As Zodiac and Himitsu conclude their sparring session, the scene transitions to Sampostis, revealing Zorren's grand mansion located in the heart of the last district, enclosed by imposing gates. Inside, Zorren is asleep in his bed, drool trickling from his mouth.
Zorren: (Sleeping) Ahhhhhh.
While he continues to slumber, one of his assistants quietly opens the door and enters the room.
Assistant: Uhhh, Mr. President?
Zorren: (Half-awake) Go away… Can a man get some beauty sleep?
Assistant: But sir, your press conference is today.
Zorren: (Wide awake) Oh crap!
Zorren swiftly jumps out of bed, still in his boxers.
Zorren: Get me some clothes now!
Assistant: Y-yes, Mr. President!
The assistant rushes to Zorren's closet, retrieves a t-shirt and pants, and assists him in getting dressed. Following this, Zorren proceeds to his opulent bathroom. He approaches the sink, where robotic arms activate, retrieving a toothbrush and toothpaste to brush his teeth. They then wash his face and groom his fur.
Zorren: (Smiling) Man, I love being rich.
Once Zorren completes his bathroom routine, he exits his room into the vast interior of his mansion, which boasts four floors. As he walks, another assistant approaches with a cup of coffee.
Assistant 2: Here you go, sir! Just as you like it!
Zorren: (Grabs the cup) Hmfp.
He takes a sip, his expression contorting in distaste at the bitterness, and spits it out.
Zorren: (Upset) What the hell is this? Did you forget the sugar!?
Assistant 2: S-sorry, sir! I must have overlooked it!
In frustration, Zorren drops the cup, shattering it and spilling coffee across the floor.
Zorren: Clean this up and bring me another coffee.
He walks away, heading toward the stairs, leaving her to address the mess. As he descends to the main floor, he spots Duviri waiting for him, holding her tablet.
Duviri: Good morning, Mr. President.
Zorren: Morning, Duviri. Give me the rundown.
Duviri: (Checking tablet) Everything looks good so far. Your revenue and sales have increased over the last few days.
Zorren: Excellent. The more money, the better. How is the city performing?
Duviri: All systems are running smoothly. There have been no recent reports.
As they converse, the same assistant who prepared the coffee returns to Zorren with a fresh cup.
Assistant Girl 2: (Nervously) Here you go, sir.
Zorren accepts the cup from her hand and takes a sip, nodding in approval.
Zorren: See? That wasn't so hard.
Assistant Girl 2: I'm glad to help!
The assistant walks away.
Duviri: Well, today is the day, correct?
Zorren: Indeed. We are finally ready to release them to the public. Let's not delay.
Zorren finishes his coffee and places the cup on a table as they head toward the elevator. They enter, and Duviri presses the button marked "H." The doors close, and the elevator descends. After a few moments, they reach their floor. When the doors open, they reveal a vast underground hangar filled with hundreds of luxury and supercars.
Zorren: (Smiling) This never gets old.
Another assistant working on the cars approaches Zorren and Duviri.
Assistant Guy 3: Good day, Mister President. Are you here to collect a vehicle?
Zorren: Yes. Please bring my Versan X30.
Assistant Guy 3: As you wish.
The assistant uses a walkie-talkie to inform the other staff to bring the car. After a moment, the vehicle rolls up toward Zorren and Duviri, its engine roaring.
Driver: (Exiting the car) Here is your vehicle, sir.
The driver steps aside as Duviri takes the driver's seat and Zorren occupies the passenger seat.
Zorren: (Relaxing) Ahhh. One of the best cars I've ever purchased. Let's hit the road.
Duviri nods and begins driving toward the hangar exit, which leads to an ascending tunnel. They soon reach the surface and approach the mansion's front gate as it opens. Duviri drives through the gate and onto the main road, heading to the press conference.
Zorren: Any updates on Kono's crew recently?
Duviri: Not much. They still haven't started their rift mission.
Zorren: Really? I'm not complaining; that's fantastic! But it's strange they haven't tried it yet.
