Outside the Tomb of Whispers, Ono stood waiting alongside an unexpected companion.
"Ah, No.00. It's a pleasure to finally meet the Hidden Cave's rising star face-to-face."
The crimson-haired Reaper smiled as he sized up the bronze-skinned boy before him. Throughout his long life, Ono had seen countless talented prospects rise and fall.
He was curious whether this one would prove any different.
"You honor me with your praise, Reaper Ono. The pleasure is mine."
"Indeed. Now then, I assume you're acquainted with No.711?"
Ono gestured toward the young woman standing nearby. Her petite frame and long black bangs partially concealed her crimson eyes. She remained silent, maintaining her composure while secretly wondering why Ono had allowed her to witness what appeared to be a private conversation.
Still unsure of the situation, Zeke hesitated before answering.
"...We've crossed paths a few times in the Valley of Light."
"No need to be nervous. I have no intention of reprimanding you for No.701's death."
Ono laughed.
Zeke's expression remained guarded.
The Reaper's casual tone only made him more cautious.
Without waiting for a response, Ono continued.
"To be frank, I want you, No.00."
Zeke stiffened.
Ono's smile widened.
"Or should I say... Zeke?"
For the first time since arriving, genuine surprise flashed across the boy's face.
Naturally, he felt no loyalty toward Reaper Lee.
The man occupied a prominent position on his ever-growing kill list.
However, changing allegiances inside the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows was equivalent to digging one's own grave.
Although Zeke had recently broken through to Stage 3 Disciple shortly after the Festival of Red Roses, he remained far too weak to challenge the established order.
"I greatly appreciate your recognition, Reaper Ono, but—"
"Stop."
Ono raised a hand.
"I already know what you're thinking."
His smile turned sly.
"Allow me to clarify. I don't want you serving beneath me."
Zeke blinked.
"Instead, I want us to form a mutually beneficial partnership."
The proposal caught him completely off guard.
Meanwhile, inside a luxurious chamber within the Valley of Death, Reaper Taki sat alone.
Dressed in a black silk robe embroidered with silver and green spiderwebs, the elderly man slowly exhaled a cloud of pungent smoke from his pipe.
As usual, his gaze drifted beyond the window while his thoughts wandered elsewhere.
Specifically, to a man he once considered a brother.
Rui Lee.
The former Reaper of the Valley of Order.
Both men belonged to Unit 1 of Class '48.
Despite originating from different factions, they formed an immediate bond during the Three Trials.
Together they climbed the ranks of the Hidden Cave.
Eventually, Taki became the fifteenth Reaper of the Valley of Death, while Rui inherited leadership of the Valley of Order.
Back then, Reapers frequently lost their positions through assassination, betrayal, or outright force.
That tradition ended after a particular death shook the foundations of the Hidden Cave.
Ironically, it was the natural passing of Rui's father, Bru Lee.
One of the three founders.
While the other founders had long since died, Bru endured as a pillar of stability.
Living up to the Valley of Order's reputation, few dared challenge his authority.
Upon his deathbed, Bru named his youngest son, Rui, as his successor.
Much to the fury of his eldest son, Ryu.
The consequences of that decision would not fully surface until decades later.
As Taki reflected upon the past, one conversation stood above the rest.
A conversation he would never forget.
"Are you a fool?"
Taki's irritated voice echoed through voice transmission.
"Why do you insist on trusting that twisted brother of yours?"
"Twisted?"
Rui smirked.
"You're one to talk."
The pair sat side by side in the outside world, blending into the audience of a crowded stadium.
Below them, talented young mages competed in a public tournament.
Attending events like these had become one of their few shared hobbies.
"That's beside the point, and you know it."
Taki glared at the purple-haired man.
At this moment, nobody would recognize Rui as one of the Hidden Cave's feared Reapers.
He looked completely ordinary.
Almost carefree.
"I know."
Rui's smile gradually faded.
"But don't you ever get tired of killing?"
Taki frowned.
"What kind of question is that for a Reaper?"
Rui stared toward the arena below.
"Hmph. It's certainly not a thought suitable for someone in our position."
He paused.
"But ever since I became a father... I can't stop thinking about it."
Taki remained silent.
"I never told you my father's final words, did I?"
"No."
Rui chuckled bitterly.
"They were simple."
His eyes grew distant.
"'I'm sorry.'"
Taki blinked.
"Excuse me?"
"Those were the last words he ever spoke to me."
Rui leaned back in his seat.
"For years, I couldn't understand them."
The crowd erupted as a young mage secured victory below.
Neither man paid attention.
"Imagine hearing an apology from someone who never once apologized in his entire life."
Rui smiled faintly.
"It wasn't until I became a father myself that I finally understood."
"And?"
"He wasn't apologizing as a Reaper."
Rui's voice softened.
"He was apologizing as a father."
The words lingered between them.
"Meaning?"
Rui exhaled slowly.
"He succeeded as a ruler."
His expression darkened.
"But he failed as a parent."
Silence followed.
Rui eventually continued.
"And now I'm terrified I'll make the same mistake with my son, Kei."
For the first time, Taki found himself unable to respond.
That fear sounded genuine.
Painfully genuine.
"I think that's the real reason I brought up Ryu."
Rui smiled bitterly.
"It's becoming increasingly obvious that I'm no longer fit to rule."
Taki's eyes widened.
"Don't tell me..."
"After today, I plan to step down as Reaper."
The words struck like lightning.
"I'll leave the Valley of Order to my older brother."
Taki nearly choked.
"Have you completely lost your mind?"
"Maybe."
Rui laughed.
"But for the first time in a long while, this feels like a decision I can live with."
Taki stared at him for several moments.
Eventually, he sighed.
He knew better than anyone how stubborn Rui could be.
Once his mind was made up, changing it was impossible.
"You're an idiot."
"Probably."
The two men laughed.
Then they turned their attention back toward the tournament.
The following day, chaos erupted throughout the Hidden Cave.
Everyone expected Rui's resignation.
Nobody expected his death.
Back in the present, Taki released another cloud of smoke.
Regret lingered within his chest.
To this day, he blamed himself for failing to stop Rui.
Eventually, he summoned one of his subordinates.
"Send for Aka and Akane."
"At once, Master."
The assassin vanished.
A short while later, a pair of siblings entered the room.
One male.
One female.
Twenty and nineteen years old respectively.
Their matching black bob-cut hair and orange eyes made their relation obvious.
Both wore red assassin uniforms.
After bowing respectfully, they waited for instructions.
"In the final trial, you will have only one objective."
Taki's gaze sharpened.
"Kill No.00."
The twins remained expressionless.
"Accomplish this, and I will officially accept both of you as my Direct Disciples."
Aka and Akane exchanged a glance.
"Understood."
"We will not fail."
"Good."
Taki waved them away.
"Then train."
The pair departed immediately.
Left alone once more, Taki stared into the darkness beyond his window.
His eyes burned with hatred.
"Wait and see, Ryu."
Smoke drifted from his pipe.
"I will have my revenge."
A sinister smile spread across his face.
"Your precious pet's death will only be the beginning."