The command room fell into silence after Younes and the others left. Only the faint hum of the ship's core echoed through the metallic walls, a steady reminder of the journey ahead.
Eliza stood still behind the man seated before the glowing monitors. Her voice finally broke the silence, calm yet sharp.
"You shouldn't have hidden the truth from them, Haizo."
Haizo didn't turn. His eyes remained fixed on the holographic map before him, its shifting symbols reflecting across his face.
"No," he said quietly. "I had to. It's not time yet."
Eliza took a slow step closer. "But they deserve to know what awaits them."
Haizo finally turned, his calm expression hiding a quiet weight behind his gaze.
"The truth you carry won't save them," he replied. "It will only cloud their hearts. They'll understand… when the time comes."
Her brow furrowed. "That's not a reason to keep them in the dark."
"Then let it be a surprise," he said, his tone firm but steady. "Sometimes, ignorance protects more than knowledge."
Eliza sighed, frustration mingling with concern. "I just hope your decision won't cost them too much…"
Haizo turned back to the screen. The holographic display shimmered with the symbols of fifteen worlds—one glowing brighter than the rest.
"Trust builds strength," he murmured. "Doubt breeds hesitation. We'll see if they're ready when destiny calls."
A faint light rippled across the map, and one of the symbols pulsed with mysterious energy.
---
The ship drifted through the endless sea of stars, its silver hull glinting like a shard of light in the void.
Haizo's voice came through the comms. "Listen carefully. The first stone lies on a planet called Orikal. I've transmitted the coordinates."
Younes stared at the glowing numbers on the screen, frowning. "These coordinates are huge… How do we even read them?"
"Simple," Haizo replied dryly. "Press the blue button. The ship will handle the rest."
Younes scanned the console. "Which one? There are like fifty blue buttons!"
"The big one," Haizo answered with a hint of irritation. "In the center."
Lynia laughed softly and pressed it. "Got it."
The engines roared to life, and the ship shot through the stars. Ahead, a lush green planet grew larger, bathed in emerald light and wrapped in glowing clouds.
Rin leaned forward in awe. "Whoa… I didn't expect it to be this beautiful."
Elliot nodded. "It feels… alive."
But their descent was rough—the ship trembled violently.
Rin clutched his seat. "Okay, if this is the end, I just want to say—"
"Shut it," Ethan growled. "We're not dying yet."
With a heavy crash, the ship finally settled on the planet's surface.
Ethan kicked the metal hull as he stepped out. "This bucket nearly killed us."
The door opened with a hiss, revealing a breathtaking world. The ground shimmered with glowing stones, and the wind carried faint whispers through the towering trees.
A calm voice echoed from ahead. "Welcome… to Orikal."
A man stood before them, tall and composed, his eyes steady as the earth.
Younes stepped forward. "You know us?"
"Yes," the man said. "Haizo told me you'd come… though not why."
"Figures," Younes muttered under his breath. "He always leaves out the important parts."
The man inclined his head. "I am Kaiden of the Nara people. Come—our city awaits."
They followed him through the glowing forest until the trees opened into a city of light—crystal towers, floating bridges, and a grand palace shining at its heart.
"Incredible…" Younes whispered.
"It's like a dream," Lynia said softly.
Kaiden looked back. "That's where the answers lie. Follow me."
---
At the palace gates, guards in gleaming armor stepped forward, weapons raised.
"Outsiders are forbidden," one declared.
Rin squared his shoulders. "Say the word and we'll see who stays standing."
"We didn't come here to fight," Elliot warned.
"Enough," Younes said, voice calm but sharp.
"Why are you here?" the guard demanded.
"Kaiden told us to come," Younes replied.
"Lies."
Younes narrowed his eyes. "Careful. I'm not in the mood."
Before the tension could break, Kaiden raised a hand. "Stand down. They're with me."
The guards hesitated, then stepped aside.
Inside, the palace glowed with golden light and intricate carvings that pulsed with hidden energy.
"Where are we going?" Lynia asked.
"To meet the Princess," Kaiden said. "The first stone lies in her care. But to claim it… you must prove yourselves."
"Prove ourselves?" Rin scoffed. "We're the Chosen Ones."
Kaiden's gaze hardened. "Words mean nothing here. Only deeds."
---
High above the city, on a shadowed rooftop, five masked figures crouched, eyes fixed on the glowing spire.
"The first stone is here," their leader whispered. "I'm certain."
"How do you know?" one of them asked.
The leader lifted a stolen device, pulsing with light. "Because this confirms it."
Another grinned. "Then let's storm the palace."
"Not yet," the leader said, a smirk curling beneath his mask. "We wait… and strike when they're weakest."
The night wind howled softly across the rooftops, carrying the promise of danger.
To be continued…
---