Han finally raised his face, looking toward where he supposed Ren was. "Yino also possesses two rings identical to Yano's, except for the third one that you hide," he explained, his voice barely a whisper. "The second allows synergizing the powers of two Tamers into one." Ren realized that was exactly what he had sensed between Sirius and Selphira. "And the first helps manifest beasts at a high level without the dangers of abyssal corruption." Han lowered his voice even further, the words barely carrying through the night air. "But nobody knows exactly what the third one does. Yino's remains trapped in crystal and will stay that way for almost ten more years. And Yano's third... somehow, you've kept it safe." Ren absorbed this information, connecting it with what he already knew thanks to his World Mushroom. The resulting picture became increasingly clear and more concerning with each passing moment. "Since Harold failed in his mission," Han continued, glancing around to ensure they remained unobserved, "Yino suspects that Julius, Selphira, or Sirius... or perhaps all three together, hid the ring to set a trap for the Goldcrests. It seems that's why they believe they're being provoked with the Klein and Kassian situation." "But then why is Kharzan here? If he thinks they'll set a trap for him..." Ren stopped, trying to comprehend the complete strategy. "On the surface, it doesn't make sense," Han nodded, his eyes scanning the darkness. "But in reality, all it means is that Yino is already supporting him... at this very moment, waiting for Yano to show its hand..." "...The Goldcrest patriarch has mobilized many of his followers and has hidden several triple tamers among them. There are more waiting beneath the surface, beyond the perceptive reach of anyone. I received orders to monitor the situation and report on movements and power differences... Surely the same order was given to other spies." "But with the enormous power increase, perhaps they're already on their way..." Ren murmured, the implications making his blood run cold. "That was just a measurement of forces," Han made a significant pause. "But if a battle breaks out, they'll know instantly from the manner of power release." "So they haven't yet decided to fight," Ren understood. "Exactly. And from what I perceived, they're quite evenly matched." Han looked directly to where he believed Ren was standing. "That's why you can't risk them discovering the ring is in your hands. You should give it to Selphira or Julius to put Yano in a better position and avoid war for… If we are lucky, 10 more years." Ren remained motionless, processing the enormity of what he had just heard. He was, unknowingly, the reason, the thin line separating the cities from total war. The color drained from his face, though Han couldn't see it due to the invisibility. "I can't hand it over," Ren finally said. "The ring... I don't fully understand how it works. And it seems to be integrated with my fungus." Han's eyes widened with surprise. "Then," Ren continued with new determination, "we have to find that idiotic fungus as soon as possible. If it reaches the conflict site and somehow they realize it absorbed the ring, everything could fall apart." Han nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. Two cities, two million lives, balanced on the actions of a small luminescent being running freely through the academy grounds. "Let's go," he whispered, rising to his feet. "There's no time to lose... In which direction did it go?" "Toward the source of the energy," Ren responded. "And thank you for telling me the truth," Ren added, genuinely relieved. "Although technically you had already done so with your actions that day..." ♢♢♢♢ The small fungus rested on Luna's outstretched hands, who contemplated it as if she had found a legendary creature whose existence the world barely suspected. Her eyes, large and bright, didn't stray from the tiny luminescent being. "So, can you talk to all people or just me?" Luna asked, tilting her head slightly with genuine curiosity. The fungus, which minutes before had been desperately screaming for help, had discovered something fascinating: when Luna calmed down enough to not only enjoy the high-pitched sound of its voice but to pay true attention to its words, she began to take them as if they were divine revelations. This presented an unexpected opportunity. "I only speak to special people," the fungus responded, deliberately modulating its voice to make it sound more adorable, a task for which it "wasn't naturally equipped" but was learning with surprising speed. "People who can see beyond the ordinary." Luna let out a small squeal of delight. "I knew you were special! From the first time I saw you, I thought there was something more than magical about you." "And you too, since we have a connection," the fungus added with a mysterious tone, its light pulsing rhythmically. "The deep bond between beings who are destined to meet each other." Luna nodded solemnly, as if she had just heard the answer to one of the great mysteries of the universe. "It's exactly what I felt when I saw you," she confessed, gently bringing the fungus closer to her face. "As if we were destined to be friends." Luna visibly blushed, a reaction that the fungus filed away as an indication of success in its communicative strategy. In just a few minutes, it had gone from being a prisoner to having its captor completely enchanted. "Friends," the fungus repeated, vibrating slightly to increase its luminescence in a way it knew would be charming. "I would like that. I've never had a friend like you." Luna smiled, and the fungus knew it had practically won the battle. "Luna," it said, using her name for the first time, "there's something I must show you. Something wonderful that only someone with your special abilities could fully appreciate." "What is it?" she asked, leaning forward with anticipation. "It's difficult to explain," the fungus responded with feigned shyness, its mushroom cap dimming slightly as if embarrassed. "I would have to show you, but first I need something that's... in that direction." One of its tiny arms pointed toward where it sensed the ring's presence, the pull as irresistible as ever but now channeled through a new strategy. "Over there?" Luna looked in the indicated direction, where the lights of the administrative building shone in the distance. "But there are many professors and guards..." "That's why destiny chose you," the fungus explained, its voice descending to a conspiratorial whisper. "With your talent for shadows, you could take us there without anyone seeing us. I want to share that secret only with you... Imagine how special that would be." The fungus swayed slightly, letting its chubby body move in the way it had noticed provoked that melted expression on Luna's face. It worked to perfection. The doubt that had begun to appear on the young Starweaver's face dissolved like snow under the sun. "All right," Luna decided, cradling the fungus against her chest as if it were the most precious treasure in the world. "I'll take you there. We're friends now, and friends help each other."