Chapter 10: Troita

The crew entered Troita under a pale, overcast sky, the air thick with the scent of dust and construction. The city stretched before them, a patchwork of old ruins and new foundations, evidence of a place desperately trying to rebuild itself. Crumbling buildings stood beside freshly constructed homes, their exteriors still raw and unpainted, the wood and stone barely holding the shape of civilization. Workers moved in clusters, carrying bricks, hammering beams into place, or hauling carts filled with salvaged materials from the ruins.

As they continued deeper, they passed a long, worn-down building, its frame aged beyond the rest of the city, standing as if it had always been there. Faded paint peeled from the wooden beams, and above the entrance, half-broken letters barely clung to the structure that could be made out to be “Troita Orphanage.” A few children sat outside, their clothes tattered but their hands busy stacking stones into small towers, their expressions vacant, eyes trained on the ground. An elderly woman watched over them from the steps, her gaze heavy.

As the crew moved closer to the city center, the murmur of voices grew into a unified, rhythmic chant, swelling into a full-bodied hymn carried by hundreds of voices. A massive crowd had gathered in an open square, standing shoulder to shoulder, their heads bowed in reverence as they sang a solemn, almost hypnotic melody that echoed through the streets. At the heart of it all, elevated on a stone platform, a pastor stood with his arms raised, his voice leading the people in prayer, his presence commanding yet serene. Beside him, a man dressed in pristine robes, his posture straight and unwavering, observed the gathering with a quiet authority. Andin, the leader of Troita. He did not speak, nor did he chant along with the people, but his mere presence seemed to affirm their devotion.

“Yeshma, guide our hands, make strong our way,Through fire and ruin, we kneel and obey.With labor we serve, with faith we endure,Your will is our path, our hearts are pure.”

Sen: What’s going on here?

Zarnem: Worship. We are in Troita.

Sen: This many worship in public?

Ira: This is one of the most religious places you can go to aside from. We’re in Troita. Here, they pray to Yeshma. It’s the same in Allatora.

Sen doesn’t respond.

Ira: The god who will bring salvation. He will come in glory and rescue those in suffering.

Sen: Yeah, I heard of Yeshma. Just never seen people actually worship him so openly. I’m assuming that man is a pastor?

Zarnem: And the one standing next to him. That’s President Andin.

Sen: Wait, I just realized. You said this is Troita? Is this the place Sicrus— destroyed?...

Zarnem: This is the place.

Sen’s gaze drifted across once more, the weight of realization settling in his chest. This was the place Sicrus destroyed. Yet, despite the devastation it had endured, Troita was still standing and still rebuilding. He watched as men and women carried heavy stones, their hands raw and dirtied from endless labor, their faces lined with exhaustion yet absent of complaint. Some used Intergy to help rebuild. Children no older than ten worked alongside them, sweeping debris, stacking bricks, doing whatever small tasks they could. No one rested. No one questioned. They moved with quiet determination, their eyes never straying from their work, their whispered prayers woven into the rhythm of their effort. It was as if their suffering was their faith.

Sen: A single man destroyed this whole place?

Zarnem: That’s what the report said.

Sen: Are there people really that powerful? No one fought back?

Zarnem: It was sudden attack. And yes, some really are that powerful. I’ve worked with several of them.

Sen: In Krutone?

Zarnem: In Krutone.

Sen: And you’re one of them, right?

Zarnem doesn’t answer.

Yerah: These people are just going to let us pass through?

Zarnem: President Andin has noticed us already, probably.

Yerah: You know that?

Zarnem: He glanced over to me and smiled. He’s going to want to talk to me.

Sen: For what?

Zarnem: My father and him worked together long ago.

Sen: But, you know him too?

Zarnem: Like I said, my father worked with him long ago. He knew me when I was younger than you.

Zarnem saw several tables shaded by a few large trees.

Zarnem: Let’s wait over there.

The crew settled beneath the shade of the large trees, their bodies easing into the wooden benches as they took a moment to rest. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves overhead, offering a fleeting relief from the weight of the sun. The tables were old but sturdy, their surfaces worn smooth from years of use, faint carvings and scratches marking the wood. Almost an hour passed, and President Andin with two guards showed up.

