As Kaiser left the bathhouse, the maid led them to their quarters. After ensuring Kerisa was settled, he wandered through the estate’s long, quiet corridors, his mind still tangled in the day’s events.

“Ah, Kaiser. Everything well?” Shizuka’s voice echoed lightly down the hallway. She approached with her usual, floating grace, her clockwork halo spinning gently above her head.

“Yeah, the bath was exactly what we needed. Thank you, Shizu,” Kaiser responded, his mind still half-fogged by the hot water and Kerisa's breakdown.

As soon as the syllables left his mouth, Kaiser froze. Shizu. Did he seriously just say that? The strict lessons from Sachi’s letters—pages upon pages detailing the rigid, unforgiving hierarchy of High Enfas and the severe punishments for informalities—slammed into his brain. He had just given a pet name to the ruler of an entire supernation.

“I—my apologies, Viceroy,” Kaiser stammered, his heart skipping a beat. “I didn’t mean—”

Shizuka didn't look offended. Instead, her lips curved into a sharp, genuinely delighted smile. “No need to apologize,” she interrupted smoothly. “Most people in this estate trip over 'Viceroy' or 'Lady Aizawa' until their tongues bleed. After a long day of tedious politics, hearing my name used so casually is... refreshing.”

Before Kaiser could figure out if he was actually off the hook, a maid hurried down the hall, bowing so deeply her forehead nearly grazed the polished floorboards.

“Lady Aizawa, everything is prepared for the evening banquet. Would you like us to bring tea to your quarters?” the maid asked, her voice trembling slightly.

The warmth in Shizuka’s emerald eyes vanished instantly, replaced by an absolute, terrifying aristocratic chill. “Did I not say earlier that I would be hosting my guest in the Primordial gardens?” she replied, her voice dropping to a silken, dangerous whisper. “If I wanted tea inside, I would have said so.”

The maid stiffened, bowing even lower. “I-I apologize, Viceroy.”

“Just be useful for once and have it brought to the pavilion,” Shizuka dismissed her with a negligent flick of her wrist.

Kaiser watched the maid scurry away, his jaw tightening. The sudden, violent shift in Shizuka’s demeanor was jarring. Sachi’s letters had been absolutely right to warn him. Beneath the polite smiles, this girl was a ruler who expected absolute obedience.

Shizuka turned back to him, the frost melting instantly as her warm, pristine smile returned. “I swear, it’s like common sense is a finite resource in this estate,” she sighed gracefully. “You understand the burden of command, don’t you?”

Kaiser gave a slow, heavily guarded nod. “I'm starting to.”

As they strolled through the estate, Shizuka’s eyes lingered on Kaiser’s right arm. He glanced at it himself, the dark veins running through it like a mark of corruption. It had caught many eyes before, but under the soft light of the estate, it seemed even more pronounced.

“I thought it was from the battle earlier, but that’s not it, is it?” said Shizuka.

Kaiser tensed slightly. “No,” he muttered. “It’s part of Sachi.”

Shizuka’s brows lifted slightly in surprise. “Sachi? Ah… your fiancée.”

“Technically, yes,” Kaiser replied. “Though we’re not officially engaged yet. When we sparred, we corrupted each other’s arms.”

“Interesting.” Shizuka’s eyes lingered on his arm for a moment longer before she straightened up. “I’ve met Lady Secrofantazia before. She seems lovely… but are you sure she’s the right choice for the peace between our kind? You’re both so different.”

Kaiser clenched his teeth. It wasn’t an outright insult, but it still grated on him.

“I was skeptical at first,” he said slowly, keeping his voice even, “but after years of letters and finally seeing her again—well, technically seeing her—I’m sure.”

Shizuka’s nod was slow, her expression thoughtful—almost too thoughtful. “I don’t mean to doubt your decision,” she added. “It’s just that with the prophecy looming over everything, it’s a lot for anyone to bear. Especially with the world watching.”

Kaiser glanced away, irritation bubbling in his throat. “I came here to discuss that. But let me be clear: the ‘prophecy’ doesn’t change anything between me and Sachi. And I hope it doesn’t change our alliance.”

Shizuka’s smile remained, but Kaiser couldn’t shake the sense that she was carefully measuring his every word, reading into each subtle pause. “It doesn’t,” she said smoothly. “I didn’t realize she meant so much to you already. Apologies if I overstepped.”

Kaiser gave a slight nod, though he was acutely aware of how cautious he had to be around her. Shizuka was sharp—too sharp—and he knew better than to let his guard down with someone as perceptive as her.

As they continued walking, silence fell between them. The grandeur of the Aizawa estate surrounded them, but Kaiser’s mind wandered far from the present. His thoughts drifted to Sapphire—how much he missed her, how much he wished she was by his side now. Their letters had been everything to him. There was a comfort in knowing she was out there, waiting for him just as much as he was for her. The ache in his arm grew sharper with each step, and he realized just how much he longed for her presence.

“I’m thinking of hosting a little Tea n’ Time session,” she said casually, pulling him back from his thoughts of Sapphire.

