Location: Flowend Cult Main Headquarters
Time: Four and a Half Months After Arthur's Ultan City Incident
The entire area was covered in snow. The rooftops were white. The roads surrounding the cult were white. The distant hills were white. Even the countless trees decorating the region seemed as though they had been carved from pure ivory. However, there was something unusual about those trees. Their white appearance was not caused by snow. Their trunks were white. Their roots were white. Their branches were white. Even their leaves possessed a naturally white color. Because of that, these trees had been given a special name. Frozen Beauty. The reason was simple. Every winter, when most flowers throughout the world withered beneath the cold, these trees produced flowers so beautiful and fragrant that countless bees would gather around them despite the freezing temperatures. The scent was so rich and alluring that it seemed capable of attracting entire swarms from kilometers away. Although snow covered nearly everything within the sect's territory, the pathways remained completely clean. Not a single pile of snow could be found upon them. Travel would have become difficult otherwise. The roads themselves were surrounded by walls, creating long passages that guided people throughout the sect grounds. While walking through them, a person would see walls on both sides and behind them, leaving only the path ahead and the sky above visible. All of these roads eventually connected to the main headquarters. The structure resembled an enormous ancient Japanese building. Enormous was perhaps an understatement. The building stood ten stories tall. Each floor was so vast that it could easily hold around two hundred elephants. Its presence dominated the landscape like a mountain constructed by human hands. The pathways connected directly to the corners of the massive structure. As for the main entrance, one could imagine a large rectangle and then place a slightly smaller rectangle inside it. That inner area served as both the main entrance path and the central courtyard of the sect. It was also used as a training area. The entire sect was protected by large walls. Before reaching the courtyard itself, visitors would encounter the main gate. Four guards stood watch there at all times. The gate looked ancient. Yet somehow, it also looked incredibly imposing. Above it were the words: "Flowend Cult." Inside the courtyard, a pink-haired woman was currently training. She wore a white taekwondo uniform. Every movement she performed appeared precise.
Sharp.
Controlled.
She continuously executed combat techniques without stopping, almost as if she were fighting an invisible opponent standing directly in front of her. Pink energy covered one of her hands. The energy flowed around her fingers like living flames. Every punch she threw created a faint gust of wind. Her movements were smooth enough to suggest years of practice. Behind her stood the gigantic main building of the Flowend Cult. At that moment, the main doors opened. A white-haired man stepped outside. The moment he spotted the woman, he smiled warmly and waved his hand. Then he spoke.
- - - : Rose, my dear daughter, how is your training going?
The woman practicing martial arts was Rose. She stopped her training. The pink energy around her hand slowly dispersed into countless particles before disappearing entirely. Turning toward the source of the voice with her usual calm expression, she replied:
Rose : Dad, as you can see, I was in the middle of training.
The man speaking to her was actually one of the strongest members of the Absolute Detectives.
Zane Flowend.
The leader of the Flowend Cult.
The strongest Flowend in existence.
The madman known throughout the world as the Gear King.
Yet despite his terrifying reputation, whenever he was around his family, he transformed into perhaps the gentlest person imaginable.
Zane walked over to Rose. He raised his hand and made a small gesture that clearly conveyed:
"Want to take a walk?"
Rose immediately understood. Without saying anything, she began walking beside him. Snow-covered scenery stretched around them as they slowly moved through the courtyard. For a short moment, neither of them spoke. Then Zane finally broke the silence.
Zane : There's nothing left for me to teach you, my daughter.
Rose blinked. A faint look of surprise appeared in her eyes. Before she could respond, Zane continued.
Zane : You've already mastered your technique. You learned how to apply it properly in battle. And on top of that, you've learned taekwondo. At this point, you'll probably have to handle your future growth yourself.
Rose's expression slowly fell. A strange heaviness settled in her chest. She bit her lower lip. Not out of anger. Out of sadness. She wasn't even sure what she wanted to say. However, Zane immediately understood what she was feeling. So he spoke before she could.
Zane : I know... When I was young, my father taught me everything he possibly could. Every lesson. Every piece of knowledge. Every training method. Then one day he told me, "Sometimes you have to spread your wings. You have to discover the world and develop yourself according to the things you encounter."
Zane released a small sigh. The cold winter air escaped from his lips like white mist. Then he continued.
Zane : If what my father gave me was a car... then freedom wasn't a bicycle. It was a ship. What I'm trying to say is that family only gives you tools for the outside world. After that, you have to create your own conditions with those tools.
After hearing that, Rose lowered her gaze slightly. The sadness in her eyes became more obvious. She looked at Zane and quietly asked:
Rose : Just because you have nothing left to teach me... are you abandoning me?
Her eyes began to water slightly. Seeing that expression did not make Zane feel upset.
Instead...
It made him smile faintly. Because he saw his younger self standing in front of him.
Zane : I'm not abandoning you. I'm just saying it's time for you to start writing your own story. You told me you've made a few friends outside. Spend time with them. What I'm saying is simple. As long as you don't cross the line, you can do whatever you want. And if you ever need help, don't hesitate to come find me.