Andin: Well, if it isn’t Zarnem.

Zarnem: President Andin.

Andin: I tell you all the time, just call me Andin. You’re like a nephew to me.

Zarnem and Andin shook hands.

Andin: And what do you have here? A whole crew?

Andin observed everyone.

Zarnem: Yes, we are on to Krutone.

Andin: Returning home? What’s the mission?

Zarnem: I have information on the sudden Zagon attacks.

Andin: Do you?

Zarnem: Penim.

Andin: Who? You’re going to have to remind me who that is. Do I know him?

Zarnem: No, you don’t know him. Penim and I worked together, and I believe he has The Orb.

Andin glances of to Sen.

Andin: Have we met before?

Sen: Me?

Andin: You look quite familiar.

Sen: Uhhh…

Andin: Eh, I’m always forgetting things. Chances are I’m just mixing up faces. I always do that. Guess I really am getting old.

Dain (to Sen): You know him?

Sen shrugs.

Andin: Anyways, Zarnem. You all must be tired from your trip. Shall I reserve a room for you all to rest?

Zarnem: I was hoping you’d say that.

Fex: We just started traveling a few hours ago. Rest already?

Zarnem: We should gather more resources.

Andin: Ahh yes. You need more resources traveling to Krutone. Since you’re passing here, I assume you’ll be getting through Allatora and Luria?

Zarnem: That’s the plan.

Andin: Then you should stay the night.

Zarnem: Maybe not that long. We need to get to Krutone quickly. But I would like to talk to you for some time. Maybe everyone here can be given a place to settle for a bit?

Andin: Yes, yes!

Andin turns to one of his guards and gives a gesture. The guard steps forward.

Fex: Zarnem, what are you doing?

Zarnem: I should really relay information. Plus, we should store up on food and pure water anyways.

Andin (pointing to his guard): Follow him. He’ll guide you to your place.

Zarnem (to Fex): I won’t take too long.

Fex gave a face of concernment. The guard led them through the winding streets of Troita, past rows of half-built homes and towering structures draped in banners of Yeshma. Soon, the narrow roads opened into a grand courtyard, where a magnificent white-stone building loomed before them. It was immaculate, standing in stark contrast to the crumbling ruins and ongoing reconstruction throughout the city. The massive pillars at the entrance, carved with intricate depictions of faith and devotion, framed a set of towering doors that gleamed under the dull afternoon light. As they stepped inside, they were met with an expansive chamber— a single, luxurious room designed to accommodate many. The ceilings stretched high, adorned with gold-trimmed murals of divine figures, and the polished floors reflected the soft glow of ornate chandeliers above. The room was lined with plush seating, grand chairs, cushioned benches, and long, carved wooden tables already stocked with fresh fruit, bread, and pitchers of clean water. The air smelled of incense and warm spices, a stark contrast to the dust and labor outside. It was clear that this space was reserved for honored guests.

Shera: Wow. I read places like this in textbooks, but never did I think I’d be inside one!

Makota: Let’s go get a bite.

Guard: Make yourselves comfortable.

Makota and Shera were the first to grab food. Behind, Sen, Yerah and Dain followed. Ira and Fex stayed behind to find themselves a seat.

Sen: You want anything, Yerah?

Yerah: Yeah, I think I’ll grab myself some stuff.

The crew gradually settled in, letting the warmth and comfort of the grand room sink in after weeks of relentless travel. Makota and Shera sat at one of the long wooden tables, enjoying their food without hesitation, while Sen, Dain and Yerah took a quieter spot near a window, the golden glow of the chandelier reflecting off the polished floors around them. Ira and Fex remained more reserved, choosing seats at the edge of the room where they could observe their surroundings. The scent of fresh bread and ripe fruit filled the air, the soft clinking of plates and quiet conversation replacing the heavy tension of the road.

Over to Zarnem and Andin.

Andin: Oh my, oh my. This sounds like such a horrible mess!

Zarnem: And this is why I need to hurry to Krutone. President Kyto must know.

Andin: What a big ole yikes! So, you’re telling me Sicrus could also be behind this too?

