It is the final day before Baltro's Ascension. Ken finishes preparations before heading out with Sora to observe the Sand De Royale and the festivities. Bristol and Danzo are joining them to assist with surveillance. Meanwhile, Olya has come up with the idea of a spa day to help her, Imino, and Melanie relax before the big fight.

  Imino and Sora are speaking with one another.

  “Don't start a fight,” Imino warns Sora.

  “Who, me? Pfft, don't worry, I won't,” Sora laughs as he dismisses it.

  Imino, unamused, answers, “That's what you said to me about Gearfried before you punched him before our wedding.”

  “That was one time,” Sora nervously chuckles.

  “You also said that before one of your Commander meetings.” She takes a step closer, intimidating him.

  “Heh, that was because one of them threw the first punch.” He grows more nervous. She’s been keeping track of this for a while.

  “What about when we were tracking down the rogue squadron?” She takes a step closer, menacingly staring at Sora as his posture begins to crumble under his past mistakes. Ken never expected to see Sora afraid of his partner.

  Vito interrupts the interrogation as he runs up to his mother, asking, “Hey! Where are you guys heading out to? I want to come!”

  “Not now, Vito. I'm making sure your father behaves,” Imino answers, ignoring his question.

  In turn, Vito ignores her and continues, “I want to come with, I'm bored!”

  Imino lets Sora off the hook and turns to Vito, “No. You are staying here with Gearfried. It's not safe right now.”

  Vito lets out an audible whine as he nags, “Please, can I come with! I want to get out of here.”

  “Vito,” Imino says with a stern voice.

  Maria joins the conversation and says, “I'm with Vito. It's dreadfully boring in here, and I want to come with you as well. I promise I will behave.”

  Imino sighs and says, “I'm glad to hear you're reading those new books, but the answer is still no.”

  “DAD!” the two shout in unison.

  Stella grabs Ken's attention while the twins continue to nag their parents.

  “Awesome! Let's go scope out the hotel!” Stella says enthusiastically to him.

  “You're not coming,” Ken bluntly tells her.

  “What? You're crazy if you think I'm going to miss this,” Stella casually replies.

  “I'm serious.”

  “You can't be! It's so boring here!”

  Ken looks at the twins, who are still nagging their mother. He decides it's best not to point out the parallel.

  Olya interrupts and suggests, “If you don't want to stay here, you can come with us to the spa.”

  Stella scratches the back of her head and answers, “Thanks for the invite, Olya. But me and spas don't mix well.”

  “Hey, Ken! We're leaving!” Sora calls.

  While Olya tries to convince Stella to join them, Ken takes the opportunity to end the conversation. As he steps out of the room, he puts on a cap and glasses to hide his face.

  The four men walk along the street, slowly making their way to the Sand De Royale hotel. The skies are partly cloudy, and the sun is slowly peeking over the skyscrapers in Phanasma. They pass through the crowds without issue, although some pedestrians stare at Sora from time to time. They either excitedly chatter as they walk past him or even stop to take pictures with him.

  Ken watches the crowd as they pass by him. He can’t tell whether the stares belong to Ascenders or fans. Either way, he has to be careful not to be caught off guard.

  An hour later, they arrive in front of the Sand De Royale hotel. It's busy with small stalls set up in the front with food and entertainment. The smell of freshly made popcorn and grilled Siltzers fills the air, appropriate for the energetic music playing in the background. Children's laughter is heard as they run past them.

  The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

  From a banner, it seems they are celebrating Markov Vordier’s birthday tomorrow.

  “Clever,” Danzo remarks next to him.

  “Smart? It's just a birthday celebration,” Bristol adds.

  “You're missing the bigger picture. They're justifying the large crowds to avoid suspicion.”

  Bristol raises an eyebrow. “Now that you mention it. This place is pretty packed.” Bristol and Danzo look around at the sea of people.

  Ken stays close, aware that they are in the Ascenders' territory. What's more, Byron should be close by so he can't afford to be discovered.

  This disguise is too flimsy.

  “Where's my father?” Danzo asks.

  The three notice Sora isn't anywhere nearby.

  “When did we lose him?!” Bristol curses.

  Danzo stands still for a moment with his eyes closed before heading toward the hotel entrance.

