Akzerath Underground Prison
In the depths of Akzerath Prison, Kaito was confined in Rojin cell number 8—a room specifically designed to contain the power of Zensh. Inside the cell, he devised an escape plan with his six allies.
After gathering enough energy, they began their escape attempt. Kaito's six companions channeled their Zensh power through the earth and air. Their technique was like teleportation—using the surrounding air as a means of movement. The technique took a maximum of 2 days.
*****
Two days had passed, but the haunting image of the vanishing and reappearing ice still lingered in the minds of Ren's group. The time difference between Sichibukuten and the cursed continent—where Zuxsin and Zaresha were stranded—seemed to weave an invisible thread connected to this bizarre phenomenon, a thread yet to be unraveled.
Then, like a mirage swallowed by dust, the morning dew that coated the grass, trees, and even the stones vanished without a trace— as if pulled into an unseen black hole.
Araka stood frozen, eyes narrowed, watching the fading remnants of the miracle. Ren's tale of the ice dancing between existence and nothingness suddenly felt less like a strange vision and more like a terrifying message. Someone—or something—had to be behind this.
"Ren," Araka said, his voice heavy with concern. "Before I arrived, before the ice reappeared… did you see anything unusual?"
Ren, his eyes still fixed on the sky as it began to shift colors, replied, "Yes. When I was on the rooftop, it felt like... something was sucking up the ice and the dew. Incredibly fast, like vapor being pulled into a tornado."
Ren's words hit Araka like a sledgehammer. He staggered back, covering his mouth as his face turned pale. Cold sweat beaded on his temples. His breath hitched, his chest tightened. His usually neat hair was now disheveled, mirroring the panic gripping his mind. The threat he had predicted had arrived—only far worse than he imagined. This wasn't just vanishing ice. It was a harbinger of catastrophe.
And his fear was contagious. The others froze, their faces drained of color. Kino, usually the cheerful one, could only stare at Araka, worry clouding his eyes. He stepped closer, reaching out a hand to steady his friend.
Then, like a doomsday orchestra starting its overture, the sky turned gray. Lightning flashed across the heavens like monstrous claws, briefly illuminating pale faces. A deafening roar followed, shaking the earth beneath their feet. The ground trembled violently. Teeth chattered. The sharp tang of ozone stung their noses, mingling with the musky scent of wet earth.
And then came the stench. Something sour and metallic. Something wrong. Fear etched itself into every face.
Araka's jaw clenched. His teeth chattered. His prediction hadn't just been right—this was worse than anything he'd dared to imagine. Real horror had arrived.
They stood frozen, eyes fixed on the burning sky, bracing themselves for the inevitable.
A figure hovered above them, cloaked in the clouds. With its arrival, shards of ice rained down from the heavens, shattering everything in their path. The people of Vurce screamed in panic, scrambling for cover.
They saw it with their own eyes—ice, falling like judgment from the sky. Some managed to dodge, others weren't as lucky. Claude and Kai stood stunned, unable to move until their friends' screams broke through the shock. A massive chunk of ice hurtled toward them.
Quick on her feet, Lylia acted. Using a heating technique, she melted the chunk mid-air. Steam hissed as it vanished before impact. Those nearby rushed over to check on Claude and Kai, relief flooding their expressions.
Ren stared at the scene before him, unable to believe what had happened. In the blink of an eye, all of Vurce had been blanketed in a vast sheet of ice. Chaos erupted. He quickly suggested evacuating the town.
That night, the mood at headquarters was grim. Silence hung heavy in the air. The wind outside bit through their clothes, a chilling reminder of what they had just endured.
Then, a single voice broke the stillness.
"Are you sure about leaving the people there, Ren?"
"Calm down, Kai," Ren said, his voice steady.
He appreciated Kai's concern. But the truth was, the people of Vurce were already safe. Ren had anticipated the attack. Days earlier, he had quietly warned the villagers and helped them evacuate to a hidden shelter he had prepared in advance.
Ren nodded toward the courtyard.
Kai turned and saw them—survivors. A crowd of villagers stood before them, tired but alive. Ren approached with a soft smile, asking how they were.
Five stepped forward, curiosity burning in their eyes. "How did you know?" one asked. "How did you know the attack would come?"
Ren smiled.
"I just guessed."
Araka chuckled knowingly. He saw through the act. Ren's instincts were sharp, his mind even sharper.
The mood inside the building shifted. Relief bloomed like light piercing a storm. Children laughed. Villagers celebrated with a simple feast. They set up temporary tents and shared food under the stars.
Morning came. The villagers of Vurce worked together to clear the debris. After eating, they said their goodbyes, offering heartfelt thanks. Ren, caught off guard, stood awkwardly until a small child approached him, bouncing excitedly. Ren knelt down. The child kissed his cheek, grinned, and whispered, "Thank you."
Ren smiled warmly. "Take care on your way."
With that, the villagers departed.
They rested.
An hour passed, and everyone had fallen into a deep sleep—except for Araka and Ren.
"So… there's something I need to know," Araka said. "How did you know Vurce was in danger?"
Ren leaned back, stretching. "Hmm... I was just lucky."
Araka gave him a sharp look. "Liar. Tell me the truth."
"Ugh… fine," Ren sighed. He was about to reveal the truth—information passed to him by an old acquaintance.
But before he could finish, a strange sound echoed through the room.
Water had begun to fill the floor.