Zarnem: That’s also another reason why I wanted to pass here. Didn’t Sicrus grow up here?

Andin: There’s records of him here. But he wasn’t listed as a criminal or anything of that sort. There was no major bounty on him.

Zarnem: Well, what exactly do you know about him?

Andin: Ahh, he was an orphan here.

Zarnem: And there were no records of him being this powerful? Nobody from Krutone wanted to recruit him?

Andin: No. Not at all. How does one get that powerful without much training?

Zarnem: The Orb.

Andin: Ahh of course. The Orb.

Zarnem: Penim always talked about getting The Orb. My confusion is how he even thought of this object being a real thing. That’s like me saying I’m going to find Yeshma.

Andin: Hey there! Yeshma is real!

Zarnem: My apologies. But in all seriousness, Penim was already powerful as it is. Now he holds The Orb. Now he works with Zan. Now he works with Sicrus. And there are others more.

A moment of silence.

Zarnem: In my group, one of them is a light and dark user. Krutone would be glad to study it more.

Andin: That’s your token for Kyto’s approval? That’s your way of earning your place back?

Zarnem: Well, I also have information about Penim’s existence… And I might be the only who can convince him to stop.

Andin: Well, let’s not wait any longer. Pack your stuff and go!

Zarnem: But the resources?

Andin: Yes, yes! We will give you resources! Head to Krutone quickly!

Zarnem: Thank you President Andin.

Sen sat with his arms resting on the table, his fingers loosely intertwined as he stared at the flickering glow of the chandeliers above. The warmth of the waiting room pressed around him, thick with the scent of incense and polished wood, but his mind drifted elsewhere. Beyond the towering walls of this lavish space, the people of Troita toiled, their voices rising in prayer even as their hands bled from labor. He had seen their faith woven into every motion, every whispered plea, every bowed head. And yet, the city still lay in ruins, its people still suffered. The thought sat heavy in his chest, a quiet, persistent weight. Across from him, Dain lounged with effortless ease, picking at a cluster of grapes, while Yerah traced the rim of her cup with absent fingers. The silence between them stretched, comfortable yet expectant, until Sen finally spoke.

Sen: Well, this is Troita.

Dain: Uhh, yeah. It sure is.

Sen: These people. They’re working to rebuild everything… meanwhile, there’s this palace.

Dain: What do you mean?

Sen: Eh, I’m just saying there are hungry people out there, and here we are eating fine food with clean water. Yeah, all in the name of religion. All in the name of Yeshma, their god.

Dain: Religion will do that. They genuinely think they do it in act of salvation.

Sen: Yeah…

Dain: Why do you bring it up though?

Sen: I dunno. I suppose, there’s people suffering, but they believe Yeshma will make their lives better. They still pray and worship.

Dain: Yeah, it’s pretty sad. They believe they’re doing good. Perhaps this is just how they cope.

Sen: Yeah, I suppose.

Yerah: Does it upset you?

Sen scratches the back of his head.

Sen: Well, I mean, sort of.

Yerah: Why?

Sen: I mean, they’re out there working believing Yeshma will do good. I wonder if they believe their prayers were ever answered.

Yerah: Maybe to them, they believe they’re being saved.

Sen: Yeah, I guess.

Sen leaned back a bit.

Sen: I just think the prayer thing is weird.

Dain: Why so?

Sen thinks.

Dain: I mean, don’t get me wrong. I think it’s weird too. I just wanna hear you out.

Sen: Well, like. Why pray? Why pray to Yeshma if nothing is being granted? Why pray to something that isn’t giving help. And besides, they shouldn’t be telling Yeshma what to do.

Dain: Oh?

Sen: Like why tell your Yeshma, your god, what to do? Wouldn’t that be insulting?

Yerah: But, this is how they feel heard.

Sen: Yeah, and the people running the religion are eating peacefully. Look at where we’re at.

A moment of silence.

Sen: I mean, Dain, you’re always talking about this idea of being good.

Dain: Being good? What are you asking?

Sen: Well, they believe in Yeshma’s will right? That Yeshma has a plan?

Dain: Right.

