*Starting Scene*

In what appears to be a small, peaceful village, where many average people roam within its simplistic scenery most villages tend to have, nothing bad would be suspected from such a carefree atmosphere. This would commonly remain true in the opinion of the villagers, however, with the one exception in the form of a single, mischievous teenage boy. It was a pleasant day for everyone, having been mid-day and each were focus on their own personal business, until an abrupt, angry, masculine yell resounds from a random, decently-sized, convenient store. "Again, Sano!" 

An array of thrashing sounds are quickly heard from inside the store as if a battle was going on. Soon after, the front entrance's doors harshly swing open while a slim, black-haired, tanned male jumps out with a giant, straw basket full of food strapped to his back that's nearly twice his size, which is quite a lot considering he's about 5'9" in height, and happily laughs whilst airborne. Once he landed his bare feet upon the ground without even losing a step, the young individual dashes to the left while swiftly bypassing numerous people, who are in shock due to his over-the-top exit of the convenient store. 

Shortly after, a scrawny, balding, elderly, white man situates himself in front of his store and shouts at the boy while wielding a wooden baseball bat. "I swear to God, I'm gonna' get you one day, Sano! Then, you'll pay for all the food you've stolen from me and every other place you hit!"

Sano, with his naturally flowing, smooth, medium-sized, spiky hair fluttering from his rapid movement just like his grey, unbuttoned, short-sleeved, jean jacket, gazes behind himself via his golden/brown eyes. Additionally, he has matching shorts of the same material on and a dark orange tank-top underneath his jacket while tightly holding onto a pair of thick, worn out ropes as each are around his shoulders to permit him carrying the straw basket. Not only that, Sano possesses horizontally tied to his lower back, thanks to a grey-colored lace encompassing his waist, a dark orange staff that's approximately three inches shorter than the golden-eyed person, although its girth is a bit denser in comparison to Ilya's staff. Immediately after, the lad confidently responds to the elderly man's words, mixing in a taunting tone. "Good luck! You'll seriously need it, old-timer!" Sano laughs before returning his attention to where he's headed as a delighted grin surfaces.

Following that, Sano makes a sharp right turn to take a narrow alley where many of the villagers watch in awe at the teenager's impressive speed mobility since he manages not to run into anyone in his way via effortless side-steps. In the middle of doing this, some residential members give Sano a dirty look, however, doesn't really care about that as he eventually exits the village and goes into an immense forest surrounding it without hesitation. Even though, the forest has a somewhat intimidating feel, compliments of there being a huge lack of wildlife present in addition to many torn trees. This really wouldn't be something to be bothered by much if they were like that because of natural causes, but are not from the sight of the intense scarring on their trunks and large branches having apparently been hacked off.

Having done that, Sano finds himself deep within the forest while a small, brown tent is established near a fifteen-meter-around, spacious, grassy area, which the gentleman likes to call his home. Ultimately, the boy starts up a nicely-sized fire in front of the tent so he can cook some food, gigantic pieces of meat in specific, via a large timber Sano uses to rotate the meal for thorough preparation. Once the food is ready, Sano grabs a couple of chunks of meat by the thick bone sticking out from the bottom with his bare hands, demonstrating no real discomfort from the heated food. He quickly begins to eat in an almost primal manner, as if he hadn't consumed a meal in ages, after sitting onto the ground towards the fire's left with both legs crossed together. Several seconds later, the golden-eyed person glances onward multiple times, exhibiting a casual composition, and asks amidst chewing his food, "You want some, Axis?"

The man referred by the name Axis walks out from behind one of the many trees located in front of Sano, a sly grin deployed. "Ah, come on! What was it this time that gave me away?! I made sure not to make any noise!"

Sano passively stares at Axis, a barely tanned fellow in his mid 20s with blue eyes, stands 5'11", has short, black hair spiked all around that covers his forehead and notable strong features thanks to his black, sleeveless shirt as it contains a silver, metallic collar. Plus, Axis wears a pair of sweat pants, converse-styled shoes of the same color as his shirt and grey, biker-like gloves with the back of his hands' skin showing. Maintaining his focus on Axis for a bit, the jacketed character veers his gaze away to rest it on his food once more and keeps on eating.

Feeling a tad offended, Axis gawks at Sano as he cocks his left eyebrow. "You seriously ignoring me, Sano?! After everything I've done for you!"

Sano abruptly halts his eating while portraying a bland expression and thinks, "Is he stupid? I don't remember him ever doing anything for me." He then replies without diverting his attention from the meat in his hands, wielding a monotone voice while his mouth's full. "You stink. That's why I knew you were here. Happy?"

