In the Academy Hospital, where silence reigned and only the faint footsteps of the nurses could be heard, Ryan and Saruto lay on adjacent beds, fast asleep after Kyle and Lucien had brought them in following the brutal battle that had drained their energy.
Beside Saruto's bed sat Emilia and Star. Emilia held his hand in hers, her eyes fixed on his pale face, while Star stood silently nearby. Saruto stirred slightly and slowly opened his eyes. He looked around, confused, and asked in a hoarse voice, "Where... am I?"
Before Emilia could answer, a strange sensation washed over him: two powerful auras emanating from close range, energies he knew all too well. Emilia sighed. "Saruto, you always worry us," she said. "You put yourself in dangerous situations as if you have no fear for your own life."
Star added, "At least... have some consideration for us. It hurts us every time we see you like this."
Saruto was silent for a moment, then tried to get up despite his exhaustion. He stood before them, suddenly opening his arms and embracing them both. "I'm sorry," he said. "I never meant to scare you like this."
Emilia clung to him, while Star closed her eyes. Almost at the same time, Ryan stirred in his bed. He opened his eyes abruptly, as if waking from a heavy dream. As soon as he noticed him move, Arena rushed to him, hugging him tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Don't do this to me again, Ryan," she said, her voice filled with concern. "You scared me half to death."
Ryan gave a tired smile and patted her shoulder. "I'm still here. Don't worry."
After things calmed down, Saruto called his friends, Lucien and Kyle. They sat together, Saruto looking at them with a mixture of seriousness and concern. "What do you say we take our fiancées on a trip?" he said. "A short outing to relax them and us."
Everyone smiled and agreed immediately. "And where do you suggest we go, Saroto?" Lucien asked. "Have you decided on a destination?"
"No, I haven't decided yet," Saroto shook his head.
Then Kyle spoke, a small gleam in his eyes. "I know of a place."
Everyone listened intently. "Some time ago, while I was training in Asterazine, I discovered an island in the middle of the sea. A quiet, secluded place where no one will disturb us. I think it would be perfect for an outing."
No one hesitated. They agreed on a trip five days later, invitations were sent to the fiancées, and then everyone returned to their respective kingdoms. Saroto, however, had other thoughts. He went straight to the Time Chamber, determined to fight another battle. His target was clear: the Fourth Founder, Adrian.
At the entrance, he met his servant and mentor, Ethan. "My destination is Adrian's world," Saruto told him firmly. "I must defeat him before the journey."
Ethan looked at him for a long moment, then said, "Are you confident you can defeat him this time?"
Saruto smiled, and his voice rang out, but it wasn't just his own. Void's voice was intertwined with it. "Confident? No… I'm certain. I won't return this time until I've destroyed him."
Saruto sat down and entered a state of deep contemplation. The world around him faded away, and suddenly, he opened his eyes to find himself in another world.
The same shattered earth. The same heavy sky. The same scent saturated with destructive energy. He felt Adrian's energy instantly. He was transported to him in an instant. He found him as always, charging his sword with immense power, then slamming it down on the ground, creating a massive crater that shook the world. Sensing his presence, Adrian turned suddenly and said mockingly, "You're back again? Didn't you learn your lesson last time? And you've merged with your dragon again?" "Yes, and thanks to you, Void and I have become stronger," Saruto replied firmly.
Saruto unleashed his power. Adrian took a step back, his eyes wide with astonishment at the force he sensed. He laughed loudly and said, "Congratulations on your progress, but don't underestimate me, kid. I'll crush you just like I did all the other times."
Adrian unleashed his own power, and the world around them shook. The two assumed fighting stances and suddenly charged at each other. Their fists were filled with energy, and the two punches collided, a terrifying crashing sound echoing through the air.