"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

Auren entered Gate No. 9, climbed the grand staircase… and stopped.

In front of him stood something that didn't even look like a ship—it looked like a jewel carved by the heavens.

Its body shimmered like it was made of pure sapphire and molten gold, reflecting the early morning light like a thousand diamonds. Magical clouds gently floated around its exterior, glowing softly. The deck sparkled—each step resembling a star-lit path.

All around him were elegant passengers—some in fine suits and flowing dresses, others in tribal robes adorned with rare gemstones. Couples lounged on cushioned sofas, some stood on balcony decks sipping glowing drinks, and ribbons of light—glowing magical veins—flowed through the upper structure of the ship.

Auren stood silently, not reacting to the grandeur. He just took it all in.

Then, approaching a nearby staff member, he asked quietly, "Excuse me… where's my stay room?"

The waiter smiled politely. "Of course, sir. May I see your ticket?"

Auren handed him the crystal-clear card. The label read: B219.

"Ah, yes," the waiter nodded. "That means B — second floor. 2 — the second hall. 19 — your room number. Please follow the glowing rail to your right and take the spiral stairs. Your room will be on the left."

"Thank you," Auren said.

The waiter gave a small bow. "It's my honor, sir."

Then walked away.

Auren reached his room.

He opened the door slowly.

Inside, soft floating lamps of many colors hovered in the air — glowing gently without movement. Below them was a bed that looked more like a piece of the ocean itself. Its surface shimmered like water, and through its translucent glow, one could see tiny golden fish swimming, along with countless vibrant colors—like a dreamy aquarium frozen in time.

But Auren didn't react. No awe. No curiosity.

He walked past the glowing bed, straight to the sliding glass door. Without a pause, he opened it and stepped out onto the balcony.

Time: 7:20 AM. Ten minutes before departure.

He leaned slightly on the silver rail, eyes looking downward.

From this height, he saw passengers below — laughing, talking, pointing at the glowing sea. The ocean stretched endlessly, glowing like sapphire beneath the rising sun. The weather was perfect — not too cold, not too hot — the kind of morning that makes memories.

But Auren had no expression.

Just... blank.

Auren sat down on the white recliner chair placed neatly on the balcony. It was soft, curved perfectly for comfort — but he didn't notice any of that.

He simply leaned back…Head tilted up. Eyes locked on the open sky.

No words or thoughts to speak out loud.Just... silence.

Only memories spoke now.

Kaen — his bright smile.Rose — her laughter echoing on the cliff.Veon — always strong, always distant.Ryden — harsh words and heavy eyes.His mother — warmth in every gesture.Sunny — How they meet at Anthredium Park.Their walks through Ryuki City's streets,...buying chores from the marketplace.

Moments. Fragments.Like flickering lights behind his eyes —So close. So far.

And still, he stared at the sky. Saying nothing.Feeling... everything.

He just looked up, raised his hand — palm open, like the sun was resting on it. Said softly, "Hey… Ash Phantom… are you me? If you're not… please… be me. I hope… I am that. Ash Phantom… Ash Phantom…"

He closed his eyes."Am I… Ash Phantom?"

He asked again, deeper this time."Am I… Ash Phantom?"

A memory flashed. A crown… in the air… in water… in a mountain.

He heard a laugh — like someone was having fun…But no one was there.

Then he heard a hard voice —"Remember the glory."

His eyes opened suddenly — breathing heavy."What… was that?"

A flicker of hope appeared on his face."I… I can be Ash Phantom."

Meanwhile, at the dojo, a mage rushed in and informed Hoshin Maru: "Sir, our Guardian… has lost his youngest son."

Hoshin Maru's eyes widened."…What is Ryden doing now? Tell me fast."

The mage replied, "Sir, he seems calm. He's on the second floor of the dojo… meditating in his room."

Hoshin Maru exhaled slowly."He's just distracting himself... That pain runs deep. It hurts me too. Kaen Ryuki — our future elite — is no more. We've lost someone from the Ryuki family… That loss is heavy."

He stood up, voice low but firm."Is the peace treaty parchment ready?"

The mage nodded. "Yes, sir."

Hoshin Maru: "Send it… to Zackey Siroka."

The ship began to move.

Auren stood on the balcony, the wind brushing past his face. His eyes were steady, focused on the horizon ahead.

Auren (softly): "I can do this… There's still hope left in me."

The golden vessel slowly left the port, gliding across the shimmering ocean like a jewel cutting through the waves.

Meanwhile…

Sunny gently dropped Rose off in front of the orphan yard — a quiet, worn-down building nestled between two empty streets. The sky above them was pale blue, touched with the softness of the early morning.

Rose didn't look back. She stepped forward, her eyes hollow, her thoughts spiraling.

Not a word.Not a goodbye.

Sunny didn't call after her. He just stood there, watching her walk away.

Sunny (in his heart): "I know, Rose… this broke you inside. But I hope — truly hope — that you find the strength to smile again. I'll always be here for you. I'll do everything I can to make you happy. I don't want to lose your smile."

Rose kept walking, her soul silent.Blank.Fading into the orphan yard's shadows.

Back on the ship, Auren looked toward the open sky — thinking of her.

Her smile…Her warmth…Her hug.

His fingers clenched gently around the edge of the balcony.

Auren (whispering to himself): "Rose…"

Auren stood quietly, leaning over the balcony rail as the ship sailed forward, the ocean breeze brushing against his skin. His eyes stayed fixed on the clouds above, but his heart was somewhere far behind.

Auren (thinking): "Rose… can you ever accept me again?"No… maybe not. But maybe… maybe you will."

He took a slow breath, clutching the pendant around his neck.

"Hollow Mountain… can you help me get her back?"Can you help me become someone worthy?"

His eyes burned with a quiet intensity.

"Can you help me become strong… not just in power, but in heart?"

The ship cut forward through the morning light — toward a place of answers, a place of change.