Chapter 92 : The Capital

Kaizo smirked. "Heh. Of course," he mumbled. 

"What?" Axion asked. 

"I was surprised when you said we don't need evac and that you're going to guarantee it. It doesn't sound like you, to put any effort into protecting something and playing justice," said Kaizo. "Turn's out, we don't need evac because you're confident you can kill Versatel. Heh, as expected from a bounty hunter."

"I'm not a protector, Kaizo. I don't save people. I don't have the power to do what you do. Playing hero and all. The best I can do is to eliminate the threat beforehand. That said, to kill my enemies before they kill us," said Axion. 

"How are you going to kill him?"

Axion is silent for a moment. She smirked. "Magicians don't reveal their trick, Kaizo," she said as she put a finger on her lips. 

"Kaizo, we're done with preparations," said Tirion. 

"Alright. Let's go."

"Your highness, please be careful," said Flavius. 

"You too," Stravenkov replied. 

"We'll meet again soon," said Tirion. 

Flavius nods. 

Meanwhile, in the capital city, people no longer swarm around the palace gate. The giant statues that were once one with the palace walls are fighting the soldiers.

Ramenman fights off the soldiers. He saw the giant statues and stopped for a moment. "What the- What is that?"

Ramenman approached Virion who looked at the giant statues in disbelief.

"I can't believe it. The legend… right before my eyes…." Virion mumbled. 

"What? What legend? What are you talking about?" Ramenman asked. 

"I-it's one of those bedtime stories we tell the kids. Those statues are said to be ancient knights protecting this kingdom. They follow the call of the royal family," said Virion. 

"So those statues are on our side, right?"

"Well, so far they're only attacking Versatel's soldiers so… yes?" said Virion, slightly doubtful. 

 They watched as the gigantic statue of knights fought the soldiers. The soldiers stand no chance against the statues. Seeing the statues, the people of Sveratis regained their faith and morale. The tired knights cheered to keep on fighting. The believers begin praying. 

Suddenly, Ramenman's watch beeped. He looked at his watch. 

"It's Axion. They got the prince," said Ramenman. 

"Really!?"

"Yes. And they need us for their plan," said Ramenman. 

Virion looked at Ramenman. He nods. "It's now or never."

"Sir Virion..." yelled one of the knights as he pointed at the statues. 

"Yes, I know. Tell the citizens to evacuate. Tell them to leave the battle to the knights," said Flavius. 

"Yes, sir!"

"What now?"

"Two of my teammates and the prince are on their way to Mount Balor. Along with a few knights including someone called… Tirion," said Ramenman. 

"That's my dad!" Virion exclaimed. 

"That's your dad? Wow, the world is a small place," said Ramenman. 

"When your dad and your siblings are knights, it's hard not to become one myself," said Virion. 

"Hahaha, I can imagine." 

"So they're going to Mount Balor."

"Yes. To settle things with Versatel," said Ramenman. 

"We should go after them," said Virion. 

"No. We have other things to do," said Ramenman. "We need to help the knights at the palace. Once we take over the palace, we can assess the situation."

"But Versatel…"

"Is taken care of," said Ramenman, cutting off Virion. "Leave Versatel to the Prince team. We need to settle down the mess in the city. But first, I need to get to the palace and get Rum." He looks at Virion. 

"I know you're worried. But the two members of my team that go with the Prince are the best of our station. If you can't trust in my team then at least have faith in whatever legend that moves those giant statues," said Ramenman. 

"... you're right. Let's head to the palace."

Meanwhile, at Astraeus station...

The room went tense. Maskmana goes silent after hearing what the three men in front of him have to say.

"I believe you've met her before," said the man with dark brown hair. "It may have been a long time ago. But I hope you can tell me what happened then."

"I did indeed meet her back then, at the so-called "Dark Planet". But unfortunately, it was a very long time ago. I don't think I can recall," Maskmana answered.

"Anything is fine. No matter how small it is, we appreciate it."

"Hmm... I first met her at the Dark Planet. It was a short meeting. People on Mars sent an S.O.S message. They claimed to be attacked by creatures they've never seen before. I was passing nearby so I decided to lend a hand. But by the time I arrived, the battle had already ended. The Martians told me that a traveler helped them through the battle…"

"That must be her! Please, tell us more," said the man.

"They asked me to find this traveler. They were worried since she went missing as soon as the battle ended. So I followed her trails to the Dark Planet. That's where I met her," said Maskmana. 

"How was she?"

"Our meeting was short. I can't recall exactly what happened when I met her. We simply greeted each other as fellow travelers then we parted ways," said Maskmana.

The three men looked at each other. "Do you know where she's headed?"

"I'm afraid, not. I simply relay the messages that the Martians told me and then go on my way."

"What was the message?"

"That the Martians are thankful for her aid during the invasion of the unknown creatures."

"Did you see the creatures on the Dark Planet?"

"I did. The traveler was fighting the creatures. We fought hand in hand. But only for a short while, since she defeated most of them," said Maskmana.

"I see... Thank you for your help," said the man as he stood up.

"My pleasure. If you'd like, I can put her in the missing person search list," said Maskmana as he gave a handshake.

"Thank you. That would be very helpful."

The three men walk out of the room.

"Do you believe everything he said?" asked one of the men as they walked.

"He's one of the great heroes that defend the galaxy. I see no reason not to believe him." 

"Do you think he's been affected by dark magic?"

"That's unlikely. I don't sense any dark magic or "her" magic from him." 

"But something feels off. Maybe he didn't tell us everything. Maybe he's hiding something."

"Maybe. But for now, let's use other ways to find her."