Deep in a moutains known for its gravel mines. A huge acacia tree is shaking in an interval partnered by a loud thud on every instances. Beneath the canopy of the acacia is Beltrand, skillfully striking the trunk of the tree using various martial arts with just enough force to shake it, while not completely destroying the entire plant.

  For Beltrand, she just want a physical target where he can connect his attacks.

  After finishing her routine with a roundhouse kick making leaves to rain down. Beltrand finally takes a rest as he returns to the small house to drink water. Inside is Shiva currently packing his equipments.

  "How's your training?" Shiva throws a towel to Beltrand.

  "I slowly getting the gists of them. But to be honest, I need more time to learn more." Beltrand's answer as he wipe his sweat with the towel provided.

  "Perhaps you should ignore the impractical martial arts to save space on other useful techniques? I can't grasp how some of them can be practical on a fight?"

  Beltrand drinks a cup of water and make a satisfied sigh.

  "I think all of them can have their usage in right circumstances. The one useless in direct combat can be good as a form of wellness routine."

  "So you indulging yourself into eastern philosophy now?"

  "I guess so. It's just so fascinating performing those movesets while putting their ideologies in mind."

  "Hmmm. If that's your decision, go ahead. I already downloaded those instructional videos on your phone so watch them while you're in another world." Shiva gives Beltrand's phone.

  "Thanks Bro." Beltrand gives a warm smile.

  "You're welcome. Let's go back home. Everyone must be waiting on your return." Shiva then picks his bag and leave the house which Beltrand follows. Using the motorcycle, the two returns home safely.

  .

  .

  .

  In Agbayani Residence's living room.

  "Mateo still didn't come back?" Beltrand asked politely.

  "Yes." Ligaya answers casually but with a hint of concern.

  "Hmmm... They must got wired into a long mission. I thought they gonna take it easy." Beltrand ponders as he sit on the coach.

  "I guess that's the case." Shiva agrees.

  Beltrand stand up and start to leave.

  "Where are you going hijo?" Ligaya asked.

  "I just gonna explore the town to spend time. It's been a while since I explored Mateo's hometown."

  Ligaya gives a warm smile.

  "Need a company?" -Shiva.

  "I'm good bro. I want to try this alone." Beltrand makes a confident smile.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  Beltrand is walking on the peaceful street with only few people outside who giving him a glance. Seeing a foreigner wandering around is kinda peculiar for them.

  While some girls are giving more mesmerized look at Beltrand after seeing his handsome face and physique. Some groups even get excited and murmur with each other.

  But Beltrand ignores them as he was too occupied on thinking of the techniques he learned. His focused minded leads him to a deeper alleyway without him noticing.

  Until...

  "Huh?"

  Beltrand comes back on his senses when he feel something painful his leg. He looked down and see a dog furiously chewing on his skin with its canine teeth planted deep.

  The dog making a frenzied, insane noise and movements with saliva dripping on its mouth.

  "What the?"

  Beltrand casually kicks the dog away which if falls to the ground, shakes erraticly for a moment then stand up and walks away in a jagged twitching motion.

  "The fuck?" Beltrand is confused on the scenario then he look on the bite marks left by the dog. It's not very severe but still left a mark as he didn't activate his mana coating for protection.

  So Beltrand decides to go home and treat his minor wound.

  .

  .

  .

  "You got bitten by a dog?!" Shiva is surprised.

  "Y-yeah. I didn't expected it there and then it leads to this." Beltrand points on his wound.

  "I-Is the dog a-acting... weird?" Ligaya's scared question.

  "Uhmmm... Yeah, it's like insane or something."

  .

  .

  Beltrand feel the gaze of disbelief of both Ligaya and Shiva which last for a second.

  "Shiva!"

  "Got it!"

  With Ligaya's order. Shiva grabs Beltrand's wrist and pull him. Beltrand is confused and just let himself got pulled by Shiva as he walk outside the house.

  "H-Huh?! W-what's happening?! Bro?" Beltrand asked in panic.

  "There's no time. Lets go." Shiva didn't answer and just pull Beltrand with determination on his face.

