The scene shifted to Sumaru.
He was riding atop his undead horse, racing across an open field at incredible speed. The wind howled around him as the horse tore through the landscape.
Some time later...
Ohio City.
A tall man dressed entirely in black walked through the city streets.
It was Sumaru, hiding his identity.
He stopped in front of a shop and looked at the shopkeeper.
"Do you know a kid named Yuki?" he asked. "He has the title of Hero."
The shopkeeper looked at Sumaru curiously.
"And who are you?" he asked.
Sumaru paused.
Suddenly, his eyes flashed red.
The shopkeeper looked directly into them.
A moment later, the shopkeeper's eyes flashed red as well.
He had fallen under Sumaru's control.
Sumaru asked again,
"Where can I find Hero Yuki?"
The shopkeeper answered immediately.
"He already left Ohio City."
Sumaru's eyes widened slightly.
"He left?"
"Where did he go?"
"North."
Sumaru fell silent.
North?
Why would he go north?
He asked another question.
"Why did he go north?"
"I don't know."
The shopkeeper's answer only made Sumaru think harder.
North...
What's in the north...?
Then realization struck him.
Wait!
One of my three castles is located in the north!
Could that brat be planning to attack my castle?
A cold smile appeared on his face.
Turning around, Sumaru began walking away at a fast pace.
Hmph.
I've been searching for my prey while my prey is heading straight toward my home.
How foolish.
Meanwhile...
Yuki and Tiyara continued their journey north.
"So that's how you use the technique," Tiyara explained. "If you keep practicing, you'll become an expert."
Yuki nodded while walking beside her.
"Hmm... but what's the name of this magic?"
Tiyara thought for a moment.
"I haven't decided on an official name yet."
She grinned.
"How about Kita?"
"Yu from Yuki and Ti from Tiyara."
Yuki looked forward and shrugged.
"Whatever. I only care about how useful it is."
Some time later...
Night fell.
They finally arrived at Kubichi City.
Kubichi City
The city was located about twenty-four kilometers away from the ocean.
Its Knowledge Tower specialized in strengthening the body, so most residents possessed impressive physical strength.
Not on the level of monsters like Yuki or Sumaru, but still far stronger than ordinary people.
Yuki and Tiyara entered an inn and approached the counter.
Yuki spoke first.
"One room for two people."
He paused.
"And not the same room."
"Got it, sir," the receptionist replied.
Tiyara received her room key.
Yuki received his.
The receptionist continued,
"Room 43 for you, sir."
"And Room 44 for the young lady."
"You can come here anytime if you'd like food."
"Okay," Yuki replied.
The two headed upstairs.
A short while later...
Both stood outside their respective rooms.
Yuki was about to enter when Tiyara spoke.
"Good night."
Yuki paused.
Turning around, he replied,
"Good night."
Tiyara smirked.
"And wake up early tomorrow."
"You sleep way too much in the mornings."
A vein appeared on Yuki's forehead.
Without saying a word, he entered his room.
"Hmph."
Tiyara giggled softly.
Then she entered her own room.
The Next Morning
Tiyara's Room
Tiyara slept comfortably beneath her blanket.
Slowly, her eyes opened.
Blink.
Blink.
"Whaaa..."
Stretching lazily, she sat up.
She was still wearing her night clothes.
After washing her face and changing into fresh clothes, she left her room and headed to the inn's dining area.
She sat down and waited for Yuki.
Two minutes passed.
Five minutes.
Ten minutes.
No Yuki.
The breakfast she had ordered arrived before he did.
Tiyara looked at her wrist out of habit, wanting to check the time.
Then she remembered.
She didn't own a watch.
And watches didn't even exist in this era.
...Right.
Anyway, Yuki still hadn't appeared.
Tiyara crossed her arms.
Where did he go?
That sleepyhead!
I've been waiting here for almost an hour!
I specifically told him to wake up early!
Damn it!
An irritated expression appeared on her face.
Without touching her food, she stood up and headed toward Yuki's room.
Outside Room 43
Tiyara knocked on the door.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
No response.
She knocked again.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Yuki!"
"Yuki!"
Still nothing.
Tiyara frowned.
Is he sleeping that deeply?
She raised her voice.
"If you don't open the door, I'll break it down and come inside!"
Silence.
No answer.
Tiyara sighed.
Using mana, she unlocked the door through the keyhole.
The lock clicked open.
She stepped inside.
The room was empty.
The bed was messy, but Yuki wasn't there.
Maybe he's in the bathroom.
She walked to the bathroom door.
Knock. Knock.
"Yuki, are you inside?"
No response.
For the first time, genuine worry appeared on her face.
In an embarrassed voice, she muttered,
"I-If you don't answer... I'm coming in."
Still silence.
Tiyara opened the door and entered.
Nobody.
The bathroom was empty too.
Her expression instantly became serious.
The tension in her chest grew.
"Where did he go...?" she whispered.