Chapter 3

“Witness the battle in the skies.”

I

0006 hours.

What was that?

Raviex was wide awake as he felt the ground shaking beneath him. The desire to sleep completely left him. What could have possibly caused the ground of the Floating Land to shudder? He remained lying on his bed, wondering if he had imagined it.

The ground shook abruptly a second time, this time a lot more obvious than the last. It was not till the scale that the walls were crumbling. It was as if a light jerk. Nonetheless, it was enough to grasp Raviex’s curiosity. He got up and went to the huge windows. Lifting the thick golden curtains slightly aside, he saw men below going about in an urgent fashion, hustling for time. They too were holding their weapons openly in their hands.

Who issued a pre-war order, Raviex pondered. He was evidently displeased that he was not informed of it. He quickly went to his enormous wardrobe and opened its doors. For once, he was thankful that he was decisive when it came to picking out the clothes he wanted to wear. His collection of clothing ranged from formal to informal, elegant to trendy and casual. He took out the set of clothes he wanted and changed into it.

In a minute, he was ready to go. He was clad in his favourite blue jacket, white top and black trousers. Shifting and making sure his hands were comfortable with his black fighting gloves; he grabbed at his sword and left his chamber in a dash.

II

“This is the Kingdom Katelion Army Force Headquarters. The Capital is under attack. I repeat: the Capital is under attack. All war crafts and men return to the Headquarters immediately and return fire,” a cool female voice related the orders from the Floating Land. It was eerie how calm the programmed voice could speak while informing such news of nightmare.

“General Ford, the tracking device has picked up at least twenty thousand signals from the war crafts of the Valkyr Army,” informed young Bridge-Officer Rise.

“What’s their location?” the General barked.

Bridge-Officer Rise shot a disbelief look at his superior and gasped, “The enemy is fifteen hundred kilometres from entering Katelion City’s airspace. Estimating sixty speed-built war crafts have infiltrated the city and are engaging the city’s ready forces. Besides that, I’m receiving report that…” his voice trailed off, unable to announce the report sent to them from the Headquarters.

“Well, what is it?” pressed General Ford.

“The force field that was supposed to be shielding the Floating Land has faltered and vanished. The cause is not known yet.” He looked at him, aghasted. Never had the force field died down before. Why did it happen now when it had never before?

The middle-aged general’s eyes widened with shock and anger. He punched a red button which was connected to all communication system of war crafts and Z-Genes belonging to the Imperial Army.

“Attention, this is General Ford! To all war crafts and Z-Genes: full speed ahead to the Floating Land! You have heard the emergency call. Your motherland needs you now!” ordered the Knight Commander Three-Star General in a strong, commanding voice which burnt the patriotic spirit of his soldiers.

“Roger!” the whole of the Imperial Army responded in unison with determination.

He released the button and in a troubled tone, he added, “Let’s hope we’ll be in time to save her, Rise.”

The officer left for the pilot room at the bridge of the mother-ship to get the approximate time of arrival at the Floating Land. Alone in the command room, General Ford smashed his fist into his office table in frustration, denting the surface of it.

He recalled the anonymous message directed to the commanding office of one of the mother-ships of the Imperial Army through the International Communication System (ICS). They had been travelling for more than seven hours then; their destination Grikshan City.

“Katelion City is in grave danger!”

The Imperial Army was confused and in the dilemma of whether they should return or continue with their journey as ordered for by the Royal Prince. Based on his instincts, General Ford chose to return to the Floating Land. After half an hour of debate with the other generals, the Army switched course.

Now, six hours after the message was received, it was proven genuine. His decision was the right one. He dared not imagine the consequences if they had ignored the warning. What mattered the most currently, was to reach Katelion City in time to prevent the most tremendous defeat in Kingdom Katelion’s history—the capture of the Capital herself!

III

Raviex arrived in front of a computerized metal door. Still gasping for breath from his running, he placed his palm on the glass panel on the right of the door. He waited impatiently as the computer came to life as a red sensor blinked. A green ray shone as it scanned his palm thoroughly. Seconds later, though it felt like eternity to him, the computer permitted his entry.

“User identified: Raviex Katelion. Identification process completed. Access approved.”