Axis tilts his head eastward, displaying some confusion. "I stink...?" He promptly smells himself by whiffing his left armpit after lifting the corresponding limb as the blue-eyed man contemplates if he does indeed possess a bad odor until attaining a feeling of stupidity ache at him. Afterwards, Axis drops his arm and hastily snaps his concentration back to Sano with an annoyed demeanor radiating. "Wait! You aren't some kinda' dog, so why the heck did I believe you?!"

Sano hysterically laughs with his eyes closed upon falling over and rolls around atop the grass, maintaining his grip on the meat as the orange staff attached to his back doesn't interrupt the teen's movements since he had enough mind to position it vertically beforehand. "Maybe 'cause you're THAT gullible!" The teen keeps laughing a bit more while angling himself onto his left side to settle his gaze upon Axis. "Dude, you really should get your brain checked!"

Axis suddenly appears inches from Sano's anterior with his right leg pulled rearward as he's ready to launch a soccer kick at the lad's face. "Try saying that to my face!" The black-clothed man swings his foot at Sano and is a second away from contact, however, misses due to the abrupt disappearance of the fellow. This doesn't really surprise Axis though, shifting his vision westward after putting his right foot down to lock eyes with Sano, standing next to the gloved guy while contentedly grinning.

Because of that, a smirk surfaces on Axis while briefly applauding Sano via both hands raised to his chest. "Not too bad." He lowers his hands to opposite sectors of his person. "You've been training, I see. At this rate, you'll be stronger than me in, perhaps, ten years. Probably by then, everyone from our clan will come to accept you."

Sano scoffs with his eyes deviated eastward, elevates his left hand to take a big bite of the meat held in it and responds amidst chewing. "Like I really care if they accept me." The tanned boy reverts his focus to Axis while demonstrating confidence. "And seriously? Ten years? I'll admit, you're pretty strong... But for someone who isn't originally born into the Son Goku Clan, you oughta rethink your boasting a little, especially to me." Sano chuckles.

Axis folds his arms together as skepticism forms. "Should I now? Then, you'd be pleased to know that it's almost time for the selection of the new heir."

Mild bewilderment overcomes Sano's attitude while planting both hands on his waist. "For real?!" The individual peers at the fairly-clouded sky above. "I've lost track of time, big time! Man, it's already been five years!" A simplistic conduct arises. "That means I'm 18 now." He chuckles.

Axis somberly nods. "Yeah. It's been five years... Since the death of the Son Goku Clan's leader... Since your father's death, Sano."

Sano avoids making eye contact with Axis, letting the statement sink in amidst losing any emotion that may have been emitted previously, and thinks, "That's true... And with dad dying, came the loneliest time I've had to deal with..." The male gingerly sighs prior to setting his sights onto Axis and smiles. "Enough about that. So, is that why you've graced me with your presence, Axis?"

Axis answers with his personality faintly changing to show seriousness. "No, I'm here to discuss a couple of stressing matters with you. One including why I told you about the selection... And the other concerning a recent incident."

Sano raises his left eyebrow. "It better have nothing to do with me jacking food from the village! A guy has to eat, you know!"

Axis glares at Sano as he restrains himself from yelling, however, can't help speaking loudly. "How about you try eating what's in this forest?! You know: berries, apples, anything edible at all!"

Sano gestures both hands forward a bit with an exasperated look summoned. "I meant MEAT!" He swings both arms to opposite sides of his constitution as they're stretched outward. "You can't get the same deliciousness and power-up from those things you mentioned that you're guaranteed with meat!"

Axis takes a step towards Sano, wholeheartedly shouting, "Those things are called fruits and vegetables! And they may not taste like meat, but they ARE good for you! A person needs them to live a healthy life!"

Sano lowers his arms after narrowing his eyes in a scrutinizing manner. "Then tell me why I've never ate any of it and I'm practically the healthiest dude in the world!"

Axis retorts, both anger and frustration currently displayed. "How are you healthy?!" The black-haired man swiftly points his right hand at Sano's bare feet, which are quite scuffed-up and dirty. "You aren't even wearing shoes!"

Sano gives Axis a plain gaze while rebutting bluntly. "I don't like shoes. They're uncomfortable." The teen then brings up his right foot to demonstrate to Axis, having it an inch away from the glove-wearing man's face. "Anyway, check how tough my feet are. Ignoring the minor scars, a razor-sharp sword going at a hundred miles an hour wouldn't be able to leave a mark on it. So, suck on that."

