"How righteous of you. The Jewel was never yours to begin with, was it?"
"You, who betrayed and harmed Arceus out of greed and desire, what right do you have to hold the Jewel?"
Ignoring Sheena's extremely unpleasant expression, Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a faint, mocking smile as he straightened his white robe and spoke unhurriedly.
And the most laughable part was that the Jewel of Life, which Sheena treasured as if it were her own life and had been preserved for over a thousand years, was actually a fake!
But the real Jewel of Life was indeed hidden somewhere in this ancient temple. However, Ryuu Shiro wasn't familiar with the temple, and the easiest way to find the Jewel was to get Sheena, the guardian of the ruins, to help him.
Though it seemed that Sheena wasn't very willing at the moment.
"..."
Sheena's eyes were filled with discomfort and desolation. Although Ryuu Shiro's words were harsh and cutting, she couldn't find any reason to refute them.
"Think it over carefully. There's still plenty of time, esteemed guardian."
Noticing the approaching footsteps behind him, Ryuu Shiro finally whispered to Sheena with a smile, his malicious, mocking expression instantly transforming into a calm and sunny demeanor.
The speed of this transformation showed he was a seasoned actor.
"Sheena!"
As Ryuu Shiro finished speaking, a concerned male voice rang out. The other guardian, Kevin, hurried over to Sheena's side.
"Sheena, what's wrong?"
Kevin looked at Sheena's pale face with worry, then shot a hostile glance at Ryuu Shiro.
After all, it was clear that Sheena's condition was because of Ryuu Shiro. As her childhood friend, Kevin naturally stood by Sheena's side.
Cynthia and Caitlin remained silent, while Marnie glanced at Sheena and naturally stood beside Ryuu Shiro.
"I'm fine. I just suddenly felt a bit unwell."
Sheena pursed her lips, glanced at Ryuu Shiro, who was smiling as if nothing had happened, and shook her head at Kevin.
She didn't reveal the content of her conversation with Ryuu Shiro, as it involved the secrets of her lineage and Arceus.
"Are you sure you're okay? Your face is very pale." Kevin frowned.
"I'm fine. I'll go rest for a bit. Champion Cynthia, I'm really sorry, but I might have to accompany you all a bit later."
Sheena gave Kevin a reassuring smile, then apologized to Cynthia.
Her mind was in chaos, and she had no energy to accompany Cynthia and the others.
She didn't know where Ryuu Shiro came from, why he knew so much about the events of a thousand years ago, or why he wanted the Jewel of Life.
There was too much to process, and Sheena needed time to sort out her thoughts.
"It's alright. Your health is more important. We can explore on our own."
Cynthia smiled understandingly. Although she didn't know what had happened, Sheena's expression…
No matter how you looked at it, it didn't seem like she was fine. But the mature Cynthia wouldn't press the issue now.
If Ryuu Shiro had really done something to Sheena, she would have no reason to hide it. It must be some secret they weren't privy to.
"Don't look at me with such a scary expression. I did nothing to Miss Sheena. We just had a friendly conversation."
Seeing Kevin's hostile gaze, Ryuu Shiro shrugged, a smile playing on his lips as he spoke slowly.
Just a useless fool, after all.
"You!"
Seeing Ryuu Shiro's arrogant demeanor, Kevin instantly became furious.
No matter how you looked at it, Sheena's sudden condition was definitely because of Ryuu Shiro, right?
And this guy still had the nerve to act so carefree and detached? What a jerk!
"Kevin!" Seeing Kevin about to lose his temper, Sheena quickly pulled him back.
"We've made a scene in front of everyone. We'll take our leave now."
Sheena bowed apologetically to the group, then pulled Kevin away.
Strictly speaking, Ryuu Shiro hadn't done anything to her. It wouldn't make sense for the host to drive away a guest in this situation.
Moreover, Ryuu Shiro was definitely not a simple person. Whether it was his demeanor or his intentions, Sheena could sense that.
"I thought he was going to start a fight. But Shiro, you really do cause trouble wherever you go."
Watching Sheena and Kevin's figures disappear around the corner, Marnie glanced at Ryuu Shiro and said with a hint of annoyance.
Truly impressive. In just a short while, he had managed to offend the host?
"You're making me sound like a troublemaker. I really just had a friendly conversation with Miss Sheena."
"It's just that Miss Sheena seems to be in a fragile state of mind."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled slightly as he shrugged indifferently.
"It seems I've affected Miss Cynthia and Miss Caitlin's mood. I truly feel guilty about that."
He then turned to Cynthia and Caitlin with an apologetic smile.
"It's fine. But… it seems Mr. Shiro didn't come to Michina just to admire the ruins, did you?"
Cynthia gave Ryuu Shiro a deep look. She had sensed from the beginning that this young man wasn't simple.
Now it seemed that his purpose in coming to Michina was definitely not just an interest in the ruins.
"I bear no ill will toward Miss Sheena. I just need her help with something, though it seems she's not very willing."
Ryuu Shiro smiled in response. He really was here to ask for Sheena's help. Well, that explanation wasn't wrong.
"I see. But forcing a girl isn't something a gentleman should do, Mr. Shiro."
Cynthia pondered for a moment, then looked into Ryuu Shiro's ruby-like eyes and smiled lightly.
How interesting. She hadn't expected that accompanying Caitlin to relax would lead to such an intriguing encounter.
Cynthia glanced at Marnie, who stood beside Ryuu Shiro. What exactly were these two here for?
Meanwhile, Caitlin, standing beside Cynthia, had a glimmer of curiosity in her beautiful eyes as she looked at Ryuu Shiro.
"Transcend Power, Arceus, the Jewel of Life… and the power within him."
Caitlin possessed extremely strong Psychic abilities. Even from a distance, she had overheard much of the conversation between Ryuu Shiro and Sheena.
But she didn't bring it up. Perhaps she had her own thoughts, or maybe she felt the current situation wasn't appropriate. Who knew?