A bald-headed man with a dragon tattoo around his neck walks quickly. Several other men in dark brown uniforms follow him with equally fast steps. In the man's hand, there's a file he has to give to the ruler. Also, a separate report that will be conveyed directly from the local security.This information is very important to know, especially after a long time with no news about the whereabouts of the object being chased aimlessly. It suddenly appeared on the outskirts of the city, quite far away. Everyone who knows about this object and its owner is quite scared to plan a strategy. They must not be destroyed without a trace."Master," he quickly calls as he opens the door to the room with a towering door. The view of Metro South from the large window in front of him is beautifully displayed. Although it's still daytime outside, Metro South and its city arrangement truly deserve praise.In the middle, not far from the large window, there's a high-backed chair where someone sits casual
This journey, Gala enjoyed it with pure joy. It's been so long since he breathed air so freely. No one yelled at how lousy he moved or gave him weird looks, especially from Luke. Gala never missed an inch of the bus journey that would take him to the subway station later. Inside the train, he was sure there would be no scenery to see except dark corridors. The music Dice played continued to play, making Gala quite happy. There's no more conversation between them. Dice, even though not visible to others, doesn't want to defy her master's orders.Arriving at the station, Gala hurried to catch the train that would depart shortly. It didn't take much time to wait for the next train, but Gala still had to save time. His Code Person had passed the inspection. How the card contained information and the owner's data was needed for many trips wherever he wanted to go. This raised questions for Gala."Dice," Gala calls in a hushed tone, although Dice has already explained how this tool works."
"Are you sure I'm wearing this?" Gala asks with a puzzled expression. A black shirt paired with black pants and worn-out shoes replaced by a fancier pair completely transforms Gala's appearance. Yet, he only bought the clothes from a store available all along the city edges he passed. Gala asked Dice to show him a store where, according to her, the prices were still reasonable."Sure, sir," Dice widens her smile, albeit awkwardly. But she genuinely shows her sincerity."Not over the top?"Dice quickly shakes her head, then hands him something she deems suitable for her boss. A square-framed glasses with a not-too-thick frame. Gala frowns in dislike."Why do I have to wear this?""This isn't just ordinary glasses, sir. Here, you can read information clearly about everyone you meet, including...""What?" Gala gets impatient. He flips the glasses with a curious face. There's nothing special about his vision regarding these glasses. "Does Xavier wear these too?""No, sir. Mr. Xavier is us
Gala stared back at the building he had just entered, only the lobby part though. The breeze started to make Gala pull his jacket closer. He clutched his backpack even tighter. His head started to recall what month it was. Was it really this cold in October? Why didn't Gala feel it much back in Lot 1?Outside the building, at a considerable distance, Gala turned back to carefully observe the building. He strengthened his resolve about the decision he had just made. He couldn't understand why his mind quickly decided to save his mother, leaving his monotonous life in Lot 1. He quickly sent a message to Mr. Kim, letting him know he had business for the next week.In Gala's mind, he wasn't sure if he could return that quickly, as he felt he might face danger. But... this was his mother. He couldn't let it linger. Especially lately, flashes of dreams or realities or even a future where his mother often appeared when Gala closed his eyes, solidified his determination."Are you sure, man?"
Maverick forcefully pushed aside the computer displaying the latest access information about the cube's whereabouts. When his subordinates gathered to ambush the location where the cube was supposed to be, all he got was one staff who was monitoring surveillance camera screens as part of their routine tasks. Maverick should have realized how sophisticated and cunning the cube was. Whatever program Xavier had embedded in that cube, Maverick really wanted to have it. In less than five minutes, the object infiltrated the security system of Metro Utara, but Maverick immediately got furious because the cube's whereabouts were still out of his reach. All surveillance cameras showing every corner of the city didn't identify Xavier and his cube. So... who was giving orders to the cube? Maverick's trusted people had confirmed the presence of other Metro leaders. They were all within his jurisdiction. Meaning, they were still in the same boat as him. Silent, strategizing, and watching for the
Dice is confused about why Gala seems to be angry. Did she say something wrong? As far as she thinks, what she said is true. Dice chooses to keep her mouth shut until Gala speaks again, asking about the use of Person Code for payment and... many things that Gala doesn't understand here. Several times, he apologizes because, honestly, it's his first time using and booking a room for them to stay overnight."Sir," Dice calls softly, seeing Gala looking silent, thinking about something. The young man just lifts his eyes briefly before returning to his reverie. "Sir, someone is pressing the bell.""Yes?""I think the hotel staff is delivering food."Quickly, Gala heads to the door, and indeed, when he opens it, a trolley full of food is brought in for Gala. The young man is truly amazed at what now fills his sight. Grilled chicken, vegetable salad drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with sesame seeds, not to mention various delicious slices of fruit, and a bowl of mashed potatoes.After
