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 states 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 technique 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 in the diaphragm, much like he did with Jonathan, but it does not have desired affect due to Zeppeli closing his hand into a fist managing to only make Speedwagon double over in 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, a 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, and begins climbing the nearby cliff face,thinking that he is safe. Zeppeli proposes that they follow the child 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 see 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 through the water's surface and into the lake.
Still shocked by what he has seen, the boy insists that that the three of them will still be unable to catch him. After reaching the base of the cliff, Jonathan retaliates by punching the rock's surface. The boy thinks he's still safe, but then the cliff itself 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 erupting from the dirt around them, Jonathan sees Dio watching them from the top of the cliff. While corpses as zombies rise from their graves Dio announces to Jonathan that night has fallen and it is time for him to die.
