After Ryugetsu died beneath the rubble, Xers turned his head back. Hanken and the army had completely crushed the enemy. One castle had been reclaimed—but it was no longer usable.
"So, you dealt with Ryugetsu, Xers?"
"I did, Hanken. It doesn't look like we suffered many losses."
"Yeah. We managed to establish solid discipline within the army."
Xers, Hanken, and their forces withdrew back to the capital. Xers sat alone in his cabin, lost in deep thought.
"First, I was an orphaned Ranshi soldier… and now I've become a leader figure who will resurrect Kurotsume from its ashes, huh? Life really is strange. Always throwing unexpected things my way…"
While thinking, Xers came across an archive file inside the cabin. Inside was a document concerning Nystral's authorization and later removal. He opened it and began to read.
February 22, 558
Aze Nystral requested permission to establish a council under the Kurotsume clan. Yuon, trusting Nystral, approved the request. The Kurotsume council led by Nystral was formed. Nystral was promoted to Chief Council Representative.
Behind that document was another sheet of paper. Xers examined it as well.
About the Stolen Key of Celestial Powers
Year 557. The Key of Celestial Powers was stolen. The thief was identified as Piros Kiminage. We know that the thief was capable of cloning herself. She created nine additional clones inside the auction hall. When the key was stolen, another man entered the scene. His identity remains unknown. He had a monster—green in color—and appeared to be interacting with the clones in some way. Afterward, he pursued the woman who stole the key. Later reports confirmed the presence of the thief's blood, but no body was ever found. From this point onward, the case became increasingly tangled.
"A woman whose blood was found, but whose body never appeared… Someone capable of standing up to Nystral, huh?"
At that moment, someone entered the cabin.
"Were you reading something about me?"
Xers instantly drew his sword—but the woman shouted.
"WAIT! I'm unarmed! That woman you're talking about… it's me."
Kiminage's left eye was covered with a bandana. Her long light-brown hair matched exactly how she looked three years ago.
"Then prove it."
"Oh? Very well. Red Crescent!"
Kiminage created three clones of herself.
"So it really is you, Kiminage. Then tell me—how did you get here, how did you hear about all this, and why are there questions surrounding your supposed death?"
"Easy, easy—let me answer one by one! First of all, until I heard about the coup, I had no idea Nystral had obtained a Celestial Power. The moment I found out, I boarded the first ship to Shadowia. As for the mystery surrounding my body… that part is complicated. I've heard the rumors about you many times. Your fame reached certain parts of Nyxia as well. Something similar happened to me. I was honored by Heaven—but I didn't gain a new power. Instead, my Red Crescent evolved. I no longer just create clones. Every slash from my sword now releases a lethal poison into my enemy's blood. Even a single cut is enough to kill. I don't know if I possess celestial power on Nystral's level—but I'm strong enough to fight him now."
"I see, Kiminage. In that case, I'd like to welcome you into our clan."
"With pleasure, Thend Xers."
Piros Kiminage, long believed to be dead, was actually alive—and now working alongside Xers. However, their moment of relief was short-lived, as they soon departed on another operation. Hanken also met Kiminage for the first time.
"You must be Hanken. Your reputation rivals Xers'. I'm Piros Kiminage."
"Thank you, Kiminage. It's a pleasure to meet you. My full name is Triyasu Hanken."
The trio and the army arrived before another Kurogiri castle. Inside was Juren Hakushi, a former Kurotsume lieutenant.
"One of the traitors… Former Lieutenant Hakushi. Not particularly strong, but a skilled fighter. He probably submitted to Nystral out of fear. If only we didn't have traitors like him, this would've ended much faster. Anyway—Hanken, Kiminage, fight with the army. I'll take care of him—"
"Wouldn't you like to see my potential as well? I think I should fight him."
"What do you think, Hanken? Should we give her a chance?"
"I don't see a problem, Xers. We should see what she can do."
"Alright, Kiminage. Show us what you've got. We'll handle the army."
Kiminage drew her sword and prepared herself. Her red mask gleamed under the midday sun.
"Hakushi, huh? You're a handsome man. What a waste."
"How do you know my name, woman? You're not from Shadowia! Your skin tone leans toward orange!"
"Who knows… maybe I've always been right behind you."
Kiminage created a clone and sent it behind Hakushi.
"W-WHERE DID YOU COME FROM?!"
Hakushi instantly cut down the clone.
"Hahaha! Fooled you, Hakushi."
"You filthy woman! DIE!"
Hakushi lunged at Kiminage—but she was also a clone, which he sliced apart.
"Hahahaha! You fell for the same trick again!"
Kiminage attacked with her sword, but Hakushi narrowly avoided the strike.
"Damn it, he's lucky! One cut and it would've been over!"
"GQ#41!!"
Hakushi unleashed a black slash from his sword toward Kiminage.
"Shit—this one's coming straight at me!"
(Clap)
Kiminage switched places with a previous clone. Red Crescent had evolved to this extent.
In the next instant, Kiminage drove her sword straight into Hakushi.
"Yes… you fell into my trap once again, Hakushi. This blade has mixed a lethal poison into your blood."
"W-W-W-What?! Y-You—!"
"First, you'll lose your ability to speak. Then paralysis will set in. After roughly thirty seconds… you'll die. Farewell, Hakushi."
Hakushi had been infected by Red Crescent's poison.
Slowly… he collapsed where he stood, and died.