Duviri: Who knows? Maybe they got caught up with something else.
Zorren: Hmpf. Either way, we need to ensure they don't rank up. I can't let my own sister get the best of me!
As they drive toward the conference, Zodek, Cindy, and Mizuda exit the citizen center.
Cindy: Finally! We are now official citizens of Sampostis!
Zodek: It's all thanks to Mizuda for expediting the process.
Mizuda: (Smiling) You're welcome! I know 2-3 months was a long wait, so I convinced them to expedite your citizenship.
Cindy: (Happy) Now I can finally start working! I wonder what type of job I should pursue first.
Zodek: Hold on, Cindy. I know you're eager, but it's important to take your time.
Cindy: I know, I know. I want to help out in the community, just like Zodiac and Himitsu.
Zodek: By the way, Mizuda, how are Zodiac and Himitsu? It has been a while since we last saw them.
Mizuda: My little Zodiac and Himitsu are doing well. They mentioned their crew went through something terrible a few days ago.
Cindy: (Confused) What do you mean?
Mizuda proceeds to inform Cindy and Zodek about the events at the school, leaving them both shocked.
Zodek: Oh wow. That must have been tough.
Cindy: I can't believe all those people died!
Mizuda: Yes, it was unfortunate. However, I reminded them that regardless of the challenges you face, it is essential to keep pushing forward.
Zodek: Precisely. Enduring hardships is what ultimately strengthens you.
As they continue walking down the street, all the televisions and screens switch to the news channel, indicating that the press conference is about to commence.
Cindy: (Shocked) What's happening?
Mizuda: It appears the press conference is starting.
Zodek: Oh right, I heard it was scheduled for today.
Everyone, including the citizens, halts to watch the screens as the press conference begins outside. A substantial crowd gathers as Zorren and Duviri approach the podium, flanked by Sampostis guards. Both Zorren and Duviri are attired in formal suits.
Mizuda: Zorren…
Zorren approaches the microphone and taps it.
Zorren: Hello, citizens of Sampostis.
The crowd erupts in cheers, waving their hands.
Zorren: Today, we hold a significant conference. As your President, my foremost priority is safety. You all remember the day that creature appeared, leading to the tragic loss of many lives. Some of you are still grappling with the pain of losing loved ones. Sampostis is intended to be a safe haven, a place where you and your families can live happily without fear. As your President, I take full responsibility for these events. Today, we will ensure that none of you will experience such a horrific event again. This marks the beginning of change. Behold, as you are about to witness something extraordinary—something that will always protect you. Introducing the Mantras!
As Zorren spoke, multiple objects descended from the sky and landed on the podium; they were the prototypes implicated in the death of the assistant from the Order of Triumph Association, inciting a frenzy among the crowd.
Zodek: What the hell are those?
Cindy: They look intimidating.
Mizuda: Whatever they are, I don't like them.
Meanwhile, Rito approached Ohma, who was still training.
Ohma: Ahh! Ahhh!
Rito: Hmm…
Ohma: Oh hey, Rito! I didn't see you there.
Rito: Yeah, I was watching you for a bit. I have a question.
Ohma: Of course. What is it?
Rito: Do you always wear that armor?
Ohma: Ugh? Yeah, I wear it everywhere.
Rito: Well, take it off.
Ohma: Take it off?
Rito: Yes, take it off.
Ohma: Umm… okay.
Ohma removed the armor and stood completely unclothed.
Rito: OH!! SHIT!!!
The girls on the castle balcony gasped at the sight of Ohma.
Girl 1: Oh my!
Girl 2: I want some of that!
Girl 3: I call dibs!
Girl 1: What? NO! I SAW HIM FIRST!
Girl 2: No, I did!
Rito: (Not looking at them) OHMA, PUT YOUR PANTS BACK ON.
Ohma: But I thought you said to—
Rito: I KNOW WHAT I SAID! NOW I'M TELLING YOU TO PUT YOUR PANTS BACK ON!!
Ohma puts his pants back on.
Rito: Are your pants on yet?
Ohma: Yes, they are on.
