CHAPTER 30: TO GET STRONGER

Back at HQ, inside Ayato’s room, Kaien and Valen were present, while Aeri had just left after finishing her report on squad 4’s infiltration in Ward 8.

"Aeri told me everything," Ayato said. "Including the part about the Shikkoku, how they’ve been around even before they showed up in the open. The intel we got from Zeishuro, one of the Saints of the Smileys is valuable. If I had to guess, they might’ve even been involved in the war we ended ten years ago."

"That’s not impossible." Kaien replied. "I’ve actually crossed paths with a Fang on that same night."

In an instant, Ayato and Valen’s eyes widened.

"What? Where?" Ayato asked.

"At Ward 8, during squad 4’s mission. Kaien said calmly. "I was there on a whim. I had a feeling the Shikkoku were involved, so I stayed hidden in the shadows, just in case they made a move. That Fang called it an experiment." He paused before continuing. "Just like Aeri reported, they’re definitely influencing the Smileys. But the real shock, the Fang that I met is Ren’s lost brother."

"What? Then Ren might be a spy from the Shikkoku," Valen argued.

"That’s impossible," Kaien replied firmly. "The kid doesn’t even know of this. And I can feel it in him, he’s a good kid."

"But we can’t just act based on your feelings alone."

"Do you not trust me, Valen?" Kaien’s voice was calm, but there was weight behind it.

"I do."

"Then trust me on this one."

A short silence fell over the room before Ayato finally spoke.

"Well, if Ren were a spy, I doubt his brother would openly admit their relationship. There’s no strategic gain in that."

"Yes," Kaien agreed. "And I think he’s trying to awaken something inside Ren. I don’t know exactly what, but his potential is immeasurable. With the Core Bleeds’ main goal of absorbing drive core energies, I think it’s safe to say they’re aiming to collect Ren’s full power, once it awakens."

"What’s your plan, Kaien?" Ayato asked.

"We need to train him," Kaien replied without hesitation. "During the mission in Ward 8, he briefly tapped into his core release, but his body and drive core could barely handle it. That kind of power is far too much for him right now. Even so, just barely tapping on it was enough for him to defeat Grin before being consumed by the Core Bleed, the leader of the Smileys, who we estimate to be at least a high 6 star or maybe even a low 7 star threat."

Ayato nodded slowly. "Yes, based on the reports, his potential is undeniable. But as busy as you are, do you actually plan to train him yourself?"

"Huh? Of course not!"

"Huh?!" Ayato and Valen blurted out in perfect unison, both staring at Kaien.

"Then who?" Ayato asked.

"Why do you think I brought Valen with me? Of course he’s the one who’s gonna train him." Kaien said with a grin.

"Huh?! I should’ve guessed! You sly fox! I was wondering why you dragged me to the leader’s room when I wasn’t even part of that mission!"

"Hehe, guilty as charged. But hey." Kaien’s expression suddenly turned serious. "Jokes aside, I think you’re the best person for the job. If anyone can teach him to master his core release, it’s you. Plus, I think Ren sees Shin as a rival. Having them in the same environment might push both of them to grow, which is good for Ren, and good for Shin too."

Valen crossed his arms. "Can’t argue with that. So, what’s the plan?"

"He’ll be with Squad 7 for now, away from Squad 4. Don’t take him on missions unless you think he’s ready. And if you do, make sure either you or Shin is there. We need someone capable to watch him."

Valen stayed quiet for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. But you better visit."

"So that’s about it. Oh, and one more thing before you guys go." Ayato leaned forward slightly on his table. "Is Kade strong?"

"I haven’t seen his full power yet." Kaien replied. "But yes, I’d say he’s on par with the Wardens."

Ayato’s eyes narrowed. "That’s alarming."

—-----------------------------

Back in Ren’s hospital room, Kaien was helping him get ready. After all, it was the day he would finally be discharged.

A week had passed since Ren woke up. In total, he had spent two weeks lying in the same bed every day, doing nothing but sleeping and chatting with nurses to pass the time.

"So, got a pep talk ready to fire up your squad?" Kaien teased.

"Not yet. I’ll probably think of something when I see them." Ren replied.

The two left the hospital, nodding to a few people along the way. After wearing the same hospital clothes for two weeks, Ren felt strangely uneasy in his normal outfit, a pair of casual clothes under ZEAL’s jacket.

"What? You don’t like the ZEAL jacket anymore?" Kaien asked.

"Nah, it’s just that I think I got too used to hospital clothes. But still, this outfit suits me way better."

A few minutes later, they arrived at Squad 4’s apartment. During his hospital stay, only Aeri and Kaien had come to visit. It made him wonder if the rest of the squad didn’t want to see him yet. Standing at the front door, he began to feel nervous and uneasy, that was until Kaien suddenly kicked the door open and shoved him inside.