The heavy metallic door created to withstand forced entries to the highest form of explosions drew upwards slowly. Unable to wait for it to be fully drawn up, he ducked and stepped into a dimly-lit colossal hangar. His eyes met a gigantic robotic warrior, standing ten storeys tall. It had never failed to spark awe in him. He was rather intimidated at times in the presence of a Z-tech Generation (Z-Gene), the creation of Z-technology, due to its incredibly massive build. It was currently lifeless; its head drooping slightly.

This was his Z-tech Crusader: White Dragon. Unlike a Z-tech Fighter, a Z-tech Crusader possessed greater statistics of powers and strengths. It ranked the second most powerful category of the Light-delivered Z-Gene and was considered to be an extremely rare breed of it. It was people’s belief that supposedly, the Z-technology could only be used by those of strong-willed and of high spiritual energy, otherwise known as Sacred Energy.

Logically, the higher the rank of a particular Z-Gene, the more powerful his pilot must be in order to move it. The Z-Gene was normally owned by warlords, famed fighters, the Royal Prince and the King himself. There could never be a twin of the same Z-Gene because every Z-Gene was unique, like how no two fingerprints could be alike.

The Z-Gene originally was used in wars because of their strength and the heavy armouries on them. During the peaceful era, it was used for heavy duties such as transporting materials for construction and also used during emergency rescues from natural disaster. Raviex wished it could remain that way where the Z-Gene did not have to harm but help others.

He ran a few steps ahead but came to a pause when he saw a lone yet familiar figure standing before White Dragon. He was certainly not expecting to see him. “What are you doing here?” questioned Raviex. He remained silent and motionless. Irritated by the response given to him, Raviex let out a frustrated scowl.

“Whatever it is, Erik, don’t try to stop me,” he warned bluntly. They held eye contact for a moment before he continued his jog towards his Z-tech Crusader. Just as he was about to pass him, Erik spoke up quietly.

“Don’t regret this, Raviex.”

The words sank in the Prince; an unsettling feeling aroused his inner self. Shrugging it off, Raviex rushed forwards. Time was essential. He had gotten hold of a guard and demanded to know the source of cataclysm on the Floating Land. In a nervous tone tone, he relayed the news that the Royal Advisor had issued a pre-war order to defend Katelion City from the attack of the Valkyr Empire.

Raviex’s pulse raced as he felt his adrenaline pumping furiously. Now that he had overcome the shock of the unexpected coming of the Valkyr Empire, he was ready to battle after two years of hard training. He was determined to crush the enemy of Kingdom Katelion and even more determined he was to hunt down the murderer of his father— Dark Valkyr. He decided that it was time he would fulfil his vow on his father’s grave.

Alarms rang urgently as men ran hectically in every direction, going on with their business at hand. Orders and commands were being made through speakers by higher authorities. Monitors and screens were showing the destruction done on the city above.

“What the hell are you and your men doing down there?! Get the force field over the city, right now!” shouted a lieutenant Z-tech Fighter pilot; his voice booming through the operator’s earphone. The helpless operator winced.

“There’s some sort of unidentified problem and—” the operator started to explain but was cut short.

“I don’t bloody care what your problem is! Get the force field back on or neither of us will survive this day!” spat the lieutenant and hanged up the line as he steered his war craft away from a line of laser from the enemy.

Cold sweat dripped along Sir Damien’s sideburns. The controller vibrated tremendously in his hands as he fought to keep stable control over his Z-tech Arch-Defender. His magnificent Z-tech Arch-Defender, Eyphion was one of the finest created. He was on hot pursuit on a war craft. He tried to focus on the war instead of allowing his mind to wander about his premonition of bad happenings and the convenient failure of the force field which acted as a shield to protect the Floating Land from attacks such as this. Could it be that fate had turned its back from Kingdom Katelion?

He tapped on two buttons and without delay; a target ring appeared on his monitor. He focused it on the opponent’s war craft and fired two missiles at it. Both hit their target and blew it into pieces. He smiled in satisfaction.

In the middle of enjoying his small win, Eyphion spun in confusion after being hit fiercely on the side. He cursed himself for letting his guard down but discovered when he recovered from the spinning that it was Z-tech Crusader White Dragon who had crashed into him on the side. And for a good reason, too; missiles were launched at his previous position.

