Mirai stepped out of the hut and walked back through the forest. She stared at the shining crystal between her fingers and murmured:

  "What I need now is Everlight metal... and something close to black Crystalline fabric. Traveling will take too long..."

  She halted, then thoughtfully rested her hand on her chin.

  "If only I had teleportation abilities like Nanaki's..."

  Suddenly, her eyebrows lifted as if struck by an idea. She whispered softly:

  "Why didn't this occur to me sooner?"

  As she reached the edge of the forest, she paused. Slipping her right hand into the sleeve of her left arm, she whispered:

  "I hope this reaches him."

  Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and focused her spiritual energy. She drew her spiritual sword, sheathed it, then drew it again—five times, calmly and precisely.

  Moments later, Nanaki appeared before her, a faint smile filled with playful challenge on his face.

  "You missed me already? Clearly, you wanted to see me, sending such obvious signals..."

  He stopped talking as he recognized their surroundings. Looking around, confusion filled his eyes as he examined the forest's edge.

  "What brought you here?"

  But when his gaze landed on the crystal in her hand, his expression shifted abruptly. He froze, eyes widening, speechless.

  Mirai spoke firmly. "Nanaki, I need two things from you. First, take me to the Cave of Eternal Doom. Second, fetch me the Crystalline fabric from the castle, along with a sewing machine and threads of the Demon Spider."

  Nanaki hesitated, slowly raising his hand to his head.

  "Wait... that's too much. First, why are you near Saira Forest? Second, why that cave? It's dangerous, belonging to the demi-humans. And third, what's the story behind that crystal? Where did you get it?"

  Mirai answered with urgency. "No time to explain. Do as I asked—quickly."

  He sighed, tension in his voice, but finally said, "Fine... but you owe me a full explanation later."

  He placed his hand on her shoulder, and they teleported together to the cave's entrance.

  Mirai stood there, gazing into the deep darkness before her.

  "Thank you. Now hurry and bring what I requested."

  Nanaki nodded, then vanished.

  ---

  Nanaki appeared suddenly in the throne room.

  Aizen, Elene, Lars, and several advisors were gathered. As soon as Elene saw him, she sighed sharply. "How many times have I told you not to enter like that? Use the door."

  Ignoring her entirely, his eyes were serious.

  "It's urgent."

  He scanned the room and added coldly, "Everyone leave—except for okaa-sama, otou-sama, and Nii- san."

  He paused briefly before whispering threateningly:

  "Anyone hesitating... I'll tear them apart."

  Silence filled the room, then everyone quietly exited.

  Aizen stepped forward, anxiety coloring his voice. "What's wrong?"

  Nanaki answered gravely. "I went to Mirai-nee-sama. She asked me to take her to the Cave of Eternal Doom and bring her some items from the castle."

  Elene raised an eyebrow. "What's strange about that?"

  Nanaki's voice hardened further. "She was near Saira Forest... holding the Spirit King's crystal."

  Silence overtook the room; the atmosphere froze. Elene stepped back, gripping the table to steady herself, covering her face as she whispered bitterly:

  "Unbelievable... what is that crazy girl planning?"

  Aizen suddenly burst into loud, uncontrollable laughter, startling everyone. Elene shouted, "What's so funny?!"

  He struggled to speak through laughter. "Sorry... but Mirai with the Spirit King's crystal? I can't believe it."

  Lars remained silent, staring at the floor. Then, lifting his head, he asked calmly, "Did you see it clearly?"

  Nanaki confidently replied, "Yes. It was exactly as described in the book."

  Lars pressed further. "Did she say how she obtained it?"

  Nanaki shook his head. "No explanation. She immediately asked to teleport."

  Lars thought aloud. "It's impossible she killed the Spirit King... and he wouldn't have handed it willingly. Perhaps what you saw isn't genuine."

  He paused, adding thoughtfully, "Mirai has no magical power. The crystal is useless to her... and she's too clever to think otherwise. Something doesn't add up."

  Nanaki replied irritably, "Nee-sama never follows logic. I saw it with my own eyes."

  Turning toward his mother, he asked seriously, "What should we do?"

  Suddenly, Elene released her magical aura. Dark energy filled the room, suffocating. The three exchanged intense glances.

  Lars quietly but firmly asked, "Okaa-sama... what are you planning?"

  She responded sternly. "Nanaki, bring her here immediately."

  Nanaki nodded.

