Clover Flush had mixed reactions. Robin was the first to respond, taking the red-bound book and closing it before speaking:
—This wasn't what I expected... It almost seems like this civilization has no connection to any of the three existing ones today.
—I think it'll be easier to process this information if we try to find connections rather than distance it— suggested the beret-wearing boy. When everyone agreed, he continued— Starting with the most critical point: Chaos, just like the Codex and vestiges, appeared more or less out of nowhere, granting humans immense power. That's where the similarities end in that regard.
—Yeah, I know we said we'd try to find links, but I'm curious about one specific thing— the youngest said before asking— It mentions their civilization dominated the planet, but says they were all humans. So what about elves and demons then?
At that question, everyone shrugged. Though they didn't interact daily with elves and demons, they were still acutely aware of how the other races affected their world. A world of only humans was an entirely foreign concept to them.
—I don't know... The whole history feels disconnected from our world. There's nothing similar to Chaos and the black roots... Could the Ancients have lived in another plane of existence like demons?— theorized the beret-wearing boy.
—Maybe, but if so, how did they become vestiges? And how did they reach our world and the demon kingdom?— Robin's questions left everyone silent again.
—At least we have a clue about the vestiges' origin. Their existence must be related to Chaos— added the youngest, trying to lift spirits— I mean, every vestige we've faced or have data on so far has some connection to it.
—That's incorrect, Sein. There's one we're certain isn't related to Chaos... the Gardener from Ash City— Immediately, everyone remembered the macabre description of the vestige that cost them so much to defeat:
[Sanctuary Flower Gardener: Alpha Brute, a being from another world created solely to tend the sanctuary's flowers. When all his work was reduced to ashes, he too was transformed into a monster that still tries to care for the flower remnants]
—To be honest, I didn't read it that carefully at the time, but how does this prove vestiges aren't directly related to Chaos?
—Because the Codex is very selective with its language. In Kaze's ability description, it refers to this place as "a new world" or "another world", while when referring to the Ancients it always mentions their civilization. Considering this and Ash City's history, we can conclude that at least that ash monster had nothing to do with Chaos— Shoun explained while connecting all the dots.
—There's another tangent to consider. According to this book, the Ancients' world ended with the fall of the Tyrant of Adversity. We know his vestige version was an Alpha Brute rank. It's easy to assume that since the world only fell when he went mad, this indicates he was the strongest. My point is, since there are vestiges stronger than Kalgoros, it's unlikely they all come from that world. Even if we remove the imprecise rank restriction, it would still be unrealistic - the number of vestiges far exceeds all current races combined. Considering only humans inhabited that world, I find it hard to believe such quantities could even exist— theorized the scientist as he placed the book back on the table.
—Argh! Why does every clue we find just lead to more questions!?
—That's just part of the research process, Sein... Besides, we now know that exploring Ancient territory probably won't reveal anything new— concluded the scientist, both satisfied and frustrated.
—I think you're forgetting something important— Deuz rejoined the conversation with a new question— Who could this "Kai" person be?
—Obviously some writer or recorder. Judging by the final page's notes, he seems to have witnessed the complete history of other civilizations like the Ancients. Maybe even from other worlds?— the scientist speculated.
—Possibly. In any case, he came across as somewhat sociopathic— Shoun added— He almost certainly can travel between worlds and is extremely long-lived. With those abilities, he likely watched the Ancients' civilization fall without intervening— he said with noticeable irritation. His assumptions about Kai uncomfortably reminded him of the government and guild's attitude - having power to save lives but refusing for selfish reasons.
—Whatever the truth about his power may be, it seems he wrote more books documenting different civilizations and/or worlds. Finding them might gradually reveal these mysteries— Deuz suggested. Everyone agreed, and exhausted from the intense discussion, they leaned back in their chairs for a moment of silent respite.
—How about we take a mission? Or at least check one out! We've got nothing else to do right now!
With little choice, they were dragged to the operations room by Sein. After taking their seats, Shoun asked the usual question:
—Liam, what missions do you have available for us?
—This is the currently available mission— Instantly, a screen appeared at the center of the table displaying the mission details:
[At the Right Place and Time: Be at the following location by 5:00 pm Wednesday.
Difficulty: Apprentice
Rewards: 6 points]
—Hmm...that doesn't sound very...easy?— Sein asked as usual.
—It seems so, but given it's Apprentice difficulty, whatever it is should be manageable— Deuz commented before adding— Just note that if we accept this mission, I won't be able to participate. I'm busy at that time on Wednesday.
—Well, I think we can handle it even if you're absent. We should take it— Robin stated.
—Is everyone in agreement?... Alright then. Liam, we accept the mission.
—Understood, Secondary Administrator— As these words finished, a flood of information was injected into everyone's minds, immediately causing puzzled expressions.
—The mission is in our world?— the young man asked, confused.
—Hmm... So it seems. I guess Liam never specified that missions were exclusive to the Mirror World— Deuz replied, also visibly confused.
—Haaah... We still have time before the mission. I got a new artifact, so I'm going to train. Coming, Kaze?— The masked one nodded, and with their companions' approval, they left the operations room and entered the training area— Alright Kaze, where do we start?
