“Mommy, can I come with you? I feel so lonely here by myself.”

Jerrold clung to Lilah's leg determinedly as she prepared to leave.

Resignedly, Lilah scooped him up and planted a kiss on his round cheek.

“Darling, promise me you'll be good. I'll bring back loads of exciting surprises for you," Lilah assured him with a gentle smile.

Jerrold's lips quivered, his eyes welled up, and soon, he was crying.

"Mommy and Daddy don't love me anymore. I'm so unhappy..."

Jerrold would surely outshine his peers in both intellect and emotional intelligence.

Yet, in the presence of his parents, he was simply a mischievous boy prone to tears.

Lilah's worry deepened, and her expression grew solemn. She set the child down, struggling to extricate herself.

“Why not bring him along? Luna Island has plenty to offer, and it would be a wonderful opportunity for him to see more of the world,"

Devonte suggested.

Devonte succeeded in persuading Lilah and Gerard into taking Jerrold with them.

This meant there was another person joining them.

Lilah casually explained to Gerard on the cruise ship's deck, “Luna Island is located between Starvale and Xylo-well, closer to Xylo, actually. You'll see it's just a boat ride away. The Fearless League acquired it decades ago, and ever since, it's been a haven for martial arts."

In the past few days, she had recounted bits and pieces of her youth and the demanding years she spent training at the Fearless League.

"I was fortunate to have a senior fellow apprentice. We would practice together and help each other handle the tough demands from the three elders. He was amazing, capable of withstanding anything."

There was a clear note of respect in Lilah's voice as she spoke of her senior fellow apprentice, Barth Cooper.

Gerard said with a playful grunt, “He might be skilled, but better than me?"

This made Lilah burst into laughter.

Barth was another remarkable find by Cyrus, possessing a natural flair for martial arts that shone even under severe conditions.

Lilah could vividly recall his face, marked by exposure to the salty sea air and intense sunlight.

"We'll meet him as soon as we dock," she said with a smile, as the small island came into view.

Gerard, half-teasing, wrapped an arm around her. “You're making me jealous of this guy even before I meet him."

“Hey, come over here, we need to talk," Devonte called out to her, just as they approached their destination.