Axis hurriedly smacks Sano's foot away via his right hand due its close proximity. "That's disgusting!" He scoffs, putting his limb down with sarcasm invoked. "And you call yourself the HEALTHIEST?! Yeah, right!"

Sano has his right foot resting upon the grass as he nonchalantly replies. "I didn't mean clean, genius. I'm the healthiest 'cause my body's in the best physical condition in comparison to anybody else."

Skepticism adds onto Axis' demeanor, leaning towards Sano with both hands planted on his waist. "Positive about that? I beg to differ you're healthier than me." The blue-eyed character chuckles.

Sano arrogantly grins and gradually turns to his left without deviating his vision from Axis. "I'm 100% sure, but we could test that out if you want. Like my dad always said, actions speak louder than talking smack."

Axis tries to hold back a laugh. "That's a funny variation to that phrase."

Sano starts walking towards the fire while finishing the last of the food in his possession and is no longer focused on Axis. "Well, my dad was a funny man. You know that."

Axis navigates himself to face Sano's direction as he sharply nods. "True, which is one of the reasons why I'm so honored to be taking over for him."

Sano immediately stops after attempting to reach for another meat via his left hand and questions with minuscule amusement in his voice, "Can you say that again?" He veers his head westward to depict Axis out of the corner of his eyes while weakly smirking. "I wanna' be sure if I heard you right."

Axis firmly responds. "There's no need in me repeating myself. You heard me perfectly, Sano." The fellow slants his head westward a tad with curiosity appearing. "Are you mad? You had to be aware that you would have no chance in getting chosen, even though you ARE his son."

Sano retracts his left hand from the meat that's now overcooked since it remained atop the fire for too long while momentarily contemplating in his mind before calmly uttering, "It really isn't that." The golden-eyed gentleman confronts Axis with his left hand lowered next to him. "I'm just a little surprised they picked you, considering my comment about you not being born into the clan."

Axis removes his gaze from Sano. "You have a point, although I'm the best they have for the position. I already mastered the clan's main art known as Kung Fu. Something that takes many a couple of decades to truly grasp its full foundation, I did it in a little over half a decade. A feat even your father couldn't accomplish. The old man who'll make the final decision of the next heir, Lord Yosen, may have not said it will be me directly, but he heavily hinted it would."

Sano smiles as he strives not to laugh. "Oh... Well, in that case, congratulations." He tilts his head eastward with a carefree behavior deployed. "We done now?"

Suspicion plagues Axis, thinking, "Is he trying to act as if it doesn't bother him...? Or does he not care...?" The glove-wearing individual fixes his composure and establishes a stern demeanor amidst remarking, "No, because I haven't address the matters I wish to converse with you. First of all, I'm here to retrieve the Ruyi Jingu Bang." He points his right index finger at Sano's orange staff, continually strapped against the teenager's back. "It is the property of the next heir, so hand it over." Axis opens his right hand to show that he wants Sano to follow his order.

Sano straightens his head and cheerfully grins with his eyes shut. "Why don't you go jump off a ledge?"

Axis' eyes narrow out of discontent. "San-"

Sano interrupts Axis after instilling a fierce glare while speaking with vague emotion. "We went over this already, Axis. My dad gave me Ruyi 'cause I'm the rightful owner. No one else."

Axis' right eye twitches as he keeps his agitation at bay. "That isn't something your father can decide on his own anymore. Not just that, even if he lived, the clan would have forever rejected the idea."

Sano coldly rebuttals. "I don't care. Ruyi isn't going anywhere without me holding it and that'll be the end of it."

Axis slowly advances towards Sano before detaching both hands from his waist to have them hanging and then reaches the jacketed lad, intensity resonating. "Think it over, Sano. I'm actually asking you nicely to give me Ruyi Jingu Bang. There is the alternative, which you know very well."

Sano remains quiet while staring into Axis' eyes.

Axis chuckles menacingly. "That ironically brings up the second issue I wanted to discuss with you." His knuckles suddenly crack from the quick movement of the guy's fingers. "First, let me ask you, did you happen to run across a man about a month ago? He was near death, wore a white attire, like a cloak, and was a Spellcaster. We aren't sure from where he originates though. We're confident he's no longer living, but it does trouble us that his body can't be found."

Curiosity overruns Sano. "And when you say WE...?"

Axis mischievously answers. "Myself and all of those in the Son Goku Clan, of course. You understand how we and the villagers feel about Spellcasters. Yet, it doesn't compare to their outlook of you."