—First, work on your stance. Summon Iron Fang— Following the instruction, Shoun summoned his artifact, securing the sheath on his left hip— Good. Feet shoulder-width apart, back straight, knees slightly bent. You'll practice drawing it—needs to be a quick, fluid motion. Begin.
Shoun attempted to swiftly draw the katana but found it stuck halfway—a clear sign to start over. He sheathed it and tried again, this time successfully drawing it— Again. Not fast enough— Shoun didn't respond, simply re-sheathed Iron Fang and repeated the draw— Fast but sloppy. Your stance faltered. Again.
Minutes passed until Shoun could consistently draw Iron Fang properly. Even in this minimal action, he could feel multiple muscle groups being engaged. His apprentice-level physique made him weaker, but didn't spare him the muscular pain caused by his own movements.
—Good. Now let's work on your stance. Place your right hand on the guard's top while positioning your left lower down... Perfect. Now execute a vertical slash followed by a horizontal one— Taking a breath, Shoun recalled how Sein and Kaze performed their cuts and tried to imitate them— ...You're only using your arms. You're a competent fighter, you should know most body muscles must contribute to each strike. Engage your hips. Start again.
Under Kaze's guidance, the young man spent hours honing his swordsmanship. Sometimes practicing basic slashes, other times drilling footwork in sparring matches against Kaze. A full day had passed, but a growing sense of unease began stirring in his mind.
—Haaah...haaah— Sweat poured down his forehead as muscles throughout his body screamed in pain—(This...I feel like I'm making decent progress. I mean, it's only my second day training with a sword...but something feels off).
When sparring against Kaze, he tended to wield his sword overly cautiously—never taking risks and always fighting defensively. Whenever he tried the opposite approach, he hesitated too much, inevitably ending up on the ground.
—(Iron Fang feels too heavy... It's probably meant to be wielded when I'm enhanced... Considering it's a rank above me, that makes sense).
—Hey Shoun, ready for the next round?
—Yeah, give me a second— The young man stood and took his stance. With a nod, they clashed. Shoun applied what he'd learned, decisively blocking Kaze's slashes. During one block, he clearly saw an opening to counterattack—but hesitation surfaced again—(Am I ready for this? My cuts still aren't precise enough)— That single thought unraveled the entire fight. Kaze recovered, the opportunity vanished, and overwhelmed by the masked one's lethal style, Shoun lost ground—and with it, confidence in winning. Then something changed—Arrgh!
Suddenly, Iron Fang felt mountain-heavy in his grip. He dropped it instantly. When the katana hit the floor, the impact cracked the ground—fissures that quickly healed under the base's restoration effect.
—What just happened?— the young man asked aloud, staring at Iron Fang on the ground. Kaze sheathed Cutting Wind and approached.
—Hmm... Wasn't it supposed to get heavier and slower the more doubtful the wielder becomes? Have you really been doubting that much? You've only trained for one day, and you're doing fine.
—Well...it's not just that. When I wield this sword, I don't feel like myself. My father taught me to fight with my body when I was young—since then I've never practiced anything beyond hand-to-hand combat... So I keep thinking, maybe it's too late to start now. What if I can't do it?
—But what if you can? You won't know unless you try a little longer... How about this—let's spar once more. I won't attack you with my sword at all, I'll only defend— suggested the masked one as he stepped back and took position. With a sigh, Shoun complied, carefully picking up Iron Fang and sheathing it.
Taking a deep breath, the young man drew his sword in one fluid motion. With his stance ready, he began applying the footwork his companion had taught him, trying to feint and misdirect where his next strike would land.
Every attack was effortlessly blocked by Kaze, yet Shoun didn't despair. Going on the offensive for the first time in his training felt refreshing. He remembered how in past fights he'd enjoyed overwhelming enemies with powerful, decisive blows.
—(Maybe this is what I was missing...my own style)— He vaguely recalled the lessons Kaze had given Sein before, and knew full well how their young friend didn't apply most of what he'd been taught—not because the lessons were bad, but because they didn't suit his abilities and personality—(Worth giving it a try).
Gradually, Shoun began experimenting. His slashes transitioned from refined to more powerful—not that his already poor technique worsened, it just became different. Kaze's style was like the wind itself: fierce, fast and clean. Meanwhile, Shoun in his current offensive could feel something distinct: fierce, fast and crushing like lightning. Both elements shared similarities but followed separate paths.
—(Maybe using a sword isn't so bad)— After several exchanges and retreats, Shoun attacked again. He launched a horizontal slash toward Kaze's right side, but using footwork from his fist-fighting days, he feinted successfully. His follow-up vertical strike came too fast for Kaze to block completely—though still couldn't break through his companion's defense, leaving Shoun exhausted on the floor—Haaah...haaah…
—From what I saw, you resolved some of your doubts.
—Yeah...I think I won't abandon the sword's path, but that doesn't mean abandoning what makes my style mine— The young man declared while eyeing Iron Fang, which somehow still scorned him—though slightly less intensely now.