Chapter 69 : Emergency

"Strange... It's been too long since Kaizo and Axion went to meet Diabolos," said Ramenman. He turns to Rum. "I've been trying to contact Kaizo, but no answer," he adds.

Do you think they might get into trouble?" Rum asks.

"It could be Diabolos holding them," Lahap added.

Suddenly, Ramenman communicator beeped.

"Admiral!" Ramenman exclaimed.

"We're a few hours away from Planet Circus. I've been trying to contact Kaizo and Axion but no response. What's your status?" Admiral Maskmana asked.

Ramenman, Rum, and Lahap looked at each other.

"Kaizo and Axion went to Circus Maxima. Diabolos invited them last night," said Ramenman.

"And they haven't returned," said Admiral.

"Yes, Admiral," Ramenman replied.

"It's possible that they might've gone into trouble," said Rum, worried.

Admiral Maskmana went silent. Thinking hard about what decision he should take.

"Admiral, please give us order to follow them," said Ramenman.

"Too dangerous," said Admiral Maskmana firmly. "It's highly possible that Diabolos have plenty of men. You'll be outnumbered."

"But we can't ignore our captain," Ramenman insists.

"You think you can handle it?" Admiral Maskmana asked.

Ramenman looked at Rum and Lahap. The three of them exchange a nod.

"We can handle it, Admiral!" said Ramenman firmly.

Admiral Maskmana looked at them sharp for a moment. "Very well," he finally said. "Go find your Captain. But try to do it discreetly. If they're captured, focus solely on their rescue and nothing else."

"Yes, Admiral!"

The three of them immediately prepare themselves to infiltrate Circus Maxima. Phoenix saw them just moments before they went.

"Going somewhere?" Phoenix asks.

"Yeah. We're going to Circus Maxima," said Ramenman. He put a hand on Phoenix's shoulder.

Phoenix looked at him in confusion.

"Things might get worse from here. You might want to prepare," said Ramenman with a grim tone.

"I understand. Axion talked about it with me," said Phoenix. He smirked. "I might not look like it but I was a former hunter y'know?"

"You are?" Rum asked.

"Yes. The informant Axion contacted, Mercury. She was my informant too," said Phoenix.

Ramenman chuckled. "The universe is a small place."

Phoenix laughed. "Well, best of luck to you."

"Thanks. You too," Rum replied.

The three of them went to Circus Maxima.

After the tournament, Circus Maxima is temporarily closed for renovation. There's hardly any staff around.

"Strange. I know the Circus is closed for a while. But how come no one is here," Ramenman mumbled.

"Yes. They should at least have more people guarding the Circus," Lahap adds.

"Have you got access to their tracker?" Ramenman asked.

Rum checks her phone. "Yes. I got their location."

Two dots blinked on her phone map.

"At least they're together," said Rum. "It seems that this whole place is jammed. We can't contact people outside this Circus. But we still can get in touch with those inside the circus."

"So we can call Kaizo," said Ramenman.

"Possibly. Want me to try?" Rum asks.

"No," Ramenman replied. "We don't want to alarm the enemy. Let's reach them quietly."

Rum and Lahap nodded.

They go deeper into the arena. The distinct sound of crowds slowly gets louder. They peeked from one of the windows and were shocked to find Kaizo, Axion and Albi tied in the middle of the arena. They're surrounded by hunters and mercenaries.

Ramenman sighed. "So they got captured after all," he mumbled. He looks around to see several mercenaries and hunters pass out on the arena's floor. "Well, at least they put up a pretty good fight before we're here."

"What should we do?" Lahap asked.

Ramenman watched the arena. Diabolos, Rosario, and Venturi stand laughing in front of Axion. He can't hear what they say. But from the looks of it, Diabolos push them to give something.

"You're a cunning one. What's your plan? What Astraeus is planning now? I doubt they sent you just to investigate me. Knowing your work, there must be another plan isn't it?" Diabolos asked.

"Bold of you to think I would simply tell," Axion replied.

Diabolos punch Axion.

"STOP! If you want anything, take me instead!" Albi yelled.

"Don't test my patience," said Diabolos. He looked at her in the eyes. But there's no fear in Axion's eyes.

Diabolos pulled a sword. "I will only ask once more. What are you planning?" he asks as he raises the sword.

Axion smirked. "I'm planning to send you to hell. I'm sure they've prepared a VIP seat for you down there."

Diabolos swing his sword. But before the sword hits her, Rum shoots the sword away from Diabolos's hand. They all look to her.

"Sorry to ruin your party," Ramenman smirked. "But we want our captain back."

"You...." Diabolos mutter.

"Heh! Just the three of you? You're entering the lion's cage," said Venturi.

"Remember guys. We need to stall the time until the Raid party is here," Ramenman whispers.

Rum and Lahap slowly nod.

"No matter what, we will survive until the Admiral is here," said Ramenman.