Chapter 22: Shadows in the Light

Inside the Virelia City Branch of the United Shield Authority, the corridors buzzed with activity. Agents in blue and silver uniforms walked swiftly through the halls, monitors displayed live surveillance footage, and the scent of coffee mingled with the sterile tang of antiseptic.

In a private briefing room on the third floor, lined with thick soundproof walls and a glass pane overlooking the courtyard, Ryun sat quietly. His hands were folded on the metallic table in front of him, the light from the ceiling panels casting sharp shadows across his aged face.

Elra entered, her white boots clicking softly against the polished floor. She was holding a sleek black tablet, her face composed, though the tightness in her jaw betrayed the weight of the information she carried.

"This is the full analysis report," she said, placing the tablet in front of Ryun. "Both the orb and the crown. We've triple-checked everything."

Ryun took the device and scrolled through the data. Lines of energy signatures, artifact scans, material composition, and structural anomalies filled the screen.

After several minutes of silence, Ryun let out a soft sigh. "Just as I suspected... the crown was swapped."

Elra's face remained stoic, but her gaze sharpened. "Who do you think did it?"

Ryun stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the agents moving below. His voice was quiet but firm. "You and I both know who's capable of this. It has Silent Crown written all over it. They've always had a taste for rare, ancient artifacts."

Elra folded her arms. "The cave location... it was leaked. The source was anonymous. I traced it as far as I could, but the trail stopped cold."

"And I'm 90% sure that the tip-off came from Silent Crown themselves," Ryun said grimly. "It was a bait."

"I came to the same conclusion," Elra nodded. "It explains how Goat has the Overlord prototype instead of the original, they must have swapped it somehow. It's all connected."

Ryun's expression darkened. "Looks like they're on the move again. Last time, an entire island vanished. By the time we discovered it, there was nothing left. This time, we won't be late."

Elra's eyes narrowed. "I'll alert the Intelligence Department. We'll allocate every available resource to tracking their movements, intercepting communications, and identifying future targets."

Ryun turned to face her, nodding once. "Good. Don't underestimate them. They hide in plain sight."

The heavy silence that followed was broken only by the hum of the AC and the soft buzz of the lights above.

Then, Ryun allowed a faint smile to cross his lips. "Now then, how are our young heroes recovering?"

Elra's face softened. "Kael and Lira will be fine. But they overexerted themselves. Their Prana reserves are drained—likely won't be usable for a few weeks. Marcus, however… he's still unconscious. But according to all accounts from the scene… it appears he's awakened something. A level of Fire Prana that might be... ultimate."

Ryun's eyes gleamed with silent acknowledgment. "That boy... he's growing fast."

POV: Kael and Lira

The hospital room was quiet, save for the rhythmic beeping of Marcus's heart monitor and the soft rustle of curtains fluttering under the air vent.

Kael stood beside Marcus's bed, his right arm in a cast, ribs tightly wrapped. Lira sat on a stool at the other side, her leg bandaged and suspended slightly, her long silver hair loose over her shoulders.

Marcus lay in the bed between them, covered in white bandages. His expression was peaceful, though his body bore the clear marks of battle.

Kael stared at his friend for a long moment, then broke the silence. "You know, he never changed... not really. Even back when we trained under Master Turin. He always put others first."

Lira smiled faintly. "Yeah. I remember when he jumped into that river to save a kitten. He couldn't swim properly for weeks after."

"I remember that," Kael chuckled, though it made him wince in pain. "And he still claimed he wasn't a hero."

Lira's gaze drifted to Marcus's face. Her fingers brushed his hand gently. "But he is. Whether he likes it or not."

Kael's wrist buzzed. He glanced down at the communicator and frowned. "It's Liana. Mayor's daughter. I'd better take this."

He gave Lira a nod and stepped out into the hallway.

Alone now, Lira turned back to Marcus. Her expression softened, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Thank you... for protecting me, my hero."

She leaned forward and kissed his forehead gently, lingering for a moment before pulling back, brushing a stray lock of hair from his brow.

Outside in the hallway, Kael leaned against the wall, pressing his communicator to his ear. Liana's voice came through, frantic.

"I just saw the news—Kael! Are you okay? I heard about the machine and Marcus and—"

"Shhh, it's alright," Kael said softly, smiling despite the pain in his side. "We're all safe. Banged up, but alive. Marcus is unconscious, but stable."

"I was so worried," she sniffled. "Please be careful, okay?"

"Always," Kael replied. "We'll talk more later. I promise."

As he ended the call, the elevator dinged.

Ryun stepped out, hands behind his back, coat swaying as he walked. Kael straightened. "Sir Ryun."

Ryun gave a nod. "Kael. How are you feeling?"

"Sore," Kael said with a tired grin. "But alive."

Lira joined them at the doorway. "Sir Ryun."

Ryun looked at them both, his gaze full of pride and quiet authority. "You both did well. Thank you—for standing when it mattered."

Kael scratched his head. "We didn't do much in the end. It was Marcus who—"

"Don't sell yourselves short," Ryun interrupted gently. "Even the tallest trees need healthy soil. You stood beside your friend. That matters."

Lira met his eyes. "Thank you for saving us."

Ryun smiled. "It's my duty to protect the saplings that will one day hold this world up."

He glanced through the glass at Marcus. "How is he?"

"Still unconscious," Kael replied. "But the doctors say it's just fatigue. He should wake up in a few days."

Ryun's eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful. "Then let him rest. And you two as well. You've earned it."

He turned, his presence calm and strong, and walked down the hallway toward the command wing, the weight of duty already settling back onto his shoulders.

Kael watched him go. "Think we'll ever be that strong?"

Lira looked back at Marcus. "Maybe. But for now... we rest."

The camera lingered on Marcus's sleeping face, peaceful in the quiet hum of the recovery ward.

To be continued...