Sen: So, if it’s Yeshma’s will, it’s not their own.

Dain: Ok.

Sen: So, no one is good or bad. It’s all Yeshma’s doing. It’s all Yeshma’s will.

Dain: Oh, I see where you’re getting at now.

Yerah: Yes, but they also believe Yeshma gives free will.

Sen: Ok, so this glorious entity gives free will. So, our free will allows us to do good and bad?

Yerah: Yes. Quite precisely.

Sen: Eh, that doesn’t sit right with me.

Sen stretches his arms forward and yawns slightly.

Sen: So, let’s say we get free will. It’s bad if it’s on us. But if good things happen, it’s Yeshma’s will, right?

Yerah: Not all the time, but that seems to be the case most times.

Sen: So, we aren’t good then. Our free will is bad, Yeshma’s will is good.

Yerah: Well, not exactly.

Sen: And the people preaching in Yeshma’s name like the pastor and president get to live well. It’s all in the name of religion.

Dain: I think I know where you’re getting at?

Sen: Where I’m getting at is how Yeshma’s name is being used as a tool to get the weak to work.

Dain and Yerah listened.

Sen: It’s just a system. And the saddest part of it all is that they think they’re being saved… when really, they’re being used.

Dain: They think they’re doing good. They believe they’re good.

Sen: They’re misguided.

Yerah: You make it sound so… hollow… It isn’t always about faith. Sometimes it’s about hope.

Sen: Or maybe the false sense of hope. Like I said, they’re misguided.

Dain: And you feel you have true sight?

Silence.

Sen: Not at all. That’s why I bring this up… I feel misguided. I mean don’t you?

Dain: I do. But why you?

Sen began to think about how Zarnem spoke with Emperor Osin.

Sen: We’re going to Krutone because we believe it’ll stop the war. We’re getting Zarnem over safely to report to President Kyto, right?

Yerah: Yeah, that’s the mission.

Sen: And we believe it’ll fix this war, right?

Yerah: Well, not exactly. It’s helping to end this Zagon outbreak with this so-called Penim.

Sen continued thinking about Zarnem speaking to Emperor Osin.

Sen: And we believe we’re doing good… right?

Dain and Yerah listened.

Sen: We’re no different than these people here in Troita who pray to Yeshma. Is going to Krutone really going to solve this, or are we just soldiers following orders? Just like, just like how these people follow Yeshma.

Dain: You’re saying we’re blind right now.

Sen: I am. Or it feels that way.

Dain: Hmmm, I see.

Sen: And if we’re blind, how do we know if we’re doing the right thing?

Yerah: You could’ve just started with saying you feel lost.

Sen: Hm?

Yerah: You didn’t have to bring Yeshma into the picture.

Sen sighed.

Sen: Yeah, well, I did. I guess I’m just trying to draw connections.

Another moment of silence.

Sen: I’m just trying to understand where we’re all at.

Dain takes another bite of a watermelon slice he has on his plate.

Dain (while chewing): Eh, well let me know if you come to an answer.

A quiet settled between them, the kind that wasn’t uncomfortable but carried the weight of unspoken thoughts. The flickering chandeliers above cast shifting patterns across the polished floor, their soft glow failing to chase away the heaviness in the air. Dain let out a slow breath, rolling a grape between his fingers before finally popping it into his mouth. Yerah stared into her cup, her fingers absently tracing the rim, as if searching for an answer in the water’s reflection. Sen leaned back, arms crossed, his gaze distant.

The Void. Mayzen stood at the edge of a jagged cliff, his silhouette barely distinguishable against the swirling darkness below. The terrain stretched endlessly, a desolate wasteland shrouded in thick mist, where the air itself felt heavy with the weight of lingering souls. He exhaled slowly. Sicrus and Zan walked together and approached Mayzen.

Mayzen: So?

Sicrus: Done. Took Jinra out.

Zan: More than done.

Mayzen: Anything new?

Sicrus: Definitely not.

Zan: As boring as it was, I don’t think destroying Yumitra accomplished anything.

Sicrus: It’s already been some time and Allatora hasn’t made any moves.

Mayzen: Krutone is staying silent. I see.