Sano grits his teeth with anger dwelling inside him as he faintly drops his head, maintaining his attention on Axis.

*Scene Change*

A week had passed since the conflict in Linesville with the newly formed quartet journeying through Castelo in the continual effort of reaching Velkry. This transpired after Trace made a quick stop back at the clinic, so the nurses could heal his wounds while even repairing his worn down and damaged attire. In addition, by good luck, Dante and the others were able to find a means of transportation via a duo horse-driven carriage commandeered by a nice, small-stature, tanned, elderly lady named Janet. She's wearing country-styled clothing while having long, light grey hair.

The four characters had coincidentally met the female exiting the clinic at the same time as Trace, and although it isn't exactly the method they were searching for due to the lack of speed, they're quite pleased to have anything at all. In conclusion, the minuscule group greatly appreciate the kind assistance and are currently traveling within the country called Bosque, named after its immense, forest terrain. Soon enough, they reach a peaceful-looking village named Wukong Village, following a long trail into that part of Bosque while happening to be one of the only pathways existing in this country, and get off the carriage via the half oval-shaped opening in the back. 

Afterwards, Janet waves at the quartet via her right hand while displaying a gleeful personality as both eyes are shut. "This is where we part ways, young'uns!" She lowers her elevated limb before viewing them. "I wish you well."

Dante contentedly nods amidst confronting Janet. "Thank you! I hope we meet again someday!"

Janet gently nods her head back at Dante prior to turning her vision onward, and with the use of the reigns, commands the two horses in front of the carriage to return into the long trail as she joyously yells, "Fare-the-well!"

Ilya, Yuki and Trace say their goodbyes to Janet with Dante silently watching on as he's stationed in the middle of the group until an uneasy expression overtakes the blonde. Right after, the white-haired teenager faces the others while patting her belly via her left hand. "Let's go find ourselves a place to stay and eat something. We haven't gotten a chance to eat a full meal the entire time we were in that carriage. Just whatever Janet had to give out. I'm famished."

Yuki and Trace, both at the other side of Dante as the purple-haired individual has found himself somehow in charge of carrying the white backpack that's presently mounted on his back, nod towards Ilya while declaring together with hunger equally demonstrated, "Sounds good!"

Then, Dante peers behind himself, considering that's the direction where the main road leading into the village resides without acknowledging Ilya's statement. He promptly takes into account several discriminating gazes aimed at them from multiple concession stands placed upon opposing sectors of the main street extending through Wukong Village and swiftly gains the knowledge of why they're doing that thanks to hearing some of their thoughts. Because of that, Dante hastily alters his focus to his companions precisely when they steered themselves towards the village. This is followed by the lad abruptly putting on his Sealing Glove that he pulled out from his back pocket to tap each of his comrades upon a different area of their being in a split second as a minor seal is forged.

That baffles all three while hurriedly gawking at the seal Dante implemented until it fades out of view. After that, Ilya, who's situated to Dante's right, snaps her head to the fellow while substantially upset. "What's that about Dante?!"

Dante sharply veers himself towards Wukong Village, fronting a delighted attitude, and responds to Ilya as she's currently towards his left. "Sorry, but I had to act quick. The people here aren't too fond of Spellcasters."

Mild anger suddenly takes shape on Trace prior to drawing closer towards Dante from his right after standing next to Yuki for a bit with both hands gripping the white backpack's straps. "Hold up! Don't tell me you sealed away our magic just now with that! What for?!"

Dante smiles at Trace without moving his head as he removes his Sealing Glove and puts it back into his rear pocket. "Let me show you." He then dashes forward to advance towards a concession stand on the street's right section with a variety of foods that's run by a middle-aged, Caucasian woman and happily greets her. "Hello, there!"

The woman retracts her head out of being startled by Dante's casual behavior. "Uh... Hello."

Dante scans the food product before him. "Looks like you have some pretty tasty stuff." The person resets his sights onto the female amidst pointing at the red apples mounted on the shelves behind her via his right hand. "What are the prices of those over there?"

The woman gives Dante a serious stare while clearing her throat. "First, I have to check something." She reaches underneath the counter separating her from Dante with her right hand, pulls out a small, black compass and aims it at the young man while keeping the object in the palm of her limb.

Dante simply witnesses the lady's actions with a carefree demeanor, containing his right hand down, as Ilya, Yuki and Trace steadily make their way towards the concession stand.