  Beltrand have no choice but let Shiva commit what he's trying to do. The two rides on their motorcycle again and unlike before, Shiva drives with great speed which surprise Beltrand.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  In an animal bite center of the town. Beltrand is just sitting on the chair as the female doctor prepares a syringe after cleaning Beltrand's bite wound. Beltrand have no idea what is happening but base on the reaction of Shiva. It seems he got put himself to a predicament.

  "Good that you two quickly rushed here instead of waiting." The doctors touch Beltrand's arm.

  "Yeah."

  "Bro? I don't understand what's happening? Also what is that... Thing?" Beltrand finally ask questions as he look on the syringe. The doctor got confused on Beltrand's inquiry.

  "You don't know?"

  Beltrand shake his head.

  "Dios mio. This Baranggay should really increase their awareness campaign on this kind of stuff. Wait, you're a foreigner. These stuff must be common knowledge on whatever country you came from." The doctor speaks with disbelief.

  "Hehe." Shiva's awkward laugh.

  The doctor then push the syringe into Beltrand's skin and inject the medicine. Beltrand only feel like an annoying bite of an insect.

  "That itch." -Beltrand.

  "What I just injected to you is an Anti-Rabies vaccine. You need to return here for another 2 week for continued shots to ensure that the virus is neutralized." The doctor's explanation as he clean his work station full of stained cottons.

  After paying the doctor and giving their thanks. Beltrand and Shiva and now walking back on their parked motorcycle.

  "Ray Beast?" Beltrand tilt his head slightly.

  "I gonna explain later. Right now, we should be glad that you got cured. But it means that you gonna stay here for another two weeks."

  "I-I see... It seems that my training is going to get extended. I wonder if Mateo is gonna be fine on this."

  "Well. It seems that Mateo is not returning anytime soon and he have no choice so don't worry for that for a while. But still, I'm kinda concerned why brother didn't follow the schedule."

  "Same. It kinda bothers me."

  The two returns home and there. Beltrand watch in fear as he see the gruesome effect of rabies. Finally understanding why Ligaya and Shiva are in panic earlier.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  Sophia returns to the guild where her and the others are supposed to meet up. She's sitting in one of the chairs and slumped on the table with a gloomy and defeated mood. Afterall, she failed to have a chance to talk with her grandmother despite her waiting diligently.

  "Sophia?"

  She look and up and see Shirna standing in front of her.

  "Hello Shirna." She speak softly, unusual for her commonly cheerful behaviour.

  Shirna sit beside Sophia and just stay quiet. Understanding that Sophia was unsuccessful on her mission.

  The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  But the silence is unbearable so Shirna decides to have some small talk.

  "Mateo and Claustrine still not here?"

  Sophia just nod.

  "I hope something wrong didn't happened to them. By the way, the streets and the guild are quiet busy today. Like they're preparing on something."

  "Yeah. I also noticed." Sophia is still in sad mood.

  A footsteps heared approaching them.

  "Wait? You two don't know?"

  Sophia and Shirna are greeted by Emma who just taking a break after accomodating adventurers. She sit on the chair in front Sophia and Shirna.

  "Know what?" -Shirna.

  "Your friends just make another breathtaking discovery. They just discovered Layers 9 and 10 of Reverse Tower."

  "R-Really?!" Shirna jolted on his seat. Even Sophia is mildly surprised on the news.

  "The messenger falcons arrived yesterday. Because of that, the kingdom and guild currently preparing for a possible expedition. Even the adventurers are so eager to test the new areas despite it not given a proper grading. Give us a break." Emma explains with stress.

  "No wonder they taking so long to return."

  Sophia meanwhile makes a soft smile as she got few more days to wait for a chance.

  "Isn't everyone are acting to hastely on this? What if it's just false alarm?" One of the adventurers join their talk.

  "But the news came from two top Gold adventurers. Besides, they also prepared to show conclusive evidence of their claims." Emma rebuts to the adventurer.

  "To be honest, I don't see Grand Ecstasy and Wanderer the type that ruin their reputation for a lie." Another adventurer joins the chatter.

