CHAPTER 25- The Masked One

Hataki leaned back, his expression unreadable. "That's why they call him Razor. With just one machete, he killed sixty men. When the organization arrived to assess the situation, they couldn't even tell which body parts belonged to whom. They named the incident 'The Butcher of Hanjoshi.'"

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Ginrou, drenched in sweat, swallowed hard. "So... we're up against a monster."

Hataki nodded in agreement. "As long as he's not the one we're facing, we can handle pretty much anyone."

Ginrou's eyes hardened. "Don't say that arrogantly, Sir Hataki. We have no idea what lies ahead. And don't think Razor is the only threat—we're not just dealing with him. The organization has seven warriors of his caliber. They're called the Knights of Novare. Razor is just one of them."

Ken crossed his arms. "You think we don't know that? Hataki fought one of them in the past—and won. Are you doubting our strength?"

Ginrou kept his gaze steady. "It's not about doubt. My apologies if it came across that way. I'm just saying, even if Hataki defeated one, there are still six more. We can't afford to let our guard down."

Hataki nodded thoughtfully. "Ken, he's right. It's been a long time since I fought one of the Knights. We have no idea how much stronger they've become. It's best to stay cautious."

Ken exhaled sharply, his stance relaxing. "I see your point. Sorry, Ginrou. I didn't mean to sound dismissive. You're right—we shouldn't underestimate our opponents."

Ginrou continued, his tone serious. "That's all I'm trying to say. One of our informants reported that Genta sent a squad of marine divers along with archaeologists to the central island. I have no idea what he's after."

Ken's expression darkened. "He never explains his actions, but whatever he does always impacts the people of these lands."

Hataki crossed his arms. "Once we reach Beastmen Island, we'll investigate. If Genta is up to something, we need to find out if it connects to our current situation."

Ginrou nodded. "Understood. I'll send a message to our informant once we arrive. Hopefully, we'll get some useful intel."

Suddenly, the sharp sound of shattering glass echoed from the hallway.

The three of them immediately tensed.

"What was that?" they all thought at once.

Ken was the first to react. "Let's go check it out!"

All three rushed to the hallway, where they found Hataki's squad standing still, their expressions frozen in shock. The TV was on, broadcasting breaking news.

"Hello, everyone. This is a historic day for the Sirocaan Nation! After years in exile, Prince Hayato has finally returned. The people are celebrating his homecoming, and the king has declared that he will be crowned on the day of the festival! A touching reunion, indeed! Our beloved king is overjoyed to have his son back. Stay tuned for more on our soon-to-be king of Sirocaan!"

On the screen, Hayato stood atop the castle, waving and smiling as soldiers saluted him and the crowd cheered. But amidst the celebration, some protesters hurled rocks at him, shouting, "We don't want a king from your family, bastards!" Chaos erupted, and Hayato was swiftly escorted inside the castle for his safety.

Yoto stood frozen, his face pale. "Sensei… what is happening? Why is Hayato being called the king? You told me he was resting in the other room. Why did you lie to me?"

Yushin and Akemi quickly tried to console him. "Yoto, they did it to protect you. If you had known he was kidnapped during the fight, you wouldn't have hesitated—you would have gone after him, despite your injuries. You're still in critical condition. We couldn't risk losing you in pursuit of him."

Yoto's eyes darkened, his voice cold. "So... we abandoned him. I see."

Eiji's tone turned sharp. "Watch your words, Yoto. It's not like we wanted to abandon him. We were in no position to fight back. Sensei was injured protecting you, and you lost an arm! How do you think we could have saved him in that situation?"

Tears welled up in Yoto's eyes, but his determination burned brighter. "Even if we abandoned him, I will bring him back. No matter what it takes."

Meanwhile, in Genta's office, the man sat in his chair, lost in thought. Suddenly, a sharp pain tore through his chest. He gasped, collapsing to his knees, clutching at his shirt.

"Not again... The pain... it's getting worse. I can't control it. I need to go to him. I... I need to go!"

With great effort, he stumbled to the elevator and descended into a hidden underground lab. A butler supported him as the elevator doors slowly opened, revealing a vast laboratory. Scientists were hard at work, analyzing ancient ruins and testing a power serum.

A masked scientist turned at the sound of footsteps, clicking his tongue in irritation. "Not again," he muttered before striding toward Genta. "Oye, Genta. The pain's back, huh? I told you to keep some serum with you. You don't have to come down here and disrupt my work every time."

Genta, still gasping, managed a weak response. "Sorry… I ran out."

The scientist sighed. "I see. Come here. Take a shot, and I'll give you some extra vials. Next time, be more careful."

He injected Genta with the serum, instantly dulling the pain. Handing him several vials, he warned, "Keep these on you. Don't waste my time again."

Genta steadied himself. "How is Project Alpha progressing?"

The scientist's masked face remained unreadable. "It's nearly complete. I just need his heart. The kid we're chasing—he's the last piece."

Genta's lips curled into a sinister smirk. "We're searching for him. He won't escape me."

The scientist sighed. "find him quick. and if you excuse me I have more important matters to deal with."

Genta hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. I'll leave you to it, and take care ."

As he turned away, the butler helped him walk back to the elevator. But in his mind, the butler couldn't shake the unease creeping into his thoughts.

"What did I just witness? Why was Genta being so formal? And more importantly… who is that masked scientist?"