Ren stumbled a little, almost tripping over his own feet. "Yo! C’mon, I just got discharged!"

Right in front of him were Sora, Seth, and Kaela, sitting on the couch comfortable and chatting normally like old friends.

Huh? Wait, weren’t they ignoring each other? Ren blinked.

"Aren’t you guys supposed to be, you know, snobbing each other?" He asked.

"Well, that was true, until three days ago," Seth replied.

"Huh? Then why didn’t you visit me at the hospital or something?"

Sora pointed at the smiling Kaien just behind him. "Warden Kaien over there told us not to. Said you needed rest."

"Kaien..." Ren muttered as he glared towards Kaien. But before he could say more, Sora smacked his shoulder.

"What did I tell you? Always say ’Warden’ before their name. Anyway..." Sora’s tone softened. "We’re sorry. I’m sorry. For being kidnapped, for being powerless. We all talked and we’ve decided to get stronger. That’s the only way forward after all."

Ren’s eyes narrowed. "What about Miko?"

The mood instantly dropped and their faces turned heavy.

"We talked to him," Seth said quietly. "But he’s been distant. Captain told us to give him space. He’s still blaming himself for everything. For the damage to the squad. And mocking himself for being weak."

"Where is he?" Ren asked.

"In his room." Sora replied.

Without another word, Ren headed straight for the stairs, taking them two at a time toward Miko’s room.

Ren stood by the door, opened it without knocking, and stepped inside. In the dim light, he saw Miko sitting in the corner, hugging a pillow tightly.

"It’s not just your fault, it’s ours." Ren said firmly. "When something happens, it’s on the whole squad, not just one member. We were all too weak, every one of us. But we survived. That means we’re not finished yet. We’ve been given another day, another chance to improve, to grow stronger. And that’s where I’m setting my sights on."

He took a step closer as his voice grew more steady and resolute. "I get it, you still feel bad about it. I do too. We all do. But you can’t keep blaming yourself for the rest of your life. I’m going away for a while. I don’t know how long. I need to get stronger, to protect everyone and finally bring peace to this city. And when that day comes, I need you and the others at my side. So I’ll wait for you, Miko."

Ren turned and walked out, shutting the door behind him. But then, as if he’d suddenly remembered something, he opened it again.

"Oh, and by the way, you weren’t useless. If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have been able to do anything strategically in that huge ward. We would’ve been lost ducks. You were a big help in locating routes and drive energies present. Even Grin was scared of you." He gave a faint smile. "Well then, I’ll be on my way. And open the curtains or turn on the lights, you need light for your health."

With that, he shut the door once more and left.

"That guy barged in without knocking and wouldn’t even let me reply, huh? I’ll wait for you, Ren," Miko muttered with a smile.

"So? How was he?" Sora asked.

"Well, I think he’ll be up in no time. Anyway, I know this is sudden but I have to leave, guys." Ren replied.

"Where to? You just got here," Seth said.

"I’m heading back to Ward 11. I’ll be staying with their squad and train under Warden Valen. I need to learn how to fully control my core release, and from what Warden Kaien told me, that’s the best place for it."

"For how long?" Sora asked, her voice clearly carrying sadness.

"I’m not sure. Until I master my core release. Until then, I won’t be coming back. I’m sorry for not discussing it with you beforehand, but I really believe this is the best choice. The stronger I get, the more I can offer for our squad. And more than that, we’ll be able to protect each other."

Ren took a deep breath as his expression became firm but warm. "One thing’s certain. I’ll come back. So wait for me, okay?"

The group nodded quietly. Even though they hated the idea of him leaving, they understood that this was for the best.

For one last time, Ren hugged each of them, then stepped toward the door with Kaien. He gave a final wave and a smile.

"I’ll see you guys. Take care!"

—----------------------------

Back at Ward 11, Shin was sparring with several squad members. As expected, he had been defeating them with ease for the past hour.

"Vice Captain, can’t we take a break? You’ve been beating us nonstop for the past hour." one of the members complained.

"That’s why you’re weak!" Shin yelled. "What, are you planning to let the new guy from Squad 4 beat you in sparring when he gets here?"

"No, sir! But at this rate, we might not even live long enough to see him arrive." another member muttered as he tried to stand up.

"No! Stand up!" Shin ordered.

A grin crept across his face as he continued pummeling them in what he called "light sparring." I’m getting pumped up. He thought. Valen told me he’s gotten a lot stronger since the last time I saw him. To think he managed to defeat the leader of the Smileys by himself. His potential might be far greater than mine. I can’t wait to train with this guy!