Eventually, the woman examines the compass without receding from Dante and registers that the red needle isn't pointed at him, causing her to nod in acceptance. Having done that, she directs the compass towards the others, receives the same result while grinning prior to putting away the compass and shifts her attention onto Dante. "Alright, then. Everything checks out." The woman navigates herself westward to focus upon the food product Dante inquired about and extends her left arm towards them. "That over there is on sale right now. Just buy three for $2 or seven for $4." She returns her concentration to Dante with her arm lowered, wholeheartedly announcing, "It's a real bargain, if you ask me!"

Dante sheepishly smirks. "Very true." He gestures his right hand to show off four fingers. "Then, let's go for the $4 deal. They look delicious, after all." The gentleman drops his hoisted appendage and shuts his eyes.

The older character optimistically nods. "Coming right up!" She deviates from the quartet while grabbing a plastic bag nearby and rushes over to the apples.

As the woman does that, Dante glances at his companions with a nonchalant demeanor and softly questions, "You see?"

Yuki slants her head eastward in a worried manner while standing to Dante's right. "See what?"

Trace crosses his arms with seriousness brimming, poised behind Dante. "Yeah, I think I get why you did it now. That mind reading of yours sure does come in handy. We would've been in a lot of trouble if you hadn't done that." He diverts his gaze from the others, suddenly thinking in irritation while gritting his teeth, "And I don't remember stopping here before! Those damn Hawk Brothers were supposed to take me EVERYWHERE in Castelo! They planned on ripping me off, and because of that, I wasn't aware that entering this village would bring danger!"

Simultaneously, Yuki hurriedly administers her concentration to Trace, her head now straightened, with surprise emitted. "What?! We would have?!"

Trace calms himself from his momentary rage and rests his vision onto Yuki. "Yeah."

Ilya joins in from Dante's left, having her eyes on the blonde amidst sharply nodding with a smile portrayed. "Good thinking, Dante."

Yuki commandeers her attention to Ilya as she gets exasperated. "What the...?!" The blue-eyed beauty reverts her gaze to Dante. "What am I missing?! Can you please explain?!"

Dante issues Yuki a sympathetic expression. "Of course. It's understandable you don't know what happened, but let's wait until we find ourselves a motel to stay for the night, okay?"

Yuki shyly nods, grinning halfheartedly. "Okay."

The woman soon returns with the plastic bag of apples, handing them to Dante while promptly receiving payment. Following that, the group of four traverse through the village as Yuki couldn't help barely noticing many people pointing their own compass at them, which made the pink-haired girl feel very uncomfortable, until witnessing a relieved composition emanate from them not much later. Despite that whole thing provoking uncertainty, Yuki pushes it to the back of her mind since she's confident Dante will thoroughly explain per his promise. Gradually, they find themselves a small motel that doesn't seem to get much business, and with another examination from a black compass, are given two rooms to properly divide the sexes.

With that, Trace leaves the big, white backpack in his and Dante's room as they received some room service to satisfy any hunger they had. Following their meal, Dante takes it upon himself to gather everybody at the motel's lobby, comprised of several dark blue, single-person sofas that suit the wallpaper scheme inside as a decorative lamp is established atop every coffee table in the room, to discuss over the villagers' behavior. The wavy-haired fellow then commences eating one of the apples he bought, with Ilya's money, while sitting in one of the sofas. "Now, Yuki... You must be dying to know what's going on, huh?"

Yuki sits at a sofa right across from Dante, both legs united, as she eagerly nods. "Definitely!"

Trace and Ilya intently observe Dante as they're seated on opposite sides of Yuki.

Dante deeply inhales with his eyes temporarily closed until drawing his focus onto Yuki again. "So, I'll tell you. For starters, you get that was a compass, right?"

Yuki nods once more. "Yes, it's an invention created to help with traveling. It allows one to know which way is North, South, East and West."

Dante happily smiles. "Correct, however, those we saw aren't created for that."

Yuki's eyes widen a little with astonishment showing. "Really?!"

Dante tries to restrain himself from laughing thanks to Yuki's reaction amusing him. "Yup. They're actually a Magical Item called The Detector Compass. It's purpose is to determine whether someone's a Spellcaster or not. It does that through the red needle it has. If you're a Spellcaster, it'll point at you. If not, it won't move whatsoever and will remain away."

Curiosity arises from within Trace. "I'm amazed they have such an old relic though. Nobody really uses it for two simple facts."

Yuki locks eyes with Trace, who's towards her left, while maintaining her interest in the conversation. "And those are?"

