"Zhou Rui, have you truly mastered your Cerebrus Mode?" asked Lord Vermillion IV, his voice calm but sharp.
"Yes, Lord Vermillion IV."
"But… can you use it again?"
Before Zhou Rui could respond, Vermillion added, "Think carefully before answering."
Zhou Rui paused for a few seconds, gathering his thoughts. Then, with a steady voice, he said,
"Not at the start of a battle. From what I've felt, I need to remain in battle for a while—it's like the energy I need to fuel Cerebrus Mode builds up during the fight. If I activate it too early, I won't be able to wield its full power, and worse—I might lose control."
"Exactly," Vermillion said with a slight nod. "That's why I asked my scientists to create a device for you—to help you know exactly when to activate it."
Zhou Rui blinked, surprised.
"Thank you, Lord Vermillion IV, but I don't think it was really necessary."
Marcus, who had been quietly listening, frowned and said,
"If Lord Vermillion IV has something made for you, you shouldn't say that."
Zhou Rui quickly corrected himself.
"No—I didn't mean it like that."
"It's alright," Vermillion said, waving it off.
Then he continued, "I've already sent the device. I know your current location—it should reach you in a day. It's designed in the form of a necklace. You'll be able to wear it, and in its center is a screen that measures the 'Power-Up Energy'—the energy your Cerebrus Mode requires. Once it hits 100%, you'll be able to enter Cerebrus Mode safely."
He paused, then added,
"But it doesn't stop at 100%. It can rise beyond—potentially to infinity. The only condition is that the battle must continue. But that's nearly impossible unless you have a massive mana reserve. And as I recall, you need mana to stay in Cerebrus Mode, correct?"
"Yes, Lord Vermillion IV."
"Then from now on, you'll also need to start working on your mana."
"Yes, my lord."
"And… thank you again."
Vermillion's tone softened, and he asked,
"How is Airu's condition?"
"He's stable… just unconscious."
"Hmm, alright. Marcus and I have to meet with the second unit now. I'll have to end the call here."
"Of course, my lord. I understand."
Zhou Rui leaned slightly forward, placing his right hand over the center of his chest in a respectful salute.
[The call has been disconnected.]
He turned and climbed to the upper floor, where Julius still lay unconscious on the bed. His condition hadn't changed. Zhou Rui lingered only for a moment before descending the stairs again and stepping outside the village house.
Outside, Yu Zhen had just finished informing the villagers of their victory. A crowd was already gathering, moving toward Zhou Rui with beaming faces and sparkling eyes, wrapped in thick cloaks and scarves to ward off the bitter wind.
They surrounded him with warmth in their voices despite the cold air.
"Our hero is here!"
"Thank you for clearing the dungeon!"
"Come to my shop! I'll give you the world's best sword—for free!"
"You must be tired and wounded! I've got the finest herbs at my shop! Want some!?"
Just then, Yu Zhen stepped forward, his voice firm but kind.
"Please, everyone, don't overwhelm him. He's still tired."
The villagers nodded in agreement, their enthusiasm softening.
"Yes, yes… that's true."
Soon, they dispersed back to their homes and shops, their silhouettes fading into the snow-dusted streets.
"Thank you, chief," Zhou Rui said gratefully.
"It's okay," Yu Zhen replied with a small smile.
Then Zhou Rui asked,
"Any news about Ms. Anna?"
"All I know… is that she's alive."
Zhou Rui's eyes widened with hope. He turned sharply to face Yu Zhen.
"Are you sure?"
"I can't use magic, but I can sense auras of those I've met before. I can no longer feel Mr. Friedrich or Mr. Heinrich… so I assume they're gone. But Ms. Anna—her aura is still there. I don't know where, but I can feel it."
"Then… could you feel ours when we were inside the dungeon?"
Yu Zhen shook his head slowly.
"No. The Magma Tyrant's aura was too overwhelming. It blocked my ability entirely."
His hands remained tucked inside the long sleeves of his kimono, eyes calmly closed as the frigid wind brushed through the village.
Then he asked,
"So, what do you and Mr. Airu plan to do next?"
Zhou Rui blinked, then suddenly remembered.
"Snowblue Town! That's what we came to ask you about—do you know where it is?"
Yu Zhen turned toward the snowy horizon and said,
"I'm sorry. You came here to get information from me, and I ended up making you help me."
"No, no. It's nothing like that," Zhou Rui assured him with a faint chuckle.
Yu Zhen asked,
"Why do you want to go to Snowblue Town, if you don't mind me asking?"
Zhou Rui smiled gently.
"That… is something I can't tell you, chief."
Yu Zhen opened his eyes just slightly, gazing out toward the villagers.
"It's alright."
"So… do you know where it is?"
"Yes, I do."
Zhou Rui tilted his head.
"Where is it?"
Yu Zhen hesitated for a breath, then said,
"Would you mind if I came with you? I've always loved adventures. I can't use magic, which is why I never travel alone… but with you, I'd be safe."
Zhou Rui considered it for a moment, then nodded with a small smile.
"Of course."
Then he added,
"But we won't leave until Airu wakes up."
Yu Zhen nodded.
"Don't worry. You can stay here as long as you like."
Just then, a voice called out from behind them.
"What are you two talking about?"
Zhou Rui and Yu Zhen both froze. They knew that voice.
They turned quickly—and there he stood, right in front of Yu Zhen's gate.
Julius.
Awake.
And completely fine.