STRONGER

At the headquarters of Hinode, within the base, the masked woman reveals her true identity as Nuba and introduces herself. She informs everyone that Grace has enhanced strength, comparable to the bodyguards of Hinode. However, Mako, Holly, and James are not yet prepared to venture into Ziria. Nuba signals, and three individuals in suits appear, escorting Grace out of the building. Nuba further explains that they will continue their training together. Curious about Grace's destination, Mako inquires where she is going. Nuba replies that Grace will receive a brief lesson on Ziria's history before embarking to find Lucas. Nuba emphasizes that if they were to proceed in their current state, they would all face certain death. Mako becomes angry and storms off. Nuba comments that Holly is the weakest among the group, with her fighting skills rated at 0.8 out of ten. James is not much higher on the scale, with a fighting skill rating of 1/10, but Nuba notes that James possesses an exceptionally resilient body, leading her to question if he descends from a strong lineage. They all then resume their training.

Boarding a transit bus, Mako contemplates his own weakness and resolves to become stronger for the sake of his friends and the world. Suddenly, a monk girl approaches him and greets him. Mako recognizes her as Emma, the same monk girl who had massaged the ghost team several months ago. Mako returns the greeting and asks why she is in Hinode. Emma explains that she is part of the international healing team and is meeting up with her teammates for an appointment. Curious about her team's role, Mako inquires further. Emma responds that they work towards healing the world and encourages Mako to accompany her and witness it for himself.

Both of them disembark at a stop and walk together until they reach a large building adorned with the symbol of the International Healing Team. They enter the building, finding a long line of people waiting in the lobby. Emma leads Mako into a room where they find two other individuals meditating: a man in his early 40s and a young woman in her mid-20s. Emma introduces them as Zard and Mailo. Zard, with closed eyes, remarks that Emma is late. Apologizing, Emma explains to Zard that there is a long line of people waiting for her. She hurries out of the room, leaving Mako to observe as she begins massaging people in the infirmary.

While in the room, Mako notices a poster displaying prices for different levels of healing, with low-class healing priced at $100 and high-class healing at $1000. As he turns around, he finds Mailo standing in front of him, causing him to take a step back. Mako introduces himself, and Mailo inquires if he has an appointment. Mako replies negatively, prompting Zard to get up and reveal that Mako is the son of the city boss. Mailo quickly bows to Mako. Surprised by Zard's knowledge of his background, as not many people are aware of his relationship with Wiz, Mako asks how Zard knows. Zard explains that he first saw Mako when he was just a baby, and when Mako grew up a little, he was sent to Freeda. Mako questions Zard's identity, to which Zard reveals himself as Mako's uncle. Mako expresses his astonishment and identifies Zard as a mage. Zard nods and embraces Mako, expressing his apologies for not being present during Mako's mother's passing. Zard asks Mako why he has returned to Hinode, as Mako's mother had planned for him to have a normal life in Freeda. Mako responds that he is in Hinode to become stronger. Zard laughs and remarks that Mako sounds just like his father, Wiz. Mako then asks Zard if he knows a way to become stronger quickly. Zard scrutinizes Mako carefully and hopes that Mako possesses more talent than his father, stating that a mage test must be performed to determine if Mako qualifies. They all proceed into a room filled with wands and posters displaying magical writings. Mako steps into a circle on the floor, and as he does, the circle lights up. Zard takes a wand and waves it around while chanting spells, and Mailo eagerly watches. Mako calms himself as Zard's spiritual energy emanates and envelops him. Zard instructs Mako to close his eyes and focus on his inner self. Mako concentrates as the spiritual energy flows around him. Suddenly, Mako's spiritual energy starts leaking out of his chest.

Excitedly, Mako opens his eyes, and both Zard and Mailo observe as his chest emits a stream of spiritual energy. Zard realizes that something is amiss, while Mailo urges Mako to focus on his energy and stop the leak. Mako begins to feel exhausted as his spiritual energy continues to seep out. Struggling to maintain his balance, Mako regains his composure and focuses. Zard now understands why Mako's mother sent him away to Freeda all those years ago. Mailo comments that Mako possesses a substantial amount of spiritual energy, but it is unstable, and if the leakage persists, it will shorten his life. Mako falls to his knees as his spiritual energy keeps escaping. Encouraging Mako, Zard advises him to stay focused and maintain control of his spiritual energy if he wishes to become stronger. The room shakes slightly, but Mailo manages to maintain her balance on a shelf. Zard gazes at Mako's immense spiritual energy floating near the ceiling. Mako struggles to gain control. Zard waves his wand, causing Mako's spiritual energy to flow back into his body. Mako takes a deep breath, feeling relieved. Zard approaches him and explains that Mako possesses remarkable spiritual energy but will have to endure hardships to control it, as his life force will deplete at a faster rate than usual if the instability persists. Mako asserts his willingness to undergo any training necessary to keep up with his friends. Mailo applauds, while Zard shakes his head. Zard then states that Mailo will teach Mako the basics of spiritual control.

