In bold golden letters, the following was inscribed using Clover Leaf alphabets:
[Sasha Thunderspark
Buddhist Hand SS8
Red Skin Bodyguard]
(The above names are the brave Rank 1 Explorers with the Spirit of Discovery who have fought and defeated a Rank 1 Calamity Beast, sealing it subsequently.
This achievement will be etched into the Hall of Fame.)
"YES!" Sasha jumped and twirled like she had just been handed the whole world.
"Yes. That's… amazing!" Elias tried to match her excitement.
She shot him a sharp glare. "Everyone knows you are faking it. But it's alright."
Crystal on her hand, she shoved it to his face, and this time, he saw it properly. It wasn't just a crystal anymore—it pulsed. It radiated the same eerie pull he had felt at the gates, drawing his attention, his instincts. Something primal in him responded. Sasha quickly snatched it back and placed it gently in a pouch like an egg.
"You see? It's your fault I didn't realize its importance earlier. You're always bouncing around, yelling and distracting people from their own observations."
"Fine," Elias muttered.
His reaction this time had told her all she needed—he understood now. He saw it.
Elias suddenly felt a gaze on him. He turned, and Buddhist Hand looked away as if caught staring.
"They're here. Let's go and report," Sasha said, still bouncing with energy as she walked ahead.
The boys walked side by side. Elias asked, "Does not sharing the excitement of an Explorer offend them?"
"In a way, yes," Buddhist Hand answered quietly—so quietly Elias wondered if even Sasha heard it. "It's like a chef crafting a perfect dish and having it called plain."
"I understand."
"You're in pain, Elias. Are you injured?"
"It's an old injury on my left arm—I can't move it. But it's nothing much."
"That's why you couldn't feel the crystal. Pain distracts perception. You need rest."
"Alright."
"What do you prefer—Elias, or Red Skin Bodyguard?"
"What do you suggest?"
"One is for fame. The other is personal. I'll call you Red Skin, since you're not using my name either."
They reached the main road leading to the gate. Over a hundred people had gathered. Half were in official white uniforms, setting up tents and temporary structures. The largest tent—pure white—buzzed with activity. Inside were crates, scanners, and stacks of documents.
Sasha led them to a desk where a high-ranking man sat, scribbling. She waited with a mix of nerves and excitement, fully aware of the many eyes now on her.
Whispers echoed through the crowd—curious, eager.
"Is that Elias Thunderspark's sister?"
"Who's the other guy?"
All eyes were on Elias. People murmured about his talent. Strangely, Buddhist Hand drew far less attention, as if he blended into the world too perfectly.
"But without Buddhist Hand, I doubt they could've even attempted the attack—let alone win!"
Sasha's mood darkened at that. Elias could practically see her biting back a retort. She composed herself and focused as the man finally looked up, his attention sharp.
With a glowing smile, she slid the relic crystal onto the table.
The man chuckled. "You, young lady. You're moving too fast—just like your brother."
Sasha giggled, clasping her hands bashfully. "I have a strong bodyguard, that's why."
Elias tensed behind her. Here it comes.
The man's gaze turned toward him, heavy and silent. Elias braced himself. The weight wasn't aggressive—it was subtle, almost seductive, lulling the joints, commanding respect. After three seconds, the man looked away and carefully lifted the relic with wooden tweezers, placing it into a container within a secured box.
He slid three forms toward them. They required their names, roles in the fight, and claims to the relic.
Elias undid the belt securing his left arm.
The sleeve fell. A deep groan slipped from his mouth. He used the stump to gently lower his hand onto the table.
Sasha's jaw clenched, nearly furious. He could have just asked for help. But no—he had to do it himself.
Ignoring her, Elias slowly, with shaky determination, picked up the pen. His grip was awkward. The ink wobbled. But he filled the form.
When he reached the ownership section, he scrawled: Relinquished to Sasha Thunderspark.
Sasha's voice cracked. "Just because you're my bodyguard doesn't mean you don't have the right to relic ownership."
"Blah blah blah," Elias muttered. "Should I bring out the other thing?"
"Ah—yes. We should register that too!"
With so many people around, the danger was minimal. That's why he needed his hand free—to feel the world.
The pain was real. A deep sting ran through his chest and arm. But it was alive. That pain reminded him the hand could still be saved.
People were scanning walls, digging, collecting data. If the chain was left there, someone would've found it eventually.
Elias reached into the stone where it was hidden. The black chain unfurled midair. Gasps echoed. All eyes turned to him.
No one stopped him.
They registered the chain—it was sealed, documented. But this one? Sasha claimed full ownership.
Elias learned something that day: any bodyguard or hired companion had zero right to relics unless their contract stated otherwise. But no matter the contract, a Relic Gem required full, willing relinquishment in the presence of authority.
"Alright, brave Explorers! The Clinic Tent is ready for its first patients!" a voice called out.
None of them hesitated. Medical checks were mandatory after contact with a Calamity Beast. No one wanted to risk latent diseases or side effects.
They were each given a bed and instructed to lie down.
---
Elias was falling.
Back in that place—suspended, aware… but powerless.