Zai opened her eyes and sit up. She glanced at her left arm that is already covered in bandages. She's pretty sure that none amongst those five treated her wound because they have no knowledge when it comes to treating a wounded person.

She also noticed that the dress that she's wearing didn't change. She really did prefer if no one didn't bother to change her clothes. Whenever she change clothes, she make sure that no one sees her and it seems that the other noticed that. They've been traveling together for days after all. So they let her sleep in a blood stained dress to respect that.

She stood up, ignoring the pain on her left arm. She changed clothes and grabbed her sword. Putting it on her waist. She opened the door of the room and went to the inn's eatery where they are mostly likely to be at this hour.

Nakita naman niya ang mga ito sa lamesa na pinagkainan nila noong nakaraan. Even though it's still morning, they're eating like there's a feast that happened. Noong nakita siya ng mga ito, binati siya ng mga ito. She just nodded and headed straight to the counter where Ero is, cleaning some glasses with a clean fabric.

Zai sat down on the stool and put her arms on the counter. Looking at the beverages displayed behind Ero. The eatery seemed more like a bar because of the alcohols displayed behind the counter. Most of the customers do come here for some booze instead of checking in and eating though.

Hindi siya tiningnan ni Ero at nagpatuloy lamang sa pagpupunas ng baso, "Drinking is prohibited in the morning. Especially for a minor like yourself." simpleng saad nito.

"18 doesn't fall on the minor category."

"Hm? When was your birthday?"

"Last month."

"Still no alcohols though. Here have some milk." saad nito at naglagay ng baso sa harapan ng dalaga. Zai just stared at the cup as it is being filled by milk.

Zai held the cup and bring it to her lips, "You're the one who treated me right? Do I need to thank you?"

"No need. Pahawak na lang ako ng katana." Zai grabbed her sword and pulled it from her waist then put it on top of the counter as she drink the milk.

Ero held the sheath and the sword's hilt then pulled them apart. He stared at the sword's blade, "Hm.. it's been so long since I saw a katana. It feels nostalgic." he squinted his eyes at the blade, "Quit feeding it with your blood. It'll only get darker."

Zai put the cup down on the counter, "A sword gotta be loyal no matter what or it's just a useless piece of junk."

"Still, using your blood as a contract.. The sword is getting quite demonic."

Zai chuckled, "That's fine. Holy doesn't fit me at all." she leaned and grabbed the bottle of milk and drank straight from it but Ero didn't pay attention and just held the sword firmly.

He stared at the sword. He could really feel how strong the sword is resenting him. It's heavy and it's giving him electrifying sensation. It's like a weapon with a will of its own. Only the vessel of the blood it's feeding on can hold it.

"More importantly," Zai put the bottle down on the counter, creating a little 'thump'. "You're a Japanese, right? How did you wander here?"

Ibinalik ni Ero ang espada sa lalagyanan nito at inilapag sa counter, "Aksidente lang ang nangyare."

Tumango naman si Zai na tila ba naintindihan na niya ang nais nitong sabihin. "Do you want to go back?"

"No. I can't leave my wife and my daughter and I also have a better life here than before."

Zai held her sword and put it back on her waist, "Your wife and daughter, they're no longer here, right? Why bother?"

"I don't even know how you came up with that idea."

"It's just a hunch and it seems I'm right." Zai said and stared at Ero's eyes. "Sickness?"

"Killed."

"By whom?"

"By me."

Zai didn't say anything after that. Ero just walked away without another word. Zai shrugged her shoulders and just continued drinking the milk that Ero didn't bother to charge her for.

Her eyes sharpen when she heard some noises at her back. Like they suddenly stood up from their seats and she even heard the sound of blades clashing. She sighed and finished the drink. She put it down and faced her back. There was a sword in front of her, it would surely hit her if it weren't for Rui's strings.

"It's been almost three months since we last seen each other. I love your greeting." Zai smirked as she stare at her three guests. Nicolov is being hold off by Asta, Serene is blocked by Trois and Caliver is being hold off by Sinbad. Shane seemed like he was pushed to the side for him not to be involved in the sudden attack.

Caliver's jaw clenched. He's putting all his weight on his sword but Sinbad wouldn't even flinch. He's just staring down at him with his stoic expression. Just like what you'd expect from a general.

Asta smiled at Nicolov as she continue holding off his blade, "Now, now. You kids are so rude to interrupt our breakfast." Nicolov squinted his eyes. He's pretty sure that he have seen the woman before, at the academy's festival. But more importantly, she must be really strong to block his heavy swing.

Trois stared directly at Serene's eyes, "Zai doesn't really want some guests right now."

But Serene just showed her signature innocent smile, "Oh, is that so? But we're not here as guests, Trois."

Before they could even make another move, Zai spoke. "Stop. Do it outside." she said as she glance at the staffs that was startled by the sudden attack. In an instant, six of them disappeared. Leaving only her, Rui and Shane.

Shane stood up, "Sino ba 'yung mga 'yon?! Sayang pagkain oh!" saad nito noong makitang may ilang mga pinggan na puno pa ng pagkain ang natapon sa sahig.

Zai stood from her seat and began to walk outside, "They're the captains of the academy I came from."

Shane's eyes widen, "You mean that academy?! That prestigious school?! Then why are they after you?! Aren't you a student from that school too? I mean I know that you're a criminal now but still!"

"They must've received orders to capture me. It's definitely Shaera's."

"What? Why are they obeying the same person who--"

Rui sighed, "Shane, obviously they don't have a choice."

Zai walked pass them, "Stay here and clean the mess. Make sure you properly apologize to the staffs." she walked out of the door and saw them already clashing. The people immediately fled from the scene. The three captains jumped away to create some distance. Zai spoke, "Where's Wein?"

"He's not here. We need someone to watch over the academy." Caliver answered. Caliver glared at her, "I'm truly disappointed, Zai. Betraying the country and now doing things you like, you're bringing shame to the country's name and General Yan!"

Caliver attacked her in an unbelievable speed but Trois was fast enough to arrive in front of Zai and block it. Caliver gritted his teeth as Zai just stare at him, "We have no intentions of fighting you, Caliver. As you can see, I'm not in the right condition. I can barely move my arm."

"That doesn't matter. If we won't bring you back, many lives will perish. So come with us in peace and just give Shaera what she wants for now. We'll come up with a plan to defeat her---"

"I refuse." Zai's gaze was sharp and intimidating but Caliver didn't yield. "You're losing your composure, Captain Caliver."

Anger is now visible on Caliver's face, "How can I keep my composure in this situation, Zai?! My country is being controlled by a god! The citizens' lives are in danger with just a flick of her finger! The king and the headmaster are in their hands! And we have these devices attached on our wrist for them to detect us! Tell me how can I keep my composure, Zaivrin Haines! You're coming with us no matter what!"

Zai squinted her eyes at him, "Don't let me wield my sword at you, Caliver."

"Don't worry. You won't even put a scratch on me. Don't underestimate me just because you won the last time."