Disappointment

"L-Lord Supreme Kai! Are you all right?!"

Kibito, who had landed on the ground, widened his eyes and hurried over. The Supreme Kai was lying face down, his entire body buried in the ground. Seeing his condition, Kibito couldn't help but look worried.

"I-I'm fine."

Shin struggled to lift his head out of the dirt. With Kibito's help, he got to his feet, then looked toward the Z Sword not far away, his face full of shock.

The entire Z Sword had sunk into the ground, leaving only a hole behind.

Looking at the scene before him, the Supreme Kai felt not only shock, but also relief.

Fortunately, Kast had warned him earlier, and he had taken the warning somewhat seriously. So when he took the Z Sword, even though he hadn't paid all that much attention, he hadn't underestimated it either. That was lucky, because the instant he received the sword, he hadn't reacted right away—but just before it hit the ground, he finally realized what was happening and let go.

It was also lucky that he'd let go in time. The Z Sword's weight had kept him from stopping quickly enough, and he'd still been slammed into the ground, but at least he hadn't been buried along with the sword.

"How are you, Shin? Are you all right?"

Just then, Laila and Kast descended from above. Laila sounded concerned as she looked at Shin, but she made no effort to hide the amusement in her eyes.

"..."

Seeing Laila's expression, the Supreme Kai understood at once. He could only sigh helplessly.

"Laila, you knew all along, didn't you? You could've warned me again..."

As he spoke, a resentful look appeared on his face.

But Laila showed no embarrassment at all. Her expression remained perfectly calm.

"Didn't Kast warn you earlier? You just didn't pay attention. Besides, you weren't hurt. And even if the Z Sword had smashed you into the ground, we could've pulled you out. The sword probably just weighs a lot. It can't hurt you."

Hearing Laila's words, the Supreme Kai was at a loss for words.

"Sure, it couldn't hurt me, but falling from that height still hurt! Besides, what does it look like for a Supreme Kai to make a fool of himself in front of a human..."

Seeing how aggrieved and miserable he looked, Laila couldn't help smiling as she tried to comfort him.

"All right!"

"It was my fault. I shouldn't have stopped reminding you after Kast warned you. That was my fault."

"..."

Hearing Laila's words, the Supreme Kai couldn't help looking helpless. Was she trying to comfort him or make fun of him?

Still, looking at Laila, the Supreme Kai couldn't help thinking of the days when they had all lived together. That's just Laila. She hasn't changed at all—she still loves playing pranks.

Ignoring the Supreme Kai and Laila's little act, Kast had already walked over to the hole where the Z Sword lay. Looking at the sword buried deep in the ground, he couldn't help feeling impressed.

By then, the Supreme Kai had stopped reminiscing. Seeing Kast at the Z Sword, he couldn't help feeling discouraged.

"Mr. Kast, to be honest, when I just took the sword, the only thing that surprised me was its weight. I didn't notice anything else. I'm really sorry. I may have let you down."

At his words, Laila and Kibito could hardly accept it.

"W-What? How is that possible? Shin, are you sure you didn't miss something?"

"That's right, Lord Supreme Kai. Perhaps the sword's weight is its power?"

It was rare for Laila to agree with Kibito. Hearing his words, she nodded.

"Exactly. Could the sword's weight be its secret?"

Though the Supreme Kai didn't want to believe it either, he still countered, "No, I don't think its weight has anything to do with it. The sword isn't heavy enough to mean anything to Kast. It can't help train him or let him break through his limits."

"True."

Hearing that, everyone's spirits sank. The Supreme Kai was right.

This was especially true for Laila. After all, if Kast couldn't break through, she would have no reason to stay with him. Things might return to how they were before, and they wouldn't see each other again until a year later. Laila's face was full of reluctance.

But unlike the Supreme Kai and the others, Kast showed no reaction at all.

He already knew what the Z Sword could do, and he hadn't pulled it out for the power it supposedly granted.

So Kast smiled, crouched down, reached into the hole, grabbed the Z Sword, and pulled it out with a little effort.

"Mr. Kast, what are you doing?"

Seeing that Kast wasn't disappointed and had even smiled, the Supreme Kai was puzzled. Then he exclaimed in surprise,

"Could it be that you know the Z Sword's power?!"