  "Geez. Simple mission my ass." Shirna chuckle as he remembers that Claustrine and Mateo just supposed to do a basic mission just to update their membership status. But now find themselves on something absurd.

  As everyone busy talking. They got interrupted by.

  "Sister Sophia!"

  The scream coming from the door. It's

  Ninna breathing heavily has she just sprinted from church into the guild in search of his dear sister.

  "Ninna? What are you doing?" Sophia is surprised.

  Ninna finally composed herself and gives a sweet smile.

  "Granda wants to talk with you."

  The words is enough to make Sophia stand up on her seat and hastely walk outside. Shirna follows her, happy that his friend finally got the chance she think is impossible.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  Back in the church. Shirna and Ninna are patiently idling in the waiting room. Silently hoping that Sophia takes her sweet time at the fullest. Inside of a isolation room is Sophia sitting on a chair besides Isther's bed.

  Isther looks frail due to her age and her worsening condition but despite that, she gives a warm smile to welcome another child of hers.

  "I-It's been a while dear S-Sophia."

  "Yes Grandma."

  "S-Sorry if you need to see me in such condition. It must be painful for you." Isther frowns.

  "It's fine Grandma. What's important is you're fine." Sophia gives a pained smile.

  Isther looks on the ceiling with a distant view on her eyes.

  "Ninna must have been informed you of my illness Sophia. You already know the word "fine" is now out of my reach."

  "Please don't say such things Grandma. There must be a chance."

  But Sophia knows that there's not even a sliver of hope. Despite that, Sophia still lie to herself.

  "Sophia..."

  "I promise Grandma! I going to find a cure for your illness!" Sophia's false promise.

  Isther reach at Sophia's hand and grasp them. Isther gives a calm smile of defeat as she shake her head slowly.

  "Sophia... Please."

  Sophia went silent for a second and bite her lip out of frustration, clenching her fist.

  "B-But I still want to learn more from you Grandma."

  "I already teached you everything I know dear Sophia."

  "B-But I still want to s-stay on your side."

  "Don't be greedy dear Sophia. Anything must come to the end, including mine. Besides, you still have your family on your side.."

  "Family? You're my family g-grandma." Sophia looks down only for Isther to gently place her hand on her head. Caressing her.

  "So N-Ninna, the kids, your fellow sisters. And most importantly, your adventurer friends. I can tell that you care so much for them."

  Sophia look on Isther's weak eyes. She can clearly see the acceptance of defeat with her faded pupils. It finally wakes up Sophia and make her face the inevitable.

  Grandma Isther is on last thread of her life. The fact that she manage to find a way to talk with her is short of a miracle.

  "Y-yes." Sophia makes a bittersweet smile. She held Isther's hand and place her cheek on the old ladies palm.

  "So... Dear Sophia. Treasure the times we have together ok? You're still young and focusing yourself for an old lady like me is a such a waste. Live your life with no regrets."

  "I will grandma..." Sophia close her eyes. Drops of tears flow on her face.

  "I'm so happy that you became my child Sophia."

  "M-Me too. I'm so grateful that you treated me as your own child Grandma." Sophia barely even held her emotion.

  "Hehe. Come on. S-Stop being sad dear. How about you tell us some of your stories? It's been a while since I heared your voice so lets make this quiet room lively?" Isther smile.

  Sophia wipes her tears and smile.

  "Yes."

  Thus Sophia happily tells stories about her friends and their adventurers, all of her rants and complaints with her friends. Isther listens to all of them with true sincerity, even chuckling on some occassions. The conversation last for 2 hours. hours that truly spent on its last second.

  .

  .

  "Sophia..."

  "Y-yes Grandma?"

  "Call Ninna for me please."

  At first, Sophia is confused by she still honored the wish with a slight smile.

  "I will. Just wait for a moment Grandma."

  Sophia cheerfully leaves the room as Isther watch with a weak smile on her face. When the door closed, her smile slowly turned into a deadpan expression.

  .

  .

  .

  After some time. Sophia alongside Ninna enters the room again.

  "Grandma, I brought Ninna with me." Sophia said happily.

