Chapter 24
Summary
After the defeat of Jack the Ripper, Jonathan, Zeppeli, and Speedwagon exit the long tunnel and continue towards Windknights. During the hike, Speedwagon asks Zeppeli if he can learn the secrets of the Ripple techniques, to which Zeppeli says that it is impossible. Angered, Speedwagon demands to know why. Zeppeli gives a more lengthy explanation, telling him that is it incredibly hard to keep the breathing rhythm of a Ripple practitioner unconsciously, and that only one in ten thousand can manage this. Because of Jonathan's sad life experiences when he was younger, and the knowledge of his future, he can manage this. Zeppeli explains that he studied for decades under a ripple master, until he mastered the Ripple himself. Zeppeli tells Speedwagon that he does not have the experiences needed to master the Ripple.
Undeterred, Speedwagon says he still wants to help. Zeppeli proposes that he could give Speedwagon the ability to create light forms of the Ripple, and Speedwagon jumps at the prospect, insisting that Zeppeli do it immediately. Zeppeli punches Speedwagon's diaphragm, much like he did with Jonathan, but it doesn't work because Zeppeli's finger slips at the last moment, causing Speedwagon to experience massive amounts of pain.
Unbeknownst to the trio, a figure watches them from afar. As they approach, he cuts a rope that causes a tree to fling him into the air. Catching them by surprise, the young farm boy takes the trio's bag. Because of his stunt, he ends up in the lake. Getting out on the other side of the lake, the boy mocks them, thinking that he is safe. Zeppeli proposes that they follow the kid to the village. Zeppeli raises his hands and strikes the surface of the water with both of his hands, causing several ripples to form. Speedwagon and the boy are both shocked to that see that Zeppeli walking out onto the surface of the water, followed by Jonathan. Jonathan and Zeppeli begin running, and Speedwagon tries to do the same, but falls right into the lake.
Still shocked by what he's seen, the boy insists that that the trio cannot catch him. Jonathan retaliates by punching the rock cliff. The boy thinks he's still safe, but then the rock cliff seems to push him off and he falls into Jonathan's arms. After Jonathan catches the boy, Zeppeli realizes that the boy was simply a pawn used to lure them into a trap, as hands start coming from the dirt around them. Jonathan sees Dio watching them from the top of the cliff. While as zombies rise from their graves Dio announces to Jonathan that night has fallen and it is time for him to die.
