Chapter 9: The Road to Sandy Village

*Origins Arc Begins*A few days had passed since Colonel Johnston was placed in the hospital, and the weight of unfinished reports burdened Lieutenant Campos. She hurriedly made her way to Colonel Johnston's room, carrying a stack of paperwork. "While Colonel Johnston was decommissioned, all his paperwork has piled up. We still haven't been able to report everything that happened in the city, the situation with Riley, or even the rebel who was after him. I hope the Colonel is in better condition now."Lt. Campos arrived at the door and knocked, but the Colonel's response indicated he needed more time. "One moment." Despite that, the lieutenant impatiently began to open the door slowly. "Sorry, sir. I need to send this report immediately." As she entered, she caught sight of Colonel Johnston doing one-handed push-ups, his body covered in bandages, and his frozen arm still present.Startled, Colonel Johnston looked at Lt. Campos with sweat on his face. "Oh, snap!" He quickly jumped back into bed, attempting to pretend that nothing had happened.Lt. Campos's voice was filled with concern as she scolded him. "Sir! You're supposed to be in bed recovering!"Colonel Johnston, still pretending, responded, "I don't know what you're talking about, Lieutenant." He faced the other way and began whistling as if he hadn't been caught in the act.Lt. Campos couldn't help but shake her head at the Colonel's immaturity, placing her hand on her forehead in frustration. "I do not have time for this, sir. I have to get your report into Headquarters before..."Just as she uttered the word "before," someone entered the room behind her, instantly shifting the tone of the scene to a more serious one.A tall man, dressed impeccably in a uniform that outclassed Colonel Johnston's, stood before them. His serious expression demanded respect and exuded authority.Upon seeing him, Colonel Johnston's expression turned angry. "What are you doing here?"Lt. Campos turned around and stood at attention. "Sir!"This man was General Fang, the commanding officer of the entire Marine Corps. He was known for defeating numerous specials, never having lost a fight, and being unapproachable. What made his achievements even more remarkable was the fact that General Fang himself was not a special.General Fang addressed Lt. Campos, expressing his disappointment. "The report I asked for was taking far too long, Lieutenant. So I decided to come and see what's holding it up myself."Lt. Campos bowed respectfully, apologizing for the delay. "Sorry, sir. I was just about to turn it in after I received the Colonel's follow-up report."General Fang acknowledged her response. "I see. Colonel, stop fooling around and finish the report."Colonel Johnston scoffed and gritted his teeth in frustration. "Very well, sir."With that, General Fang turned to leave the room but not before delivering one last remark. "I am disappointed in your weakness. You will never reach me as you are now." After his parting words, General Fang left the room.Colonel Johnston, visibly angered by General Fang's comment, radiated heat around his body, causing his previously frozen arm to melt away. "Bastard...!" He regained his composure as Lt. Campos noticed the change and urged him to calm down. "Sir, you can't let the General get to you. Also, it looks like your arm is unfrozen now."Colonel Johnston snapped out of his anger. "It looks like it has. Well, now there's no reason for me to stay in this bed." He hopped out of bed, determined to resume his duties and embark on their next mission.Meanwhile, the scene shifted to Koga's recovery. He woke up, removing the last of his bandages, as a woman entered his room to tend to him."Oh, it seems you have recovered, Mr. Koga."Getting out of bed, Koga stretched his body. "Yeah, I can't be stuck in bed any longer. I have to get moving."The lady bowed and informed Koga of his next step. "I see. Well, I was told that when you're ready, you should go and see Mr. Dante."Koga agreed and left the room, stepping outside the small shack. As he exited, he was greeted by a village filled with smiling faces and people helping one another—a paradise known as Valhalla. Valhalla served as a safe haven for the rebellion army, welcoming runaway specials and those seeking peace. Violence was not tolerated, and its location remained a secret. Protected by the most dangerous and