Zane gently placed his hand on Rose's head. He softly ruffled her hair. The gesture carried a silent message. "It's okay, everything is okay." The moment he did that, Rose suddenly hugged him. Without hesitation. Without warning. Zane smiled and hugged her back. For a brief moment, it felt less like a farewell and more like a promise that they would meet again soon.
Then Rose spoke.
Rose : Then I'll come visit you once every week.
Still hugging her and gently patting her head, Zane replied:
Zane : Visit as often as you want. Just come back without any problems. Because I don't want to see you suffering.
Finally, Rose released him. Then she turned around. And began running toward the sect's exit at incredible speed. Because she knew something. If she stayed even a little longer... She might never leave at all. Zane watched her go. A smile remained on his face. But tears slowly began falling from his eyes. Then a thought surfaced within his mind.
Zane (Thinking) : Amy... Can you see her? Our little flower has finally grown up... I-I wish you could have seen this too... Damn it... I promised myself I wouldn't cry... Damn it...
Tears of happiness and sadness flowed together.
Meanwhile, Rose raced toward the Divine Temple at a speed of 237 kilometers per hour. Far away from the Flowend Cult... Another cult existed. And within that sect... Luna and Mark were currently training together.
Location: Snakeman Cult
If there were ever a sect hidden directly beneath a city, it would be this one. Unlike the Flowend Cult, there was no gigantic ancient building standing proudly above the ground. From the outside, the entrance looked almost laughably simple. It was merely an opening carved into a massive rock formation.
A hole.
Nothing more.
At least, that was what outsiders saw. The reality was completely different. Every structure within the sect had been built into stone itself.
Walls.
Ceilings.
Hallways.
Everything seemed to be part of the mountain. Yet despite looking primitive from the outside, the Snakeman Cult was one of the most luxurious places imaginable. If the richest person in the world abandoned a mansion and decided to live inside a cave instead, the result would probably resemble this place. The chairs were crafted from the finest materials. The beds were unbelievably comfortable. Every piece of furniture had been made with exceptional quality. The contrast was absurd. Outside, it looked like nothing more than a collection of rocks. Inside, it looked worthy of royalty. One thing almost never happened here.
Theft.
Anyone foolish enough to steal from another member would be expelled from the cult immediately. However, if all cults shared a common enemy, many people would probably point toward the Snakeman Cult. After the Deathclaw Cult, they were considered one of the most arrogant cults in existence. There were larger reasons behind that reputation. But there was no need to explain them now. The main hall of the cult was enormous. A gigantic chamber hidden inside the mountain. Lavish decorations covered every corner. Expensive furnishings filled the area. Portraits of Snakeman ancestors lined the walls, silently observing anyone who passed beneath them. The training grounds were located deeper below. To reach them, one had to descend massive spiral staircases that twisted downward like giant whirlpools carved into stone. And from those lower levels... The sounds of battle echoed constantly.
Explosions.
Impacts.
Collisions.
The entire area shook with them. The training field itself was massive. A giant square-shaped space. Completely empty.
No obstacles.
No decorations.
No distractions.
Only fighters.
Only combat.
At this very moment, two figures were moving through the battlefield at 561 kilometers per hour. Their bodies blurred through the air. They continuously ran in circles around each other. Every lap brought them closer. Every rotation ended with another exchange of attacks. Whenever they collided, powerful winds exploded outward. The shockwaves swept across the training field. The impacts sounded almost identical to explosions. The two people fighting were Luna and Mark.
Or rather...
Spot.
Luna's face was covered in scratches and bruises. Several small wounds decorated her cheeks and forehead. Yet she showed absolutely no concern. She continued fighting.
Continued smiling.
Continued enjoying herself.
As for Mark... He possessed two personalities. And the one currently in control could only be Spot. Nobody else smiled like that. That grin looked almost demonic. Spot was completely immersed in the battle. He was enjoying it so much that he appeared incapable of thinking about anything else. The ground around them was filled with blade marks.
Cuts.
Gouges.
Deep scars left behind by countless exchanges. Yet Spot fought as though pain didn't even exist. Every time he completed another circle around the battlefield, he launched himself toward Luna with a punch ready to strike. Luna did exactly the same thing. The difference was that she wasn't preparing a punch. She was preparing a knife attack.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Their speed continued increasing. The pressure continued building. Eventually, both fighters prepared their strongest attacks. Spot's fist surged forward. Luna's blade flashed through the air. The instant their attacks were about to collide- A hooded woman suddenly appeared between them. With a single hand, she stopped Luna's knife. With her other hand, she stopped Spot's punch. The attacks froze completely. As if they had struck an immovable wall. The woman wore black clothing beneath a dark hood. Then she calmly spoke.
- - - : Don't you think that's enough?