“Be careful, Sir Damien, you’re not as young as you used to be,” Raviex warned half-jokingly through the speakers. Sir Damien grumbled on that remark. He was, after all, the Prince’s mentor.

“Team Alpha, Beta and Gamma of Superior Army and Team Arietis, Centauri and Eridani of Great Army, handle the situation here. The remaining of Superior Army: follow me! We’ll have to lead the Valkyrians away from the Motherland at the north and west wing; Great Army to the south and east wing. Sir Damien in command! Hold your ground to your deaths! Do you read me?!” directed Raviex.

“Roger!” responded the two armies.

As he flew higher and further away from the Floating Land, Raviex gained a full view of the enemy. Blood pumped in his veins with wild poundings. He remained floating in midair, waiting for his army to assemble for battle. He could give a straight guess the number of war crafts they would have to face. Somewhere in the midst of those war crafts, perhaps he would be able to find the infamous Dark Valkyr.

The assembly did not take long and soon, all were in position. Watching the swarm of enemies approaching, a sense of fear clung onto him. The human part of him yearned not to be present on this battlefield. Was it cowardice? But every living flesh has the instincts to preserve its life. War leads to bloodshed; bloodshed leads to pain and death. This was what robbed his father’s life.

No, Valkyr did! He caused the war.

His fury overwhelmed him. He was strongly reminded of the reason he chose to be here. I will avenge my father’s death!

While clenching tightly on the controller with the turbo engines on full blast, Raviex sped forwards, executing his attack.

“FOR KATELION!”

Both war craft and Z-Genes possess their own advantages. War craft is designed for long-range attacks whereas a Z-Gene is created in the image of a human body to fight using gigantic swords, metal rods and other weapons. But there is no doubt that a Z-Gene could easily defeat a war craft if it turns out to be a one on one match.

Raviex grabbed a Valkyr war craft’s wing and punched a fist into a vital part of it where the engines of it were likely to be placed. When he retrieved his hand back, the damage was visible. The metal which made out the outer layer of the war craft sunk back below, forming a print of White Dragon’s fist. The pilot of the war craft struggled to free it but his efforts were futile. Raviex shot upwards a few feet with the war craft in both hands and spun it around. He aimed it at two other war crafts which were closing in on him and let go. The impact was so strong that when it smashed into the unfortunate two, the three were badly damaged and crashed into the ocean below, swallowed by the deep blue water of the Phillarion Sea.

All around him was destruction. It was a miracle that they were able to prevent anymore of the enemies from entering the city. The six airborne teams that remained in the city had done a great job in taking out the foes there. Nevertheless, the city was already in a bad shape.

He envisaged a bloody scream as he pierced White Dragon’s sword into the centre of another Z-tech Destructor where the pilot would be sitting. Sparks danced around the sword as it was smeared by the victim’s blood. Instantaneously, the Z-tech Destructor fell out of the air.

“Nice kill, Prince Raviex, I’ve always thought he wasn’t worth enough to be given a Z-tech Destructor,” a voice coursed through his speaker. It chuckled. A terrible sense of dread trickled down his spine as he turned. “I have finally found you, dear Prince, and I shall be your challenger.”

“Who are you?” demanded Raviex in a composed voice. He hoped nothing had betrayed his little fear for this new challenger. The voice was almost too friendly— and confident. Raviex knew the rank of the challenger’s Z-Gene. Its aura was much more significant than the previous Z-tech Destructors he had defeated. For the first time in a real battle arena, he was facing a Z-tech Templar of which, in the concept of yin and yang, had the same ranking but a total opposite of a Z-tech Crusader. The Crusader was delivered from the Light. Conversely, the Templar was delivered from the Darkness.

“I am the favoured Second General of Dark Valkyr, the renowned pilot of the infamous Soul Stealer. You may know me as Second General Hendrix Crone.”

“If you really are so favoured by Dark Valkyr, why are you only the Second General and not the First?” mocked Raviex.

Obviously aggravated, Crone sneered in despise, “If it weren’t for his connection to the Lord Valkyr, that brat wouldn’t have gained the position as the First General.”

“Brat?” repeated Raviex, puzzled. Valkyr Empire’s generals sure have some issues going on, he thought.