Trace stoically answers after placing his left hand's knuckles beneath his chin as he utilizes his elbow for leverage. "One is that better versions have been crafted to permit people to check if you're a Spellcaster without anyone realizing it so plainly. Although, not many are aware of what they look like and some say their existence isn't even true."

Yuki nods in acknowledgement. "That kind of makes sense... And the second reason?"

Ilya interjects herself, leaning forth with her right leg crossed over the other that way no one can see up her dress, and has both arms perched on her lap. "Isn't it because they're easily confused for ordinary compasses and innocent individuals had lost their lives as a result?"

Trace changes his concentration to Ilya. "You hit the nail on the head. I heard the moment Spellcasters learned about the Detector Compass, they went on a rampage whenever they saw a compass and killed whoever was holding it in fear of being discovered or losing their life. After all, extreme actions are taken by numerous humans when involving Spellcasters."

Yuki covers her mouth via both hands, releasing a shocked gasp. Not long after, the blue-eyed teen puts her hands down to rest them upon her lap, stares at the floor and thinks, "Is that another reason people hate Spellcasters?"

Dante, listening to Yuki's thoughts, replies while having another bite of his apple. "Indeed, Yuki."

Yuki frantically lifts her attention Dante with sadness resonating. "But why?! They shouldn't judge every Spellcaster the same way! Not every one of us is bad! You know that!"

Dante veers his gaze from Yuki as a dull attitude surfaces.

Ilya scoffs amidst peering at Yuki. "Should you really have any right to say that? If I recall perfectly, you judged Dante for him being an Einsburn after ignoring all he did for you and King Trost."

Yuki instills her sight onto Ilya and is bewildered before retorting in a hesitant voice. "I-I know that and I-I was wrong! J-Just like t-they are!"

Ilya sincerely smirks while nodding with her back against the sofa. "I'm glad to hear you admit that."

Yuki blushes a tad as she becomes dumbfounded prior to puffing her cheeks and snapping her head away. "Hmph!"

Amazement can be noted on Trace, watching both girls in the process.

Dante promptly finishes the apple he was eating, rising to his feet in search of a garbage can. Eventually, the lad depicts a small one next to the front counter where the quartet received their room keys and begins walking over to it. "I'll be right back."

Trace looks at Dante with his right hand no longer holding his head up and speaks in a moderately concern tone. "Wait a moment, Dante. What about the seal?"

Dante casually responds while keeping his eyes glued to the trash can. "Just let it wear off by itself. It was much smaller than what I placed on you when we fought, so it won't take long."

Trace stays quiet amidst witnessing Dante advance towards the counter.

Once the blonde arrives, Dante drops what's left of the apple into the garbage, and precisely when he's about to turn back around, hears the male attendant's thoughts, the same one who gave them the room keys, as the man's thinking, "I can't believe that damn monster keeps causing us trouble! Always running amok and stealing people's food! He's worse than those blasted Spellcasters! I just wish the Son Goku Clan would get rid of him already!"

Dante rapidly reverts his attention to the attendant as he slams both hands onto the counter and leans towards the fellow's left. "The Son Goku Clan! Where is it?!"

The attendant is awestruck by Dante's sudden outburst. "Uhhhh..."

Dante immediately gets his answer via the gentleman's mind while cheerfully smiling. "Inside the forest?! Thanks! You're a real lifesaver!" He then hops off the counter and sprints out the exit that's towards his left.

Seeing that transpired, Trace abruptly gets up from the sofa with concern overflowing. "Where in the world is he going?!"

Both Ilya and Yuki rise to their feet after directing their focus towards the doorway Dante went through, simultaneously shouting in annoyance, "Not again!"

*Scene Change*

Sano stands in front of the roaring fire that had burned the meat it was cooking into a crisp, emptily staring at the food as Axis isn't around anymore. Not long after, the boy remembers the rest of his conversation that transpired about half an hour ago with Axis inside his mind amidst thinking, "So, I have until the end of today to give up Ruyi..." The individual tightly clenches both hands into fists and attempts to control himself. Then, Sano glances over at his tent, recalling the image of the Spellcaster dressed in white clothing stumbling onto his tent while causing it to fall apart.