wanted man in the world, Dante, Valhalla boasted an unrivaled level of security.Koga began his walk towards Dante, contemplating the battle he had with Colonel Johnston. "Colonel Johnston, huh? He's not someone I can underestimate next time we meet. Next time, I will win."Just as Koga was lost in his thoughts, someone called out to him. "Looks like you're up and about, huh?"Turning around, Koga recognized the stranger who had accompanied him to the city and saved his life. "Oh, it's just you, Luke."Luke was Koga's only friend, despite Koga's reluctance to admit it. He played an important role in the rebellion, possessing the ability to transport to different locations using shadows.Luke playfully responded to Koga's dismissive tone. "Is that any way to treat the guy who saved you from being captured by the military? So inconsiderate."Koga shrugged off his comments. "Whatever. It's been a few weeks since that fight, and I'm ready to go. Take me to Dante."Luke shook his head at Koga's request. "No, please? Jeez, Koga, I'm not your taxi cab. Why don't you go for a walk and talk to the people? I'm sure they'll love to see Mr. Cool himself."Koga's irritation was evident as he replied, "I pass. Take me to the boss now."Luke pretended not to hear him and vanished into the shadows annoying Koga in the process, which left him to continue his journey on foot.As Koga walked, he was stopped by a couple of kids playing in the village. "Hey, Mr. Koga, are you feeling better?"Koga patted the kids on their heads and smiled. "Yeah, thanks for checking up on me. I'm doing just fine." He handed them an iceball to play with. "Here, play with this." The kids ran off happily to enjoy their newfound toy.As he continues to walk through the town, people continue to walk up to Koga thanking him and praising him. Finally, as Koga got past the crowd of people he thought to himself, frustrated with the expectations placed on him. "Jeez, this is too much effort. I understand that Dante wants me to be nice to all the people here and be a symbol, but that's just not in my nature."As he continued his walk, a lady dressed provocatively approached him. "Oh, hey, Koga. It seems like you're all healed up... How about you come over to my place tonight?"Koga smiled politely and waved at her. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm good. Thanks."The disappointed lady responded, "Oh, you're no fun."Interacting with more people who adored him, Koga eventually made his way to his final destination—Dante's place where Luka was just standing there waiting."Took you long enough, slowpoke," Luke teased.Koga, visibly irritated, responded, "Well, whose fault is that?"Both Koga and Luke entered Dante's place and opened the front doors. Inside, they found Dante himself, the leader of the rebellion forces.Contrary to the various descriptions circulating about him, Dante appeared to be a normal guy in his late 40s. With black hair and a slim build, he didn't possess a physically imposing presence. He also dressed casually in a T-shirt and pants.As Luke and Koga entered the room, Dante greeted them warmly. "Welcome back, boys. Koga, you look like you've healed up nicely."Koga replied briefly, assuring Dante that he was fine and ready to resume his mission.Curious about Riley's whereabouts, Dante asked, "Do you even know where he is this time?"Koga admitted, "No, I'm not sure, to be honest. However, I plan to check out a certain village that I think will have some leads."Luke chimed in, "Are you talking about..."Koga interrupted, confirming Luke's assumption. "Yes, I'm heading to Sandy Village."Dante, aware of Sandy Village's significance, understood the implications. "I see. Well, I trust your judgment, Koga. Do as you wish, but try not to get seriously injured this time. I can't have my second-in-command dying on me now."Koga assured Dante that he would be cautious and swiftly left the room. Luke followed him, offering a lift."Do you want a lift?" Luke asked.Koga, aware of Luke's shadow-traveling ability, questioned his offer. "Do you even have a shadow there that you can use?"Luke grinned mischievously. "Nope, but I can take you as close as I can."Declining the offer, Koga asserted, "No, that's alright. Besides, there are a couple of places I want to stop by first. I'll contact you when I arrive in Sandy Village."Koga proceeded on his own, determined to find Riley and fulfill his mission.