Tirnanog

The citizens cheer and thank the knights as they begin to rebuild their lives. Schneizal, still recovering, wakes in a bed to find Sequana sitting beside him.

"You fought well," she says softly.

"What the hell are you doing here, witch? And why do you look different?!"

Schneizal retorts mockingly.

The two bicker like siblings, prompting Youth and Vriede to share a smile.

"Looks like they're finally getting along," Vriede remarks.

Youth nods, content.

Later, Algos arrives with Gondikas.

"The people here thank you for being heroes," he says.

The group accepts the gratitude with humility. Algos turns to Youth.

"The Supreme General wants to see you. Care to come with us?"

Youth agrees, following Algos and Gondikas to Cristianos's office. The Supreme General greets him, hands steepled beneath his chin.

"Nice to finally meet you, rebellious knight," Cristianos says.

"Though we met last night, this is our first proper interaction."

Youth greets him cautiously. Cristianos dismisses the generals, leaving them alone.

"So... how did you do it?" Cristianos asks.

"Do what?" Youth replies.

"You turned into a Grade 3 and boosted others' grades. How?"

Youth hesitates before revealing that it might be due to his eye. Cristianos asks to see it, and Youth reluctantly removes his eyepatch, exposing the gem embedded in his socket.

Cristianos's eyes gleam with recognition.

"The Blaster Ignition Gem..."

"What?" Youth asks, suspicious.

Cristianos explains the gem's legendary power, its origins tied to the swordsman Junos.

"You don't even realize the treasure you hold," he says, his tone darkening.

"That gem doesn't belong to you. I propose you give it to me. Imagine the relief from your suffering... and the power I could wield to save everyone."

Youth and Cristianos locked in a tense stare, the air thick with unspoken conflict.