"What was all that, Professor?" asked Karpi, studying the monitor intently. "The energy levels the machine was showing have returned to normal."
"Yes, it would seem so," replied Professor Kuang, adjusting his glasses as he analyzed the remaining data. A shadow of concern crossed his face. "Something serious has occurred, but we'd better investigate what happened in each of the affected locations." In his mind, he began connecting these events to the visit of the hooded figure in Fuertelia. Perhaps similar beings had entered each realm.
"Professor, but nothing strange happened here," interjected Ariafilis, frowning.
"Not in your realm, no," explained the professor, pointing to a specific spot on the holographic map. "But something nearby occurred on the outskirts of your domain. However, you won't see it now because it's gone."
"We need to investigate," suggested Rodelos urgently. "Perhaps we should send someone to look into the neighboring realm." He then glanced at the professor, noticing his uneasy, contemplative expression. "What do you plan to do, Professor?"
The professor raised a hand, signaling that he needed time. "I'll speak with all of you later," he said before abruptly disconnecting from the holographic meeting.
Everyone present in their respective locations appeared concerned by the professor's sudden behavior. However, for Rodelos and Ban, who had only known him for a short while, this eccentric attitude was already becoming familiar.
"What is that crazy old man up to?" grumbled Romeo, visibly irritated by the interruption.
"Calm down, don't get impatient," intervened King Hass calmly. "Let's give the professor a few minutes," added Rodelos, attempting to ease tensions.
In his laboratory, Professor Kuang worked quickly. He prepared one of his Kbots, equipping it with essential tools for the mission. Then, he launched it like a rocket toward the nearest realm: Pinkertalia. The small robot arrived almost instantly, as if moving by magic. It hovered over the territory like a stealthy probe, capturing detailed images of the area.
"Be careful not to be discovered," muttered the professor as he remotely controlled the Kbot.
The robot explored what remained of Pinkertalia. The scars of the explosions caused by Chip—when Rodelos had used them to save Alita and Ron—were still evident. Buildings reduced to rubble and deserted streets painted a desolate picture. However, something caught the Kbot's attention: there was no trace of the purple shadow army.
It continued forward until it spotted a ruined building where piles of people were imprisoned in electrified cells. Carefully, the Kbot entered the site. Inside, it was confirmed that these were the citizens of Pinkertalia, locked away on five different floors. After leaving the first building, the robot detected another similar structure just a few meters away, also filled with prisoners. In total, it discovered five buildings where the residents were being held captive.
The most unsettling part of all was that there was no enemy in sight.
"Well, that's strange," murmured Professor Kuang, frowning as he analyzed the images sent by the Kbot in Pinkertalia. Determined to confirm his suspicions, he sent another Kbot to the second captive realm: Bacadolia. The results were identical. The citizens were trapped in large buildings, unable to move or escape, but there was no sign of the green shadows that had once dominated the place.
The professor leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he processed the information. It was inexplicable. Why would the enemies have suddenly abandoned the realms, leaving the citizens imprisoned without supervision? It was as if someone had miraculously intervened to eliminate the oppressive forces, albeit only temporarily.
Kuang reviewed the videos captured by his machines once more, searching for any detail that might explain what had happened. "This seems like madness," he muttered aloud. "Could some divine blessing have helped us with this problem?"
Finally, the professor reactivated the holographic screen, appearing before all the assembled leaders. Many of them were growing impatient, especially General Romeo Madeus and Ban, who exchanged worried glances as they saw him return looking so excited.
"Calm down, and forgive the delay," said the professor with a nervous but determined smile. "But I believe I have the solution to our numerical issues."
"Just like that?" asked General Madeus, crossing his arms skeptically.
"Very simple," replied the professor, adjusting his glasses with a confident gesture. "I will free all the inhabitants of Bacadolia and Pinkertalia. That way, both realms can join our cause and help us in the fight."
"And how do you plan to do that, Professor?" asked Madeus, incredulous.
"Calm yourself, Romeo Madeus," interjected King Hass calmly. "The professor must have something in mind. I don't think he's speaking without reason."
"That's right," confirmed the professor enthusiastically. "Because in just a moment, I'll proceed to do it."
"But, Professor," interrupted Rodelos, visibly skeptical, "I know you're very intelligent and knowledgeable about technology, but how do you plan to free two entire realms without the help of another army?"
The professor leaned forward, nudging his glasses slightly with a bright expression. "Because there are no enemies in those realms," he revealed, barely containing his excitement.
Everyone was stunned by the statement. Some thought the professor was daydreaming; others even began to question his sanity. However, Karpi appeared on the screen, displaying the images captured by the Kbots. "It's true," she said firmly. "Only the residents of those realms are there, but they're imprisoned in electrified cells and collared, preventing them from moving."
"That… that is somewhat encouraging," stammered Ban, still processing the information. "But how do you plan to free them all?"
"With my Kbots, of course," replied the professor, already typing furiously on his console. His fingers flew over the buttons as he let out an almost unsettling but determined laugh. Finally, he pressed the last button.
At that instant, his two creations sprang into action. Simultaneously, the Kbots sent to each realm began deactivating all the electrified cells and removing the collars that kept the citizens captive. The metal doors creaked open, and the prisoners stumbled out, dazed but euphoric as they realized they were free.
