The wagon rolled steadily across the dusty road, the sun dipping low as the group headed toward the Outlaw Town. Kai sat quietly, his fists clenched, his heart pounding with both anxiety and determination. Suddenly, Oliver nudged him lightly and said with a grin, "Hey, cool down, Kai. You're not alone in this. As part of the Four Clover Knights, one of the four strongest Holy Knights in this entire region, I can easily help beat Argeus and the Divitae Casino."
Kai's eyes widened. "Really? You're that strong?"
Oliver chuckled, flashing the most comforting smile. "Yeah. Trust me. Together, we can handle this."
Kai turned to the others. "Thank you, everyone. I'm really glad you're with me."
Charlie gave a big grin. "Relax, kid. We've got this."
Kai then turned to Charlie, frowning slightly. "But Charlie, you can't even fight. What are you going to do?"
Charlie smirked, puffing out his tiny chest. "Don't underestimate me, Kai. I made myself a set of weapons." With a flick, he revealed mini light sabers strapped to his sides.
Kai laughed and patted Charlie on the head. "You're something else."
Charlie immediately jumped up, his fur bristling. "Don't treat the great Charlie like a pet!"
Kai and Charlie began wrestling playfully, their laughter easing some of the tension.
Hours passed, and soon the wagon reached a massive gate with a worn, cracked sign above it that read: OUTLAW TOWN. The place was dead silent, a ghost town under the setting sun.
Oliver stood up, his eyes narrowing. "Alright, everyone. Are you ready?"
Kai nodded firmly. "Yes. Let's do this."
Oliver gestured. "The wagon can't pass from here. We go on foot."
They all disembarked, weapons at the ready. Alex, the group's calm and dependable leader, reminded everyone, "Stay sharp. No telling what we'll face inside."
Kai and Bobzo fell behind for a moment, sharing a short conversation about the plan, before hurrying to catch up. As they moved deeper into the eerie, lifeless town, they soon reached a massive cliff at the town's end, with no bridge or passage across.
Kai turned, confused. "What should we do? There's no way across!"
Suddenly, Oliver burst into sinister laughter, his face twisting, his eyes darkening with immense killing intent.
Without warning, Oliver dashed forward, his katana flashing. "Alkiey!" he shouted, and in one brutal motion, he slit Alex's throat, then turned, cutting down the other four men in an instant. Blood sprayed across the stones as Kai and Charlie froze in horror.
Charlie sighed, stepping slightly in front of Kai. "Well, it's 2 vs 1. You think you can win?"
Oliver's grin widened, his eyes glowing with malice. "Win? Against you two insects? Please."
The cloud-like emblem on his katana shone brightly, and suddenly a light purple mist enveloped the entire area. From the mist, the dead bodies of Alex and the others began to twitch and rise, their vacant eyes glowing like soulless zombies.
Oliver casually sat on Alex's crouched corpse, resting his elbow on his knee. "Charlie, I'll give you two choices. One: you both die here. Or two: come with me, help us in creating the artificial Zenssai, and I'll spare you.**"
Kai's heart pounded in his chest. "Charlie, don't listen to him!"
Charlie let out a dry laugh. "Sorry, Kai."
With a sudden push, Charlie shoved Kai backward, sending him tumbling over the cliff edge. "I'm with you, Oliver."
Kai's scream echoed as he fell, disappearing into the darkness below.
Above, Oliver clapped slowly, his wicked grin widening. "Good choice, little rat."
Charlie smirked coldly, his eyes flashing. "Let's see how far this game goes."
End of Chapter 16