"It was easy, Marcel," Jackson said with a smug grin. "I immediately created two tentacles using your shoe and Papa's. Since they were made from objects belonging to both of you, my Renshi was able to connect to you. That connection allowed me to hijack the teleportation spell and bring us along."
Marcel stared at him in disbelief before giving an appreciative nod.
"You're becoming a genius day by day."
"Now's not the time to admire me. Let's follow them and see where they're headed."
The two resumed their pursuit, keeping a safe distance from Lyon and Sasaki.
Meanwhile, Alfie, Rebekah, and Lucy were already two kingdoms beyond the Kingdom of Scale.
---
Back in Scale...
Lyon and Sasaki made their way toward a nearby town.
"Oh, Exca... Haven't you found them yet?" Lyon asked.
"It's not that easy, partner," Sasaki replied, his voice deepening slightly. "Give me some time. I'll find the kid."
"I need a break. I'm starving."
Lyon headed toward a small restaurant, but before he could enter, Sasaki suddenly dropped to his knees, clutching his head.
"Ahhhh! Aaargh!"
"What's wrong?" Lyon exclaimed, his eyes widening. "Damn it, Exca. What the hell are you doing?"
People nearby turned to stare as Sasaki writhed in agony. Lyon quickly rushed over and helped him to his feet.
"Get a grip. You're making a scene."
Suddenly, Sasaki's posture changed. His eyes sharpened, and his expression turned cold.
"We don't have time, Lyon. I've found the boy's last known location."
Lyon narrowed his eyes.
"Ah, Exca. Long time no see. I never thought your mind-control technique had advanced this far. You've completely taken over Sasaki, haven't you?"
"You don't sound impressed," Exca replied through Sasaki. "Are you having second thoughts about your mission? About killing an innocent woman and capturing a clueless boy?"
Lyon sighed.
"Whatever you think, I'm just a Pro Darkside Knight. Even if I refused, you'd send someone else. At least this way, I can make sure the mission is handled properly."
"Still optimistic... Still pathetic," Exca mocked. "Don't forget, Lyon. You can never outrun your past. Embrace the future shaped by it."
"Don't lecture me about the past, Exca," Lyon snapped. "We've both done terrible things, but I've chosen to change. We can still become better people, if you're willing to try."
"That's enough sentimentality," Exca replied, his voice growing strained. "I can't maintain control for much longer. I'll take you to the location where I sensed the boy's Renshi. He might still be there, or he might not. It's only a possibility."
Lyon remained silent.
"I know what's in your heart now, Lyon," Exca continued, gritting Sasaki's teeth. "Don't betray me. If you do, I won't hesitate to..."
"AAAAARGH!"
Sasaki screamed as Exca's control began to weaken.
"I'm losing control... Don't ruin this, old friend. I'm counting on you..."
Sasaki blinked several times before stumbling backward. He looked around in confusion, as though he had no idea how he had ended up there.
"Ugh... How did I get here? It feels like I've just woken up from a deep sleep."
Lyon forced a smile.
That damn Exca... Did he even consider the consequences? Was this all a test to see if I'd follow his orders? Or was he punishing me for what I intended to do?
"You got drunk," Lyon said aloud. "I had to carry you outside from that shop, but you seem fine now."
What a terrible lie, he scolded himself.
"Drunk?" Sasaki repeated, looking puzzled. "But I didn't drink anything."
"Don't worry. I used a suppressing spell to help you recover. Maybe you've never had alcohol before. That would explain why you can't remember much."
Lyon patted him on the back and forced a laugh.
"If you say so," Sasaki replied, still looking confused. "Anyway, let's get back to the mission. There are too many powerful Renshi auras around here. We shouldn't stay any longer than necessary."
Without hesitation, he headed toward a nearby horse shop.
Hey, Exca... What are you planning now? We can teleport. Why bother buying horses?
Lyon followed reluctantly, his mind still clouded with doubt.
"It's simple, partner," Sasaki explained. "We can't risk attracting attention by using powerful spells in a place like this. Besides, I have a bad feeling about this kingdom."
Lyon considered his words.
He has a point. Perhaps the real Sasaki was once a great man... Or maybe Exca is simply playing his role too well.
"Smart thinking. Travelling on horseback will help us stay under the radar," Lyon said.
And give the kid more time to get away.
The two entered the horse shop, unaware that two familiar figures were sneaking in behind them.
"Hey, Jack... Aren't we getting a little too close? Your dad might notice us if we keep following him like this," Marcel whispered.
"Shut up, Marcel," Jackson muttered. "Your constant whining is making things worse. With this much Renshi aura around, even Papa won't be able to pinpoint us."
"If you say so. I guess I have no choice but to trust your genius."
The two slipped farther inside, keeping themselves hidden.
"Hello there," Lyon greeted the shopkeeper with a smile. "We'd like to buy two horses. How much?"
The shopkeeper studied him suspiciously.
"You don't look like you're from around here."
"Maybe I am, maybe I'm not," Lyon replied with a shrug. "We come from a distant land and have heard plenty about this kingdom. We decided to see it for ourselves. Anyway, about those horses..."
From their hiding spot, Marcel leaned toward Jackson.
"Jack, what's your dad doing? Do you really think that act will work?"
"Would you shut up? Papa knows what he's doing... though, I've never seen him lie this badly."
"Yeah, your dad sucks at lying," Marcel whispered with a chuckle.
"I'm actually proud my old man can't lie like a professional. Though, I guess that's not something to be proud of," Jackson replied.
They peeked around the corner as the negotiation continued.
"Each horse costs a thousand bronze coins, or five hundred silver coins," the shopkeeper explained. "But since you're foreigners, I can offer you a special price. Two hundred and fifty gold coins each, if you're paying in gold."
Lyon's smile stiffened.
This foreigner disguise is backfiring. Now he thinks we're loaded.
He sighed before making a counteroffer.
"Alright, let's make a deal. Four hundred gold coins for both horses. Take it or leave it."
"Deal," the shopkeeper replied instantly, grinning from ear to ear.
Why do I feel like he's ripping me off?
Lyon handed over the coins while he and Sasaki inspected their horses.
Nearby, Jackson frowned.
"We might have a problem. If they leave now, we won't be able to keep up on foot."
He turned toward Marcel.
"Hey... I'm talking to you. Why are you ignoring me?"
"You told me to shut up, so I'm following orders," Marcel replied with a smug grin.
"Ugh. You're going to blow our cover. Use your one-percent brain for once."
"And you'd better use your ninety-nine percent properly."
"I like this one," Sasaki said, choosing a sturdy horse. "Strong and reliable. Just my type."
"I picked mine ages ago. Try to be quicker next time," Lyon teased.
Soon, both men mounted their horses.
"They're getting away, Jack..." Marcel whispered urgently. "What do we do now?"
Jackson's eyes lit up.
"Hold on. I've got an idea. We'll buy our own horses. I have three hundred gold coins. How much do you have?"
"Five hundred."
"Perfect. Let's go."
The two hurried out of their hiding spot, but Lyon and Sasaki had already ridden away.
Without wasting a second, Jackson approached the shopkeeper.
"Sir... We'd like to buy two horses. We're offering five hundred gold coins for your fastest ones."
The shopkeeper stared at the two boys in surprise.
Children carrying that much gold? Their parents must be loaded. Better not make enemies today.
He quickly put on a welcoming smile.
"Of course, young masters. Let me show you..."
"Sir! Sir!" Jackson interrupted impatiently. "Can we hurry up? We need to catch up with someone."
The shopkeeper blinked, momentarily taken aback by the boy's urgency.