Rito looks at Ohma.
Rito: Gosh, man, you scared me!
Ohma: Why?
Rito: What do you mean, why? You were naked!
Ohma: But everyone is naked underneath.
Rito: Yes, but men typically wear underwear!
Ohma: Underwear? What is that?
Rito: Oh dear God.
Time passes as Rito takes Ohma to the castle, and they return to the battlegrounds.
Ohma: Wow, Rito! This underwear thing is really cool! Does everyone wear it?
Rito: Clearly, not everyone does.
Ohma: Amazing! I feel like I can accomplish anything in these.
Rito smacks his forehead.
Rito: Alright, kid! Show me what you learned while I was away.
Ohma: Oh right, okay!
Ohma assumes his fighting stance and prepares to punch.
Rito: Stop!
Ohma: Huh? But I didn't even get to show you what I learned.
Rito: Ohma, you obviously didn't learn anything I taught you earlier.
Ohma: I don't understand.
Rito: Ohma, to use your nunchucks, you have to feel it in your heart, and you're not showing me that.
Ohma: But I don't know how to do that.
Rito: Then I guess you're not getting them back.
Ohma: (In a serious tone) I will reclaim them, Rito.
Rito: (Speaking to himself) There he is… No, you won't get them back unless you show me what you've learned.
Ohma: Fine!
Ohma begins to skillfully maneuver the nunchucks. As Rito observes, he envisions the nunchucks perfectly controlled in Ohma's grasp. Ohma's eyes shift to a hazel hue as he swings at Rito and successfully dodges the counterattack.
Rito: (Laughs) There you go! Just like that!
Ohma shakes his head as his eyes return to their original color and looks at Rito.
Ohma: Wh-what just happened?
Rito: What happened? You did it!
Ohma turns to see a cylindrical dent in the ground behind him.
Ohma: (In shock) I-I did that?
Rito: (Excitedly) Yes! You really don't remember what you just did?
Ohma: Uhh! Somewhat, but not entirely.
Rito: Well, the important thing is that you succeeded, so let's continue this tomorrow.
Ohma: Okay—wait, are we finished for today?
Rito: Yes, you all need to eat.
Rito calls out across the battleground to everyone.
Rito: Alright, everyone, dinner is served! Please head inside and freshen up!
Zodiac: Finally. I'm starving.
Kono: (Tired) Finally, food! Ahhh!
Daru: At last, I get to eat!
Hanzo appears in front of Daru.
Daru: Uh… Hanzo?
Monk Hanzo: Hello, Daru. I was informed to tell you that you cannot eat until you finish your training.
Daru: Are you serious? I thought he was bluffing! I should have known!
Monk Hanzo: I'm sorry, Daru; if it were up to me, I would have let you eat.
Daru: It's alright. Thank you for the information.
Monk Hanzo disappears as Daru sits down and leans against the boulder; his tracksuit feels increasingly constrictive as he relaxes.
Daru: Ahh! I hate this! I can't move this boulder! AND I CAN'T EAT! WHAT KIND OF TRAINING IS THIS?!
Everyone heads to the castle, cleans up, sits at the table, and begins to eat.
Ohma: Oh man, this tastes amazing!
Zenshi: Well, Ohma, I used my mother's recipe.
Ohma: What is this dish called?
Zenshi: It's called "Gola Gola."
Ohma: Gola Gola is my favorite dish!
Zenshi looks around the table and notices two empty seats.
Zenshi: Rito.
Rito: (with food in his mouth) Hmm?
Zenshi: Where is Daru?
Rito: Training.
Zenshi: Training?!
Rito: So what?
Zenshi: It's nighttime, and he's still training!?
Rito: He's fine; chill out.
Himitsu: Wait, there's actually another empty spot... has anyone seen Gram?
Ohma: I didn't see him on the battlegrounds.
Zodiac: Don't care.
Kono: Oh no, I hope he's not in trouble.
Akira: Well, he is a ginger.
Zenshi: Yeah, Rito, where's Gram?
Rito: Can I just eat, please?