"Dice, are you sure I can do this?" Gala looks puzzled as he stands in front of the virtual shooting arena created by Dice. This morning, Gala prepared to execute his plan. Several times, Dice asked about his determination, but Gala refused to back down until Gala himself got annoyed with Dice's level of chatter, which felt like it was tying Gala's stomach in knots."I just want to make sure that the decision you're making isn't based on a momentary emotion. Instead, it comes from the deepest part of your heart. The mission to rescue Mrs. Bellamie involves high risks. You are not prepared to fight and survive in various conditions. Therefore, I need to ensure that you are genuinely ready."Remembering Dice's words just before they left the hotel, it turns out there's some truth to them. They didn't take the land route but instead cut through the border forest for a reason. Dice mentioned that the journey to Metro Utara could be used as a time and opportunity to train Gala's attacking
"Are you sure?" Maverick squints suspiciously. Especially at his trusted person who handed over several pictures of a young man in janitorial uniform. He seems to be looking several times at the surveillance cameras in the left lobby. Only briefly, but the timing is just right when the security system is breached, where Maverick senses the presence of the die."Sure, sir.""Have you searched in various places?"Russel speaks again, "Yes. And we lost track at the edge of the forest leading to the border. Along the surveillance cameras, his figure was not found, sir. Only when he left the Mercure Hotel lobby."Maverick furrows his brow. "All surveillance cameras?""Yes, sir.""Check the Mercure Hotel booking data now."Russel doesn't say much, immediately carrying out his master's command. He himself is very suspicious of the young man in the black uniform. It's impossible for the surveillance cameras not to capture his figure, right? But he has checked repeatedly from all angles of the
"Maverick!" Alex yells, where his sword has been pulled perfectly. Repelling the sudden and quite brutal attack because these big cats are very different from the animals that have been showing the way to this strange forest. Where pine trees that used to look dense now begin to shift or not, who knows. In Alex's eyes, everything seems to be moving away as if bringing them to a fairly large but rocky place.The sky is still as dark as Alex knows. His sword swings several times, pressing the cat to retreat, but it seems their strength is immense. Alex fights against almost four animals, which have very long fangs. Their orange eyes and hisses are terrifying. Alex is sure that if he gets bitten by those fangs anywhere on his body, it will result in a deep wound. Moreover, if these creatures are mythical, it means the injuries they cause can be severe."Try not to get bitten," Alex says loudly. His sword swings again to hit one of the heads of the creature that suddenly jumps to attack h
"Okay. Forgive me. I don't know why you keep saying that I'm careless because I want to throw away the die. You owe me too much, Cathleen.""I know." Cathleen smiles thinly. Her eyes again stare at the link of their hands. "We will live long while holding hands like this, sir. Trust me. The time waiting for you won't be long. And when that day comes, I'm sure we'll all be happy together."Actually, Gala doesn't want to release the girl's grip, but once again, Cathleen's gaze is so convincing. "How long?""Be patient.""How long, Cathleen?" This time the question is so firm because Gala is not a person who likes to wait for a long time, it turns out. Especially when it comes to Cathleen. The question receives a wide smile from Cathleen. She closes it with a sweet kiss as a farewell before she really releases the link of their hands."Do many things with the people who love you, sir. I think the time waiting for you won't feel long."Gala blinked slowly."And never, ever intend to throw
Gala blinked repeatedly. He even woke up with very slow movements as if savoring the moment. In front of him, Cathleen stood with her sweet smile. The color of her face looked fresh. Her blue eyes were lively. Not to mention... oh my! Gala could hardly believe his own eyes."You... you... real?"Cathleen sighed loudly. She walked with a bit of lifting her somewhat bothersome dress. "Actually, I haven't finished my task. Why are you so careless!"The young man stood silent, motionless, with his eyes fixed only on Cathleen, who was now approaching."I've often said that this die can't be handed over. It has a special authentication code regarding its owner. When you intend to discard it, negative energy comes out just like that. And do you know what happens?"Gala is still confused. "Wait, wait! Don't say things I can't digest so quickly.""When are you going to respond to all my statements?" Cathleen grumbled to herself. She carefully took the die hanging around Gala's neck. Her lips s
