—I repeat: which one of you is responsible for the massacre of the tribe? —asked a humanoid figure with enormous eyes and a disproportionately large head, shaped like the spade symbol from a deck of cards. It wore a strange red suit, and its voice sounded almost robotic.

  —Mas… massacre? —Sarah asked, briefly averting her gaze toward Damien.

  —Get out of here. We have matters to attend to —Albert growled, releasing his Koa.

  —My name is Woot. I am a member of BIM, dispatched by the Grand Ecclesiastical Order —the creature replied, unfazed by the provocation.

  The Grand Ecclesiastical Order… I’ve heard that name before, Mason thought.

  —The responsible party must be handed over to receive their corresponding punishment.

  The creature advanced toward Damien, noticing he was the only one covered in blood.

  Yulian stepped in its path and unleashed his Beast Koa.

  Woot’s massive eyes glowed purple. A burst of energy shot from them, effortlessly knocking Yulian aside.

  —What the hell…? —Yulian trembled, shaken by how easily he had been defeated.

  —Enough, Flatwood creature. Stay away from my disciples —Yu-Han ordered before it could move any closer to Damien.

  —Mr. Yu-Han, you know very well that rules are rules. Even if you are no longer affiliated with the Grand Ecclesiastical Order, you are familiar with our laws —Woot replied.

  —Your rules do not include me or mine. I educate my disciples my own way, and they do what you are unwilling to do because it would disrupt your comfort —Yu-Han shot back, firm and unyielding.

  —We safeguard the balance of the world. Such alterations will not be tolerated.

  —You would rather see innocent blood spilled if it preserves your so-called balance…

  Before the creature could respond, its phone rang.

  —Yes, sir… understood. I will comply —it said, listening to the voice on the other end.

  —My superior informs me that your disciples are free of charges. This must have been a mistake. However, he suggests that you should still visit that city in disgrace. I bid you farewell. My apologies for the inconvenience.

  The creature turned and slowly began to rise, disappearing into the fog.

  That was always my plan, Yu-Han thought. The only way to keep them from becoming that… is to let them see it with their own eyes. Though I wonder if this is the right moment.

  —Master —Damien said, stepping closer.

  —It’s all right, Damien. Don’t feel remor—

  —Why was Arondight stronger when I used my own blood? —Damien suddenly asked.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  This child isn’t remorseful. His moral compass sees the world in black and white, Yu-Han thought, troubled.

  —An object reinforced with Koa is stronger than one created solely from pure Koa. For example: if someone uses a normal sword and manifests Excalibur through it, it will be more powerful than one formed directly from Koa —he explained.

  —Master, what is BIM? And the Order? —Yulian asked. —How can they be so strong?

  —BIM stands for Boys In Maroon, named after the color of their suits. They are the elite forces of the Grand Ecclesiastical Order, an entity that stands above all governments in the world. They deal with anomalies… though in truth, it seems they only care about their own well-being.

  —Why did that thing appear? —Albert asked.

  —I know you have many questions, but now is not the time. I contacted César. We must go to his cabin immediately. It’s dangerous to remain here. Gather your things. We’ll talk tomorrow.

  Yu-Han turned away, deep in thought.

  Just as I suspected, there’s something else going on in this village. The problem now is that the Order has set its sights on Damien.

  —No problem, Master. We can leave in less than two minutes —Yulian said, surrounding his palms with Nature Koa.

  —Wayfarer.

  He clapped his hands, and reality itself seemed to tear open before them, forming a portal.

  —What the hell…? —Albert stared, wide-eyed.

  —I can travel to any place on the planet with this. The restriction is that I must have been there physically before. The farther the distance, the more Koa it consumes. César’s cabin is close, so I can maintain it without much effort. Come on, grab your things —Yulian explained.

  —An interesting ability —Yu-Han murmured.

  They all moved quickly, gathered their belongings, and stepped through the portal.

  The next morning.

  —César, we’ll be in touch. I must now depart for a certain place with my students. Thank you for everything —Yu-Han said.

  —Master… are you planning to take them to that city of evil? —César asked, visibly worried. —Don’t you think it’s too soon, especially after what happened with the Hammiz?

  —Yes, it’s too soon. But I must prevent my group from completely breaking apart. Take care… and look after Carlo —Yu-Han replied before rejoining his students.

  The atmosphere was tense.

  Damien remained isolated.

  Sarah watched him from a distance, with a mix of unease and fear, ever since she learned about the massacre.

  Yulian, Mason, and Albert wore concerned expressions, but none of them knew how to approach their friend.

  Edward still saw Damien as somewhat hypocritical, so he chose to stay close to Layla, who remained neutral in the matter.

  There’s a lot to fix… or perhaps there’s nothing left to fix, Yu-Han thought as he took in the scene.

  Carlo approached Damien, to everyone’s surprise, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

  —Friend, I’m really glad I got to know you. I hope we stay in touch. I know you’re a good person.

  A sincere smile crossed Carlo’s face. It did not judge Damien for the massacre of the false tribe; it thanked him for his trust, for approaching him, and for being one of those who helped him after the cryptid attack.

  Damien turned and extended his hand.

  —I’m glad I got to know you too. I hope we meet again —he replied.

  That boy, so often labeled a coward, has just taught everyone a lesson in empathy, Yu-Han thought.

  —We’re leaving —the master said. —The foundation’s transport should be waiting for us.

  Everyone said goodbye to Carlo and followed Yu-Han.

  —I thought we were going back to Bukrasma —Yulian commented.

  —No. I planned this from the beginning. Do you know about Sodom? —Yu-Han asked.

  —The city of cruel inhabitants, destroyed by a rain of holy fire according to the Bible… You don’t mean it still exists? —a chill ran down Yulian’s spine.

  —The biblical one doesn’t. But something very similar does… or perhaps something far worse. Prepare yourselves mentally. What you’re about to see could leave you deeply scarred —Yu-Han replied, his tone bitter and somber, as if he himself questioned the decision.

  —Why do we have to see a place like that? It sounds like something straight out of a nightmare… —Albert said, his voice trembling slightly.

  —I believe it’s the only way to keep you from becoming like him…

  —Like who, Master? —Yulian asked, swallowing hard.

  —Epshtin… —Yu-Han murmured.

  but they reveal how close they came.

  Others, for the first time, stop looking only at themselves.

  The worst is yet to come.