Then Boxery and Reio came back to the cave to tell Zaid that they were successful in their mission.
Both Boxery and Reio could barely walk; they had fought too much in the battle. Their bodies were exhausted, so they came out of their transformed forms and rode back on horses.After a few minutes, they reached the cave and asked Marcho, "Where is Zaid?"Marcho said, "He's sleeping right now. I was just about to wake him up.
And you two are badly injured—you should take a bath first."Boxery and Reio said, "Okay, we'll take a bath. But when he wakes up, tell him his commanders have returned victorious from the battlefield."Marcho nodded. "I'll tell him," he said, and went to the room where Zaid and Ruka were resting.But Ruka was already awake.
She said softly, "Wake up, Zaid. The sun has risen."Zaid smiled sleepily and said, "Where are we going?"
He pulled her close on the bed and kissed her lips gently.Just then, Marcho entered the room without knocking. Zaid, irritated, kicked him and shouted, "Don't you know how to knock? If you make this mistake again, I'll kill you!"Ruka stopped him at once and said firmly, "Enough, Zaid! You're overreacting."Marcho said nervously, "I'm sorry, I should have knocked.
But breakfast is ready, and the commanders have returned after winning their battle."Zaid took a deep breath and said, "Okay. I'm coming to the table."A few minutes later, both Zaid and Ruka came downstairs and sat at the dining table.
Marcho had made egg curry and rice for breakfast.After a few minutes, Boxery also joined them.Boxery smiled and asked teasingly, "Did you both sleep well last night?"
Zaid replied, "Yes, we slept comfortably."Then Zaid became serious. "Tell me, what happened in the battle last night?"Boxery said, "We destroyed the Special Squad members completely."Zaid nodded.
"Did you see Lorya?"Boxery said, "No, we didn't see her in the battle. Only Chucky was commanding the soldiers there."Zaid patted his brother's shoulder proudly. "Well done, my little brother Boxery.
"After a few more minutes, Boxery asked, "When you opened your memories of the past, did you learn everything?"Zaid said, "Oh, you mean the false memories you created? I didn't see those.
I saw the real ones—those that our father Draxel had erased from me."Boxery looked shocked. "Then why didn't you attack me, knowing the truth?"Zaid said calmly, "If I wanted to kill you, I would've already done it. But you don't yet understand our father's real plans.
"Boxery looked away for a moment. Then, as Ruka stood up to put away the plates, he said quietly, "I know you love Ruka too much, Zaid. But I fear one thing—if Ruka is ever captured by our enemies, you'll become helpless. You should be ready to kill her if that happens.
"Zaid's expression changed instantly. He shouted in anger, "Mind your own business! If you ever talk about killing Ruka again, I'll kill you instead!"
He kicked Boxery's chair away from the table, stood up, and stormed out as Ruka returned.Meanwhile, far away, the remaining Special Squad members were in critical condition—some wounded, some lying between life and death.
Lorya finally reached Marley. She froze in shock when she saw the city half destroyed and burning.She ran to her camp to check on the injured soldiers.
Then she called one of her men. "Send for Commander Chucky. I want him in my office immediately."The soldier saluted. "Yes, Captain!" He ran out to find Chucky, who was sitting under a tree.When the soldier found him, he saluted sharply and said, "Commander, Lorya has returned. She's asking for you in her cabinet.
"Chucky stood up. "Alright, go back. Tell her I'm coming. Commander Chucky is on his way."The soldier returned to deliver the message.Lorya sat in her tent, anger burning in her eyes.
"Zaid, you've started this war," she muttered bitterly, "but I will be the one to end it."A few minutes later, Chucky arrived in her cabinet.Lorya looked up. "What happened after I left Marley's gates,
Commander?"Chucky answered, "My Captain, Zaid sent his commanders Boxery and Reio to destroy our Special Squad. But we managed to save our civilians."Lorya clenched her fists.
Chucky continued, "If you allow me, I can capture Zaid's friend Kuze.
He knows everything about Zaid's plans. He'll talk."Lorya said coldly, "Do whatever you want. You don't need my permission anymore.
"Chucky nodded and turned to two soldiers. "You two — stand outside the interrogation room. If he tries to escape, shoot his legs."Then Chucky kicked open the wooden door and walked in.Kuze looked up, startled. "What are you doing, Chucky? Why did you break the door?"Chucky glared at him. "You've fooled everyone for too long. Now tell me the truth — what are Zaid's plans?"Kuze pleaded, "I really don't know, Chucky! Please, believe me!"Chucky turned to the guards.
"Take him to Lorya's cabinet. She'll decide what happens next."Moments later, one of the soldiers shouted from outside, "Captain! We've brought Kuze. We're ready to present him before you."Lorya stood up from her chair and said coldly, "Bring him in."