Zenshi: Fine, but you get no seconds.
Rito: WHAT?! NO, COME ON!
Zenshi: Nope! You heard me.
Rito: This is ridiculous!
Rito gets up, takes his plate, goes to his room, and slams the door.
Akira: I wonder where that fool went.
Zodiac: My guess is he went to gamble or something.
Himitsu: That sounds like him.
Ohma: Hey guys, have you ever tried this thing called underwear?
Himitsu: What? Of course we have! Everyone wears it.
Ohma: Oh… well, I got my first pair today!
Kono: What do you mean, "first pair," Ohma?
Ohma: I mean I got my first pair of underwear today. They feel so nice! Look.
Ohma pulls down his pants and shows everyone at the table.
Himitsu: OHMA!!! PULL YOUR PANTS UP!
Kono: EWW, OHMA!!!
Akira: Seriously?!
Akira gets up and walks away from the table with her plate of food.
Zodiac: I lost my appetite.
Zodiac leaves the table.
Zenshi: OHMA, PULL YOUR PANTS UP!!
Ohma: (smiling) Do you all like it?
Monk Hanzo: I can't handle this.
As time passed, everyone prepared for bed, shutting their doors and exchanging goodnights. Ohma walked down the hall, bidding farewell to everyone.
Ohma: Goodnight, Akira!
Akira slammed her door shut.
Ohma: Goodnight, Zodiac!
Zodiac slammed his door.
Ohma: Goodnight, Kono.
Kono: (sighs) Goodnight, Ohma.
Ohma: Goodnight, Himitsu!
Himitsu: Just go to bed, Ohma. closes his door
Ohma: Will do! I'm going to sleep great!
As everyone settled into their rooms, Zodiac sat on the edge of his bed, meditating as his aura began to glow. Meanwhile, Akira was in her room, closing her eyes and practicing Calming Pond. While everyone else slept, Rito opened his door, sneaked downstairs, headed to the kitchen, and grabbed more of Zenshi's Gola Gola.
Rito: Oh yes! More Gola Gola!!!
As Rito dished out his snack, he caught a whiff of blood.
Rito: Blood?
Turning around, he noticed someone's feet behind the counter.
Rito: What the hell?
Rito approached the counter and discovered Gram on the ground, bruised and bleeding from his mouth.
Rito: Gram!
Rito lifted him and placed him in a chair.
Gram: (Dazed) Uhhh.
Rito: Gram! Gram!
Gram: (Confused) Huh? Huh…?
Rito: What happened to you?
Gram: Does it look that bad?
Rito: Uhh… yeah, you look like you got beaten up.
Gram: Damnit.
Rito: Seriously, what happened?
Gram: (Sighs) I went gambling in the city.
Rito: (Shakes his head) Gram, come on!
Gram: I cheated, and some guy caught me. When I went to cash out, he said, "I need my money back." I replied, "Oh shit" (laughs). Then I added, "If you want this money, come and get it." So I threw a punch with my right fist and then one with my left.
Rito: So, you got your ass beat?
Gram: No, I landed two punches… then I got my ass beat.
Rito: (Sighs) Gram, you need to tell me this stuff. Why are you cheating!?
Gram: The book I have made it easy, so I thought, why not, right?
Rito: This book is a spellbook, Gram! From what I heard from Daru, you got it from a place where you save people? But you're using it to gamble and cheat!?
Gram: You don't understand.
Rito: You're right, I don't understand! The Gram I remember was a scared kid. I helped him rebuild himself, and now you're going back to who you used to be!
Gram begins to reflect and tears up.
Gram: (Crying) I don't know what I'm doing anymore! I don't even know why I'm on this team… I mean, I won the Newbie Event, but I still don't get it.
Rito: Gram, you're on the team because of this.
Rito points to the spellbook.
Gram: (Crying) The book?
Rito: Not just the book, but the person who wields it!
Gram: (Wiping his tears) You're right!
Rito: Your training starts tomorrow morning.
Gram: Yes! WAIT, TRAINING!?