  Despite the overwhelming tension, Lars protested decisively. "Are you certain? If other kingdoms learn she returned, we could lose their support."

  Elene retorted sharply, "I will interrogate her here. No one will find out. If I don't like her answers... I'll turn her into ash."

  Aizen intervened loudly. "Wait! This is madness. Yes, what she did is suspicious, but not worthy of death. Let me talk to her."

  Lars pleaded gently. "Think carefully. At least let's understand the whole story."

  Elene fell silent. She exhaled slowly, finally stating, "We'll get the full story once she's here."

  Turning to Aizen, she continued, "Stay here with Lars. Darius's disaster still casts its shadow—we cannot afford another crisis."

  She pressed her fingers to her temple as if suppressing deep pain, whispering softly:

  "I'm tired... Mirai and Darius bring nothing but chaos."

  Nanaki quietly announced, "I'll leave immediately."

  But suddenly, Lars spoke loudly. "Wait!"

  All eyes turned to him. Breathing slowly, controlling his racing heart, he said, "I'm coming with you."

  Nanaki approached with slow steps, a teasing smile forming. "Well, well... and what exactly do you intend to do, Nii-san?"

  Before Lars could reply, Elene firmly intervened. "I won't allow you to go. The kingdom needs your defense strategies now more than ever... I trust you more than anyone. Nanaki alone can handle this."

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

  Lars clenched his fist silently, his eyes distant. Finally, hesitantly, he pleaded, "Please, okaa-sama... it won't take long. I just need to speak with her. I may not get another chance."

  Aizen watched Lars carefully, reading what was left unsaid, then turned toward Elene and spoke calmly. "Let him go. They haven't spoken in years... and this might be their last chance."

  Elene studied her son's face carefully, then sighed in reluctant surrender. "Fine... but hurry back."

  Nanaki gave a half-smile, sarcastically commenting, "It seems okaa-sama can't refuse her favorite son's request. Well, Nii-san, to the cave we go."

  Approaching Lars, Nanaki placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. Without another word, they vanished.

  ---

  Mirai emerged from the cave carrying a large chunk of Everlight metal. As soon as she stepped outside, she was startled to see Lars and Nanaki silently waiting for her.

  Without glancing at Lars, she spoke directly to Nanaki in a cold tone. "Didn't you bring what I asked?"

  Nanaki scratched his head and replied lightly, "Uh... there were some complications. Okaa-sama wants you back at the castle immediately. She has something important to discuss with you."

  Mirai sighed, her expression turning indifferent. "I'm not going anywhere."

  She stared at him steadily, adding, "If you won't bring the fabric, I'll find an alternative myself."

  She turned around and began walking away.

  Lars raised his hand slightly, as if to stop her, but hesitated. He remained silent, frozen in place.

  Noticing Lars's hesitation, Nanaki sighed as if he had anticipated this.

  Suddenly, using teleportation, he appeared in front of Mirai and placed his hand firmly on her shoulder.

  "Sorry, but you must come."

  Mirai stepped back, her eyes narrowing sharply as she said, "Don’t touch me."

  Nanaki responded seriously. "Don't resist. Okaa-sama is furious, and things at the castle are tense."

  She smiled sarcastically, placed the Everlight metal carefully on the ground, and slowly drew her spiritual sword. "Then... force me."

  At that moment, Lars calmly stepped forward, drawing his own sword. He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, and said, "Duel me. If I win, you come back with us—no arguments."

  A brief silence fell. Mirai looked directly at him, raised her sword, and stated coldly, "You have no chance of winning. And just to avoid misunderstandings—I'll fight you with the intention to kill."

  Concern flashed across Nanaki's face, and he quickly intervened. "Hold on! Wait a second! I didn't bring you here, Lars, to have a death match with your Twin! I thought you'd reconcile, laugh a bit, then I'd take her back to okaa-sama... and she'd kill her."

  Mirai shot Nanaki a cold glance. "Kill me? Why?"

  Nanaki quickly covered his mouth with his hands. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

  Lars sharply intervened, giving Nanaki a steady glare. "Nanaki... shut up."

  Turning back to Mirai, Lars spoke more calmly. "Okaa-sama doesn't intend to kill you... at least not right now. But she's angry and demands explanations. The Spirit King's crystal—where did you get it?"

  Mirai replied icily, "None of your business."