  But Sophia's expression slowly turn stern when she just see Isther looking at her with an emotionless expression. Like she's confused at what she's seeing.

  "Grandma?"

  .

  .

  "W-Who a-are y-you? W-who's gr-grandma?"

  Sophia's heart feels like got stabbed several times. Ninna meanwhile grasp Sophia's hand tightly as she prepares for the worst.

  "G-Grandma. It's me... Sophia."

  Isther's mood instead turned sour and she struggling lifted her arm and face her palm towards Sophia and Ninna.

  "L-LEAVE ME A-ALONE! V-VIELARITAS!!!"

  Mana accumulates on Isther's palm. So much and out-of-control that it will become devastating once released.

  Ninna pulls Sophia away and they leave the room where they seal the door shut. Seeing that the "threats" are no more. Isther instinctively cancels her magic and disperse the mana which the magical stone walls absorbed and safely scattered to the ground. After that, she resumed on her silent and motionless posture as if she already forgotten what just happened.

  Outside of the room are Sophia and Ninna. After catching their breath and thoughts, the two comes back on their senses.

  "S-Sister Sophia. I think it's finally over now. There's nothing we can do." Ninna's sad words.

  "I-Is t-that what you d-dealing with N-Ninna?" Sophia's words are ragged and breaking.

  "Yes Sister."

  Tears dropped on the stone floor.

  "I-It h-hurts so much." Sophia's pained and sorrowed expression as she can't hold he emotions anymore.

  Sophia finally breaks and falls on her knees. Ninna offers comfort by letting herself to get hugged by Sophia which she did tightly.

  Sophia cry her hearts out, Ninna sympathize with her dear sister who just saw her beloved grandmother falls back on her terrible state. The two share the painful moment while Shirna watch from a distance with a sad expression on his face.

  "Sophia..." Shirna's only word.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  Shirna and Sophia now walking on the market of Nattunia in silence. The two watching the scenery around them.

  "Are you fine now Sophia?" Shirna is really concerned on Sophia's well-being after seeing her state earlier.

  Sophia sigh but it doesn't sound pained nor worried. More like a sigh of calmness.

  "Yes Shirna. I'm fine, thanks for worrying about me." Sophia smile.

  "You sure?"

  Sophia looks on the sky with a solemn expression on her face.

  "I might be very inapproriate but. I feel relief after talking with grandma."

  "Perhaps because you got your closure. It's a bitter-sweet but it's still a conclusion nontheless." Shirna pats Sophia's back.

  "I guess that's a good way to view it. That moment feels eternal when I'm talking with grandma. And I managed to speak all of my thoughts while she listen on my rants. Grandma Isther is really the best."

  Shirna nods as he feel the bond between Sophia and her adoptive grandmother.

  Sophia makes a melancholic smile.

  "It's still hurts a but... I have no more regrets now."

  "That's the spirit." -Shirna.

  The two continues their stroll in a mixed mood.

  "Hey Sophia. Now that the return of Mateo and Claustrine are delayed. What we should do for a moment?"

  Sophia ponders for a while before reaching an idea.

  "How about we have some grub first? My treat."

  "Good idea. I kinda became hungry waiting for you there. And my friend drains my funds back home." Shirna scratches the back of his head in embarassment. Sophia chuckle.

  "Hehe. Sorry about that Shirna. Lets go and make me repay you. What do you want?" Sophia's cheerful offer.

  "Anything is fine."

  "You say that. But I can tell you really miss Earth food." Sophia gives a cheeky smile.

  "You're the one to talk when you eat so much food back there." Shirna smirks.

  Then the two laugh before finally settling down into a pastry shop, and then a restaurant for dinner.

