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Chapter 70 - THE DAY IS TODAY

"Since you were preparing to fight me," Sasaki said coldly, his eyes sharp as blades, "I can't let you walk away with your lives."

With a flick of his fingers, the blood-forged sword in his hand split into two. The crimson blades shimmered in the faint moonlight like demonic fangs. He raised one hand, fingers pointed toward the fleeing enemies, and in an instant, both swords soared through the air like heat-seeking shadows. They whistled as they tore through the wind and—within seconds—pierced cleanly through the backs of the two rogue Shinras wielding giant hammers.

Their bodies collapsed without a sound, lifeless before they hit the ground.

The last rogue Shinra—the only one who hadn't fought—kept sprinting in pure terror. He didn't dare look back.

I had no idea such a monster was lurking in these woods... Please don't attack me... please...

His thoughts raced like wildfire as his feet pounded against the forest floor. Every branch snap and rustle behind him made his heart skip.

Sasaki watched him disappear into the dense trees, then let out a low breath.

"I'll let that one go," he muttered. "He didn't even have the courage to draw his blade."

With a sharp turn, he began walking back through the woods—his steps silent, his blood-soaked fingers slowly drying. The forest was eerily quiet now, the tension still lingering like a ghost.

Minutes later, he arrived beneath the massive tree where Lyon rested.

"You seem to be warming up pretty nicely, Exca," Lyon's voice came from above.

Sasaki looked up. "Those were just weaklings," he replied, leaping up to perch beside Lyon. "I can't even call that a warm-up."

"Alright, alright, if you say so, partner," Lyon chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head. "I'm resting here for the night. Just a few more hours until sunrise. I'm guessing they'll wait for morning to continue their journey... You should probably catch some rest before then."

Sasaki shook his head. "There's no need for that, partner. We can't both fall asleep here—it's not safe and we can't miss the kid."

Lyon blinked, then smirked to himself. Huh. I can't believe this monster, who just butchered those men without a blink, still cares enough to protect me.

"Okay, okay," Lyon said aloud, letting out a sigh. "I'm counting on you to watch my back."

"Leave it to me, partner," Sasaki replied, standing tall on the branch, his gaze scanning the horizon.

Lyon leaned back against the bark and closed his eyes.

---

Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Guhan…

Exca remained locked in the glowing Renshical circle—his eyes shut, his body still, yet his mind sharp. His breath came slow and steady. Renshi flowed around him like a tide held at bay by sheer willpower.

His mind raced with focus, kept awake by a spell crafted long ago—Twenty-Four Hours, a mage's gift before he became the famous special darkside knight. It was a failsafe spell to prevent sleep, to force wakefulness for a full day.

Right now, he needed every second of that consciousness.

With a thought, he severed his sight from his own eyes and tethered it to Sasaki's. Through that connection, he saw everything unfolding in the forest.

Damn you, Lyon… You think your tricks will make Sasaki sleep so I lose my eyes? He'd never betray me. His mind is mine. I filled his memories with my visions—my purpose. I've even embedded abilities within him, holding them back until the moment of need.

What he used against those insects that called themselves rogue Shinras today? That's barely a taste. I have far greater things in store for him… when the real battle begins.

A slow smile curled across Exca's lips, even as sweat dripped down his temple.

Even without you, Lyon… I will not lose.

---

Dawn.

The first light of day crept into the sky, painting the horizon in hues of violet and gold.

In the Kingdom of Eminence, Lucy, Alfie, and Rebekah stirred from their beds.

Rebekah yawned and rubbed her eyes. "It's a surprise to see you up so early, Alfie."

"I'm not a kid like you, Honey Badger," Alfie said with a smug grin. "Adults rise early for big days ahead."

She glared. "Shut it, you fool. I know master woke you up. No need to pretend."

Rebekah stomped toward the bathroom.

"Wait! Master's still inside!" Alfie shouted in alarm.

"You moron!" Rebekah hissed, stopping just before the door, startled. "Don't scare me like that."

"Sorry," Alfie said, calmer. "Just didn't want you to get punished again."

He grabbed his scabbard and slung it over his shoulder, adjusting the sword against his back.

"I'll be in the forest. Meet me there when you're ready."

"Don't go too far!" Rebekah called after him.

"Come on in, Rebekah. We don't have time to waste," Lucy's voice echoed from the bathroom.

Rebekah opened the door, stepping inside to bathe with her master.

---

Meanwhile, Alfie walked alone.

He passed through the bustling town, which was already alive with movement. Merchants opened their shops, children ran through the streets, and the scent of roasted food filled the air.

"Lively morning," Alfie said, smiling to himself.

Fifteen minutes later, he reached the forest that bordered the Kingdom of Eminence and the Kingdom of Sunflower.

Force energy, huh? Maybe I should check it out before we move on.

He clenched his fist, eyes lighting with determination. Without wasting time, he sprinted into the trees. His hand reached for his sword, and in one smooth motion, he drew it.

Jumping up, he hurled the blade through the air and kicked it mid-flight. The sword spiraled and embedded itself into a nearby tree.

Alfie landed with a grin. "Learning hand combat will boost my strength faster."

He began shadow-boxing, jabbing the air and weaving like he was dodging invisible blows. He ducked, twisted, and punched again—his form wild but improving.

After thirty seconds of intense movement, he paused. He walked toward the tree with the sword, placed his hand on its bark, then stepped back.

"Let's test my power."

Clenching both fists, he started punching the trunk. First slow, then faster—like a steady drumbeat turning into a thunderstorm. His muscles tensed. Bark chipped off. The tree groaned under the assault.

And Alfie kept going—eyes focused, heart racing.

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