On that day... the day of King's funeral, Grind was not present. He had vanished from the eyes of the world, as if the earth had swallowed him. Everyone thought he was dead, but in truth, he was alive—hiding by his own will. He asked his team not to tell anyone about his whereabouts, for his decision was not an escape, but a quest for power... the power that would grant him the ability to protect those he loves if the Black Cloak should appear again.
---
In the Present — In the Middle of Beryon City
Grind was walking calmly, his face covered by a dark scarf. He entered an old library filled with the smell of paper and dust.
"Hello, Mr. John... do you have a book about this world?"
The old man turned to him and smiled kindly.
"Grind... I haven't seen you in a long time. Please, come with me."
---
In a side room, the old man sat behind his desk and asked:
"So, Grind... were you seeking power?"
The young man nodded: "Yes, but I haven't seen Harry or Isabella..."
The old man chuckled lightly: "They're lazy, they don't wake up at this hour. But, why are you searching for this book? Do you want to travel?"
Grind answered seriously:
"I want to understand... who are the Black Cloak bearers? And what is their purpose? Also... I am looking for that star."
The old man's expression changed, and a mysterious smile appeared on his face.
"The star... so you are searching for the Star of the Celestial Worlds? Do you know the consequences for those who chase it?"
"Please, tell me about it."
---
The old man led him down to a dark basement under the library. There was a room holding a huge book with a golden star on its cover.
He opened the book and began to tell:
> "It is said that a star fell from the sky, a star that even the gods could not control. A mere mortal found it... possessed it, and his power turned into tyranny. When he awoke from his drunkenness, he found his people had betrayed him, cut him down, and hung him in the city square.
But... the legend says he returned, at a time before his death. He escaped with his power to a neighboring city, where he found no peace. Nightmares haunted him until he woke one night drenched in sweat.
When he went down to eat, he suddenly found himself in a desert crawling with insects and snakes. He resisted, but failed... died, then came back... died again, and came back. Until he accepted death and slit his own throat. Since then, the star disappeared."
The old man looked seriously at Grind:
"Will you sacrifice yourself as well?"
Grind smiled bravely:
"I will take it... to protect this world."
---
At the library door, a girl appeared.
"Is that Grind, old man?"
"Yes, Isabella... have you finished the investigation?"
And deep in the library, in a secret room... six people
were working hard. At the end of the corridor,
Zairos Laroche stood before old John, who handed him a photo.
"I found the seventh person... he has determination and strength, try him."
---
In the middle of Beryon City
Grind sat on a wooden bench reading a book about the world map. It spoke of 300 countries once ruled by King Beryon, of which 250 remain, while the rest fell out of control, now known as the "Devil's Countries."
---
At Night — A Remote Village
Grind rented a room, but screams outside made him run. He saw a monster attacking a woman, so he drew his sword and cut it down. But... a man stepped out from the shadows.
"Nice strike... I liked your acting. Take the money."
""Why did the monster come back into your body? Who are you?"
"I am Zairos Laroche. Nice to meet you, Grind Klein."
---
They sat in a restaurant.
"Why are you searching for the star?"
"To protect the world."
Dinos laughed:
"You want to save the world? Haha, I haven't laughed like this in a long time. Take this paper, it has an address you will like."
Grind, angry:
"I will protect this world... from hatred, injustice, and sorrow."
Zairos left the restaurant, got on a carriage.
"See you tomorrow."
---
In the Morning
Grind went to the address and met a young man who led him to a big palace.
In the kitchen:
"This is Lady Arisela, the organization's cook."
In a gym room:
"This is Cross, strong-bodied... but obsessed with women."
Third room:
"This is Arena, beautiful, isn't she?"
Grind, nervously: "Yes..."
(thinking: "Is Cross the obsessed one? Or this one?")
Fourth room:
"This is Aredos, one of the strongest three."
Fifth room:
"This is Zairos' room, he has a mission today."
And finally... the largest room, the president's room.
"I will leave now, Mr. Grind."
Grind entered and saw the back of a man sitting on a swivel chair.
"Have you come at last, Grind?"
"Yes... could you turn around?"
The chair turned...
"Hello, Grind."
His expression froze.
"Mr... Johnnn!"