  “Damn it, Dad!” Danzo says as he pushes past the crowd, Ken and Bristol hurriedly follow.

  At the entrance of the hotel, Ken sees Sora speaking with Markov. From their posture, there isn't hostility, at least for now.

  Nothing much has changed since the last time Ken saw Markov. The only differences are the white suit, the scar on his neck, and the life in his eyes.

  Upon reaching Sora, Markov makes eye contact with Ken.

  “Ahh, the wolf,” Markov says with a surprising amount of warmth.

  Ken readies the multi-tool. The people behind Markov seem to tense up as well. Markov simply raises his hand, motioning them to calm down. They resume as if nothing happened at all.

  “Do not be afraid, Ken. For I have been reborn, and with that, my past grievances disappeared with it,” Markov proudly announces.

  “How are you alive?” Ken asks.

  “The Navigator has his ways,” Markov smiles. “You should be happy for the weight of my death shall no longer burden you.”

  “Heh, guess you weren’t joking when you said you killed this guy!” Sora chuckles.

  Ken pays no mind to Sora’s comment and continues, “Where is Byron? I know he is with your cult.”

  Markov’s eyes remain fixed on Ken’s, watching his movements. “He is close by. I am assuming you want to speak with him?” Markov answers.

  Ken's heart rate rises. A well of energy rising within him.

  “Maybe you can find it in your heart to forgive him, Ken. He brought us our late-brother Senzo into the flock after he was reborn.”

  “Don’t you dare associate Senzo with your farce of a cult. You–” Before Ken can finish, he feels a large hand on his shoulder. Ken slowly turns to find Byron beside him. He is wearing a white suit. Looking at Byron's face, his beard and injuries have disappeared; his hair is also combed back, toning down the bravado he had. He feels an intense burning feeling grip his heart.

  Byron.

  “Oh,” Sora says in realisation.

  “By now, you should have understood that all are welcome, Ken. You shall find forgiveness once you accept our Navigator's words in your heart,” Byron preaches.

  Ken shrugs Byron's hand off his shoulder and moves toward Sora. The pressure inside him keeps building.

  Byron walks toward Markov and stands next to him.

  “Now, now, Byron. The Navigator requires us not to be hasty. For too much enthusiasm may scare away the confused,” Markov lectures. Something about it annoys Ken.

  Sora grabs Bristol and Ken by the shoulders, smiling, “Hey, Hey, we are just here for a fun time. Wouldn't want to ruin everyone's fun, right!”

  “I truly hope so. I assure you that you and your wife don’t have to be worried about our plans,” Markov reassures.

  “Wife?” Sora repeats in surprise. Ken doesn't turn to look around with the others; he is solely focused on Byron. This feeling in his chest is new to him. He bides his time, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

  “Oh, come on!” Sora complains. After taking a deep breath, Sora raises his hands in surrender, attempting to diffuse the situation. “Okay, okay. We aren't up to anything, just trying to have fun with the kids, see.” He points to the twins walking with Imino.

  “I would believe you, but our friends' face here says differently,” Markov argues.

  Ken feels Sora nudge him, whispering, “Put it away, kid.”

  Ken realises he is scowling and quickly fixes his expression. What was that? He is surprised that his usual blank expression has disappeared. As Senzo told him, a good poker face is invaluable, especially when you have many.

  He feels Sora's arm on his shoulder, trying to prevent Ken from doing anything stupid. “Don't worry about him, he is just practising his game face,” Sora laughs.

  Imino's group joins them. She coldly says to Sora, “I thought I told you not to start a fight.”

  “What do you think I'm trying to do?” He nervously smiles.

  “If you are true to your word, we will ignore this intrusion and allow you to partake in the festivities. Now, if you will excuse us, I have business to attend to.” Markov makes his way back to the hotel.

  Ken turns to walk away with Sora's group, stepping away before he acts out.

  “Hmph, Senzo solely pays again for your impudence,” Byron remarks. Ken stops in place. Something in his mind snaps. That ringing returns to his ears.

  “Byron! We are done here,” Markov reprimands.

  “Apologies, sir,” Byron replies.

  “Well, can't say I didn't try!” Sora shouts as he grabs a signboard nearby and throws it at Markov. Upon impact, Markov's upper body explodes into bits, blood and gore flying everywhere.