“And to think I thought this Kingdom has the most state-of-art technology to gain information about their enemies,” snorted Crone. “I’ll tell you his worthless name, Prince of Senadon— he is Lazachus.”

Before Raviex could ponder about the newly known name, Soul Stealer charged towards him, his sword ready to slash him into half!

In a dense forest nearby Kaza City was a teenage girl on the canopy of a tall tree, watching the attack of the Valkyr Empire on Katelion City. Of course, it was impossible to watch the battle by using only the naked eye. Held to her eyes was what looked like a pair of binoculars. But the binoculars were not your everyday kind.

The Fourth-Sight, named by her older brother, Keith, was invented to look at extremely far things, even at the range of hundreds of kilometres with the feature of night vision as well. At the bottom right corner of its lens, there were numbers in brilliant-green indicating the distance of the scene from the seer. It was equipped to zoom in up close and take instant photographs. Furthermore, attached to it was a satellite signal sender which enabled the receiver of the signal to watch what was being watched by the seer. All viewings could be recorded if the appropriate equipment was set up.

“Taking in information now,” informed Christine, speaking into her modified microphone. It was placed just outside around the curve of her right ear. She snapped many pictures of the on-going battle. It was no doubt that there were others witnessing the battle above the sky but not as detailed as what she was seeing. Moreover, the night sky was only illuminated by the stars and the three moons. It would be difficult to make out what was happening without night vision. She made a mental note to herself to thank Keith for this wonderful invention of his. Most of her gadgets and equipments were, as a matter of fact, invented by him. No one could have owned better weapons than her.

“Received,” her brother’s voice broke through the silent line.

The girl of sixteen frowned as she focused the lens on two particular Z-Genes which were clashing their swords, attacking and lunging themselves at each other. Though there were other war crafts and Z-Genes fighting around them, strangely, those two stood out from the others almost instantly. She captured a few pictures of them in action. She noticed that both were excellent fighters and pilots who fought with immense amount of strength and speed.

Suddenly, one of the Z-Gene was struck from behind by another Z-Gene. Despite her character of staying on neutral ground, a loud cry of foul play rang in her mind.

“C’mon! C’mon! What’s the matter?” Erik Wilgate muttered. His fingers raced across the keyboard which was connected to a single gigantic screen on the wall. It displayed datas and sophisticated diagrams of the power crystals stationed at allocated areas on the Floating Land. 3D holograms of the crystals were formed at the space between him and the monitor. These crystals functioned as mediums for energy to flow through to create the force field. The sixteen crystals were checked but the result placed them to be in perfect condition.

So, why wasn’t the force field generated? The question kept spinning in his head. Twenty-year-old Erik was the youngest member in his department of computer scientists. His achievements of becoming the captain of his team at the age of seventeen, joining the ranks of the Chief Executive Officers three years later and also receiving the title ‘Knight Messenger, Colonel’ were considered amazing. Lots believed he was to be a great leader of the Kingdom in time.

The Katelion City Underground Security Army or the KACUSA (pronounced as Ka-Q-Sa) was part of the Kingdom Katelion Army Force. This department battled the enemy by using highly advanced technologies. Set with about five hundred computer scientists, war crafts and Z-tech experts and experienced strategy analysts, KACUSA fought by corrupting the enemies’ war crafts and Z-Genes’ systems through the usage of computer viruses. Easier said than done; in order to penetrate ten average war crafts, it might take at least thirty minutes. But KACUSA had proven itself handy at times.

If it was possible to penetrate the enemies’ systems, inevitably, the enemies could do so as well. So, it was up to the war crafts and Z-tech experts to heighten the defence system of the fighting machines, giving the enemies an extremely hard time or no chance at all to sabotage them. Strategies analysts worked to break off the enemies’ attack, making the Army’s job a lot easier.

Now, the crystals’ holograms were replaced with random live images of the battle going on in the skies. Erik knew that the two Armies were trying to keep the enemies out of the city but… how long could they keep this up? It was KACUSA’s responsibility to get the force field back over the city and to keep the citizens safe. The problem here was no one had any idea what the error was.

Erik took off his half-framed glasses and slumped down on his armchair. He ran his hands over his face in exhaustion. He closed his eyes and let his thoughts lift him. He needed to relax to think clearly. It was not of any help if his mind was on the verge of panicking.