Later that night in Sental, Adamman, Jayden, and Bael remain inside the limousine. Bael, sitting up, takes a nap, while Jayden immerses himself in reading the Bible. Suddenly, Adamman senses something amiss and instructs the driver to halt the limo. The driver complies, and they all step out of the vehicle, witnessing a tear in space open up, forming a portal. Emerging from the portal is the Chain Ghost. Adamman informs Jayden that this is his chance to enhance his skills and that he should confront the Chain Ghost. Several Cardinals arrive at the scene but are halted by Adamman. Jayden exchanges a glance with Bael, who nods in support. With determination, Jayden approaches the Chain Ghost, who swings its chains. Skillfully dodging the attacks, Jayden brandishes a cross and directs its light towards the Chain Ghost, causing it to burn. However, the Chain Ghost retaliates by ensnaring Jayden's arm with its chains, extinguishing the light of the cross and hurling him into the limo, resulting in him vomiting blood. Bael looks around, perplexed as to why Adamman and the Cardinals are not aiding them. The chain tightens around Jayden's arm once more but ceases as a spiritual arm emerges from his chest, intercepting the chain. The chains disintegrate from Jayden's arm, while the cross's light intensifies. The Chain Ghost continues its assault with chain swings, but Jayden's spiritual arm blocks every attack. Filled with determination, Jayden begins to pray and steadily advances toward the Chain Ghost. Eventually, the Chain Ghost is engulfed in a blaze of light, dissipating its existence. Bael breathes a sigh of relief at the swift end of the battle, while Adamman applauds. Exhausted, Jayden notices that the cross in his hand has turned to ash and collapses onto his back, struggling to catch his breath. He wonders about the well-being of his friends.

In the early morning, Grace finds herself in a room, exhausted from lack of sleep, watching a slideshow detailing the history of Ziria. As the slideshow concludes, a man in a suit, accompanied by two others, approaches her. They introduce themselves as Cody, Juno, and Lola. Juno, the leader of the group, inquires if Grace now comprehends the history of Ziria. Grace nods and proceeds to explain that Ziria is divided into three regions: Lumian, Enigma, and Casco. These lands are governed by numerous gangs, with Casco having lost its leader in a war against the other two regions and now lying abandoned, occupied by smaller gangs vying for power. The battles for control between Lumian and Enigma still persist, and death is an accepted reality in the lands of Ziria. Juno then asks Grace if she is prepared to take a life in order to survive. After contemplating for a moment, Grace reluctantly admits that if she has no other choice, she will do so. Juno acknowledges her response, and they make their way to a waiting limousine. As they embark on their journey to Ziria, Juno displays an array of weapons to Grace, emphasizing that the gangs of Lumian and Enigma fight ruthlessly using various armaments. Therefore, she must select a weapon to defend herself. Grace opts for a spear. Juno further explains that Cody and Lola are skilled fighters who will protect her during this mission, and they are accompanied by additional cars filled with Hinode officers, ready to provide backup. Passing through Sental, they set their sights on Lumian's region in Ziria. They continue their drive along a desert road when suddenly they encounter a group of gang members on motorcycles blocking their path. The limousine and cars come to a halt, and Juno steps out to confront them. Requesting permission to proceed further into their territory in search of someone, Juno is met with a demand from the gang leader to surrender their weapons. Calmly refusing, Juno's resolve prompts many Hinode officers to emerge from the cars, followed by Grace and the others stepping out of the limousine. The gang leader smirks, laughing, and orders his men to eliminate them all. Juno unsheathes his katana, engaging the gang members directly in front of him. Simultaneously, more gang members emerge from the sand hills, launching projectiles made from scraps at Grace and her group using slingshots. Taking cover, they retaliate by firing arrows. Observing Juno struggling to fend off the gang members, Grace lets out a determined roar, with Cody and Lola following her lead.