The cellar beneath the Sea of Death was quiet—too quiet. Only the faint drip of saltwater echoed through the cold stone.

Minami was there, trapped behind rusted iron bars. The air was heavy, almost still… until the door creaked open.

For a moment, the wizard might’ve expected the familiar shadow of betrayal—Killkill’s twisted grin in the dark. But it wasn’t him.

It was Sakatsuki.

The orca stepped into the dim light, his usual composed aura marred by battle. His black uniform was torn, streaked with salt and blood. Deep cuts ran along his arms, and his sword… his sword was soaked in red.

He must have fought through half the Sea of Death to get here.

When his dark eyes found Minami, they widened—softening with relief. “...Master!” he called out, his voice breaking through the silence. It wasn’t the cool, even tone he was known for. There was warmth—emotion. He was just happy to see Minami alive.

Sakatsuki took a step closer, tail flicking behind him in restrained urgency. Kras and Shisatsu... they were nowhere to be found. But that didn’t matter right now. Saving Minami came first. Always.

The orca’s gloved hand brushed against the iron bars. “I’ll… get you out.”

His tone steadied, cooling back to its familiar composure—calm, certain. Even in this place of rot and despair, he carried that refreshing presence… A breath of sea air amidst the stench of death.