"Let's go—we don't have time to waste," Narcissus said as the three advanced into the forest, cutting leaves and branches in their way.

  They heard a rustle of leaves and took their guard up. Narcissus said, "I think someone else is on the island.”

  Ursa Minor Continent - Pherkad Empire

  A knight cleaned his armor. A young man came from behind and said, "Brother, are you really going to participate to as the next heir of Pherkad?"

  The knight said with a smile under his helmet, "Yes.”

  The knight rose and said, "Don't worry. I will make it," as they started walking through a vast wheat field.

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  Middle Island

  The scene shifted back. Narcissus peered behind a tree—a red panda, ears twitching, fluffy tail pressed against the bark.

  Narcissus and Akime felt relief flood through them, dropping their guard. Both glanced at Reo.

  Whoosh—leaves exploded from where Reo had stood. They turned to the red panda as Reo soared mid-air, his glaive shining, blade arcing straight for the panda's neck.

  Clang—Akime's katana intercepted Reo's glaive. Narcissus grabbed him, pulling him back. Reo jumped back and said in a calm voice, "What are you doing?”

  Narcissus said in a furious voice, "Why are you hurting non-hostile animals?”

  Akime glanced at the red panda. She heard a guttural growl. Narcissus eyed the panda's stomach, and both Akime and Narcissus' pupils shrank in terror. They leaped back as the red panda's body twitched violently all over, shredding and exploding outward.

  Akime and Narcissus stood terrified.

  Before them loomed a massive 10-foot demon, licking panda blood from his claws, cackling like a hyena as he bolted into the forest. Reo turned to them and said, "Akira's training paid off.”

  Reo smiled. "Scaredy cats."

  Akime and Narcissus snapped back to reality, egos surging with the raw confidence of their own power.

  Leaves flew in a whirlwind as the three chased the demon.

  Akime dashed on the ground, katana poised to slash the demon's throat.

  Reo launched mid-air, glaive aimed to penetrate its head.

  Narcissus swung his large katana, ready to cleave the demon in two.

  [Chapter End]