted into an angry scowl, a clear indication of the fury that was boiling within him. He shot daggers at the boy standing in front of us, as if his gaze alone could cut him down. "What the hell do you think you're doing, Alexander!?" His tone was so loaded with venom but even so, Alexander remained remarkably unperturbed.

Having noticed us, Nina and Mia's eyes widened with a newfound, radiant hope as their expressions transformed into ones of overwhelming relief.

Alexander ignored Theodore completely and focused solely on me. With a slight smile on his lips and a glint in his eye, he spoke, "You're here earlier than I expected," his voice as calm and steady as his demeanor.

"What do you want, Alexander?" I asked through gritted teeth. Feeling the anger bubbling up inside of me, threatening to burst forth like an erupting volcano I locked eyes with him. And made no attempt to hide my emotions. My gaze piercing through his, daring him to make a move.

"I wanted to draw you out and beat you once and for all," he said, his eyes flashing with fury. "Ever since you got here, everything has always been about you," he continued, his body tensing up as if ready to fight. "Urgh! You make me sick! Sharing a home with you has been my greatest humiliation!" he spoke, his lips curling into a snarl as his face twisted with revulsion.

After a short pause, he continued with a cruel smirk. "My plan was to draw you out by capturing this one," he said turning Mia's head up roughly by pulling on her hair, causing her to let out a sharp cry of pain before tossing her back down to the floor. He then turned his attention to Nina with a devious expression on his face. "But then this one got in the way," he exclaimed, grabbing Nina's hair and pulling her head up as well, causing her to cry out in pain.

"Stop that!!" Theodore roared, his face contorted with rage as he lunged forward menacingly. I quickly intervened, placing a reassuring hand on his seething shoulder, making him stop in his tracks.

"I submit," I spoke out, turning toward Alexander with a lowered head and shoulders. "You win, now let them go," if anything I'd rather avoid any further conflict with Alexander.

"Do you really think that's going to work?" he questioned skeptically, narrowing his eyes. "I only captured them so I could fight you at your strongest," he continued, his tone growing more menacing by the moment. "I won't be satisfied until your body lies beaten down at my feet!" he exclaimed, his anger intensifying to the point where he was practically shouting.

"Then what are you waiting for?" I replied, my voice laced with sarcasm. Extending my hands out as though it were the easiest thing in the world. "I'm right here," I said, my body language inviting.

"Tsk!" he clicked his tongue in irritation. Swiveling to face Theodore, he sharply stated, "You stay out of this," with a determined step he began to make his way over to me, striding away from the girls.

"Theodore," I said, keeping a close eye on Alexander as he neared. "Go release Mia and Nina," I instructed, taking a step forward "I'll deal with Alexander," Theodore didn't hesitate, darting toward them as I turned to face my opponent. My muscles tensed and my jaw clenched as I braced myself for the conflict ahead.

Without wasting any time, he dashed forward at a speed only possible by the use of internal mana control. Quickly bringing my hand up I caught his fist with ease. In one swift motion, I spun around and delivered a powerful kick to his stomach. Stumbling backward he fell to one knee clenching his stomach in pain.

"I see you learned internal mana control," I pointed out, which made sense since he's been sword training for more than four years. My combat training had clearly paid off, and I felt a surge of confidence as I stood my ground, ready for whatever he might throw at me next. "Did that make you think you'd stand a chance!" I said, my voice laced with anger as I straightened his torso ready to unleash a barrage of unrelenting attacks.

But he quickly swung his arm pushing away my hand that was firmly gripped onto his shoulder. With a swift jab to my stomach, I was taken aback by the force behind it. But before I could fully process the pain, he followed up with a sharp hit to my face, leaving a sharp sting across my cheek. This kid might actually have some talent after all. I thought, pulling away in surprise. But he'll need more than that to beat me.

With flames blazing around his fists, he charged forward. Throwing strike after strike I easily deflected every single one of them, his flames not strong enough to burn me. "You're way too old to be throwing a tantrum like this," I jested, taking pleasure in my opponent's frustration. "You must have realized by now that you can't beat me?" With a sly grin, I taunted him further, "Or has your genius failed again."

With a deep grunt, his muscles tensed, and veins bulged out of his neck, bringing forth an expression of pure fury on his face. "AAGGHH!!!" he let out a deafening battle cry that echoed across the room, fueling the intensity of his punches.

With one quick movement, I aimed my fist straight at his face. With a loud thud, my fist made contact, stirring his brain. His eyes rolled up and he stumbled back a few steps, barely keeping himself from falling to the floor.

Kneeling down with his head low and his knees unsteady, he struggled to lift his gaze to meet mine. Wincing in pain, he gasped for breath, his words filled with venom and determination. "T-This is far... From over," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice shaking with rage. "I will... Pray on your every weakness. I... Don't care what... I have to do. I will... I will... Win."

With no change in my expression, I raised my fist, poised to deliver another heavy blow. "Well. . . Good luck," I said, mocking his desperate attempts at bravado. The sound of my fist connecting with his face was deafening as it send shockwaves across the room that seemed to reverberate across the silent cave. With each blow, his eyes drooped lower, and his breathing grew shallower until a final punch unleashed the knockout blow, sending him slumping to the floor, unconscious.

Giving Alexander one last pitiful look. I turned my attention back to the girls who seemed relieved yet uncertain of my actions. "He really overdid it this time," I said, showing a smile in an attempt to comfort their worries as I neared. "He totally ruined this vacation."

"Arata!" Mia exclaimed, practically leaping towards me with open arms. Her relief at seeing me was palpable as she held me tightly in a grateful embrace. "I was. . . So scared," murmurs of fear escaped from her trembling lips as she buried her head into my chest, seeking comfort and reassurance.

"I-It's all right," I said with a reassuring smile, taken aback by her sadness as I gently reached out and patted her head. "Don't think about it anymore," I said softly as I wiped a stray tear from her eye. Then, turning to Nina, I asked with genuine concern, "Are you okay?" My eyes searched hers, looking for any sign of distress or discomfort.

At my words, she gave me a small nod while her lips curved upwards, expressing her gratitude in a way words couldn't. "So?" I continued, steering the conversation in a new direction. "Did Alexander just carry the two of you out here?"

"No," replied Nina with a shake of her head. Then, raising her arm she pointed at a nearby wooden crate and said, "He stuffed us in there and carried us out here."

"So. . . Um?" Theodore's voice pierced through our conversation, bouncing off the rugged cave walls as he scanned each of us. "What do we do with him?" he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty as he examined Alexander's unconscious body

"Meh, leave him," I said, rolling my eyes, emphasizing my disinterest in the situation. Walking past him, I turned my attention back to the rest of the group, and with a quick tilt of my head, I motioned for them to follow along. "Come on, we should get going. It's getting dark."

With a firm nod, the others agreed and followed behind me. While Theodore calmly strode my way, the girls sprinted past Alexanders' body, in fear that he might wake up.

Alexander's actions were undeniably disturbing and had the potential to inflict significant emotional and psychological harm on both Mia and Nina. The thought of being forcibly confined inside a box, their bodies tightly bound and unable to move, could very well haunt their memories for years. It is truly terrifying to consider the lasting impact that Alexander's recklessness will have on them. I should keep a close eye on them.