Here is the translation into English:
The chapter begins with a gentle dawn over the starting point, a forest clearing serving as the meeting spot for the three groups. The morning sky is painted with shades of orange and pink, and the scent of damp earth mingles with the aroma of coffee that Leonhart brewed for the group. Everyone is gathered around an improvised table, discussing final details.
Leonhart:(with a resolute tone) "So, the teams will split like this: Lumen and Niori, Takeru and Izumi, and I'll go on my own. I'm trusting you three to gather essential information and resources along the way. Meet me at the rendezvous point we discussed in three days. Is everything clear?"
The group members nod, each with a determined expression. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation and tension.
Niori:(smiling faintly) "Good luck to everyone."
Takeru:(with a serious look) "Same to you. Let's stay sharp."
Izumi:(in a neutral tone) "Well, here we go…"
The three groups part ways, each heading down their own path. The scene shifts to Lumen and Niori, cloaked in hoods that barely conceal their faces, walking along a dirt-and-sand road. The sun is rising higher, but the road remains shrouded in morning mist.
Niori:(irritated, tugging at her hood) "Why do we have to wear these uncomfortable clothes? It's unbearably hot!"
Lumen:(keeping his focus ahead) "The people of Kintô aren't exactly welcoming to outsiders. Many just glare at us with hostility, and some might even get aggressive. Plus, anything that draws attention could spread fast."
Niori mutters something inaudible but follows Lumen. Soon, they spot a cart with guards approaching. The guards stop and eye them suspiciously.
Guard 1:(in an authoritative tone) "Who are you?"
Lumen:(thinking quickly) "We're agents of Renzo."
The guards exchange skeptical glances.
Guard 2:(doubtful) "What are you doing here? Renzo lives far to the east."
Lumen:(firmly) "We're looking for someone he asked us to find."
The guards hesitate for a moment before moving to arrest Lumen and Niori.
Guard 1:(decisively) "You're under arrest for attempted kidnapping and possible murder."
Niori braces for a fight, but Lumen acts swiftly. With precise movements, he knocks out the guards. The tension in the air is palpable.
Lumen:(serious, scanning the area) "We need to move fast. We don't have time to deal with them."
Niori:(confused) "But they said he lives to the east! Shouldn't we turn back and take another road?"
Lumen:(with conviction) "They were lying. He's always hated the eastern part of the city. Besides, the east isn't the best place to find someone with a shady reputation."
Niori hesitates but ultimately agrees and follows Lumen. They spot a cabin in the distance and decide to investigate. The cabin's interior is simple, heavy with the smell of old wood and smoke.
Old Man:(grabbing a shotgun with suspicion) "What do you want?"
Lumen:(raising his hands in a gesture of peace) "Easy, we're just looking for information."
Old Man:(with a skeptical look) "And I look like some kind of book to you?"
Niori:(trying to step in) "We just want to know where we can find…"
Lumen:(cutting in) "The lumberjack's bar."
The old man pauses, studying them with an uncertain expression, before finally relenting.
Old Man:(resigned) "Keep straight and take the second left. Should get there in about 20 minutes."
Lumen:(grateful) "Thanks. Let's go."
Lumen and Niori leave the cabin, and the old man watches them with an enigmatic gaze. The camera zooms in on his golden eyes, revealing a sinister presence observing them.
The scene shifts to Izumi and Takeru in Kintô's residential suburbs. They wander through quiet streets lined with simple houses and well-kept gardens. The silence between them is broken by a cry for help.
A woman, eyes wild with desperation and body trembling, runs toward Izumi. She bumps into him and begins babbling incoherently through her tears.
Takeru:(stepping forward, with a calming voice) "Hey, calm down. What happened?"
Woman:(sobbing) "My son—they took him!"
Takeru:"Who took him?"
Woman:(between sobs) "The cultists! They took him! They're going to kill him!"
Takeru:(with growing concern) "Cultists?"
Woman:"Yes, they roam the city. They demand things, threaten us, and if we refuse, they take our children!"
Takeru:(glancing at Izumi) "We'll help her find her son. Where do they usually hide?"
Woman:"I don't know! They appear and vanish like ghosts!"
Takeru and Izumi exchange a look, determination etched on their faces. They promise the woman they'll find her son and set off to search for clues.
Half a day passes, and the scene shifts to Leonhart at the rendezvous point. The sun is setting as he sets up camp, organizing gear and checking supplies. His expression shifts to worry as he notices some essential items are missing.
He decides to head to a nearby market, his face still covered to avoid recognition. The market is bustling, with vendors shouting their wares and the air thick with the scent of fresh food.
Leonhart buys ropes, tarps, and other necessities. On his way back, he notices a commotion at a nearby restaurant, where a group of men is trashing the place and threatening the staff. Leonhart watches, annoyed. He spots a frightened young woman cowering behind the counter.
Man 1:(yelling) "Where's our food?"
Man 2:(furious) "We're starving! Bring the food now!"
Young Woman:(trembling) "W-We're still cooking, but there are so many—"
Man 3:(aggressive, brandishing a knife) "Hurry up! Or you hand it over, or…"
The aggressor is sent flying by a powerful strike from Leonhart, accidentally revealing his face. The tension is palpable, and the confrontation is swift and decisive. Three of the men are quickly subdued and retreat, muttering about Leonhart and his identity.
Leonhart:(turning to the young woman, with a reassuring tone) "It's okay now. You're safe."
The young woman smiles gratefully, but before she can thank him, Leonhart bids farewell and heads back to camp. Upon arriving, he finds the twelve men from the restaurant waiting for him.
Leader of the Men:(with a wicked grin) "Looks like the protector finally showed up."
Leonhart braces for battle, tension and determination clear on his face.
The chapter ends with a panoramic view of the three groups, each moving toward their next objective. The scene is underscored by a sense of urgency and the growing feeling that an inevitable confrontation is near.