As Joseph embarked on the exhilarating flight through the city, Black Queen's voice guided him from above, her instructions driving his every move. With each maneuver, Joseph felt the newfound agility and power of GENESIS coursing through him, filling him with a sense of awe and excitement.
With a mixture of surprise and exhilaration, Joseph exclaimed, "Whoaa! The body feels lighter than before, and the speed has improved immensely!" His voice carried a hint of wonder as he marveled at the enhanced capabilities of GENESIS.
Meanwhile, the onlookers observed in amazement as GENESIS soared through the sky with unparalleled grace and speed. Each twist and turn showcased the finesse of Joseph's piloting skills, leaving them in awe.
Black Queen's voice, commanding, cut through the exhilaration. "Now, Joseph, I want you to transition GENESIS into Wave Rider Mode. Head towards the west side of the city; you'll reach the shore."
Joseph's hand trembled slightly as he reached for the button, With a deep breath, he pressed it, triggering the transformation sequence.
As GENESIS began to change, Joseph watched in awe as its sleek form shifted before his eyes. The familiar frame of the mech morphed into something entirely new, its wings extending gracefully from its back, and its legs transforming into powerful boosters.
As GENESIS transitioned into Wave Rider Mode, Joseph felt a surge of exhilaration course through him, propelling him forward with incredible speed. Everything around him blurred into a whirlwind of motion, the landscape becoming a mere streak of colors.
Joseph's heart raced as he maneuvered GENESIS through the city, the sensation of speed washing over him in a thrilling rush. Each twist and turn sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins, his senses heightened by the exhilarating velocity.
"Whoa!" Joseph exclaimed, his voice barely audible over the roar of the engines. "This is amazing!"
Black Queen's voice crackled over the comm, her tone filled with satisfaction. "Impressive, isn't it, Joseph? GENESIS's speed is unmatched."
Joseph's question hung in the air, a mix of disbelief and excitement evident in his tone. "Just... how far is it from the city to the shore?"
Black Queen's response was matter-of-fact yet astonishing. "35 kilometers."
The revelation left everyone stunned. Eliza broke the silence with a breathless remark, her voice still shocking. "Incredible... GENESIS can cover that distance in just 5 minutes..."
Their astonishment echoed through the room, each member of the group processing the implications of GENESIS's remarkable speed.
Luther's explanation shed light on the dual nature of Wave Rider Mode, eliciting nods of understanding from those present. "This is what we call Wave Rider Mode," Luther clarified. "When it comes to traveling, it's a lot easier, but in combat, Joseph, it's lacking. Remember that."
Black Queen remained silent behind her mask, her agreement conveyed through a subtle nod.
Joseph's sudden observation stirred curiosity among the group. "Everyone, I saw something," he announced.
"What is it, Joseph?" William inquired eagerly.
Joseph's voice trembled with shock and surprise as he continued, "It seems to be a mech... It's EMERALD PHANTOM."
"EMERALD PHANTOM?" Scarlett echoed, her voice tinged with surprise.
Eliza pressed for details, "What's its condition, Joseph?"
"It seems half of it is destroyed," Joseph reported.
"Destroyed?" Asher repeated, his tone reflecting disbelief.
Joseph pressed the button once again, transforming GENESIS back into a mech, and slowly made his way toward the shore. As he approached EMERALD PHANTOM, Joseph voiced his findings to everyone, "It seems the pilot is badly injured, but the mech is beyond repair."
"Bring him to us, Joseph," Black Queen commanded.
As Joseph brought Lucil to the Land of Dogma, the unconscious Lucil was carefully attended to by Black Queen's maids. The next day, as Lucil slowly regained consciousness, he heard a familiar voice.
"You finally woke up," the voice said.
Surprised, Lucil turned his head and saw Scarlett and William by his bedside. "Scarlett... William... you're here? Does this mean I'm in the Empire of Crimson Land?"
Then, as Joseph and Erina entered the room, Lucil's surprise grew. "No... you are in the Land of Dogma," Joseph answered.
Lucil's eyes widened in realization. "That voice... could it be... you're the GENESIS pilot..."
Asher and Felix observed from the back as Lucil spoke, expressing his surprise and gratitude. "Scarlett... why did you help me? I treated you so poorly... Our previous Azure King kidnapped you, and yet you've come to my aid."
Asher interjected, dismissing any notion of Scarlett's involvement. "Cut the crap! It wasn't Scarlett who found you; it was Joseph. He discovered you alongside your mech, EMERALD PHANTOM, in a condition beyond repair."
Lucil's gaze shifted to Joseph, acknowledging him for the first time. "Joseph? I see... so that's your name, GENESIS pilot."
Black Queen and Eliza approached, and Lucil's surprise was palpable as he beheld the Black Queen. "Black Queen..."
She spoke from behind her mask, her voice filled with the air of authority. "Lucil Zacharias, we found you at the shore. Can you remember what happened?"
Lucil recounted the events as everyone listened intently. "I don't know what happened, but I remember the previous day... The Empire of Azure Star was invaded by the Seven Sword Unit."
Joseph interjected with curiosity, "The Seven Sword Unit?"
Black Queen provided context, "They are an elite unit from the Empire of White Land, ruled by the White King."
Lucil continued, his voice tinged with apprehension, "Our King, Ashfield, fought against them alone. But then, a mysterious mech appeared from the sky, radiating an ominous light that sent chills down our spines. Suddenly, half of the Empire of Azure Star was destroyed. However, at the same time, our King's mech, the Azure Star, emitted a brilliant light. My brother, Klaus, shielded me from it with his mech, Tezcatlipoca. That's all I remember..."
As the revelation sank in, Black Queen added, "The mysterious mech you mentioned was Aegis, the White King's mech."
Lucil nodded solemnly, absorbing the information. "Aegis... I see. And... can you sense anything of our Azure King, Ashfield, Is he still out there?"
Black Queen's response was somber. "I apologize, Lucil. It seems I cannot sense your king's presence."
She then turned her attention to Scarlett. "And you... I believe your mother, the Crimson Queen, are noticed this too. Furthermore I will inform her later."
A heavy silence filled the room as the reality of the situation settled in. Lucil's voice broke the silence, his tears beginning to flow. "So... our king is gone?"
His sorrow was palpable as he whispered, "Brother... I'm sorry... I couldn't protect you and our king."
As everyone left Lucil alone to process the news, Joseph turned to Black Queen with concern etched on his face. "Aegis... how terrifying is Aegis? Hearing from Lucil himself, this Aegis sounds dangerous."
Black Queen's response echoed in the room. "He finally showed his true face."
Eliza interjected, her curiosity piqued. "His true face? What do you mean?"
Black Queen elaborated, her tone grave. "Aegis is a mech built by the White King himself, but it's special. It embodies a part of the White King's Will of Ruler."
Joseph's eyes widened in realization. "Will of Ruler? So, he fused the mech with his Will of Ruler?"
Black Queen confirmed Joseph suspicions. "Correct. And I fear that GENESIS may not stand a chance against Aegis. If that day comes, I will do everything in my power to protect you, Joseph, and GENESIS."