Sicrus: They know. They have to know. So, what then?

Mayzen: We wait for orders.

Sicrus: When are they coming back?

Mayzen: In at least half an hour… or at least that’s what I was told.

Sicrus: Shall I come back with lunch for everyone?

Mayzen: Josar isn’t doing it?

Sicrus: I told him to take a break.

Mayzen: It’s a simple task really. That man is useless trash to us.

Sicrus: He’s part of us.

Mayzen doesn’t reply.

Zan: Well, if you’re off to lunch, I’m going to take some time for myself. You thinkers can let me know the plan whenever you figure stuff out.

Zan leaves.

Sicrus: Can you not?

Mayzen: Hm?

Sicrus: Can you not talk about Josar like that?

Mayzen: I get you’re all friends, but we have a mission.

Sicrus: Yeah. But it’s unnecessary to call him trash. I don’t appreciate the way you talk about him.

Mayzen glances to Sicrus then looks away.

Mayzen: I apologize.

Sicrus: It’s fine. Besides, he’s not trash. Without him, we wouldn’t have figured Sen was in Clyden.

Mayzen: Fair. He did one thing.

Sicrus: One important thing.

Mayzen: Sen isn’t going to join us.

Sicrus: I know.

Mayzen: I said it was pointless.

Sicrus: Yeah, well it wasn’t our call.

A minute of silence.

Sicrus: Well, I’ll grab food now.

Mayzen: You don’t want to just wait until Penim returns?

Sicrus: I could care less about that selfish piece of garbage. If it’s anyone who should be called trash, it’s him.

Mayzen: Even though he may be our key to Krutone?

Sicrus doesn’t answer. He leaves. Mayzen stands alone for almost an hour. Then, behind him, a low hum filled the air. A jagged portal tore through the void, its edges crackling with unstable energy. The glow illuminated the ground for only a moment before it dimmed, and from its depths, a figure emerged. Cloaked in the abyss, his presence carried an unnatural stillness, the kind that made the air feel colder, heavier. Penim stepped forward and the portal sealed shut behind him, leaving nothing but the hush of the dark world and the unspoken weight of their reunion.

Mayzen: You finally return.

Penim: I’ve been scouting.

Mayzen: I see. Anything new?

Penim: We found him.

Mayzen: Hm?

Penim: Zarnem.

Mayzen: Where?

Penim: Troita.

Mayzen: And you didn’t act on it.

Penim: Big boss wouldn’t let me.

Mayzen: Ah.

Penim: You know I would if I had the chance.

No response.

Mayzen: So, what’s the goal now. What did he say?

Penim: Capture President Andin.

Mayzen: Oh?

Penim: That’ll really force Kyto’s hand.

Mayzen: Not Lessa?

Penim: Fuck her. Kyto would let her rot.

Mayzen: But they neighbor each other.

Penim: Eh. I’d let the bitch burn myself.

Mayzen: So then, it’s Andin.

Penim: Indeed.

Mayzen: And you won’t get in the way?

Penim: Yeah, yeah. Calm down. I’ll wait my turn. I have no choice, right? Me against all of you doesn’t quite work in my favor.

Mayzen: You’re a snake, Penim. You might pull off your own tricks.

Penim: What’s that supposed to mean?

Mayzen: Exactly what I mean. You’re a snake.

Penim: I ain’t doing shit. Calm down.

Mayzen side eyes Penim then looks forward again.

Penim: Anyways, the goal is going to be to capture that clown, Andin. Kyto will really make a move since they’re buddies.

Mayzen: When do we make the move?

Penim: We should do it soon. Maybe even now. Big boss wouldn’t mind. I can go ask.

Penim extended his hand, and the air before him twisted, warping like a fractured mirror. A low, guttural hum filled the space as a jagged portal tore itself open, its edges crackling with unstable energy. He stepped forward, his figure swallowed by the void as the portal sealed shut behind him with a sharp, resonant snap, leaving only silence in his wake.

Mayzen: He’s going to do his own shit.

