"But what? What do you mean?"


    "It''s probably going to cost a lot of money..."


    Troy smiled. "Just spend the money. Dorothy, you''re like our sister, so what if it costs money? Don''t worry, I''ll contact Goldspin Commerce to cover the amount."


    "R-Rreally?"


    "Of course. Just trust me."


    "Troy, you''re so kind!" Dorothy then pulled out a small wooden stick from her hand.


    "Here, this is for you." A bright smile lit up Dorothy''s face.


    Troy took the stick, feeling a bit confused.


    "What is this?"


    "Troy, don''t you remember? It''s the little stick we used during training before."


    Troy recalled it. "Oh, that''s right. Our sticks wouldn''t react at all while everyone else could crush theirs with true energy. Why are you still carrying this with you?"


    "Troy, although it''s not a precious gift, this stick and this..." Dorothy pulled out another item from her hand. It was a beautifully crafted trinket that resembled a cocoon. "I... I know these things aren''t worth much, but... I really don''t know how else to repay you.


    "Troy, thank you so much for keeping us from living those hopeless days. This is my way of thanking you."


    Troy looked at Dorothy with affection. "Don''t be silly. Why are you always so polite?"


    "No, Troy, I''m not being polite; I genuinely appreciate you. I found this stone when


    I went out to y by the river six months ago and carved it into a trinket." Dorothy attached the stick to the stone trinket.


    Then, with a childlike innocence, she said, "Here, this is for you."


    Troy epted the gift. "Six months ago? You worked on this for so long?"


    "Hehe, I made one for everyone. But Raylee''s isn''t finished yet. He picked a stone


    that was too big, so it''ll take some time."


    "I see. Well, thank you, Dorothy."


    ...


    Troy struggled to stand up. "The trinket..."


    Ro turned to look at the noise.


    Troy was tightly gripping the trinket in his hand. shes of memories crossed his mind. He saw Raylee, Dorothy, and the others being carried to the ambnce.


    Dorothy could not be awakened no matter how hard he tried...


    Raylee had given him the Infinite Bug Battle Diagram just before losing consciousness. His injuries were severe, and whether he could pull through was uncertain.


    Just then, Ro approached Troy. "Why not just die quietly? Why do you want to get beaten too?"


    "The trinket..." Troy pulled out the trinket from his hand.


    "Ro, didn''t Dorothy give you a trinket too?"


    "Ah, that useless stone? I tossed it somewhere a long time ago."


    "Oh, I see..."


    Suddenly, Troyughed.


    Ro cursed at the deranged Troy before him, "Are you crazy? Do you want to die? I can make that happen!"


    Ro''s fist came crashing down again.


    This time, Troy struggled to block the terrifying blow with both hands.


    "Yeah, I really am crazy for still harboring any illusions about you. I really am... insane..."


    Then, Troy sidestepped and jumped away. From inside his clothing, he pulled out the Infinite Bug Battle Diagram.


    "Raylee, Dorothy, and everyone else, watch closely!"