Signs of astonishment appeared on their faces; they never expected Raven to be the fifth Ainos, known as the Noble of the Sword.
Ren challenged, "We have learned this vast amount of information, and if Zayn succeeds in creating the formula, we may return to our normal lives and enjoy peace once more."
Leon said, "You're absolutely right, but what will we do after we obtain the formula?"
Ren replied, "If Zayn truly can achieve it, it would be best for us to split up and gather the components, while Leo returns to the desert to inform Ethan of all the details. Then Ethan will be responsible for disseminating it to the other kingdoms through his expeditions. However, we can't risk Leo's solitary journey—someone must accompany him on the return trip."
Orran didn't hesitate for a moment before offering his answer: "Don't worry—I will accompany him, and I will convey all the details and how we came upon this knowledge. These legends in this book are known throughout the world; were it not for this very volume, we would have remained ignorant of this information."
Ren responded, "We're counting on you for that. We will do our utmost to assemble the formula—our companions must grow stronger as well, for we know not what the future holds. In any case, Orran, continue your reading; we must discover what happens next: will he succeed or will he fail?"
Orran nodded and bowed his head over the book to continue reading.
---
Chapter Three – Part Two
Zayn and the others were still in the secret chamber, exchanging opinions and lighthearted banter—until that moment when the Sword of Heaven rose and said to Zayn, "You haven't eaten yet, and you told me you were starving. Come on, let's go eat; I'm hungry, too."
Raven and Maya were shocked by the Sword of Heaven's reaction; he had never once considered his friends or their well-being. Yet now he behaved like a fool who had just regained consciousness. Zayn gave no such reaction; on the contrary, he really was starving, and his face betrayed joy and eagerness.
Zayn replied, "Yes, of course—I am famished."
The last two words slipped out before he could stop them, causing his face to flush immediately. The Sword of Heaven smiled mockingly, while Raven and Maya exchanged complicated looks.
The Sword of Heaven challenged, "All right, come on—follow me."
Zayn rose from his seat as the Sword of Heaven looked to Raven to open the secret exit. Raven strode to the wall and inspected it for minutes until he could just make out a tiny peephole. He peered through it to ensure no one was watching.
Then Raven pushed aside one of the bricks, opening the door once more. Zayn and the Sword of Heaven stepped outside, while Raven and Maya remained inside, resuming the conversation of father and daughter.
---
Zayn and the Sword of Heaven entered the dining hall, which was still teeming with trainees. The place was somewhat noisy, but they ignored it and made their way to an empty table set apart from the others. They sat on its benches as the Sword of Heaven raised his hand to summon one of the trainee volunteers serving food. The girl saw him and hurried over to see what they needed.
She said, "Do you need anything? Order whatever you like."
The Sword of Heaven, pointing to Zayn, said, "Take his order first."
Zayn replied, "There's no need—anything will do."
Despite his words, the girl stepped forward to Zayn and asked, "What would you like, please? We have several dishes: roasted meat, fish soup, and chicken cooked in vegetable broth. Does any of these appeal to you?"
Zayn remained silent, too embarrassed to voice a request—until the Sword of Heaven interjected, "Please bring us all of those dishes at once; we are very hungry."
Zayn said nothing as the girl replied, "Your order will be prepared at once; please wait a moment," and she departed to fulfill it. The Sword of Heaven was held in such high esteem among the students here that no one hesitated to comply with his command.
Zayn scratched the back of his head again, smiling at the Sword of Heaven as he said, "There was no need to order three dishes at once, haha. Thanks anyway."
The Sword of Heaven smiled and replied, "No need to thank me—we're friends now, aren't we?"
Excitement shone in Zayn's eyes as he exclaimed, "Yes, absolutely—we're the dearest of friends now; whatever help you need, I will rush to your side the moment I hear it."
The Sword of Heaven laughed sarcastically and said, "I appreciate that, truly."
Shortly thereafter the girl returned, carrying the three dishes in her arms and placing them on the table, side by side. Zayn's mouth watered as his gaze fixed on the food. From the moment he arrived, the Sword of Heaven's mocking smile never left his face—he who was always stern and cold, devoid of emotion.
They began to eat; Zayn devoured his food with rapid, ravenous bites—an entirely natural human reflex. After a few minutes, Zayn leaned back in his seat, patting his stomach.
Zayn said, "Ah—I feel completely stuffed; I couldn't take another bite."
Zayn finished all of his dishes, while the Sword of Heaven left a few morsels—he simply wasn't as hungry. Zayn looked at the Sword of Heaven, who smiled before his expression turned serious.
The Sword of Heaven challenged, "Zayn, I need your help with something important outside. Will you accompany me?"
Zayn asked, "What suddenly happened? Is there something wrong?"
The Sword of Heaven replied, "Nothing in particular, but it's of utmost importance to me, and I can't do it alone—so will you come with me?"
Zayn said, "Certainly—let's move at once. Didn't I tell you I would come to your aid whenever you needed me?"
The Sword of Heaven rose from the bench, followed by Zayn, and they set off into the night.
The sky was pitch-black, clear of clouds save for a few barely visible wisps of blue. Stars shone brightly, decorating the heavens in myriad colors. In the center, the full moon gleamed, its light illuminating the sky. The air was calm, filled with a cold, refreshing breeze—it was quite pleasant.
Zayn and the Sword of Heaven walked for some time until the Sword of Heaven halt
ed before a narrow alley that carried with it painful and sorrowful memories.