The stranger's severely battered, blood running down his face, with Sano not minding in the slightest what occurred to his tent, although many others would have been upset. First and foremost, the character wanted to be sure that the man was alright, despite not knowing him at all as he seems unfazed by his rash appearance. It's just the way Sano was raised. His father taught the teen to care for others whether they accepted him or shun him, the latter being the more common result. After trying to aid the male via bringing him up to a vertical base, both Sano and the white-clothed person understood there was no hope in his survival due to how severe his wounds are, considering it's mainly internal damage that's killing him. This forced Sano's eyes to water as death was one thing he hated more than anything and knew too well who were responsible for this gentleman arriving to his end so soon.

Meanwhile, the fellow took this as the opportunity to at least tell Sano his name and ask a single request from the boy. This was to ensure that a certain letter be sent off to his home that he neglected and barely avoided losing a couple of times before crossing paths with Sano. Obviously, Sano being the kind-hearted person he is, even after spending so much time by himself, accepted without a second thought while exchanging names.

The man wearing white introduced himself first, lying atop Sano's tent, and is heavily panting within the golden-eyed individual's arms. "My name is Zack Hazely. I'm a Class S Spellcaster from Velkry."

Sano does his best to hold his tears in with a sad smile radiating while mildly cocking his head eastward. "I'm Sano Goken. I'm no one special. Just a monster... An abomination..."

Zack's eyes glaze over. "It's nice to meet you... Sano..." He suddenly stops breathing, dying.

Sano can't restrain the tears further as his hands tremble, firmly gripping Zack's dead body. "I... I'm sorry... They're... They're scared..." The boy inhales deeply and then sobs with his head dug into Zack's chest. "But don't worry! I swear to give you a good burial and send out that letter as soon as I can! So, please...! Rest well!" The teenager continues crying while the present Sano blinks a few times to remove himself from the trance he was in.

Ultimately, Sano looks at where Axis once stood out of the corner of his left eye, recollecting the other thing the black-haired man said to him and mockingly states, "By the way, if we discover you had anything to do with that Spellcaster, we'll have no choice but to make you wish you hadn't. So, watch yourself..." The lad turns his gaze back to the fire as he keeps on mocking Axis. "That's advice from a FRIEND..." Sano rolls his eyes with discontent showing. "Stupid jackass. Like hell we're friends." Bitterness arises while the gentleman focuses westward. "I don't have any."

At that exact instance, Sano has an intense sensation overrun him while swiftly diverting his attention eastward. "Who's there?! I don't recognize you!"

Dante's voice resounds through the forest after briefly laughing. "You don't have to be so uptight! I'm no threat to you!"

Sano unclenched his hands as he relaxes until instantaneously grabbing his staff with his left hand, frees it from the straps and does a backwards swing in that same direction. "Oh, really?!"

Dante's abruptly standing behind Sano and is on the verge of getting hit by the end of Ruyi Jingu Bang, however, unexpectedly isn't thanks to Sano halting his strike approximately an inch from Dante's face. Concurrently, the young man lifting his left eyebrow with a knowing smirk as curiosity emanates. "Why did you stop?"

Sano maintains his staff's positioning with a solemn expression. "I don't really know. There's just something telling me that I shouldn't hit you."

Dante chuckles while easing his attitude. "That's good. It probably would've hurt a lot if that had landed."

Sano nods with an honest demeanor. "Oh, it would've hurt for sure. Don't ever doubt that."

Dante grins out of excitement. "I'll be certain to remember that." He extends his right hand towards Sano. "My name's Dante."

Sano's temporarily taken back prior to retracting his Ruyi Jingu Bang, strapping it onto his lower back again. Having done that, the teen properly confronts Dante, views the human's hand, slowly grabs it via his own right hand to sternly shake and brings his concentration to Dante. "Nice to meet you, Dante. My name's Sano."

Dante shuts his eyes and sincerely questions, "Do you wanna' race?"

Sano's momentarily left stunned, not knowing why Dante inquired that so randomly. After that, the jacketed character contemplates the request with both retaining a good grip on the other's hand while gawking at him. "Ummmm.... Why not?"

Dante chuckles again before nodding with his eyes open to display that they're contentedly gleaming. "Sweet!"

Soon enough, more like an hour later to be precise, the pair made their way deep into the forest after Sano put out the fire to secure the forest's safety as both loosen up their bodies via stretches to prepare themselves. 

During that, Sano looks at Dante, who's poised to his right, out of the edge of his eyes amidst extending both arms over his head. "May I ask you something?"

Dante reaches down to the tip of his shoes, so he can stretch out his back while replying with no eye contact initiated. "Shoot."

Sano questions, uncertainty portrayed. "What's with the whole race thing?"

Dante peers at Sano, staying in the same posture. "I wanna' see how fast you are. That's all."

