"Welcome, everyone, to Mount Sinai!" I spread my arms wide, letting the cold mountain air rush past my sleeves. The sky above the peak was a pale, almost metallic blue, and thin wisps of cloud drifted low enough to brush the treetops.

  Odina sarcastically smiled, "Wow! This place is great."

  She kicked a pebble down the slope, the sarcasm heavier than her pack.

  Behind me, heavy footsteps thudded against the dirt. Kaiguya launched a punch at my back—fast, annoyed, and completely predictable. I swerved it easily and turned around, pointing at him with both fingers like I was scolding a misbehaving child.

  "What was that for, young man?"

  Kaiguya tightened his fist, shoulder twitching with irritation. "You made us walk here. And don't call me young! I'm older than you."

  I lifted a brow. "I couldn't trust that carriage rider. It was risky enough having him know we went to Guhal."

  The man’s eyes had lingered too long on us. One loose tongue could unravel everything.

  Far behind us, the ground shook rhythmically under Borschmack’s steps. He was carrying most of our luggage—three oversized bags, two crates, and a rolled bedframe—all stacked like a tower on his back. His breathing didn’t even change.

  I tapped Borschmack on the liver with the back of my hand as I walked beside him. "We have this guy here to carry our luggage! So don't whine too much."

  The trail ahead curved between massive boulders and coarse roots. It was strange walking it again. Not long ago, I walked this very path alone—half-broken, half-bored, half-determined. Now, I returned with people who trusted me enough to follow.

  A whistle cut the air. A flash of black. A knife embedded itself in the ground right in front of my foot, quivering from the force.

  I didn’t hesitate. My senses sharpened instantly, narrowing in on the subtle displacement of air in the treeline. No matter how perfectly he suppressed his breathing, I knew exactly where he was. "Kaguya! Oh, man, that's going to get confusing."

  Kaguya dropped from a branch, landing silently despite the height. He revealed himself from the shadows—dark cloak, hair tied back, eyes razor-focused. "Your other friends arrived yesterday."

  He kicked the dirt beneath the knife with practiced ease. It flicked upward, spun once, and fell neatly into his holster.

  Kaiguya’s eyes narrowed, his stance lowered slightly as he analyzed the assassin with caution. "You have an assassin as an ally?"

  I nodded once. "Yes, I do. Now, we're getting close. Let's pick it up."

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  We began to run—not at transcended speed, but fast enough to feel the wind tearing at our clothes. Branches whipped past. The trail blurred beneath our steps. Borschmack started falling behind, but I knew he’d catch up. His endurance was monstrous.

  We burst into the clearing.

  The old training dummies were gone. In their place stood six wooden shacks arranged in a rough semicircle, smoke curling gently from a few chimneys. Zero’s handiwork was unmistakable—sturdy, efficient, unadorned. Two wooden logs sat near a firepit, and on one of them, Zero and Jane were talking quietly.

  The moment Jane looked up and saw me, something in my chest loosened—tension I didn’t even realize I’d been carrying.

  Zero outstretched his arms for a hug, but Jane was faster. She stood, and I closed the distance instantly. My belongings hit the ground behind me in a clatter as I dived into her arms. Her warmth hit me harder than any punch. It had been too long—far too long.

  Zero shrugged, "Well, what can you do?"

  He stepped aside with a lazy smile.

  Zhen stepped outside one of the shacks, rubbing his eyes. He looked half-asleep, hair sticking up like he’d lost a fight with his pillow.

  I held her tightly, forehead brushing her shoulder. "Can I really not stop you?"

  She returned the hug with a fierceness that threatened to break me. "I can't stand the thought of you falling in battle. If this must go ahead, I will fall with you."

  I held her another moment before straightening myself up. Dust clung to my clothes from the run, so I brushed it off quickly. "We will not fall."

  Jane adjusted her ponytail, tying it tight behind her head. "Leo was really suspicious when I left alone. He's certainly had some doubts."

  I looked up at the sun peeking through the mountain canopy. "Doesn't matter now."

  Odina, Kaiguya, and Borschmack finally caught up, all panting except Borschmack, who seemed amused by their exhaustion. There weren’t enough houses for this many people—but if needed, I’d build more myself.

  Ewan stepped out from another shack, ducking under the frame. His eyes were sunken, dark, hollow. The weight of grief hung on him like an anchor.

  I said, "Ewan! Remember what I told you! You will get your revenge!"

  Zero kicked my heel gently, forcing me to turn around. Then he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a rough, fatherly hug. "Welcome back, my boy."

  It was nice for a moment. Then, something felt wrong. A pressure—sharp, predatory—pushed against my senses. I turned my head toward the sixth house. Killing intent radiated from it like a spearpoint aimed at my throat.

  I tore myself free from Zero, stepping forward as my own killing intent erupted in response. "Get back! Do you not sense that?"

  Zero lifted a hand, trying to calm me. "I guess I didn't have time to tell you."

  My hands curled into fists. "Tell me what?"

  Zero exhaled slowly, jaw tensing. "Sun has hired two more transcended after news came out you deserted. Haet Leacett, and leader of Major Clan Heroes, 'One-Man Army' Atlas."

  Atlas? That monster was from the far east. He wasn't someone who traveled lightly—or without purpose. The fact he came here meant things were worse than I expected.

  Zero continued, "I had to get him."

  The killing intent faded instantly, like a switch had been flipped. Footsteps approached. A man in a gleaming gold suit stepped out of the house, adjusting his glasses with casual calm. He wiped the lenses with a cloth as if the murderous aura moments ago had nothing to do with him. "Been a while."

  Hematite!

  His voice was smooth, almost bored.

  I yelled, "Why are you here?! You weren't loyal to Toda or Tektite! This is too risky for someone as smart as you!"

  He slid the glasses back onto his face, a glint hiding one eye.

  "I have my own reasons. Rest assured, I will eliminate Grand Sasebella's protection forces, as ordered."