"Well, it's time to have a conversation with the others," said Rodelos as he stepped into an improvised tent that served as their base of operations. Inside, Ariafilis and Ban were both lost in thought. Jock, Ludra, and Dall were absent; they had been sent on a mission to locate the hidden crystal somewhere in this realm.
"Hello, Professor Kuang, how are you?" greeted Rodelos upon seeing the professor projected onto a screen—an advanced device created by the professor himself.
"Hey there! How's it going, Mr. Rodelos, Mr. Ban? And you must be Miss Ariafilis of Reedalia," replied the professor politely, giving a slight bow of respect toward the queen.
"There's no need for that, Professor. For now, there are more pressing matters than formal royal greetings," responded Ariafilis firmly but without losing her regal composure.
"I understand," said the professor, adjusting his glasses as he nodded. "Then let's get straight to the point." He paused briefly before continuing: "As you know, we need to gather a large number of soldiers to fight against the shadows. I believe I've found the allies you need." With that, a hologram sprang to life before them, revealing General Romeo Madeus. Another hologram displayed Galatea.
"So, the great Lord Rodelos is at this meeting," remarked Romeo sarcastically, his gaze sweeping over those present. "And also a Reedalian representative from Ariafilis, and one from the Fuerte family, courtesy of Galatea," he added disdainfully.
"What's your problem, sir?" interjected Galatea, raising her voice. "Apparently, people from Hassdalia don't get along with those from Fuertelia or Reedalia… Well, none of the other realms seem to get along either."
"I could say the same," responded Galatea after a brief silence. "But ever since I met Paltio and his friends, I've managed to put those prejudices aside."
"Useless Hassdalian," muttered Ariafilis under her breath, crossing her arms tightly.
"Calm down, don't fight," Ban tried to mediate, though his voice was nearly drowned out by the rising tension.
The argument escalated quickly until Rodelos, with a stern expression, let out a thunderous shout that reverberated through the tent: "Silence! All of you!" His voice was like a clap of thunder, impossible to ignore. "We're not here today to fight amongst ourselves. That's why the shadows defeated us in the first place. We're here today to save our realms and cleanse them of the shadow's grip."
Rodelos' words fell over the group like a cold shroud. Everyone fell silent, reflecting on what they had just heard. It was Galatea who broke the silence after a few moments. "You're right, Lord Rodelos. Today isn't the day to fight among ourselves but to support one another. Besides, your grandson helped free our people. For now, we're free from the control of the yellow shadows, and all of us here are ready for whatever battles lie ahead. We will unite without hesitation."
Romeo stared at her intently but said nothing. After exhaling a long sigh, Ariafilis added, "Very well, if you're correct. Paltio, his friends, and Rodelos here helped defend our people, and now we're free from the black shadows' control. So, I'll offer my full support."
"Thank you very much," replied Rodelos, genuinely grateful. He looked at Ban and then at the hologram where Romeo stood. "As you know, my resistance and I will provide all the support you need," Ban assured them firmly.
"It's good to hear that, Ban," said Rodelos, nodding with gratitude. Then, fixing his gaze on Romeo's hologram, he asked, "And what about you, General Romeo?"
Romeo stared at him intently and said, "Well, I see that young man managed to free his people. But mine, however, remain under the control of the blue shadows. It's a pity Prince Paltio couldn't save everyone." A shadow of sadness crossed his face before he continued. "As you know, my life is tied to the people of Hassdalia; they are my priority. So, I must go rescue them. I'm sorry, but without a direct order from my king, I cannot assist you."
At that precise moment, the door behind Romeo slowly creaked open. A deep, calm voice resonated throughout the room: "It's all right, Romeo. We will support the other realms as we always should have." Romeo spun around quickly, his eyes wide with shock. "Is that you…? Your Majesty, Hass!" he exclaimed, unable to hold back the tears streaming down his face as he rushed toward the newcomer to embrace him.
"I'm here now, my friend," said King Hass with a warm smile, returning the hug. After a brief reunion, the king stepped forward toward the holographic device and greeted them courteously: "Good afternoon. Thanks to the guardians' help, my people and I were able to escape the hell imposed by the blue shadows. So, we are more than willing to fight."
"That's excellent," replied Rodelos, visibly relieved. "With them on board, we now have three realms united. But there are still two others who need our help, and we'll need theirs as well. If we can free them, those two realms could be a great asset." As he spoke, his mind raced frantically, searching for strategies to face the next challenge.
Professor Kuang remained thoughtful, analyzing various ways to liberate the remaining two realms. However, just as he began formulating a theory, Galatea's hologram lit up again. "Something is approaching," she said urgently. "We'd better reconvene later." Before anyone could respond, her image abruptly shifted, transforming into Troba.
"An enemy!" exclaimed Romeo, alarmed. "This plan is falling apart before it even begins!"
"Calm down," interrupted Strongia, Queen of Fuertelia, firmly. "It's magic Meliradal gifted to my general. It's not a threat."
"It seems there are complications," continued the queen, adopting a more serious tone. "A hooded figure approached the realm. He came through some kind of portal and has requested that Troba accompany him. Galatea will inform us very soon."
"Why would they take the leader of the yellow faction?" asked Ariafilis, frowning. "That seems unusual."
"That's not all," interjected Professor Kuang, nervously adjusting his glasses as he studied a nearby monitor. On it, alarming readings showed similar anomalies across the other realms—but on a much larger scale.
Suddenly, a red light began flashing on the professor's computer. A mechanical, repetitive voice emerged from the system: "Massive transdimensional energy was detected. Danger! Danger!"
"What's happening, Professor?" asked Karpi, her voice trembling as she watched the energy levels surge uncontrollably on the monitors. Her pale face reflected the fear she felt in the face of the unknown.
"I don't know," replied Professor Kuang, nervously adjusting his glasses as he analyzed the readings. "But something unprecedented is occurring, young lady." His fingers flew over the keyboard, trying to make sense of what seemed to defy all scientific explanation.
After a few moments, the alarms abruptly ceased. The energy levels returned to normal, and the signs of activity in the realms vanished from the holographic map floating before the professor. It was as though the phenomenon had never occurred, leaving behind only silence and unanswered questions.
"Professor," said Ban, looking worriedly at Karpi on the screen. His companion still appeared shaken, her eyes fixed on the monitors that now displayed inert data. "What was that? What does it mean?"
The professor took a moment before responding. He inhaled deeply, as if trying to organize his thoughts. "It's something I can't decipher with simple science, lad," he finally replied, his voice tinged with both frustration and awe. "But what I can tell you is that... apparently, something moved between the realms." He paused, scanning the data once more in search of any clue. "Something—or someone—has crossed from one place to another, and now I can't pinpoint its location."
The room fell silent as everyone processed his words. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air, so dense it almost felt tangible. Karpi, still visibly affected, placed a hand over her chest, trying to steady her rapid breathing.