2:56 PM.
4 min before the judgment.
The cobblestones of the capital echoed beneath the steps of Kai and Kazan. While Dante, Canon, and Helydia headed off to rescue Samuel, the two of them slipped away through the bustling streets, past colorful stalls, the cries of merchants, and the lingering scent of freshly baked bread.
They walked in silence. Kai, his bow strapped to his back, scanned the crowd with a cautious gaze. The old Kazan, though limping slightly, didn't slow down.
Suddenly, an unusual shadow stretched across the street. A massive translucent white rectangle had appeared in the sky, suspended between the towers like a veil of light. Kai stopped abruptly, eyes locked on the sky.
The rectangle came to life.
An image of Samuel appeared—shirtless, on his knees, arms bound in chains. His head bowed, muscles tense. A chilling tension swept through the street.
Conversations ceased. Merchants fell silent. Every passerby turned their eyes upward.
Kazan didn't stop. He walked on as if nothing had happened.
"They told me the trial would be broadcast across the entire kingdom," he muttered, glancing sideways at Kai. "But now's not the time to play spectator. Trust your comrades."
Kai hesitated a moment longer, then resumed walking, his eyes lingering on the image of his friend.
Silence followed them, broken only by their footsteps and the faint echoes of prayers as they approached a sacred building.
A solemn temple stood before them, etched with the symbol of a golden crown beneath a radiant halo. Outside, rows of white-robed priests whispered prayers, candles flickering in reverence.
Kai raised an eyebrow. He recognized the building—he had seen it with Helydia when they first arrived in Chronos.
"Why are you taking me to a religious place? Don't tell me the Heart of Aethril's been here all along."
Kazan kept walking, saying nothing. He just nodded.
As they reached a narrow path leading behind the temple, he stopped.
"Wait for me. Back there."
Kai obeyed. He leaned against a cold wall, eyes scanning the quiet surroundings. No one. Just an eerie stillness.
Then, two priests in white robes appeared behind him.
"What are you doing here, child?" asked one, his voice cautious. "Can we help you?"
Before Kai could respond, Kazan struck.
A quick blow to the first priest's neck. The second barely had time to react before another hit dropped him as well.
Kai said nothing. He stared at the old man in silence, a mix of awe and confusion in his eyes. He hadn't even heard his footsteps.
"Here. Put this on," Kazan said, holding out one of the robes he'd just stripped from the unconscious priests. "Samuel told me you've got a detection skill. Keep it active—and don't let your guard down."
Kai took the robe without a word and nodded.
He understood now—
The real investigation was just beginning.