The citizens of Pinkertalia and Bacadolia erupted into cheers, some crying with joy, others embracing one another. They fervently thanked the small robots that had freed them, though they didn't fully understand what mysterious force had granted them this opportunity.
The citizens of Pinkertalia and Bacadolia began spontaneously gathering in the centers of their respective realms, emerging from the buildings that had imprisoned them only moments before. Amidst the crowd, Professor Kuang's robots projected a holographic screen with his image. His voice rang out clear and firm across the area.
"Dear friends," said the professor, adjusting his glasses as he smiled warmly. "I, Professor Kuang, have just freed you from the shadows. It is time for all of you to rise up and join our crusade."
The professor paused briefly before continuing. "Well, I'll leave that part to Rodelos; he knows more about this than I do." With a quick gesture, he switched the transmission, now projecting Rodelos' figure onto the screens of the robots. From the skies of each realm, his image floated like an imposing yet familiar presence.
"Esteemed fellow citizens of Avocados," began Rodelos, his voice deep and charged with conviction. "The time has come to fight. Join my grandson in the battle to defeat, once and for all, the shadows."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some instantly recognized the golden figure of Avocadolia. "It's the Golden Lord!" exclaimed a few, awestruck. However, others were not so convinced. "And who is this? Why does he want us to fight for him?" questioned some skeptically. "It's a trap," muttered others, slowly backing away. "I'm scared; we should flee," whispered a few under their breath.
Karpi observed the reactions from the screen next to the professor. "It seems it wasn't such a good idea to just put Rodelos out there," she remarked, concerned. "Some are afraid."
The professor nodded, understanding the situation. Without wasting time, he modified the transmission again. Now, alongside Rodelos, Hass, Ban, Ariafilis, and Strongia appeared on the holographic screens. Their serious, determined faces were projected across the skies of both realms, capturing everyone's attention.
"Ladies and gentlemen," interjected Ariafilis, her voice firm and authoritative. "Rodelos is right. For years, we have divided ourselves into separate realms, failing to communicate as we should have. Our alliances fractured, and that allowed the shadows to take control." She paused, looking directly at the camera. "That is why I propose we unite. I speak to you not as the queen of Reedalia, but as a citizen who needs to be freed from the enemy's yoke."
Strongia spoke next, her tone calm yet passionate. "I also say to you that if we set aside our differences for a moment and unite for this cause, we can finally rid ourselves of the shadows once and for all. Don't you want peace to reign again?"
Hass nodded solemnly. "That's right. We will support Paltio and his friends in defeating the shadows. They helped us when we needed it most, and for that, we owe them. Moreover," he added with a proud smile, "the guardians of Avocios are also on our side. I know this because they saved us from the clutches of the blue shadows."
The leaders' words resonated among the crowd. Doubts and fear slowly began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of hope and unity. It was clear that, though the path ahead would be difficult, the possibility of a future free from the shadows was a dream they all shared.
"Who is Paltio?" some in the crowd wondered aloud, gazing curiously at the holographic screens.
"Oh, if you're wondering who Paltio is," replied Rodelos with a proud smile, "he is the prince of Avocadolia and my grandson. He has taught me that dividing ourselves into realms and failing to communicate was our greatest mistake." His voice grew stronger as he continued: "That is why, starting today, we must become one front, one voice, and end the enemy once and for all. Who stands with us?" His question thundered like a storm, brimming with determination.
The crowd fell silent for a moment, processing his words. Then Ban stepped forward, his figure appearing alongside Rodelos on the screens. "Paltio is someone who has helped my friends, always putting others' lives before his own. I know this firsthand," he said firmly, adjusting the belt on his jacket. "You may know me as 'X,' leader of the resistance, but my name is Ban, prince of Fruitalia, and with my resistance army, we would also support him." His tone was resolute, filled with pride—something Ludra, his loyal companion, would have celebrated with tears in her eyes had she been present.
"A prince from another realm?" some murmured, impressed as they watched the images projected on the screens. The screens began to display scenes of Paltio and his friends' heroic feats, captured thanks to Professor Kuang's study of Kilibur's power. Each image depicted moments of bravery, sacrifice, and unity: Paltio confronting the shadows, liberating towns, and fighting alongside his allies.
The crowd was captivated. The murmurs transformed into exclamations of awe. "It's incredible," some said, while others pointed at the images with admiration. The young prince was not just a leader; he was a symbol of hope.
"Who stands with us?" repeated Rodelos, Strongia, Ariafilis, Hass, and Ban in unison, their voices resonating like a celestial echo. Karpi and Professor Kuang also joined the call, their faces projected onto the screens with expressions full of confidence and determination.
One by one, the citizens of Pinkertalia and Bacadolia raised their hands toward the sky, their voices filled with renewed hope and resolve. "Me!" they shouted in unison, their words echoing powerfully. Then, an even louder cry rose from both realms, uniting everyone into a single voice: "Us!"
The sky seemed to vibrate with the energy of that moment. It was the birth of a new alliance, a united front ready to confront the shadows. Hope shone in the eyes of every person, reflecting the promise of a better future.