The Aftermath of Secrets** Ilen’s brow furrowed as Naya dragged him away without expnation, her face flushed crimson. Fritt and Jack exchanged bewildered gnces before trailing after them like confused ducklings.

  Back at the dining hall, Worso leaned toward Qin Hong, his golden ponytail swaying with curiosity. "So… what *happened* back there?"

  Qin Hong shrugged, swirling his drink with feigned nonchance. "Took her for a *personality adjustment*."

  Merkel and Haruko shared a deadpan look.

  Yanis, ever the picture of grace, glided forward with a smile that could melt gciers. "Qin Hong~ Do you have a moment? We’d love to chat with you."

  Qin Hong scratched his neck awkwardly. "Ah, sorry. Urgent business." He flicked his eyes toward his three companions—*a silent command*.

  Yanis’ smile never wavered. "Next time, then~"

  As they strode toward the training grounds, Qin Hong’s demeanor shifted. "Listen up. I need to assess your abilities—*properly*."

  #### **The Power Showcase** Worso stepped forward, flipping his hair dramatically. "Well, you already know mine. Thirty bullets, and I’m *dead* on my feet." He mimed colpsing.

  Merkel cracked his knuckles. With a fsh of energy, his body *rippled*—and suddenly, *two* Harukos stood before them.

  Worso’s grin turned devilish. "Ohhh, the *possibilities*—"

  ***THWACK!***

  The real Haruko’s fist sent Merkel crashing back to his original form, a lump already forming on his head.

  Haruko sighed, then demonstrated her own power—chains *erupted* from her palm, snaring Worso’s ankle and yanking him face-first into the dirt.

  Qin Hong wiped his brow. *These guys are chaos incarnate.*

  #### **The Proposal** "Here’s the deal," Qin Hong began, voice low. "The HQ’s stretched thin. After Illya’s betrayal, it’s just me and the boss handling field missions." He met their eyes. "I need you three *ready*."

  Haruko crossed her arms. "You’re asking us to awaken our Absolute Domains *early*."

  "Exactly."

  Worso cpped Merkel’s shoulder. "Hell yeah! Better than waiting to get thrown into the deep end ter!"

  Merkel groaned, rubbing his head. "Agreed. *Ow*."

  Haruko nodded once. "We’re in."

  Qin Hong’s chest warmed. *This… feels like a team.*

  ---

  #### **Shadows in the Night** Midnight. A lone figure knelt in a moonlit chamber as swirling darkness coalesced before her.

  "You’ve arrived," the girl murmured.

  Illya emerged from the shadows, her form flickering like disturbed water. "The documents?"

  The girl handed over a stack of papers—*detailed dossiers on every trainee*.

  Illya’s fingers brushed the page beled *Qin Hong*. "And *him*?"

  The girl’s voice turned icy. "His abilities are… concerning. Should we eliminate—"

  "**No.**" Illya’s gre silenced her. "Wait for orders." With that, she dissolved into the night.

  The girl exhaled, staring at the castle below. "*As you wish.*"

  ---

  #### **The Alchemy Trial** Dawn broke over the training grounds. Instructor Bel’s voice rang out:

  "Today’s lesson—*potion crafting!*"

  Projected screens fred to life, dispying intricate recipes.

  Bel continued, "Your powers drain *stamina* and *mental focus*. Potions are your lifeline!"

  Qin Hong smirked. *I’ve brewed a hundred of these on Heldor Isnd. Easy.*

  Merkel frowned at his screen. "Wait—do we make *Stamina Tonics* or *Vitality Elixirs*?"

  "**Both!**" Bel grinned. "Two of each! But—" She raised a finger. "The core ingredients are *rare*. You’ll forage for them in the forest behind us. Deadline: 6 PM."

  Worso gulped. "And if we fail?"

  Bel’s smile turned *predatory*. "The losing team washes the winners’ undry *for a month*… *plus* fulfills *one* *unreasonable demand*."

  The groups *exploded* into motion—all except Qin Hong’s team.

  Haruko grabbed his arm. "*What are you doing?!*"

  Qin Hong waved zily. "Rex. They’ll be lucky to find *five* of those herbs all day."

  He turned to Bel. "Can we get the *base materials* now?"

  Bel’s eyes gleamed. "Smart. Follow me."

  ---

  #### **The Strategy** As Worso and Merkel lugged back cauldrons and ingredients, Qin Hong id out the pn:

  "Stamina Tonics need *constant low heat* (38°C). Vitality Elixirs require *scorching temps* (80°C). Control the temperature *perfectly*, and we win."

  Haruko’s eyes narrowed. "So two teams—*brewers* and *foragers*."

  "Bingo."

  Worso pouted. "Why do *I* have to babysit a cauldron?"

  Qin Hong tapped his temple. "Because if things go *wrong* in that forest, Merkel’s shapeshifting and your bullets are our *insurance*."

  Haruko’s voice cut in—*commanding*, unintentionally ced with authority. "**Move out!**"

  The boys snapped to attention. "*Yes, sir!*"

  …Then blinked. "*Wait, why did we—?*"

  Bel watched, impressed, as Haruko and Qin Hong vanished into the trees.