"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

Auren leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "So tell me," he said to Violet, "some expensive skills... the kind used by the elite."

Violet gave a soft smile. "Yes. I take it you're Auren Ryuki?

"Yes," Auren said, astonished that she was aware.

Her voice was calm and assured as she folded her arms. "Your brother has the ability to call forth Zephyros, and that's an A-class call, Auren. Normally, calling forth something of that level requires 1120 Vita energy.

Auren's gaze grew wide.

Then there is Sia, one of our most powerful and skilled mages. Critical Wound Recovery is a rare healing ability that she employs. Her body heals, even if she has severe injuries. However, that ability costs 998 Vita and only activates once every week.

Rose and Auren listened impassively.

And Violet continued. "Generally speaking, having more than 1500 Vita makes you an elite. You become a Commander Elite if you hit 4000. There are only two individuals with that rank in Ryuki City—"

She raised two fingers.

"Ryden Ryuki, your father, and one other person—Soma Niko, an elderly resident of the Yellow District."

Auren lowered his gaze, taking it all in. Rose didn't even blink as she remained focused.

"And above that," Violet went on, "a person becomes Commander Ace if they possess 5500 Vita or more. Each city only has one. That individual in Ryuki is Master Hoshin Maru.

Silence fell.

"What about normal mages?" Rose whispered.

Violet gave a nod. "You can become a City Police Mage if you have more than 200 Vita. You can become a member of the Magic Army, Vita. Like Evon, you're referred to as Sub-Elite, 800 Vita.

Rose gave a nod. I believe I woke up at thirteen. Could you look at my Vita?

Violet raised her hand, snapped her fingers, and grinned.

A red, glowing orb hummed softly as it drifted across the room like a planet in orbit. It positioned itself before Rose.

Violet said, "Grab it with both hands." "Now join me in chanting."

They muttered, "Ova ova nimo saki," together. "Ova ova nimo saki."

The orb started to glow a pale shade of red.

Violet said, "Now put it on the desk."

Violet placed a thin piece of white paper over the orb as Rose put it down. The light was absorbed by the paper.

Violet looked at the paper for a moment, then at Rose.

"Rose," she said slowly, "your Vita is… 1000."

Rose and Auren both froze. "WHAT?! One thousand?" they said at the same time.

Violet nodded. "Yes. I think you never tested it before. That's a strong value. You can choose an ability now, if you wish."

Rose hesitated. "I… I don't know."

Auren nudged her. "You should take something. You never know when it'll help you."

Rose lowered her head, then nodded. "Okay… yes."

Violet stood up. "Good. Come with me, kids."

They walked to a tall snake-engraved door. Violet pushed it open. A mystic room welcomed them, dimly lit, with a giant lamp glowing in the center like a full moon.

"This is the Ability Vault," Violet said.

"Now tell me," she turned to Rose, "do you want multiple low-cost abilities, or just one powerful ability?"

Rose looked uncertain. "I… I don't know."

She turned to Auren. "What should I take?"

Auren looked around the glowing orbs. "You have to make that choice, Rose. I can't decide it for you."

Violet walked deeper into the room. Around them, floating orbs of different colors and shapes spun gently in the air—each one holding a potential power.

And Rose… reached out.

*******

"If I fight like this… I'll die soon, "Sakura thought, blood trailing down her jaw. "I can't die here—not now."

Her fingers clenched.

"I have to use it…"

She stepped back, eyes glowing faintly. Her breath slowed—steady, focused.

"Second Gate: Jade Titan."

BOOM!

A shockwave erupted beneath her feet as her form surged with power.

A jade-green aura wrapped around her body—calm on the surface, violent underneath. Her speed exploded. Her strength tripled. The very air trembled in fear.

Mamozi's playful grin vanished. He gripped his twin blades tightly now—nervous.

Aster raised an eyebrow, still calm. "So… this is your second gate, Sakura Vincent. Let's see if you're truly worthy of it."

Sakura exhaled, her voice like a blade.

"Let's finish this."

CRACK!

She vanished.

Before Mamozi could blink, she was behind him. She grabbed his spine and slammed him straight into the cliffside.

BOOM!

Rocks exploded. The mountain shook.

Again.

BOOM! She didn't stop.

Again.

BOOM! The entire cliffside cracked like a broken mirror.

Mamozi let out a beastly screech—and vanished into mist.

Sakura turned instantly, her eyes locking onto Aster.

He was already casting. Calm. Confident.

"Shield up."

A molten wall rose between them—hot, glowing.

But Sakura didn't stop.

"Ultimate Moonlight Slash!!"

She spun mid-air—jade aura spiraling around her blade—and unleashed a devastating slash that howled with moonlight fury.

BAAAANG!

The molten shield shattered.

Dust and sparks exploded outward.

Aster's eyes widened.

A clean, burning cut opened across his stomach—blood dripping, sizzling against his armor.

He staggered backwards, trying to regain footing—lava sword clenched.

"What the hell is with this Second Gate of yours…?"

Sakura, breathing heavily, eyes blazing, smiled.

She raised her sword again.

"We'll see… who's still standing by the end."

*******

Scarlet stepped closer, her eyes full of both tension and care.

"Be calm… be calm, Sunny," she said softly but firmly. "Tell me—what are you seeing? What is it from your past that's haunting you? What happened…? Who are you? What happened during the Grand Era? What is your connection to Yuzen? Is Vincent actually Vincantia? Just say something… anything… you can do it."

Sunny didn't reply with words at first. His body trembled. His eyes glowed, wild and fierce—almost not his own anymore.

The energy around him started bursting, vibrating through the entire chamber like waves from a broken dam. And then—he spoke.

"My buddy…" he muttered. A strange weight in his tone. "My buddy is waiting for me…"

Scarlet's voice quickened. "Who is your buddy? Where is he? What does he look like?"

Sunny's eyes locked forward—he wasn't even looking at her anymore.

"He's in Yuzen City… He's waiting for me," he said with a strange mix of sadness and strength. His voice got heavier with each word. "I'm coming, buddy… Just wait a little longer. I'll free you."

His fist clenched. His tears finally fell.

"I can't endure your pain anymore…"

He screamed, his voice shaking the walls.

"I WILL FREE YOU!!"

Scarlet stepped back, shocked.

"Who is he, Sunny?! What happened to him?! Is he still alive? Just tell me something more!"

Sunny's voice cracked, full of emotion. "My buddy is innocent! He didn't do anything wrong!!" He fell to his knees, sobbing.

"Why do people hate him… why? He's my only friend… How could anyone hate someone like him? What did he ever do?!"

Scarlet shouted again, trying to pull him back to reason.

"JUST SAY WHO HE IS, SUNNY! WHO IS YOUR BUDDY?! JUST SAY IT!!"