CHAPTER 9 THE HUNT FOR THE OMEGA

Prince Xalor stood at the helm of his ship, gazing out over the vast expanse of the sea. The winds howled, but his mind was focused on a singular purpose: the Omega. The power of the legendary helmet had evaded him once, but he would not allow it to slip through his grasp again. He had learned much during his time recovering from the battle at Blue Safari, and now, with a renewed determination, he was prepared to finish what he had started.

Xalor turned to face his commanders, who stood at attention behind him. His trusted Aunt Princess Aishi, who had been his unwavering support, watched him with both concern and pride. She knew her nephew had a fierce ambition to prove himself, but she also feared that this obsession with the Omega would consume him.

"Prince Xalor," one of the commanders said, his voice low but filled with respect. "The Red Zuru nation is ready for you. We have gathered forces across the seas, and we are prepared to strike."

Xalor's eyes narrowed with a cold intensity. "I want more. The Omega must be found. We will visit every village under my father's protection, recruit every soldier willing to fight for our cause, and leave no stone unturned until we find him."

The commander hesitated for a moment, sensing the gravity in his words. "But, sire, many villages are under the protection of the Blue Zuru nation and others. We cannot risk drawing attention to ourselves. The Blue Zuru army is strong."

"I do not care for their protection," Xalor snapped. "The Omega is more important than the Blue Zuru nation's army. With it, we will rule. And my father, King Zurock, will finally see me as the true heir to the throne."

With his mind made up, Xalor turned his gaze toward the horizon. His ship sailed through the waters, cutting a path toward the first village: the coastal settlement of Saldar. It had once been a thriving hub for trade, but now, it was barely a shadow of its former self—its people tired, hungry, and wary of strangers. However, Xalor was not one to be deterred. He had a plan.

The small village of Saldar lay nestled between steep cliffs, and as Xalor's ship docked at the shore, the villagers were already on edge. The sight of the imposing vessel, with its black sails and intimidating warriors, sent a wave of fear through the settlement.

Xalor strode from the ship, flanked by his loyal soldiers. Princess Aishi, always by his side, followed close behind, her expression unreadable.

"Prepare yourselves," Xalor ordered his commanders. "We need soldiers. We need the best. And we will take what we need, whether they like it or not."

At the village square, the leader of Saldar, an older man named Mayor Darnok, approached Xalor. His weary eyes studied the prince cautiously. "You are not welcome here," Mayor Darnok said, standing tall despite the fear in his voice. "This village is not a place for mercenaries or warlords."

Xalor's lips curled into a slight smile, though his eyes were cold. "I am not here to ask for permission," he said. "I am here to take what I want. Your best warriors. Your strongest fighters. They belong to me now."

Mayor Darnok stiffened, but before he could respond, one of Xalor's soldiers stepped forward, dragging a young man behind him. The man was bruised, bloodied, and clearly beaten, his hands bound.

"This man was stealing from us," the soldier said, his voice harsh. "Should we deal with him as an example?"

Xalor looked down at the young man with disinterest. "Do not waste my time with such trivial matters," he said dismissively. "Take him to the ship. We will recruit only the strongest."

Princess Aishi stepped forward, her gaze softening as she looked at the young man. "Xalor," she said, her tone firm but compassionate. "You cannot keep doing this. Not every person is a soldier, and not every village is yours to conquer."

Xalor glanced at his aunt, his expression hardening. "I need soldiers, Aunt Aishi. And I need them now. The Omega will not wait."

Aishi remained silent, watching her nephew's unyielding resolve. She had seen this before—the way his obsession clouded his judgment. But she also understood that his ambition was what had driven him to this point. It was the same drive that would either make him a king—or destroy him.

Xalor raised his hand, signaling his soldiers to begin the recruiting process. They moved through the village, rounding up men and women who were capable of fighting. Some resisted, but most knew they had little choice. Xalor's forces were far too strong, and resistance would mean death.

As the soldiers worked, Xalor met with his commanders and strategized the next move. "After we leave Saldar, we head for the next village," he said. "We will build our army one village at a time until the Omega is within our grasp."

By the end of the week, Xalor had successfully recruited a significant number of soldiers from Saldar. His army was growing steadily, but so were his doubts. As the last group of villagers was forced onto the ship, Xalor stood at the edge of the dock, staring into the horizon.

"What if the Omega is not where we think it is?" Princess Aishi asked, her voice calm as she approached him. "What if we've been chasing shadows all along?"

Xalor turned to face her, his eyes flashing with defiance. "I do not care about what might happen. The Omega is the key. It must be found. And once it is, nothing will stop us."

Aishi sighed softly, her concern for her nephew growing with each passing day. "Be careful, Xalor. Sometimes, the things we desire most are the very things that destroy us."

Xalor's gaze hardened, and he turned his back on her. "Let us go," he said sharply. "We have more villages to conquer."

As the ship set sail once again, Xalor's thoughts were consumed by one thing: the Omega.