A cold sweat runs along Sano's face. "Are you real?"

Dante deviates his attention to depict his feet. "I guess."

Sano becomes wary of Dante and slants his head westward. "You guess?" The fellow puts both arms down as he veers his sight away from Dante, thinking, "And people criticize me and my weirdness..."

Dante chuckles prior to fixing his posture, observing Sano again. "What's so weird about you?"

Sano passively faces Dante. "A lot of things, apparently. One could be the fact I didn't freak out when you talked back to my thoughts."

Dante shrugs unimpressed. "That's no big deal. I had given you enough hints to figure that out and you did merely by me not dodging that attack of yours earlier."

Sano gently bites his tongue. "Yeah, not many people can go head to head with me and remain undeterred during my preemptive strike. Only rational explanation would be that you can read my mind."

Dante tilts his head back as he hysterically laughs after closing his eyes once more, having planted his right hand over his stomach. "You say that's RATIONAL! Awesome!" He reverts his concentration to Sano with a delighted smile and removes his hand from his midsection. "I like you, Sano! You're my kind of person!"

Sano's rendered speechless while allowing Dante's words to sink in and then smirks before changing his composition to confront the area ahead of both individuals. "Fine, this is how things are gonna' go down, dude."

Dante raises his right eyebrow. "Dude?"

Sano gives Dante a skeptical glance. "Yeah, does it bother you if I call you that?"

Dante earnestly shakes his head. "Nope."

Sano's conduct remains unchanged. "Excellent." He shifts his vision back to the path and motions with the light movement of his head. "The finish point will be the middle of my camp that's about three miles from here. You can go any direction you think might take you there the quickest, but just know, I've lived here my whole life. These woods are my backyard, so don't expect to win, Dante Einsburn."

Dante's excitement skyrockets. "I was waiting for you to say my full name, however, I don't want you to misunderstand like a friend once did. Don't judge me for my family."

Sano grows cold. "You worry for no reason, Dante. I'd never wrongfully judge someone. It sucks to be judged by others."

Dante expels a somber behavior. "Like being called a monster?"

Sano nods in a depressed manner. "Yeah... Or an abomination... All 'cause my parents loved each other..." The teenager bends forth to ready himself for a sprint. "Sucks like hell, don't you think?" He sets off without warning, demonstrating the great speed he had earlier when running out of Wukong Village.

Dante briefly watches Sano gain a lead as a hopeful grin surfaces. "True, although that won't be the case when it comes to me and won't be after today. Accelerate." The blonde instantly turns into a blur, and before Sano realized it, caught up to him while both are neck to neck.

Sano doesn't seem very surprised by Dante's hasty shortening of the gap between them, glimpsing at the green-eyed person's footwear with both moving so fast that their surroundings appear distorted. Simultaneously, the spiky-haired character yells due to the loud wind experienced by their outstanding speed, "Don't you think that's cheating?!" He brings his attention to Dante's face, arrogantly smiling.

Dante locks eyes with Sano. "I only did it to be even since you got yourself a head start! I thought it would only be fair!"

Sano chuckles with determination deployed. "If you want fair, then you should keep on using those shoes of yours! You'll need them to keep up when I kick it into my next gear."

Dante confidently retorts. "Go for it! I like a good challenge!"

Sano gazes onward. "Fine! You asked for it!" The boy practically vanishes from beside Dante as he swiftly leaps upon numerous oncoming tree trunks and branches to get a speed boost, resulting in damage on each while this explains the forest's condition.

Dante promptly cracks a joke to himself after witnessing Sano's performance. "So much for keeping the forest safe." He chuckles. "Well, if he's gonna' go THAT fast, I oughta' too. And what better way than going faster than sound... But solely for a second." Dante suddenly disappears, and not long after, finds himself running on the ground below while Sano leaps from branch to branch almost like a monkey. Then, the hoodie-endowed lad peers at Sano with happiness emitted. "Man, I can't believe you're naturally this fast! I'm really envious!"

Sano looks down at Dante, subconsciously jumping to every following branch without any effort, and smirks out of amusement. "Count your blessings you didn't have to go through what I did to be this fast!"

Dante joyously laughs. "You wouldn't say that if you knew where I grew up!"

Sano diverts his concentration forward again while cheerfully shouting, "We're almost there!"

Dante exclaims with his excitement soaring, "It's gonna' be a close finish!"

Just as that was declared, the bright light of the open space of Sano's campsite illuminates the rapidly progressing region.

*Scene Cuts To Black*

To Be Continued...