Koko and Kasey Reunite

The servants placed tea and food on the table with practiced grace.

"Please, help yourselves. I know you must be exhausted from the long journey," Iskandar offered, his voice warm and inviting.

"Thank you for your kindness," Froilan said with a respectful nod.

Iskandar was unlike most rulers who cloaked themselves in cold authority. Though draped in the resplendent gold and deep purples of his imperial robes, his true radiance came not from his crown but from his ever-present, warm smile—a rare sight in the marble halls of Varia. His eyes gleamed with mischief, as if each day were an adventure waiting to unfold, and his laughter—rich and full—echoed through the royal palace like a melody woven into its very walls.Where others ruled with iron, he governed with kindness. He had the sharp mind of a strategist but the heart of a friend, speaking to even the lowest servant with the same warmth he gave his generals. He relished festivals, personally joining in dances, delighting in the arts, and sharing stories with scholars and commoners alike. His enthusiasm was infectious, his presence a beacon of light amid the grandeur of the kingdom. Yet beneath the joy, there was steel. He was no fool—his kindness was not weakness, nor was his laughter a mask. He understood the weight of the crown upon his head, but if he must carry it, he would do so with joy—for what is power, if not the means to bring happiness to one's people?

Koko glanced at Ragnar, who shook his head slightly, warning him not to touch the food.

Noticing their hesitation, Iskandar chuckled. "Don't worry. You are friends with the King of Firenzan, and I will grant you the same respect I give him."

Froilan nodded at his companions, silently urging them to trust the king. Ragnar gave his men a signal, and they hesitantly reached for the food.

Koko stared at the lavish spread before him. So this is what palace food looks like? The dishes were nothing like the simple grilled meals of his tribe—this was rich, fragrant, and artfully prepared.

Froilan finally spoke. "I came here seeking information about my brother, Prince Hendrik of the Serolf Empire. He disappeared after the last battle he fought in."

Iskandar's expression grew solemn. "I heard what happened to the Serolf Empire—the tragedy that befell its people and its emperor."

Froilan exhaled a heavy sigh. "My sister died in the war. One of my brothers is missing. And our emperor was cursed. I've given everything to finding Hendrik. We've already lost one—we can't afford to lose another."

Iskandar nodded, his gaze steady. "There is no pain greater than losing someone dear."

"Then, if it is not too much to ask, may I have your permission to search your kingdom for any information about my brother?" Froilan asked, his voice edged with desperation.

Iskandar took a bite of an apple, chewing thoughtfully. Then, with a smile, he answered, "Don't worry. I will help you."

Relief flooded Froilan's face.

"I will order my men to assist in the search," Iskandar continued. "And you need not owe me anything. The Serolf Empire and Varia have recently become allies. It is my duty to help where I can."

Froilan was taken aback—he hadn't known Varia had become an ally of the Serolf Empire. This could work in their favor.

"In addition," Iskandar went on, "I will assign one of my most trusted and skilled soldiers to accompany you."

He gestured to a nearby knight, who turned and called someone in. A young man stepped forward and approached them, bowing deeply before the king.

"Do you have orders for me, Your Majesty?" the young man asked.

Koko froze as the cookie he was holding slipped from his fingers. His heart pounded in disbelief. He couldn't believe what he was seeing...

Iskandar gave a nod. "Stand."

The young man obeyed.

"Everyone, this is Kasey. He is strong, skilled in combat, and will aid you in your search," Iskandar introduced.

Kasey bowed to Froilan's group—then suddenly halted, his eyes locking onto one of them. His breath caught.

"Koko?" he murmured in disbelief.

Koko took a hesitant step forward. "Kasey?"

Kasey's eyes widened in shock before they shone with joy.

"Brother!" he exclaimed. Without warning, he lunged forward and pulled Koko into a crushing hug. "Where the hell have you been? I've been looking for you!"

Iskandar, Froilan, and the barbarians exchanged bewildered glances.

"You two know each other?" Iskandar asked.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Kasey beamed. "This is my brother—the one I told you about!"

Koko, still trapped in Kasey's hug, gasped, "I… I can't breathe!"

Kasey laughed and quickly released him. "Sorry!"

"Well, that's great. I'm glad you've finally found one of them. And since he's your brother, I'm confident there will be no trouble within your group," Iskandar said.

Kasey nodded in agreement.

"Thank you again for your help, King Iskandar," Froilan said, his tone filled with gratitude.

Iskandar gave a small nod in response.

.

.

After the conversation with King Iskandar, Kasey and Koko had some time alone.

"How did you end up in this place?" Koko asked.

"I dunno. When I woke up, I was already here. I spent some time living on the streets, fighting thieves, until the king saw me and recognized my fighting ability. He brought me into his palace and made me one of his soldiers. He said that, in exchange for shelter, I had to help protect his kingdom," Kasey explained.

Kasey was the son of Kaye and Benjamin. He was the complete opposite of his father. Unlike Benjamin, Kasey had little interest in academics but was naturally drawn to physical combat. He often skipped classes and repeated years, but when it came to a mission, he was eager and excited. He had more interest in learning boxing than in his studies. He regularly participated in underground boxing contests, where he consistently won. His mother, worried about his grades, couldn't bring herself to stop him—she saw the joy in his eyes every time he entered the ring. Benjamin, too, gave up on scolding him and simply told Kasey to follow what made him happy, as long as he promised not to hurt innocent people and to use his skills to protect his mother in the future.

"How about you? Where have you been?" Kasey asked his brother.

"I ended up in the land of barbarians," Koko answered.

"What?!" Kasey exclaimed. "Aren't those people dangerous?"

"They were. But they treated me well, perhaps because of my fighting skills. Besides, the barbarians serve the King of Firenzan," Koko explained.

"I see. But now that we've found each other here... does that mean our other brothers are here too?" Kasey asked.

"I believe so. Can you remember anything from before we ended up here?" Koko asked.

"Yeah. We were staring at a painting in our mansion, and suddenly there was this blinding light." Kasey said.

"I think that light was the cause of it. It must have brought us here," Koko mused.

Kasey sighed and sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall. "So, what's our plan now?"

"We're going to find our brothers," Koko replied.

"How?" Kasey asked.

"Let's join the King of Firenzan. He's been traveling to different places. Maybe we'll find them in other lands," Koko suggested.

Kasey grinned. "All right! Let's go find them... and return home!" he said enthusiastically.

Koko nodded.

They had to find their brothers. They had to return to their original world before the one they were currently in was consumed by the darkness of war.