THE HUNT BEGINS

"I will be among the strongest rulers in the entire country of Wuhan. Few rulers powers can rival mine," Exca said to Lyon, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.

"So what's the plan then, Exca? How do we eliminate that woman?" Lyon asked, eyes narrowed.

"There's only one way this ends now. Open the Darkest Dungeon. Bring me Sasaki the Ripper. He will accompany you on this secret mission," Exca said coldly. "I would've loved to end this myself, but I can't risk the higher-ups suspecting anything.

I'm counting on you."

Lyon's eyes widened. "You want me to open the Darkest Dungeon? That's insanity. Even with the Anti-Renshi cuffs, Sasaki's aura is still stronger than mine. I just hope this doesn't turn into a disaster, Exca."

"Don't worry about Sasaki," Exca reassured him. "I have a way to control him. His Anti-Renshi cuffs will be removed—I need him at full strength. Eliminate the woman, bring me the boy. Do what you like with the girl. I care less about her."

"You're really planning to use that spell?" Lyon thought to himself, anxiety creeping into his voice. "Still, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... A kid whose Renshi rivals that of the god-slaying knight? That kind of power doesn't appear in every generation."

"I won't let this slip past me," Exca muttered, pacing. "Start the dungeon process at sunset. I'll begin the mind-control spell now. Controlling Sasaki will be hell, but I'll manage."

"No problem, Exca. I'll give you updates before I open the dungeon," Lyon said, turning to leave. "See you later."

As Lyon exited the grand hall, he muttered under his breath, "You really plan to control that monster? Sasaki eats darkside spirits to grow stronger. He's not just a man—he's the human darkside spirit. We only managed to lock him up after he consumed a special-darkside spirit. I hope this mind control spell works… I'm not risking my real body. I'll send one of my earth tentacles instead."

Meanwhile...

Unbeknownst to Alfie and Lucy, back when they were still in Guhan, Exca had already sensed Alfie's awakening. The moment Alfie awakened while battling the Alpha darkside spirit, Exca sent out his tiny insect-like surveillance drones made from mages—undetectable by even the sharpest senses—to track Alfie, Lucy, and Rebekah. He watched every move.

Exca, the special darkside knight of Guhan, carried the bloodline of the Twin Dragon, one of the rarest and most powerful in Shinra history.

Each Shinra hailed from a different bloodline:

The Octo Bloodline allowed its users to multiply themselves or objects in battle—like Lyon's earth tentacle technique. These tentacles are linked to the user by an invisible Renshi rope. If the rope is severed, the tentacle disappears.

The Martial Bloodline allowed users to transfer their Renshi into weapons or parts of their body—especially fists and legs—making them formidable close-range fighters.

The Stormzy Bloodline, the most feared among the common three, gave users the power to control weather—storms, lightning, and wind.

But none compared to the Twin Dragon Bloodline.

Exca's bloodline was ten times more powerful than Stormzy's. If fully awakened, he would become twenty times stronger than a regular stormzy user. But there was one problem—he didn't possess enough Renshi to awaken it. His plan? Transfer Alfie's overflowing Renshi into his body using a device he had built long ago: the TM Machine.

Back on the road...

It was already noon, and the trio was still traveling.

"Master, your horse is amazing," Rebekah said. "Doesn't she ever get tired?"

"Of course she does," Lucy replied. "I replenish her stamina using a healing spell. That way, she can run non-stop for twenty-four hours."

"That's incredible," Alfie added. "What kind of spell is it? I'd love to try it on mine someday."

"You want every single detail, huh?" Lucy teased. "Let's just be quiet until sunset. Then you can interrogate me."

"It doesn't look like the sun's going down any time soon," Alfie grumbled. "Just a few questions won't hurt."

"Don't forget I'm behind you," Rebekah snapped. "One more word, and I'll shut your mouth for you."

"Oh really?" Alfie shot back. "When you're behind me? One little push and you'll be kissing dirt. Don't test me, honey badger."

"Try it and I'll show you who's boss— don't forget your Renshi's sealed," Rebekah said with a sly grin.

"You two keep it up and I swear I'll knock you off my horse," Lucy barked. "Now zip it until we reach our next stop."

"Yes, Master," they both replied in unison—then immediately turned to each other.

"Stop copying me, you moron!"

"No, you stop copying me, rock head!"

Lucy sighed. "They're never going to learn…"

As the horses galloped through the vast terrain, Lucy's mind was elsewhere.

Something's off about Guhan… Why would they shut off the Icon right after I killed that Alpha darkside spirit? It doesn't make sense. Maybe they're covering up Alfie's awakening… afraid other kingdoms will come for him. Or maybe they're planning something worse.

I've seen awakenings before… but it's been more than a century since the last real one. If Guhan's higher-ups are corrupted, this could get ugly. But even if they realize he's left the kingdom, it'll take time to strategize. We've already crossed four kingdoms. It will take lot of time to catch up with us at this pace. Still, I can't shake this feeling. I just want peace. A calm journey to Ashura… and to train these kids properly.

"Master, are you okay? You're frowning and smiling at the same time," Rebekah asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine," Lucy said. "Just thinking about some things."

"Rebekah's always the one starting our arguments," Alfie chimed in. "She doesn't respect her elders. She needs to be taught a lesson."

"How old are you, Alfie?" Lucy asked.

"I'm ten."

"And you, Rebekah?"

"I'm nine," she said with a frown.

"Hah! One year older? You're still a baby, honey badger!" Alfie taunted. "Respect your elder!"

"Pipe down, Alfie," Lucy said with a smirk. "You won this round. But now that she's quiet, maybe you should be too."

"No problem, Master Lu. My mouth is sealed until the next stop," Alfie replied proudly.

"You better seal it tight," Rebekah muttered. "Because even if you're older, I'll still end up stronger."

"Oh? Is that a challenge?" Alfie grinned. "You're challenging the great Alfie?"