  Suddenly, lightning sparks began to surround Lars. He activated two fifth-level spells—one lightning-based and another earth-based. Small stones appeared, covering vital points on his body.

  He murmured, "I'll take this fight seriously."

  And then he lunged swiftly.

  Mirai deftly sidestepped and blocked his strike with ease.

  Lars withdrew briefly, regained his balance, and attacked again, yet each strike was effortlessly countered as though Mirai anticipated his every move.

  With mockery, she remarked, "Is this all you've got? I expected better."

  Lars, curiosity in his voice, asked calmly, "Your sword skills are intriguing... Who trained you? You've never fought like this before."

  She didn't respond. Instead, she adjusted her stance and charged at him like a storm.

  Lars backed away, desperately blocking her swift attacks. She was faster, yet his superior swordsmanship granted him some stability.

  He attempted to disrupt her movements by summoning stone pillars from the ground, but she jumped, dodged the attack, and struck directly at him.

  He quickly cast a weak wind spell to push himself backward, narrowly avoiding her blow. His breathing was now labored.

  Nanaki moved as if to intervene, but Lars silently halted him with a gesture, saying quietly, "Stop... the next strike is the final one."

  Nanaki froze, his usual lightheartedness gone. He muttered anxiously, "Lars... you have no chance. Your magic power is weaker than academy juniors."

  Mirai mocked, "Are you seriously planning to continue fighting alone? You're overly confident."

  Lars inhaled deeply, the air around him vibrating slightly. "One strike is enough."

  Gathering the last remnants of his strength, blood trickled from his nose, then from his mouth. He took slow, deliberate steps forward, and suddenly—vanished.

  Before Mirai could react, four swift blows struck her simultaneously—each targeting her limbs: arms and legs.

  The strikes weren't particularly painful, yet completely disrupted her balance. She fell on her back, immobilized, gazing at the sky in stunned silence.

  Lars reappeared behind her, staggering, then dropped to his knees. Struggling to breathe, he croaked:

  "Nanaki... take us to..."

  He coughed blood and couldn't finish.

  Nanaki began clapping slowly, genuinely impressed. "Incredible... How did you do that? You practically disappeared."

  Then, slightly worried, he asked, "But... will you be okay?"

  Lars nodded weakly. "I'll be fine... just need healing potions. But right now, I can't move."

  He collapsed onto his back, gasping heavily. Each breath felt torn from deep inside him, blood slowly dripping—a heavy price for a moment of power.

  Nanaki laughed, approaching them, sarcastically commenting, "Oh... nee-sama and Nii-san, both helpless on the ground. Such a touching scene."

  He laughed again, clutching his stomach.

  Nanaki approached Mirai, bending slightly with a grin. "nee-sama, how does it feel now that you're like a puppet whose strings have been cut—"

  Before finishing, a powerful punch struck his stomach, sending him crashing backward against a tree.

  Groaning in pain, Nanaki slowly lifted his head, astonished to see Mirai standing before him.

  She calmly approached Lars, who stared at her, eyes wide with shock and confusion. He rasped, "How...? I was certain my strikes were precise..."

  Mirai gently smiled and raised her arms, showing him the wounds already healing on their own.

  Lars's eyes widened further, speechless.

  Nanaki slowly approached, watching her wounds close up, realization dawning across his face.

  Mirai calmly questioned, "Lars, what did you do? Your magical power doesn't exceed level seven, and your physical fitness is poor. How did you gain such power... even for just a moment?"

  Closing his eyes, Lars responded quietly. "For the past years, I trained as usual... until I discovered a technique that allows me to surpass my physical limits for exactly three seconds. But as you see, it leaves my body in shambles. It's meant for one-on-one combat... and it seems I failed."

  Mirai shook her head softly. "You didn't fail. You could have killed me easily—a single strike to my heart or neck, and I wouldn't even have realized."

  She sheathed her sword and approached the Everlight metal lying on the ground.

  Without looking at Nanaki, she instructed him, "Take Lars. He needs immediate medical care."

  Nanaki raised his hand slightly, as if objecting. "Wait, nee-sama..."

  But Mirai had already lifted the metal, her eyes gazing toward the horizon. She spoke quietly, "I've been exiled. I no longer have anything to do with you. Whatever I'm doing now... I'll bear it alone."

  Nanaki insisted firmly. "That's not true. Why did you take the Spirit King's crystal? How did you even obtain it?"