Zarnem strode through the streets of Troita, his boots pressing against the uneven stone roads as he made his way back to his crew. The air was thick with the lingering scent of burning wood and dust, remnants of a city still struggling to rebuild. He exhaled, rubbing his temple. He had been gone longer than expected. Just as he turned a corner toward the main road, a faint noise drifted from a narrow alley to his left. A scuffle against stone. It was quiet, barely noticeable beneath the hum of the city, but something about it sent a sharp pulse through his senses. He forced himself to ignore it

Voice (whispering): Zarnem!

His muscles tensed. The voice was distant, almost swallowed by the wind, but something about it nagged at him. Familiar. His brow furrowed as he turned toward the alley. He hesitated. Another second passed in silence, and he nearly dismissed it until movement caught his eye. A figure, barely a silhouette against the dim streetlight, stood at the far end of the alley.

Voice (whispering): Come say hi to your best friend!

The figure lowered the mask covering his mouth. Zarnem recognized who it was. Penim. Before he could call out, Penim bolted. Zarnem didn’t think. He took off in pursuit.

Zarnem (thinking): Am I being baited?

Zarnem continued chasing. Penim flickered a light that resembled his ability to create rifts.

Zarnem (thinking): Wait, that’s really him!

Zarnem surged forward, his strides quick and powerful as he pursued the shadowed figure weaving through the narrow streets of Troita. The city's uneven roads and scattered debris made for treacherous footing, but he kept his pace steady, his eyes locked onto the fleeing form just ahead. The chase carried them past the last of the crumbling buildings and out into the open, where the dirt path sloped downward toward the dense treeline beyond the city’s edge. The midday sun cast shifting beams of light through the thick canopy as the figure darted into the forest, vanishing between the towering trunks. Zarnem didn’t slow—his pulse hammered in his ears, but his instincts told him this wasn’t just a random chase. Whoever this was, they wanted to be seen. They wanted him to follow. Gritting his teeth, he pushed forward, plunging into the forest after them.

Finally, the chase suddenly stopped.

Penim: You’re still as fast as I remember you.

Penim removed his hood, revealing his face to Zarnem.

Zarnem: Penim!

Penim: Hello, old friend.

Zarnem: Why are you here? How are you alive!?

Penim: Are you serious? How are you too? Shit. The least you can ask is how I’ve been!

Zarnem: I mean… how? How are you still alive?

Penim: Disrespectful as always.

Zarnem examines Penim from a distance, really grasping that he’s actually alive.

Penim: Well, I mean. You never confirmed if I died. Didn’t even check for me! Abandoned me and told everyone I don’t exist anymore.

Zarnem: I- I- I thought- you were- … I’m sorry! I thought you had died!

Penim: Zarnem… please… You abandoned me. Don’t play it off. You looked me in the eye and left.

Zarnem didn’t know what to say back.

Penim: So… nothing?

Zarnem: You’re the one behind the Zagons. You actually found The Orb.

Penim’s expression shifted— first confusion, then intrigue— before a slow, amused smile spread across his face.

Penim: So, what about it?

Zarnem: Why!? You’re killing so many people. For what!?

Penim: Hey, hey, hey now! Don’t act all righteous all of a sudden. Check yourself before thinking you have any moral high ground!

Zarnem stunned for words again. Penim smiled harder.

Penim: Yes, I’m behind the Zagons, and I’m loving it. All of it. The Orb is finally mine.

Zarnem: And you’re working with Sicrus? Zan?

Penim: Indeed I am.

Zarnem: Why!? Why those two? What are you three trying to do?

Penim’s smile breaks.

Penim: Isn’t that clear? You couldn’t piece it together? Come on, Zarnem. You’re smarter than that.

Zarnem: Quit your shit! Why are you running Zagons over so many innocent lives? Tell me!

Penim: Hmmmm. War.

Zarnem: War? Why war?

Penim: You tell me!

Zarnem: Seriously!? All because I— all because…

Penim: Say it, Zarnem. Why’d you stop?

Zarnem: … all because I left you?

Penim: Say the full thing…

Zarnem: … all because I betrayed you?

Penim: You’re getting closer! Good boy!

Zarnem: I… I threw you into the fire.