Gala coughs violently. The pain in his back makes him suddenly breathless. He falls to his knees with a grin that still doesn't want to diminish even a bit. How could it diminish when he repeatedly had to hit trees or large rocks around him. The die still can't be touched again and emits a stronger blue light. Gala still remembers the first time they met in that corridor. The blue light... bright but also makes his heart quite comfortable. But this time, the blue around the die is different.Which Gala eventually realizes, the blue light comes from the hologram girl's projection. The original color of the die itself is a not-too-bright orange, not dazzling, but always makes Gala excited. Somehow the die has a way of being near Gala, but that's what the young man feels."Return," Gala whispers softly while wiping the corner of his lips slowly. The intention to throw away the die as far as possible seems to have to be reconsidered. What he is experiencing now seems to be a protest from
Xavier's earlier remark makes Maverick chuckle. "If you're joking, you should pay attention to your surroundings. If you leave my body there," Maverick points quickly, "What will happen to South Metro without me?"Xavier remains silent. He starts thinking about how to cross this seemingly endless chasm, except for the dangerous fog and steep rocks. He never knew there was a black panther guarding East Metro. He should have asked who this big cat really was before deciding to follow it. Ah, it's all because of Maverick who casually requested the big black cat for this Gala search.For some reason, his heart is restless, and everything revolves around the dice. He feels that the dice did something to Gala, and that fear is proven. In front of him is no longer the forbidden forest where the end should be a twin hill, one of its slopes slightly sloping. Indicating the border with North Metro, but what he sees is no longer what he imagined. Everything looks very different.He has lived for
Moreover, until that moment, his whereabouts were unknown. And now, for some reason, what really happened and what he went through made him even more curious."What do you want to ask, Alex?"The sturdy man is quite surprised to hear a question from Xavier. When he turns, the man next to him just laughs."Your head is so noisy."Alex blinks slowly. "Don't tell me you know what I—""You guys are too noisy," Xavier quickly interrupts, then his eyes turn to Maverick, who is still enjoying his cigar. "Especially you, Mave.""You know, I do love talking. My mouth feels cramped just being silent like this all the time. Luckily, the cigars I brought have enough stock until tomorrow." Maverick only glances briefly. "I'm sure whatever's in my head Alex won't be easy for you to share, right? So don't bait us to pressure you to speak."This time, Xavier laughed. "I still can't find the right correlation about your relationship with Gala. Has my son often visited you guys?"Both Maverick and Alex
The last trace of Seth's troops deliberately following Gala ends near the Netland village border. One of the quite remote villages but is one of the most popular tourist destinations for residents of North and South Metro. Most tourists come from both Metro regions. The village is still surrounded by evidence where snow perfectly covers its peaks, but it gets the most sunlight. Strangely, the warm light cannot make the hilltops melt. Only pine forests that still grow lush and maintain their authenticity.For this search, Seth was asked not to join, although the man insisted. But what Jiro said was true. At least for the next few days, Seth shouldn't leave the White House, especially when his heart is still uncontrollable. Losing Cathleen must be a severe blow for him. Kyler, who came earlier, also agreed with what Jiro said. Choosing to accompany Seth in this city center.Actually, for Xavier, this search is not too necessary. He is sure Gala is fine. Even if this search needs to be d
"Have you seen Gala?" Maverick has been quite curious about the young man since earlier. Since that news came, he hasn't wasted any time. Seth Rafael can't be lying, but after hundreds of years? What really happened? And how can this young man seem to know the girl in the white coffin very well? Maverick is not blind to notice that some people, including Xavier, seem very affected by this event.As far as his memory goes about the battle that took place between all of them and Gideon, there is no leader of the regions who did not survive. Everything returned to normal despite suffering some injuries. Only Gala. Yes, only that young man didn't come back. Xavier, who last met the young man, did not answer any of Maverick's questions about the whereabouts of his son. As if they were hiding something, but Maverick didn't understand.They returned with a lot of questions, which also made Mave and Alexander agree to search for the whereabouts of the young man. Although Maverick doesn't have
For someone who spent a lot of time alone, where he once thought he could never meet his parents again, trying as hard as possible to survive. It doesn't matter who underestimates him. He doesn't want revenge to be his own vendetta. Suddenly, someone appears who observes him, cares for him, raises his hopes, tries to forge him to be better – undoubtedly, the arrival of this new person means a lot to him. And when that new person leaves forever, the young man doesn't know how to face his life anymore.Although... he managed to find both of his parents. He saved them. And at least, what he wanted is achieved. To live peacefully with his family.The sky he's looking at now still offers the same beauty as when he first set foot here. In this wooden cottage, his father spent a lot of time during his visits to East Metro hundreds of years ago. Usually, Cathleen was always by his side. Talking about all kinds of possibilities was also something that left a deep impression on him. The journey