  She answered calmly, "The Spirit King gave it to me willingly."

  Nanaki stared at her for a moment, then sighed softly. "The crystal... You intend to give it to Hikari, don't you?"

  Mirai stopped. She didn't respond—but her silence was enough.

  Nanaki nodded slowly, his voice softening. "I understand now. I don't know the reason, but I'm sure he willingly entrusted it to you."

  Lars remained quiet, too weakened to participate, silently listening to their exchange.

  Nanaki continued, "After everything I've seen, I can't lie. I'll have to tell them everything."

  Mirai gave him a sharp look and spoke softly. "You can... but remember one thing."

  Her tone suddenly turned icy. "If anyone approaches Hikari—no matter who—I won't forgive them."

  Nanaki fell silent, then slowly nodded.

  He approached Lars, placed his hand on him, and both disappeared.

  Moments later, Nanaki returned. This time, he was carrying the fabric, the sewing machine, and the Demon Spider threads.

  Mirai stepped forward, quietly took the items from him, and said evenly, "Thank you."

  Then, with a faint hint of sarcasm, she added, "Since you both intended to force me back, why didn't you bring Darius? He could've easily taken me."

  Nanaki's expression turned serious again. "Darius... Since your exile, serious incidents occurred at the academy. He fled with Sylvina... and declared war on Iris."

  Mirai's eyes widened with sudden concern. "What exactly happened?"

  Nanaki answered uneasily. "We don't know. He declared war suddenly and fled. Okaa-sama is in terrible shape, and the kingdom teeters on the edge of crisis."

  Mirai thought aloud, "I know Darius well. He doesn't act without reason. If he declared war, Iris must've made a grave mistake. Did it ever cross your minds that Iris wants his spiritual sword?"

  Nanaki hesitated, shaking his head. "If that was the case, he would've come to us—not taken Sylvina and fled."

  Mirai gave him a cold look. "Thinking this way won't help. We need facts, not assumptions. If you find him outside demon territory, come find me immediately and take me to him. I must speak with him."

  Nanaki quietly said, "Alright... I'll go now."

  But Mirai stopped abruptly, as if a thought had just struck her. Without looking at him, she said, "Before you leave... there are two things."

  Nanaki raised an eyebrow, a playful mix of surprise and sarcasm in his tone. "Just two? I expected a list of at least ten."

  Ignoring his comment, she continued. "First, teleport me to the capital—or somewhere close to it."

  He stared at her for a moment, seeming about to question her, but refrained.

  Placing his hand on her shoulder, he teleported them instantly.

  ---

  Upon arrival, Mirai took a slow breath, turned slightly away, and ran a hand over her head as if sorting out a tangled thought.

  She spoke softly, with uncharacteristic hesitation. "The second thing... when Lars recovers, tell him he can call me 'sister'... if he wants."

  Time stopped momentarily. Even Nanaki was slow to respond.

  Suddenly, he burst into uncontrollable laughter. "What?! Now?! Why didn't you say it to his face?! Are you really that shy?!"

  He laughed harder, until Mirai raised her foot to kick him, but he vanished using teleportation, reappearing behind her with a smile. "I won't get hit twice by the same person. But I'll tell him... Take care, nee-sama."

  Then he disappeared in a flash.

  ---

  Nanaki returned to the throne room.

  The high ceiling, ancient carvings, heavy silence—everything reminded him he'd left Mirai's world, returning to a world governed by "rules and judgment."

  He stood in the center. Facing him was Elene, silently staring with stormy eyes hidden beneath calmness.

  But the silence didn't last.

  With an icy, deadly voice, she said, "Nanaki... Why didn't you bring Mirai? If your answer doesn't satisfy me... your punishment will be severe."

  Her dark aura rose from her body like black smoke, seeping into his bones, gnawing at him internally.

  Yet, Nanaki didn't move.

  Exhaling lightly, he reached for the bandage wrapped around his arm and began slowly removing it.

  When part of his arm was revealed, Elene's aura abruptly stopped.

  The entire room froze.

  Even Elene stepped back, next to Aizen, both staring at Nanaki's arm in stunned silence.

  Nanaki spoke quietly, devoid of his usual sarcasm. "I'll tell you... everything."

  (To be continued)

  Thanks for sticking around and reading the whole chapter.

  Things are picking up, and there’s more ahead I’m looking forward to sharing.

  See you in the next one!