The moment they heard her voice, Luna and Spot immediately jumped backward. Both of them bent forward while breathing heavily. They had been so focused on fighting that it felt as though they had nearly forgotten how to breathe. After a brief moment of recovery, both moved at incredible speed. In the next instant, they were kneeling in front of the hooded woman. The woman reached up. Then lowered her hood. Silver hair spilled downward. Her emerald-green eyes gleamed brightly. A faint smile rested on her face. The woman was-
Luna and Spot : Greetings, Lady Emma.
Emma casually raised her right hand. The gesture clearly meant: "You may stand." Both Luna and Spot immediately stood up. Emma placed a hand on each of their shoulders. Then she grinned.
Emma : Today is your graduation day... There's nothing left for me to teach either of you.
As Emma walked between them, Luna immediately turned around. Her eyes widened slightly.
Luna (Surprised) : What do you mean? You're just going to let us leave?
Spot wasn't surprised. He looked irritated. Very irritated. And he made sure Emma knew it.
Spot : Hey! Then why did you slam me into the ground and crush me when we first met!?
Yes... When Luna and Mark had first met Emma, she had given them a warning. "If you come here, there will be a price to pay when it's time for you to leave." Back then, Spot had immediately taken control of Mark's body. His goal? Attack Emma. One of the Ten Kings. The result had been predictable. Emma effortlessly slammed him into the ground. Stepped onto his back. Pinned him completely. Then she looked down at him and said: "Narrow-minded thinking makes you stupid." Spot had never forgotten those words. Months had passed. Yet he still carried that grudge. And now he was finally bringing it up again. Emma's response came instantly.
Emma : Is it just me... Or have you been an emotional baby ever since that day?
The moment those words left Emma's mouth, they echoed faintly throughout the enormous training grounds. The sound bounced off the stone walls. Then everything became silent. For a few seconds, neither Luna nor Spot reacted. They simply stood there. Motionless, expressionless. As though their minds had completely stopped processing information. Then Luna's cheeks suddenly puffed up. She immediately covered her mouth with one hand. At the same time, she quickly turned around. Meanwhile, Spot's expression slowly began twisting. The irritation on his face deepened. The veins near his forehead almost seemed ready to pop.
Spot : Are you making fun of me!?
The moment he finished speaking, he immediately turned toward Luna.
Spot : And you stop laughing!
Unfortunately for him, Luna couldn't hold it in anymore. A small sound escaped first. Then another. Then- She completely lost the battle. Luna burst into laughter. Her shoulders shook. She bent forward slightly while trying to breathe. The more she remembered Emma sitting on Spot's back months ago, the harder it became to stop laughing. Spot only grew angrier. His eye twitched. His expression screamed frustration. Meanwhile, Emma simply watched them. A small smile remained on her face. Looking at the two of them, a thought quietly crossed her mind.
Emma (Thinking) : I'm sure these two will go far.
For a brief moment, she simply observed them. One student laughing endlessly. The other slowly dying from embarrassment and anger. Then Emma decided it was time to interrupt the moment.
Emma : Now, I'd love to let this beautiful moment continue, but shouldn't you two be leaving?
The words instantly made Luna and Spot stop. Both stared at her blankly.
Luna and Spot : Huh?
Emma responded by clapping her hands twice.
Clap.
Clap.
The sound echoed throughout the training grounds. Luna and Spot exchanged confused looks. Then something strange happened. Small blue particles began appearing beneath their feet. Tiny lights. Hundreds of them. They floated upward like glowing dust. The particles became brighter. More numerous. Then both Luna and Spot noticed something. Their legs were disappearing.
Slowly.
Gradually.
Being converted into blue light. Spot's reaction was immediate. Without hesitation, he bent down. Grabbed a stone from the ground. And hurled it directly at Emma. The rock flew through the air at high speed. Emma didn't even blink. She casually raised one finger. The stone stopped instantly. Completely frozen. As though time itself had paused around it. Then Emma began spinning the stone on the tip of her finger. Spot responded by raising his hand. And showing her his middle finger. Emma's smile widened slightly. The teleportation continued. Their bodies kept disappearing.
First their legs.
Secondly their waists.
Then their torsos.
Eventually, only Spot's head remained visible. At that exact moment- Emma flicked her finger. The stone shot forward. Straight back toward its original owner.
Bonk.
The rock struck Spot directly in the middle of his forehead. The impact echoed loudly throughout the chamber. And before Spot could even complain-
Both he and Luna vanished completely. The blue particles scattered. Then disappeared. The training grounds became quiet. Emma stood alone. After a few seconds, she stretched slightly and spoke to herself.
Emma : My two students are now on their way to the Divine Temple... Well then, I can finally enjoy some peace and quiet.
With that, Emma turned around. She began walking toward the enormous entrance leading deeper into the cult. Her footsteps gradually faded into the distance. Meanwhile, Luna and Spot continued traveling toward the Divine Temple through the Snakeman Cult's special transportation method. Teleportation. Blue light surrounded them from every direction. The journey itself was nearly instantaneous. Unfortunately for Spot, however... The round red mark in the exact center of his forehead remained. A perfect reminder of Emma's final attack. Because she had thrown the stone right back at him. And Luna? Luna was practically dying from laughter.