  Sophia is cheerful with Shirna. She really feel what Isther means as not only Ninna lend her a shoulder to lean to. Her friend Shirna is on her side and making her pain fade away as they enjoy a happy night together.

  ~~~~~~°~~~~~~

  After 2 days. Grand Ecstasy, Wanderer and Helyna finally returns to Nattunia kingdom and the first thing they do is to heed the call of the council if Kingdoms and its allies.

  In the courtroom, a single piece of Vivvilus Fruit is enough to convince everyone that their stories are infact, real.

  Then the case of Ameron Party is brought up by Helyna as she tell her stories. With the backing of Grand Ecstasy and Wanderer and also a little help of Helyna's reputation as the Headhuntress. The council consisting of Adventurers guild, Representatives from Three Kingdoms and the church are convinced yet conflicted as the perpetrators are significant people from a far-away country not fully allied with the Trifecta.

  The session only last for an hour as the council now wants to discuss about the posibility of expeditition which they decide to put on future dates. Thus dismissing everyone.

  .

  .

  .

  In the great plaza of Nattunia.

  "It seems this is where we part ways again Mateo." Graham's confident words.

  "Yeah. Thanks for assisting us."

  "Ha. That's nothing. Besides, we both have a very amazing experience." Graham gives a proud smile.

  "And we manage to name new monsters on our own. Although, they all look weird but still. That was fun~" Monica's cheerful words.

  "But I can say. Your choice of names are quiet unique. Like, what's "Laffy" supposed to mean?" Boltz's confused question.

  "That's a secret." Mateo chuckle.

  "Hey don't forget to bring us those food again. Promiseee~" Monica said with pleading eyes.

  "Promise." Claustrine's reassurance.

  The two party finally seperate ways. As they watch Wanderer lost on their sight. They got greeted by a famililar voice.

  "It's been a long time Mateo, Claustrine."

  The two looks back and see Gilmore giving them a cool smile.

  "Gilmore!" Mateo's excited greeting.

  "You also attended the session?" Claustrine asked.

  "Yes. It quiet mandatory for me."

  "Ag right. You're a Hero class now and also a chief knight of Nattumia." Claustrine's remembrance.

  "Why you personally meet us Sir Gilmore? It seems that you specifically looking for us?" Mateo asked.

  "Because I want to learn about something from you." Gilmore turns serious.

  "About what?" Mateo asked curiosly.

  "The White Queen."

  .

  .

  "You're confident on that assessment?" Gilmore's question as he was on complete disbelief on what Mateo just told to him.

  "Yes. The White Queen's presence and style is truly have resemblance to Hero Glidel for some reason. Besides... That power."

  Gilmore pats Mateo's shoulder.

  "Thank you for telling this to me Mateo. It means a lot to me."

  "I just think that you should known about this first that's why we're planning to visit your estate, but it seems no need for that. So what's your next move about this Sir Gilmore?"

  "It's obvious. I'm going to join the expedition. If you excuse me Mateo, I have to go now."

  Gilmore now walks away with grace but stops for a while.

  "Also, congratulations on your discovery." Gilmore then continues his leave.

  "Sir Gilmore is really serious about Hero Glidel." Claustrine's opinion.

  "We can't blame him. Its about his lineage afterall." Mateo answers.

  The two then now walk towards Helyna who just timidly sitting in one of the wooden bench.

  "Why you didn't say something?" Mateo smile.

  "I don't want to interfere with you guys." Helyna shyly answers.

  "Geez Helyna." Claustrine scratches his temple.

  "So Helyna. What do you want to do next?" Mateo asked. Helyna just look on the ground.

  "To be honest. I don't know."

  The answer makes Mateo and Claustrine look at each other and ponder. Then Mateo have an idea.

  "How about visit your sister back in Zelestre? That might help you."

  Helyna looks on at Mateo and see the sincerity on his eyes.

  "Misha..." -Helyna

  "There you are!"

  The three are interrupted by Shirna and Sophia's scream who running towards them.

  "We finally found you. Why you two didn't return to the guild?" Sophia's annoyed question.

  "Hehe sorry Sophia." Mateo's apology.

  "Whatever. Lets go and pick up Beltrand. Geez! I'm so jealous of him! Eating those delicious food" Sophia is irritated on the thought of Beltrand having an extended stay on Earth.

  Sophia notices Helyna looking at her with bewilderment.

  "H-Hi Miss Sophia."

  "Huh? Hi Helyna."

  Sophia looks at Mateo with a questioning eyes. Waiting for Mateo to answer. Mateo just sigh.

  "It's a long story."