As the first soft rays of dawn slipped through the frosted windows of the inn within the Stellar Empire, Aiko let out a low, miserable groan, tugging the heavy blanket securely over her head. “Ugh… Just five more minutes,” she pleaded weakly, her voice muffled beneath layers of warm fabric. The residual ache behind her eyes was a punishing reminder of her ambitious attempts at outdrinking half the empire the night before. Standing patiently beside her bed, Yoshinori sighed and crossed his arms, his usual stoicism giving way slightly to an exasperated, yet affectionate expression. “Aiko, we don’t have time for this,” Yoshinori coaxed gently, reaching down to lightly tug at the edge of her blanket. “We need to start moving soon.” “Nooo,” Aiko whined stubbornly, gripping the blankets tighter as though her life depended on them. “Who invented mornings, anyway? It’s a terrible idea.” Yoshinori’s lips twitched into a faint smile despite himself. “Maybe next time you’ll reconsider challenging an entire kingdom to a drinking contest.” With an exaggerated sigh of defeat, Aiko relented, dragging herself reluctantly out of bed. Her normally lively eyes were heavy-lidded, her hair a spectacular mess, and she seemed utterly miserable as she rubbed her forehead. “I swear,” she muttered, taking the canteen Yoshinori handed her and sipping slowly, grimacing at the brightness seeping into the room, “next time, I’ll just watch.” “Somehow, I doubt that,” Yoshinori replied, his eyes softening with amusement as he turned toward the door. “Come on, everyone’s already waiting.” The Strongest Guild soon gathered at the gates, each adjusting packs and gear, preparing themselves for the return journey ahead. Rayne stood vigilant, his gaze sharp and assessing as he watched Malachi approach them, the towering warrior’s mere presence enough to capture everyone’s attention. “Mind if I accompany you on your journey back home?” Malachi asked calmly, his deep voice resonating warmly despite the clear determination behind it. Rayne hesitated, clearly conflicted as he met Malachi’s eyes. “I appreciate the offer, truly, but I know your past, Malachi. You’re formidable, but your presence has a way of inviting… complications. Perhaps it’s best you stay here.” Malachi chuckled heartily, entirely unfazed by Rayne’s concern. “I appreciate your caution, my friend, but I simply can’t let you lot have all the fun without me.” Rayne sighed deeply, his shoulders sinking in resigned acceptance. “You’re not taking no for an answer, are you?” “Not a chance,” Malachi grinned broadly, patting Rayne reassuringly on the shoulder. As they crossed into the shadowy boundary of the Shadow Realm, Ryuji joked loudly to ease the tension, “Hey, this place should be a cakewalk with an SSS rank like Malachi with us, right?” Malachi let out a booming laugh that echoed across the desolate landscape. “SSS Rank? My dear boy, you underestimate me.” Tetsuo blinked, bewildered. “Underestimate? Wait… there’s no way you’re not at least SSS rank.” Malachi chuckled deeply, shaking his head. “I’m afraid you’re wrong there. I happen to be one of the Eight EX-Ranks.” A collective gasp rippled through the group. Yoshinori and Itsuki exchanged astonished looks. Rayne, noting the confusion, quickly explained, “The EX-Rank is a special category beyond even the SSS-Rank. These warriors represent the absolute pinnacle of strength, beings whose power defies normal measurement.” Ryuji, eyes wide with awe, immediately asked, “Who’s the strongest EX Rank, then? Is it you, Malachi?” Malachi threw back his head and laughed again. “Certainly not me. In fact, the only reason I hold this rank is because of certain… infamous deeds from my younger days. Truth be told, among the other seven EX-Ranks, I would undoubtedly lose.” Tetsuo’s eyes sparkled eagerly. “Whoa! Then just how strong are these guys?” “Stronger than you’d ever hope to be,” Yoshinori teased, nudging Tetsuo playfully. “So don’t get too excited.” Ryuji shook his head dismissively. “Forget about ranks. I want to talk about something more important.” He shot Yoshinori a guilty look. “Look, I told you already, it wasn’t my fault! I was drunk, and besides, I was just appreciating the natural beauty around me!” “You call peeping at the bathhouse appreciating beauty?” Yoshinori replied with dry skepticism. “You nearly got us kicked out of the entire kingdom.” Tetsuo burst out laughing, nearly doubling over. “He almost got arrested for harassment!” Ryuji grumbled defensively, crossing his arms. “It’s called being a man of culture, alright? Respect it.” The group laughed, even Rayne cracked a smile, the tension easing considerably. Malachi watched them fondly, turning his attention to Itsuki, who quietly walked alongside him, her petite stature dwarfed by his enormous frame. He smiled gently. “You know, young Shunjiro is truly lucky to have such devoted companions.” Itsuki smiled softly, a warm blush coloring her cheeks. “I can’t wait to see him again,” she admitted shyly. Malachi chuckled knowingly. “I’m sure he feels the same way.” Meanwhile, back within the fortified Kingdom of Radiance, the sky was painted brilliant shades of orange and crimson as the sun began to set. Within the ornate throne room, Shunjiro, along with the Crimson Lotus guild and Hiroto, stood alert, their conversations halted abruptly as a dazzling flash of light streaked across the darkening horizon. “What the hell was that?” Satoshi blurted, his cocky demeanor momentarily shaken as he stared out through the stained-glass windows. King Shadis immediately rose from his throne, his usually calm visage marred by concern. “Hiroto, investigate at once!” “Understood,” Hiroto responded sharply, wasting no time as he swiftly shattered through the stained glass, leaping toward the gates with incredible urgency. Shunjiro immediately stepped forward, urgency evident in his expression. “I’m going too!” “No, Shunjiro,” Shadis commanded firmly. “We don’t yet know what we’re dealing with. Wait here until Hiroto and the rest of the Gilded Blades can assess the threat.” Frustration flickered across Shunjiro’s face, but he obeyed, fists clenched with anxiety and anticipation. On the other side of the kingdom, Kaito, who had been assisting civilians, saw the same flash and instantly tensed. “I have to go,” he stated abruptly, leaving before anyone could protest. A blur of motion, Kaito activated his superspeed, dashing straight up onto the kingdom walls. Defying gravity itself, he streaked along the vertical surface, his eyes locked intently on the distant, smoking crater where the strange figure had fallen. Throughout Radiance, the strongest warriors paused, sensing the immense spiritual energy that now pulsed through the air, a silent challenge and a threat. In the throne room, Shunjiro paced restlessly, his eyes locked on the shattered window through which Hiroto had vanished. Emi approached gently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “We have to trust them,” she murmured softly, even as worry clouded her eyes. “Whoever it is, the Gilded Blades will handle it.” Shunjiro nodded slowly, though the burning urge to join the fray still ate away at him. He had a sinking feeling that whatever awaited them at the kingdom gates would be far more dangerous than anything they had faced so far. Outside, amid the settling dust and rising smoke, a lone figure slowly rose from the impact crater, eyes blazing with a power that made even the air around it tremble. Who had arrived at the Kingdom of Radiance, and what intentions did they bring with them?