"Ash Phantom: The Legend Reborn"

The ship slowed to a gentle halt at Crescent Moon Port, its massive hull casting a shadow over the stone walkway. Each step onto the pier echoed with the soft tap of feet against the smooth, timeworn stone. Beyond the docking gates, the transit point opened up—a place alive with colors and movement. Men walked in a strange blend of fashion: some in half-modern jackets mixed with loose samurai trousers, others draped in garments of layered cloth. Women passed by in flowing skirts and sheer, net-like veils wrapped around their legs, catching the sunlight with every step.

Raman walked alongside Auren Ryuki, guiding his wheelchair down the ramp. The port had prepared something unusual for their arrival—a floating platform shaped like a royal cart, hovering inches above the ground, its polished silver frame glinting in the afternoon light.

Auren's gaze lingered on the arrangements, quiet but observant. Vivi, walking a few steps away, kept stealing glances at him. The moment their eyes met, she quickly turned away.

Auren's lips curved faintly. Huh… she really is crazy.

Once seated inside the floating cart, they glided through the street. People gathered along the sides, waving at Auren, their faces filled with gratitude. It had been a long time since he'd returned a smile to the world, but today, one found its way to his face.

I know, Rose… you were happy. You gave the signal last night. I hope you're still smiling, and that Sunny's taking good care of you. I guess… he's a good boy. So maybe I can smile too.

He raised his hand, waving not just to the crowd, but to one person in particular—an elderly woman who had once pressed a simple bracelet into his hand, a piece of silver he still wore like a talisman. Her eyes glistened when she saw him.

But before the moment could settle, another ship docked at the port. This one was smaller, a trade vessel. Inside its wooden cabin, two men sat facing each other, the air thick with the scent of sea salt and unspoken words…

The cart soared through the sky, Auren and Vivi gazing down at the city, drinking in its vibrant culture and bustling life. From above, the streets seemed alive with color, sound, and movement. The Baku Palace, with its towering golden spires, wasn't far now—its shadow already stretching over the rooftops below.

But at the docks, a trade ship had just arrived. Two brothers stepped off, both wearing pointed hats and long robes, their attire carrying a pirate's swagger. Their eyes scanned the harbor like seasoned wanderers.

A man at the port eyed them cautiously."Who are you two?"

Aazin, with a grin half-mad, half-charming, replied, "We're traders! We bring treasures from across the seas. Want to take a peek? We've got our pass for trade."

The port guard glanced at the documents, then waved them through. "You can go."

Ryzin smirked, his gaze catching the sight of a flying royal cart gliding toward the palace. His eyes narrowed in interest.

While their men hauled heavy containers, the brothers made their way to the platform. The harbor was split into two zones—one for passengers, one for traders.

Both brothers kept their hands tucked inside their jackets as they walked with casual confidence. Their voices dropped low.

Aazin's tone turned sharp. "Let's make a plan then…"

The cart was sent flying ahead, leaving Auren and Vivi gazing at the city's streets and vibrant culture. The Baku Palace wasn't far now.

At the docks, a trade ship had just arrived. Two brothers—Aazin and Ryzin—stepped off, wearing pointed hats, flowing robes, and a slightly pirate-like flair.

A dockworker eyed them suspiciously.Dockworker: "Who are you guys?"Aazin (grinning wildly): "We're traders! We bring many things… You wanna check? We've got a trade pass."Dockworker: "...Alright, you can go."

Ryzin smirked, his gaze flicking toward the flying cart heading toward the Royal Palace. Meanwhile, their men unloaded massive containers onto the platform. The port had two separate zones—one for passengers and another for traders.

Hands inside their jackets, the brothers walked side by side, speaking in low voices.

Ryzin: "Sure, Aazin… we'll make a plan. But remember—there are Litos here. We need to take them out, too. Let them know we're in the same race as Shamrico… and about that treasure."Aazin (grinning): "Yep, you've got a clear spot."

Something about the trade ship gnawed at him. In the cargo hold, hidden beneath layers of goods, there had been a grisly sight—piles of dead bodies. Severed legs. Heads. Hands. All were brutally killed.

Aazin: "Tell them to add more perfume to the traders' bodies. If that smell gets out, we're done for."

The brothers left the port. Aazin: "Troops, I've already given each of you a messenger buzzer. When I call, you come. We'll be in Baku for a little while—report anything suspicious."The men nodded.

