"Wait... You’re WHAT?!"

The group settled around a campfire, the soft crackle of flames illuminating their faces as the night settled in. Lumi was busy roasting something that looked vaguely edible, while Sonnet shuffled a deck of cards with surprising speed.

"Alright, Lumi," Kazuki said, leaning back on a log. "What's the plan? What's the order of these Zodiac Beasts we're hunting?"

Lumi looked thoughtful for a moment. "The Zodiac Beasts are scattered across different regions of Eidolon. We should go in a specific order—starting with Leo. Since you already have a fragment of that power, it'll resonate more easily with you."

Kazuki nodded. "Makes sense. And after Leo?"

"Then we'll go for Aries," Lumi said. "Each beast is tougher than the last. We'll need to pace ourselves."

"Ooh, that sounds like a boss fight marathon!" Andreas grinned. "I'm all for it."

Sonnet smirked. "I'm ready to gamble my life on it… literally."

Kazuki blinked. "Uh… maybe not literally?"

As the conversation drifted on, Sonnet suddenly looked at Kazuki with a raised brow. "By the way, did Lumi tell you about us?"

Kazuki frowned. "About what?"

"You know," Sonnet said, waving her hand casually, "that we're the Vessels of Fate and Balance?"

There was a moment of silence. Kazuki's brain lagged. "Wait… you're WHAT?!"

"You didn't tell him?" Andreas turned to Lumi, wide-eyed.

Lumi crossed her arms. "I thought you told him!"

"We thought you told him!" Sonnet said, pointing an accusing finger.

"I didn't even know you guys were Vessels until… five seconds ago!" Kazuki threw his hands in the air.

Sonnet laughed, scratching her head. "Oops. Well, surprise! We're the Vessels of Fate and Balance. Back in the day, we were chosen during the Great Era of Heroes. But, you know, things went south."

"South?" Kazuki raised a brow.

Andreas nodded. "Yeah, the Savior kinda… killed us."

Kazuki's eyes widened. "Killed you?! And you're just casually dropping that like it's no big deal?"

Sonnet shrugged. "Eh, it happens. Vessel of Life sacrificed himself to bring us back. But we're not exactly at full power anymore."

Andreas flexed his left arm, which glowed faintly with energy. "Yeah, we're heavily nerfed compared to before. Back then, I could punch mountains in half. Now? I can barely knock down a tree."

"And my instrument magic?" Sonnet sighed dramatically. "Let's just say it used to make people fall in love and cause meteors to fall from the sky. Now it's more like… enhanced karaoke."

Kazuki rubbed his temples. "So, let me get this straight… You're both super-powered Vessels who were killed by the Savior, brought back by the Vessel of Life, and now you're nerfed?"

"Yup," Sonnet said cheerfully.

"And you didn't think to tell me any of this sooner?"

"We thought you already knew!" Andreas said, grinning sheepishly. "Besides, you didn't ask."

Kazuki groaned. "I swear, you guys are impossible."

Lumi smiled, trying to smooth things over. "It's not like they were hiding it from you. Honestly, it's better you know now. With their experience and your new powers, we're in a stronger position for what's coming next."

"Plus, we're fun to have around!" Sonnet winked.

Andreas nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, who else can make things explode and cook the perfect steak?"

Kazuki couldn't help but chuckle despite himself. "Okay, fair point."

As the fire crackled and laughter filled the air, Kazuki glanced at his strange, chaotic group of friends. They had a lot to figure out, but for now, things felt… right.

"Alright," Kazuki said, smiling. "We've got a long journey ahead. Let's make it count."