Mydei rushed forward immediately.
His gaze swept over the bloodstain on Nanook's face without lingering, instead focusing on Phainon's arm.
"Are you hurt?"
His voice was filled with urgency, as if Phainon was the one injured by the punch he had just thrown.
Phainon did not answer.
His chest still heaved violently; the torrent of hatred accumulated over thirty million cycles of reincarnation would not subside with just one punch.
His crimson eyes remained fixed on Nanook.
Just then.
A figure, imbued with rage, burst out from the shadows nearby.
The newcomer wore a form-fitting black and white outfit, with sharp lines and a style that clashed with the background.
Most unsettling was that his face was covered by a pure white cloth, obscuring his features.
Phainon recognized him; it was zephyro, the Lord Ravager widely acknowledged as the most powerful.
He seemed to have just arrived from another set, not even having changed out of his costume.
zephyro's gaze fell upon the glaring bloodstain on Nanook's cheek, and immediately, a chilling, bone-piercing killing intent, as if substantial, shot towards Phainon.
Even without seeing his face, everyone present could feel the surging fury.
"So noisy!"
zephyro's voice was cold and sharp.
He took a step forward, and an aura emanated from him.
However, just as he was about to make a move.
Mydei stepped between him and Phainon.
"What? Do you want to fight?"
Mydei completely shielded Phainon behind him, every muscle bulging, his clenched fists making a grating "crack, crack" sound.
"I'll fight to the end!"
Even in this world devoid of supernatural powers, the confrontation between the two "actors" sparked visible fireworks.
The surrounding crew had long since fled, terrified of being caught in the sudden turmoil.
Yet, their bodies were incredibly honest, staying not too far, not too close, craning their necks, afraid of missing any detail of this annual spectacle.
When there's a show to watch, who would leave?
zephyro sneered, completely disregarding Mydei, and with a flicker of his body, tried to bypass him.
But just then.
A hand gently rested on his shoulder.
A seemingly effortless action.
zephyro's entire explosive aura instantly vanished.
He turned to face the person behind him, his rage transforming into absolute submission and respect, and retreated to Nanook's side.
The entire scene fell into a deathly silence once more.
Everyone's gaze converged on Nanook.
He was the center of this storm.
Nanook ignored everyone; he only looked at Phainon.
In his golden pupils, the appreciation grew stronger, as if he were examining a perfect work of art.
He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but clearly audible to everyone present.
"You need my help."
A nonsensical, utterly baffling statement.
After speaking.
He didn't even glance at Phainon again, and with zephyro behind him, turned and walked towards the end of the road.
Their silhouettes, one tall, one upright, soon disappeared around the corner of the artificial streetscape.
They seemed to have come here specifically.
Just to take a punch, and then leave a cryptic remark.
Not until the two figures had completely vanished did the oppressive atmosphere ease somewhat.
Mydei sighed in relief; he turned and punched Phainon lightly on the chest.
"Are you okay?" he asked again, his face full of concern. "The rumors that you and Nanook don't get along, are they true after all? To strike so hard right away."
As Nanook left, Phainon gradually calmed down.
He let out a long, turbid breath, expelling the weight of reincarnation along with it, "Yes."
Phainon clenched his fists, feeling the slight stinging pain from overexertion.
This tangible sensation brought his consciousness, boiling with hatred, back to this body.
He stared in the direction Nanook had disappeared, his voice cold and calm.
"I truly want to destroy him!"
"But, thanks, Mydei."
He looked at his close friend, his voice returning to their usual tone.
Hearing the thanks, Mydei snorted, "Hmph, thanking me? That's really not like you! At least, you look a bit more normal now."
To Mydei, the Phainon who punched and roared, full of emotion, was far more "normal" than the previously cold, empty-shell-like Phainon.
"Where to next? Do you need me to come with you?" Mydei asked.
Phainon instinctively declined, "I'll go alone..."
"I'm afraid you'll lose a fight and ruin our reputation," Mydei interrupted him disdainfully.
Hearing this, Phainon paused, a slight smile curving his lips, then nodded.
In this eerie, false world, having such a "real" companion by his side might not be a bad thing.
"Alright then."
His gaze drifted towards the direction of Himeko's coffee shop.
"To find Elio."