Aazin: "Did you bring Ana with you?"Ryzin (eyes widening): "Oh… crap. I forgot to untie her!"

He bolted back to the ship, vaulted down the stairs, and swung open a dull, cramped room. Inside—Ana, bound and glaring.

Ryzin: "Ohhh, sorry, sorry, baby! I'm so mad at myself—"He rushed to free her.

Ana (furious): "Mmmh—! You stupid mother—! I told you, I don't love you! Why don't you leave me alone?!"Ryzin: "But we've known each other since childhood! What's wrong with becoming my loooovvveeee—"

Ana promptly kicked him in the groin, pinched his ears, and growled, Ana: "Shut up. Let's go."

Ana grinned wickedly."You're insane. You're toxic. You're mad. You're an asshole… a mother— and a bitch. You don't serve me, Ryzin."

With a sharp push, she flung open the gate.

The workers hauling containers froze, their loads crashing to the ground. Eyes glazed, mouths dripping saliva—not from hunger, but from pure infatuation with Ana.

She was impossible to ignore: red shirt unbuttoned just enough to tease, curly brown hair, brown eyes burning with mischief, short denim shorts, black high boots. Instead of a belt, she wore a punishment rope, a pistol hanging loosely at her hip.

Aazin, standing a little distance from the ship, watched the chaos. A calm laugh escaped him."They're insane," he muttered, then waved. "Ana, Ryzin—get over here. We need to hurry."

Ryzin stumbled forward, whining, "Ana, leave my ears! That hurts!"

"Hurt?" Ana's glare could peel paint. "You think I enjoyed being locked inside, huh?"

"N-no! It's not my fault! Aazin said If you lock up a girl, she'll start loving you."

Ana's head whipped toward Aazin."He said what?" Her voice sharpened into fury."AAAAAAZZZZIIIIINNNN—!"

Seeing the storm about to hit, Aazin didn't wait—he ran.

*************

The cart landed on the high terrace of the palace.Vivi jumped off first, running toward the balcony. Her eyes widened, mesmerized."So beautiful…" she whispered, as the fresh scent of nature drifted through the air.

Behind her, Ravi was pushing Auren's wheelchair. As they approached the grand gates, they opened with a slow, regal creak.

From within, King Velmore emerged, wearing a heavy royal suit adorned with golden chains. His smile was warm and proud.

"Ravi! Ravi! Welcome to Baku—you are most welcome here. It's our honor to meet you," Velmore greeted.

Ravi handed the wheelchair over to his wife, then stepped forward."It's great to see you, Velmore. It's been a while… you've grown so much," Ravi said with a chuckle.

Velmore grinned. "The last time we met was back when we were both trainees. I still remember the days of Rompo… the place where children from different cities trained to achieve excellence."

Both men drew closer, memories flooding back. Ravi placed both hands on Velmore's shoulders, studying his friend's face after so many years.

Velmore didn't hesitate—he embraced Ravi tightly.

**********

The moon was already high when Ana, Ryzin, and Aazin stood in the dim glow of the lantern-lit street. The air carried the faint scent of roasted spices from nearby food stalls, but none of them seemed to care—they had work to do.

Aazin crossed his arms, his pointed hat casting a sharp shadow over his eyes. "So… the plan is ready?" he asked, voice low but brimming with energy.

Ryzin gave a thin smirk. "Yes, it's ready. Every piece is in place. But we wait for Vaiven. Once he's here, we move."

Ana shifted slightly, her gaze sweeping the rooftops. "You sound like you want to rush this, Ryzin."

"I do want to rush this," Ryzin replied. "I want this to explode—fast, loud, action-packed. No slow plays."

Aazin chuckled, shaking his head. "No… rushing will waste the opportunity. We'll do this in a great manner. A manner they'll remember."

He raised one hand, and a sudden shimmer of light appeared above his palm. A piercing screech cut through the night as a large eagle, its feathers streaked with gold, descended from the sky and landed before him. Its talons scraped against the stone.

"Go," Aazin commanded in a deep, steady tone, "and split the boomat's roof wide open."

The eagle spread its wings, beating the air with a force that sent dust swirling around them. Then, with a sharp cry, it took to the night sky—vanishing into the darkness to deliver Aazin's command.