Penim: THERE WE GO!!!! Good job!!! Fucking hell that took you so long. Where the hell is your guilt? Have you no ownership!?

Zarnem looked frozen.

Penim: So, how’s the dark and light user? Sen?

Zarnem: What do you want with him!? It doesn’t make any sense why he’d be someone you’re so interested in. He’s just an ordinary person.

Penim: No, no. He’s not and you know it too. Did you find him in Clyden?

Zarnem: If I did?

Penim: Ahh you did. Why Clyden though?

Zarnem doesn’t answer.

Penim: You couldn’t handle it anymore. I see… You thought going to a shit place like Clyden to train little soldiers is going to make you a better person. Fuck that! How does that make any sense? You come out here to help those you barely know, but fuck me right? Me, the person that always had your back. Don't bullshit me. Don’t bullshit yourself!

Zarnem: I'm sorry! I screwed it all up! I told everyone that you died. I lied and said you did everything you could when I was the one who sacrificed you like a pawn. But why didn't you try to come back? Why did you hide? Why are you working with them!? Why!? I would've been completely fine if you came back and exposed me. I would've been fine with being deranked or unlisted if it meant you could climb above me. I would've been ok just knowing you were alive.

Penim: Trust me, I almost came back with a vengeance to annihilate everything you are... But then, I could feel a strange power. It had to be The Orb. It just had to. I followed it. I searched you out later on, but you had run away from Krutone, just like you ran away from yourself. You were never a damn hero. Deep inside, you were always a fucking coward! A little bitch!

Zarnem: Penim, please. Stop.

Penim: You don’t get to tell me what to do! But seriously, answer me. You really think helping Sen is going to make things right for you? Actually?

Zarnem doesn’t answer.

Penim: You really do!!! That’s actually blasphemous, you!

Zarnem can’t respond.

Penim: You honestly think assisting Sen is going to make you a hero! This is how you atone! There’s just no way you are Zash’s son!

Zarnem: Shut the hell up, Penim!

Penim: Holy shit! You really do think you can save yourself without admitting your fault! There’s NO WAY you’re Zash’s son! Hahahaha! This is actually insane!

Zarnem: Shut up! Shut the hell up!

Penim: Holy shit. Actually, holy shit! Your mother must’ve been a skank! She must have slept with another man before she had you! There’s just no way you’re Zash’s son! Zash was actually incredible, and you’re just a clown!

Zarnem pulled the earth beneath him and shaped it to a sword, running towards Penim to strike. Suddenly, the air felt heavy and Zarnem feet were pinned to the ground before being able to reach Penim.

Penim: Watch yourself there!

Zarnem was shook by the weight pressuring him to the floor. He had never felt such power in so long.

Zarnem: Since when? Since when did you get so strong?

Penim: The Orb will do that.

Penim releases the pressure on Zarnem.

Penim: Yeah, Zarnem, go ahead and tell yourself you’re saving the world. Maybe if you say it enough, you’ll actually believe it. After all, that’s what they all tell themselves, right? Heroes. What a fucking joke.

Zarnem: Penim, I’m so sorry. Just please…

Penim: I just came to say hello. Too bad I have to carry out a mission. I can't kill you right now, but I do plan to.

Zarnem doesn’t reply.

Penim: You just saw President Andin right? Chances are my group is already here ready to capture him as hostage.

Zarnem: No! Why President Andin?

Penim: Our new plan is to use him as hostage for Krutone.

Zarnem: That’s what you’re after? Vengeance against Krutone military?

Penim: Sure, let’s go with that.

Zarnem charged his Intergy, but Penim used his own ability to hold Zarnem down. It was enough to force Zarnem to his knees.

Penim: What a beautiful sight for someone like you. Piece of shit.

From a distance in Troita, a large explosion can be heard.

Penim: Oh, is Sicrus already working?

Penim opens a portal and walks through.

Penim: You better hurry little hero. I’ll meet you there, yeah?

The portal sealed, leaving Zarnem alone. The weight of the air disappeared and Zarnem could get on his feet again.

Zarnem: Damn it!

Zarnem used pulled a large piece from the ground and began to glide on it as fast as possible through Troita.