Kaiser raised an eyebrow, the unfamiliar term catching his attention. “Tea n’ Time? What’s that?”

Shizuka’s lips curled into a mischievous smile. “Oh, it’s better if I show you. Trust me, you’ll find it… enlightening.”

Kaiser nodded, though curiosity lingered in the back of his mind.

Eventually, Kaiser found himself seated beside Shizuka in a sleek, silent vehicle that glided through the realm of Hisakizora. The cityscape outside the tinted windows transformed from the elegant structures of the Revival District to something far more untamed. Skyscrapers gave way to towering trees, and the hum of urban life faded into the primal sounds of nature.

As they approached the Primordial District, the vehicle stopped at the edge of a massive archway formed by intertwined ancient trees. Vines draped over the arch, and glowing Enfen writing pulsed faintly along the bark.

“Welcome to the Primordial District,” Shizuka announced with a hint of excitement.

They stepped out onto a path. The ground blended moss and stone, filling the air with the scent of earth and foliage. Above them, a dense canopy stretched endlessly. Massive trees with trunks wider than houses reached skyward. Vines hung like curtains, and the distant roar of waterfalls echoed through the forest.

Ancient ruins peeked out from the undergrowth—remnants of civilizations long past. Scholars studied the ruins while tourists wandered the paths.

“It’s like traveling back in time,” Kaiser murmured.

Shizuka smiled. “Exactly. Hisakizora is split into seven distinct districts, each representing an era of our world. The Primordial District preserves the essence of our world’s origins. The first era.”

As they walked, Kaiser noticed creatures moving among the trees—some small and familiar, others vast and mythical.

“So, this is part of your Tea n’ Time session?” Kaiser asked, glancing at Shizuka.

She nodded. “Yes. I wanted to start at the beginning. It’s better experienced than explained.”

They continued along the path until they reached a clearing where a small pavilion, crafted from intertwining branches and leaves. Inside, a low table was set with an elegant tea service.

“Please, have a seat,” Shizuka gestured toward the cushions on the moss-covered ground.

Kaiser sat down, the soft earth yielding slightly beneath him. Shizuka gracefully took her place opposite him. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and they sat in peaceful silence for a moment.

Shizuka began arranging the tea set with deliberate care. Kaiser watched as she unwrapped a bundle of dried leaves that shimmered faintly.

“These are Moonleaf petals,” she said, noticing his gaze. “They only bloom under specific lunar phases, absorbing the energy of Chronosia.”

Kaiser tilted his head. “The planet of Chrononfi, right?”

She smiled softly. “Correct. Integral to the creation of Moon Tears Tea.”

“Moon Tears Tea?” he repeated, unfamiliar with the term.

Shizuka met his eyes. “It’s a special brew that allows us to experience memories from the past. Not just our own, but those connected to us through our lineage.”

He leaned forward slightly. “How is that possible?”

“Through Chrononfi infusion and a memory anchor,” she explained. “That’s why I brought you here—to see if we might uncover insights about the prophecy causing so much unrest.”

Kaiser considered her words. The idea of delving into ancient memories was intriguing, perhaps even a way to find answers that had eluded them. “What do you need from me?”

“A personal item connected to your ancestors,” Shizuka said. “Something that can serve as a beacon for the tea.”

He reached into a pouch at his side and pulled out a crimson feather, its edges glowing faintly with an inner pulse of red. “Would this work?”

Her eyes widened slightly. “Perfect,” she murmured. “The Blood Phoenix is deeply tied to your lineage.”

He nodded. “In more ways than one.”

Shizuka carefully placed the feather beside the tea set, treating it with uttermost care. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she held her hands over the Moonleaf petals. A soft glow emanated from her palms, and Kaiser felt a subtle change—a tingling sensation that brushed against his skin.

Chrononfi flowed from her into the leaves, infusing them with a gentle luminescence. Kaiser watched in silence, noting the concentration etched on her face.

Minutes passed, and the leaves began to emit a faint pink glow. Shizuka opened her eyes and began brewing the tea, adding water from a slender flask. The liquid shimmered as it filled the teapot, reflecting specks of light.

“While it brews, we must prepare the vessel,” Shizuka said quietly, standing up from the pavilion cushions.

He glanced around the serene clearing. “Prepare the vessel? Isn't this place tranquil enough?”

“The mind is heavy. To traverse the Chronosia currents, the body must be weightless,” Shizuka explained, her tone entirely clinical. “There is a natural thermal spring nearby. The mineral heat strips away physical tension, allowing the soul to unmoor itself.”

Kaiser nodded, following her down a winding, moss-covered path that led deeper into the Primordial District. The sounds of cascading water grew louder until they arrived at a secluded hot spring, thick steam rising from the crystalline surface. Overhanging vines and ancient stone provided a natural, cavernous curtain.

Shizuka set the tray on a flat, polished stone near the water’s edge. Without an ounce of hesitation or coyness, she untied the sash of her kimono.

