"And that's what Ki said," Zephyr repeated, sitting in a chair by the table, facing Septh, who lay in bed. Septh sighed, her eyes heavy with fatigue. "We are worried about you, you know. Please, take care of yourself," Zephyr said, his voice filled with concern.
Septh slowly got up and moved to the balcony, gazing out at the bustling city below. "I'll try," she whispered, though her voice carried a hint of uncertainty.
Zephyr watched her, sensing the weight of Ki's message. "Ki wants you to act normal, as if you know nothing," he reminded her gently.
Septh nodded, her eyes distant. "It's hard to pretend everything is fine when so much is happening," she admitted. "But I'll do my best for everyone's sake."
Zephyr saw her saddened face. "What's happening? Both you and Ki act weird recently. Is there something that I don't know?" he asked her.
Septh faced Zephyr, the wind lifting her brown, curly hair. "It's a long story."
A knock disrupted the two. Zephyr walked to the door as Septh watched him. When he opened it, it was one of the soldiers. "It's time for your training," the soldier informed Zephyr.
"I'll be there in a minute," Zephyr answered. He fetched his wooden sword, which was leaning beside his bed, while the soldier in armor waited in front of the door. "You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like, but lock the door if you leave," Zephyr reminded Septh before walking out with the soldier.
Septh sat on the chair and stared at the two books lying on the table. "Repento Ka Reviatha" was written in bold letters, the cover adorned with the logo of a serpent swallowing its own tail.
---
### Flashback: Kenji's Memory
---
Kenji was sitting near the dark part of the forest, waiting for Ki to appear. As he watched the smoke rising from the campfire, memories began to surface.
"We can do this, right?" a feminine voice echoed in his mind.
"We have each other's back," Kenji's eyes were deep, like a void.
"Kenji!!! Kenjiii!" The shadows around him seemed to move, threatening to devour anyone who approached.
"Please, take care of yourself." A girl's smiling face flashed in his mind. "No, please stay. Stay! STAY!!!" Kenji was startled by the sound of a stick breaking behind him. He glanced back and saw Ki.
"Oh, it's you." Kenji took a deep breath and stood up. "So, have you made up your mind?" he asked as he faced Ki.
"I'll kill you if you don't back down on your words," Ki stared at him angrily.
---
### Flashback: Ki and Kenji's Dark Street Conversation
---
"And what is it?" Ki asked harshly.
"Simple. I want you to make an escape plan and get their attention while we..." Kenji walked around Ki. "Perform what we have to do. Is that clear?"
"But that puts us in a dangerous situation," Ki responded calmly as Kenji continued to circle him. Kenji disappeared behind Ki, his voice echoing around him.
"Of course not. We are willing to help you if you are in danger, as long as you manage to catch their attention."
Ki closed his eyes, deep in thought. "Hey! It's a win-win situation if you think about it."
Kenji's words made it harder for Ki to think.
Ki finally came to a decision. "Sure, I'll get their attention, but on one condition." Ki opened his eyes and saw Kenji standing in front of him. "What is it?" Kenji's voice was serious.
"Lend us a shelter. I want to meet the leader you serve, and I want it as soon as possible," Ki demanded.
"Sure, we can lend you a shelter after you escape. But meeting him is hard. He is in a kingdom way across the continent. Plus, traveling there takes eight days by carriage," Kenji informed Ki.
"Then I'll meet him later," Ki replied.
"Great. Then we have a deal."
---
### Present: Training in the Forest
---
Back in the present, Kenji noticed doubt in Ki's face. "Don't worry. Even though you know much about me now, I'm still the person you met weeks ago," Kenji's voice was energetic.
Ki sighed. "So, let's start our training?" His voice now had a playful tone.
"Sure, let's play cat and mouse," Kenji replied. He leaped to one of the branches, and Ki followed. As they jumped from one branch to another, Ki's speed allowed him to catch up with Kenji. He jumped hard, tackling Kenji down, but as soon as he grabbed Kenji's clothes, Kenji disappeared like a bubble, causing Ki to fall to the ground.