{Scene shifts – Palace of Daegmon Kira}
The hall is silent.
Only the flag of the World Ruling Dominion sways gently behind the throne.
Daegmon Kira sits with a cold, unreadable gaze.
Before him, a soldier kneels, head bowed low to the marble floor.
Man (nervous): A… problem, my lord.
Kira slowly rises from his throne.
Kira: Speak.
Man: Kaen Rugo… has been gravely injured.
A flicker passes through Kira's calm expression.
Kira: Who… could possibly take one of my Serpents down?
The man gulps.
Man: The Legendary Swordsman of the Devil King… Erik Traz.
Kira's eyes widen—not in fear, but recognition.
Kira: Tell every commander—avoid contact.
No one engages him without my word.
The soldier bows deeper.
Kira turns, placing a small, sealed black box on the throne's armrest.
A faint red marking hums on its surface—ancient, forbidden.
Kira:
Just preparing for the worst.
{Scene shift – Erik Traz's Hideout}
The quiet crackle of a small fire.
Ryuki sits bandaged.
Erik stands nearby, sharpening his blade with unhurried motions.
Ryuki: …Thanks.
Erik: No need for formality.
Orimo: Yeah—thank you.
Erik: Don't sweat it.
But listen—take this as a warning.
Orimo and Ryuki look up.
Erik: The Four Serpents—they aren't just elite soldiers.
They were chosen by Daegmon Kira personally.
If all four fall… something buried… something ancient… will be unleashed.
A silent weight settles in the room.
Ryuki: Then we just won't let him.
Erik shakes his head slowly.
Erik: You're not hearing me.
This isn't about winning or losing.
If it awakens—it could be the end of the world.
We don't even know what it truly is.
Silence.
Orimo stands.
His hands clenched.
His eyes—not shaken… but burning.
Orimo: I will face it.
I cannot watch them slaughter any longer.
The things I've seen… they follow me into my sleep.
If I don't act—
I'll be ashamed to call myself human.
His voice trembles—not from fear, but conviction.
Orimo:
Everyone alive shares the same worth.
No one is born above another.
Erik looks at him—quiet, but with respect.
The fire crackles.
The world is beginning to move.