"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

Present…

In Alvin's hands, the Shamrico book was breathing—slow and steady, like the lungs of a living being. He drew in a deep breath, tilted his head upward, and closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, in a calm, measured voice, he spoke, "After all this struggle… we finally have the Shamrico."

His gaze shifted to the side—Rabi was writhing on the floor, his body trembling in agony.

"Help me… please… it hurts," Rabi gasped, desperation clawing at every word.

Alvin's eyes turned cold."You betrayed me, Rabi. You don't deserve to call yourself a Litos."

Without stepping closer, Alvin swung his sword through the air. The blade's arc unleashed a wave—a razor-sharp crescent that cut through the space between them—

THUUM

In the blink of an eye, Rabi's body split into two.

From Alvin's body, something like stardust began to drift outward—tiny, glowing specks like fragments of distant stars—a soft blue aura wrapped around him, pulsing gently in the dark.

Without hesitation, he leapt from the outer balcony. The wind curled around him as he descended, the stardust trailing in his wake like a comet's tail…

Slowly—almost weightless—he landed on the open deck.

With Shamrico in his grasp, Alvin walked across the open deck.Each step of his boots echoed sharply in the still night air.

Ahead, Ranjan still sat in his chair, calm as a king awaiting his crown.

From behind, Alvin's voice rang out,"Hello, future legend… brother. Shamrico is in my hands."

Ranjan's lips curved into a slow smile without rising from his seat."Finally… now I will become the greatest man this world has ever known. My dream will no longer be just a dream—it will be reality. Hahahah…"

His eyes sharpened, voice dropping to a cold vow."Vaiven… be ready. I'm coming to destroy you."

Alvin stepped closer, placing Shamrico gently into Ranjan's waiting hands.Ranjan leaned forward, his fingers trembling with joy.

"Finally… finally…" he whispered.

Then, tilting his head back toward the heavens, he erupted in a grand, unrestrained laugh."Hahahahahaha!"

"Look… look at this book—it's breathing," Ranjan said, his voice caught between a laugh and a calm whisper. In the glow of the deck lights, a single tear slipped down his cheek.

"Now," he murmured, "it's time to seek the greatest treasure this world has to offer—the mythical power. Let's see what it truly is."

A cold wind swept across the deck, tossing their hair into the air.

Alvin stepped closer, eyes steady."Brother, I'm waiting for the day you become the sole power in this world. I want you to rule all of Winland. Conquer it, brother… I'll always stand by you. You are my soul."

Ranjan wrapped his arms tightly around Alvin, pulling him into a firm embrace."Yes, little brother… It's happening now."

Their moment was broken by the sharp cry of a hawk.The bird swooped down, a scroll clutched in its beak, and landed on Ranjan's outstretched arm.

Ranjan unrolled the parchment, his eyes scanning the message:Sir, we lost Yidan on the ninth ship. He was en route to Ryuki to capture a boy—the boy who can turn away sea monsters with a single gaze. In battle, Yidan failed… and lost his life.

"The boy is fifteen," the message continued. "His name is Auren. On that same ship travels Ravi Raman—the royal heir of Raman City. We have intelligence that Auren is heading with them to Baku Palace."

Ranjan's eyes narrowed as he finished reading.He lowered the scroll and turned to his brother.

"Alvin," he said coldly, "I'm leaving this matter to you. Make sure no one—no one—can kill our family members."

Alvin gave a slow, deliberate nod.

"And the boy?" he asked.

Ranjan's gaze hardened."Kill him. Kill that kid, Auren. And send our best hunters to the Baku Palace. I want this finished."

Alvin nodded..

Ravi slipped quietly into the room.It was late—moonlight filtering through the small window—and Auren was already awake, his eyes heavy but alert.Without a word, Ravi sat beside him, keeping his voice low so Vivi wouldn't overhear.

"In Baku Palace," Ravi murmured, "we need to keep you safe. Your life is in danger. When you're able to move… try not to stay in one place too long."

Auren's gaze sharpened, but Ravi continued."The Litos are after you now. They won't let you live—nor me. Someone from our ship has already informed them… I'm certain of it.

Auren's voice was steady, almost cold."I don't fear death anymore. Pain doesn't matter to me. I can endure anything now. All I want… is to reach Hollow Mountain. After that, I'll change myself—and then, I'll change everything."

His eyes lifted toward the softly glowing horse toy hanging from the ceiling, its gentle sway casting shifting shadows across the room.

Ravi's lips curved into a smile."I know, kid. You're something else—you even chewed through both leg muscles. Hah!" His laughter was rough but genuine. "You really are something, kid. Hahaha."

Then his gaze hardened, locking on Auren."But you… You're Ryuki. And you carry something inside you—something that made you leave your land. I can feel it. Feels like destiny's already written a path for you."

Litos Ship

Without warning, the entire ship began to tremble—deep, groaning vibrations running through the wooden frame.On the deck, Shamrico's pages flared to life, unfolding on their own with a rapid, restless flutter.

Around the ship's grand structure, people froze mid-laughter. Those lounging on the balconies gripped the railings; down below, where music and drinking had filled the air moments ago, voices rose in panic.

"What's happening?!""Is it a massive tide?!""A sea monster?!"

Ranjan's voice cut through the chaos."What's going on?!"

Containers slid and crashed to the floor. The wind howled louder, whipping through the ropes and banners. Men and women clung to pillars and balcony beams, knuckles white.

Alvin's voice rang sharp."Brother! Hold Shamrico tight!"

Ranjan tightened his grip, his jaw set."Yes, I am!"

Far away, in another place on the ocean, Auren closed his eyes.I hope destiny favors me… he thought. And if it doesn't— his lips tightened —I still won't stop.