Couronne stood among the onlookers, her gaze fixed on Riku and Terra. A subtle shadow of jealousy flickered across her features, a possessiveness that she couldn't entirely mask. Riku noticed her unease but knew that addressing it in front of everyone would only complicate matters. He would have to find the right time and place to reassure her.
"Couronne, take care of the village in my absence," Riku said, his voice carrying a note of sincere trust. "I trust you to keep everyone safe."
Her expression softened slightly at his words, the weight of responsibility settling upon her. "Of course. Riku," she said, her voice laced with a heartfelt plea, "whatever happens, don't die. Without you… this village won't survive for even a month." Her words carried the stark reality of their dependence on his strength and leadership.
A new resolve hardened Riku's gaze. "Don't worry, Couronne," he stated with a conviction that brooked no argument. "From now on, no one will be killed. I won't let anyone die." The weight of that promise settled upon him, a solemn vow to protect the fragile lives entrusted to his care.
It might seem that Couronne was just worried about Riku, but what she said also meant that even if he had to do anything, even if he had to sacrifice Terra, Riku had to come back alive.
Meanwhile Terra was wondering whether she should sit in front of Riku or behind him, she did not know if she would get such an opportunity again in her life or not so she would have to use this opportunity properly.
She wanted to get as closer as possible to Riku but she also wanted to gain Riku's trust so that he would take her with him again. She was unable to think so she thought it would be better to ask Riku.
"Riku, should I sit in front or behind?" Terra asked as they stood beside the horse.
"You can sit anywhere," Riku replied, "but since you don't have much experience riding, it will be better if you sit behind me. That way, I can keep a better hold of the reins and ensure your safety."
With Terra settled behind him, her arms tentatively circling his waist, they spurred the horse eastward. Hours passed, the familiar landscape slowly giving way to more unfamiliar terrain. As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows, they came across a peculiar structure rising from the plains. To Terra, it appeared to be an ancient monument, weathered by time and the elements.
An idea sparked in Riku's mind. This isolated location, far from prying eyes, would be the perfect place to enact his plan. While Terra's attention was momentarily diverted by some distant feature in the landscape, Riku swiftly summoned the ethereal form of Black March into his hand. The spectral blade shimmered into existence, its dark energy barely disturbing the surrounding air.
Turning to Terra, he offered her the weapon. "Terra, take it."
Surprise flickered across her face as she reached out and carefully took the cool hilt. The weight of the sword felt strangely comforting in her grip. "Where did you find this?" she asked, her eyes tracing the intricate patterns along the dark blade.
"I found this sword in an underground ruin a while back, The best part is that it doesn't use spirits."
Terra examined the Black March, its form unlike any sword she had ever seen. It resembled a slender, jet-black needle, incredibly thin along its length, widening only slightly at the grip. It felt surprisingly light in her hand, yet possessed an aura of latent power.
"Alright, now say, 'give me your power'," Riku instructed her, his tone firm.
Without hesitation or question, Terra repeated the words, "Give me your power."
She didn't even ask why she should say that, Riku noted internally, a flicker of surprise crossing his mind. Her immediate obedience was unexpected.
As the words left Terra's lips, she froze. Her body went completely still, like a statue carved from stone. Riku frowned, finding her sudden immobility strange. "Terra?" he called out, but she offered no response. He reached out and gently touched her shoulder, but she remained unresponsive, her eyes unfocused. After a moment of observation, Riku concluded that Terra must be communicating with the spirit residing within the Black March, a silent dialogue unfolding in a realm beyond his immediate perception.
After what felt like an eternity of silent stillness, Terra gasped, her breath coming in ragged bursts. "Haah… Haah…" She blinked rapidly, as if returning from a deep trance, her eyes regaining focus.
"Don't worry, you are absolutely fine," Riku reassured her, his voice calm. "I was right beside you the whole time."
Terra looked around, a hint of confusion still clouding her gaze. "Which… which place was that?" she murmured, as if the experience had transported her elsewhere.
"Did you talk to her?" Riku asked, his curiosity piqued. "That blonde girl… that was the soul of the Black March, this sword."
Surprise widened Terra's eyes. "Really?"
"Yes," Riku confirmed. "So, what did you talk to her about? Will she grant you her power?"
A thoughtful expression settled on Terra's face. "She said… she said that only the one who wielded this sword before me will be allowed to use her powers."
'Before Terra? And she said it was some guy…' Riku's mind raced, piecing together the fragmented information. 'Isn't Black March talking about the protagonist of Tower of God? But if that's the case, then no one else will ever be able to use this sword. Do I seriously have to summon Twenty-Fifth Baam all the way here just to wield this thing? This is turning into a major headache.'
Lost in his frustrating thoughts, he was jolted back to the present by Terra's suggestion.
"Riku, why don't you try it once?" she advised, her voice filled with a hopeful curiosity.
Sighing inwardly, Riku conceded that he had no better options at the moment. He took the Black March from Terra's grasp, the cool, smooth metal familiar in his hand. Focusing his intent, he repeated the words Terra had spoken, "Give me your power."