“Thought I’d be harder to recognize.” Sir Peter admitted to Alain’s party, as he began removing his mask and Kabuto. His purple shimmering hair pierced the ashy air. “So, what brings you guys here?” He asked, resting his large nodachi over his shoulder.

“Sir, we have a situation, and we need to report it to the higher-ups immediately,” Alain reported, shifting into a more formal stance, with hands at his sides. “My apprentices and I dealt with enemy transports. However, we uncovered a ballista-like weapon.” He added, his words sounding like they came off a printer press. 

“Hey c’mon now. You’re not my apprentice anymore.” Sir Peter told Alain, patting him on the shoulder. 

“But sir-”

“Look how much you’ve grown.” He added, smiling at Alain.

“Sir I have but-”

“You’ve got apprentices of your own now! I’ve got to meet them!” He said, making his way towards Tev and Betto.

  “You two seem to be already familiar with me. Nice to meet you.”  Sir Peter greeted, extending his hand out to both of them.

“Sir! Betto Viento! It’s an honor to meet you!”

“Honor’s all mine!” Sir Peter replied, shaking Betto’s gauntlet-covered hands. “Gauntlets? Interesting choice of weaponry.”

“My name’s Tev Rio, and I’m a huge fan!” Tev shouted informally before getting attacked by three hooded figures.

“Do not address Murasaki-Sensei in that Manner!” A male voice shouted at Tev, pummeling him with strikes from above.

“Do not defile Murasaki-Sensei with your informality!” Another male voice shouted at Tev, backhanding him in the face.

“Do not touch Murasaki-Sensei with your greasy hands!” A female voice scolded, kicking Tev multiple times.

“Are they also fans of yours?” Alain asked Peter, watching the comedic play unfold in front of them. “My two apprentices aren’t even fans of me.”

“Hey, you three. What did I say about attacking our allies?” Sir Peter sternly asked, all of his disciples immediately bowing on the ground for forgiveness. 

“We’ll talk later. Everyone, move this weapon to the kingdom.” He commanded with a leading presence.

Using their elemental powers and raw strength, the two groups successfully delivered the weapon to the Kingdom of Unity, drawing many eyes from its townsfolk. The bustling town was filled with silence as the weapon cracked every tile it was dropped on. More knights assisted in the move, barely moving the weapon faster. Once outside the King’s Castle, the knights took over in reporting to the king. Moving the accursed weapon sapped the strength out of Betto and Tev.

“Are you two hurt?” Alain asked them, worried about their health. “That battle was a rough one.”

“I’m as strong as ever!” Tev declared, standing with his hands on his waist, ready for action. “The forces of evil can’t stop me!”

“Quit lying, Tev, they were almost all over you.” Betto corrected, lying on the cool hard stone.

“I see your ability to banter has survived the encounter.” Sir Peter jested as he approached the trio with his three apprentices. “Feel free to introduce yourselves. Properly, this time.” He said, directing their attention to his apprentices.

“My name is Timo Arcus.” The first hooded man said, revealing his short black prickly hair. “Sorry for hitting you from above.”

“I am Tomas Trueno of the Murasaki Party.” The second hooded man said, revealing his shiny yellow hair. “Apologies for my behavior. I did not mean to inflict harm with the back of my hand.”

“Jane.” The hooded woman said, withholding details about her. Her angry eyes still staring daggers into Tev.

“Just Jane?” Betto and Tev thought to themselves.

“They’re just getting along so well!” Peter exclaimed to his former student. “Hey Alain, we should venture as a group more. Maybe split the fortunes between us?”

“I’m open to suggestions!” 

Two knights approached the duo, trying not to draw attention to themselves. Their armor was decorated with golden lining and patterns. It was the king’s guards.

“Sir Alain, Sir Peter. Apologies for interrupting your reunion. The king requests both your parties' presence at once. It is urgent.” The knight said to them, directing them towards the castle.

“Is it true that the weapon originated from the Kingdom of Morticastrium?” The other knight asked the two in a hushed voice.

“Yes sir.” The two party leaders responded in secrecy.

“May god help us all.”