Kaiser immediately turned his back, staring firmly at the stone wall. For a Dirvah, communal bathing was second nature, but Shizuka was a High Enfa. He knew the strict modesty laws of Caspecorgia from Sapphire; he wasn't about to risk a diplomatic incident.

A soft splash echoed behind him. “You can turn around, Kaiser,” Shizuka’s voice drifted through the steam. “The Aizawa are not the Secrofantazia. We do not hide behind archaic prudishness when Trionfi requires flesh.”

Kaiser turned cautiously. Shizuka was already submerged up to her shoulders, the thick mist curling around her like a veil, obscuring everything below the collarbone. Her emerald eyes were calm and entirely unbothered.

He quickly shed his own garments and stepped into the scalding water, settling onto a submerged rock shelf directly across from her. The heat immediately sank into his bones, unwinding the lingering adrenaline of the battle.

Shizuka reached for the teapot, her movements deliberate and practiced as she poured the shimmering, pink liquid into two small ceramic cups.

“The tea is ready,” she announced softly, handing him a cup.

He accepted the cup, the ethereal glow of the Moon Tears reflecting on the surface. “So, how does this work exactly?” he asked.

“Just drink,” she replied with a gentle smile. “Clear your mind, and let the tea guide you.”

Kaiser raised the cup to his lips, inhaling the subtle floral aroma before sipping. The taste was delicate, with a hint of sweetness that lingered. Almost immediately, he felt an internal warmth spread through him.

“I’ll see you in there,” Shizuka whispered, her voice seeming to echo as his surroundings began to blur. The world around him faded, and a gentle pull drew him into the depths of memory.

Kaiser blinked as the memory engulfed him. He found himself on a chaotic battlefield. Beasts roared and charged—ancient and untamed creatures, their bodies shimmering with raw Trionfi energy. The ground shook with each impact, and the sky was thick with dust and a swirling aura.

At the front, a male Xavier with crimson hair and glowing golden eyes led the charge. His Bionfi blade glowed with life, and the energy from his strikes rippled through the battlefield, rejuvenating his forces—the first Bionfi Ascendant. Kaiser watched, stunned by the sheer intensity of the battle.

Across the field, a black-haired, purple-eyed Necronfi warrior—the first Necronfi Ascendant—commanded skeletal beasts. The air around him pulsed with death as his forces clashed with the Xaviers. Their language was foreign, but the stakes were clear—this was a battle for survival.

As Kaiser and Shizuka moved through the memory, watching the scene unfold, something caught Kaiser’s eye—a girl with cyan hair standing among the Dirvahs. No halo. No markings. She was a Gaian.

“What the hell…?” Kaiser muttered. “Is that a Gaian? Were they protecting her?”

Shizuka followed his gaze, equally stunned. “I didn’t think Gaians had any place in this era’s conflicts.”

Kaiser’s mind raced. The Xaviers weren’t just fighting the Secrofantazias—they were defending someone.

The battle raged on, but the girl was all Kaiser could focus on. Why was she here? What did this mean for the prophecy? This was no ordinary memory.

She stood in the middle of the chaos, trembling, her eyes wide with fear and grief. As the clash between the Ascendants raged on, the air around her grew colder, and her emotions visibly spiraled out of control.

Kaiser felt the chill before he saw it—a massive Cryonfi storm swirling from her, growing stronger with each passing second. Snow and ice whipped through the battlefield, freezing everything in its path. The beasts on both sides stumbled, ice forming on their bodies as the storm consumed everything.

The Bionfi and Necronfi Ascendants immediately recognized the danger. The first Bionfi Ascendant charged toward her, trying to stop the storm. The Necronfi Ascendant mirrored his movements, attempting to contain the destruction, but it was too late.

Kaiser could only watch in horror as the Bionfi Ascendant moved in close. For a moment, it looked like they would succeed. But then, in an instant, the Necronfi Ascendant struck—his blade slipping through the Bionfi’s back. The Bionfi Ascendant gasped as his life force faded and his body crumpled to the ground.

The cyan-haired girl let out a scream that echoed through the storm—her pain and grief making the Cryonfi storm even more violent. The blizzard intensified, the wind howling, the temperature dropping even further. The Necronfi Ascendant, now desperate, reached out to soothe her, but his own body started freezing from the relentless cold.

Kaiser’s heart raced as he watched the tragedy unfold. The girl’s eyes filled with tears, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She looked down at the Bionfi Ascendant’s body, her resolve breaking. With one final, tragic glance, she realized what she had to do.

The girl clutched a shard of ice, raising it to her chest. Her hands shook, but her face was set. With a heart-wrenching motion, she drove the ice into her own heart.

The blizzard came to an abrupt halt as the storm dissipated. The Necronfi Ascendant collapsed, half-frozen, barely alive. The girl’s lifeless body slumped forward, her hand gently reaching out to hold the Bionfi Ascendant’s body close.

The memory faded with the image of their corpses intertwined. The battlefield, storm, and tragedy all dissolved into darkness.