Kairalina…

“Damn!” he muttered. He swore to himself he would never think about her in a way that he wanted her. He thought he could get over the fact that right now, his best friend, Raviex and his dream girl were together. It was not as easy as he thought. But what could you do when you have a shy nature? Moreover, when your love rival is an unofficial king? Besides standing aside watching over them, Erik really could not think of anything else.

Three swift knocks tapped on the door and before he could say a word, the door flung open.

“Kaira, what… what are you doing here?” Erik stammered, surprised to see her here. He fumbled for his glasses and put them on hurriedly. He stood up to meet her.

“Thank goodness I’ve found you, Erik!” Kairalina hugged him briefly in relief. “It’s a horror up there!” The young man nodded in agreement, clearing his throat rather awkwardly.

“What happened to the force field?” she asked, expressing the question Erik was certain the people of the Capital were wondering about. As much as he did not want to look bad in front of Kairalina, he had to admit that he did not know anything more than she did.

“I hope the force field will generate soon. The whole city’s going to be destroyed by the Valkyrians!” the girl exclaimed in distress. Her voice was seething with anger and worry. Erik knew instinctively she was praying in her heart for the safety of her father and the Prince. She sighed, “The situation must be really bad if a Noble Resident comes down here personally to check on things, isn’t it?”

Erik frowned, folding his arms to his chest. “A Noble Resident in KACUSA’s headquarters? Who?”

“Duke Ralph.,” she replied simply. Kairalina shrugged. “He is a Noble Resident anyway. He’s authorized to be here, right?” He nodded slowly, letting it to sink down. An uncomfortable feeling formed in his sub-conscious mind.

“Where did you see him?” The question shot out of his lips all of the sudden.

“Three rooms down on the left from this room,” replied Kairalina gradually, curious that Erik should ask such a question.

“The power source room!” He exclaimed as he rushed out of the door with her trailing behind him.

Erik keyed in the password needed to open the door to the power source room. A thought flashed through his mind.

How did he know the password?

The door slid open and he saw that everything in the power source room looked the same as usual. Colourful lights were blinking from the buttons of some complicated machines and computers which were fixed to the walls of the room.

At the dead centre of the room was a long tube which stretched from the ceiling to the floor. Inside the tube was a multi-coloured crystal rock. It had been here since Katelion City was born, and for 556 years, this peculiar rock had been glowing for every alternate second, causing the room to be filled with tens of bright colours. It was from this rock where Katelion City received her energy and power. It was only right for it to be called the Heart of the Floating Land.

While Kairalina marvelled over the wonderful colours that surrounded the room, Erik stepped in and began his intense checking of the power source room. He did not really need to do much though; he just had to punch a few buttons and the computer would automatically scan through its data and recent condition. A fifteen-inch flat screen lighted up and the result was on it, ready to be read.

Erik settled himself on a chair and was prepared for a long stretch of reading when he stiffened and leaned forward to peer at the screen.

“What’s wrong, Erik?” asked Kairalina, curious.

“I’m not sure myself… It just feels… weird.” He shook his head. While the system claimed that everything was in order, there was something nagging him inside. He was a man of science and following one’s heart, as people put it, had never appealed to him. But right now, he was desperate. His heart was beckoning him to at least pour through the entire report. He resigned to it, though knowing very well that it could be a complete waste of precious time.

After a short while of reading, Erik was certain that something was very wrong with the report. He stood up unexpectedly and gave Kairalina quite a fright.

“You discovered the cause?” she gasped.

“The data… it’s impossible!”

Kairalina answered him with a befuddled look.

The bespectacled one glanced at her, nervous. “The data records that for the past five hours, the force field’s crystals power output are consistent—stagnant.”

“So, is that good or bad?” she asked, feeling as quizzed as before. She grimaced when Erik knitted his eyebrows at her. “I’m sorry. I don’t really get all these stuff.”

A tight, thin smile spread across his face as his fingers typed in a string of commands. He did not expect her to know anyway. Kairalina was not one to take interest in computers and technologies. “The power output of the force field’s crystals, as far as anyone knows, is never the same. There’s always a drop or rise in it, however insignificant it may be, despite our efforts to fully stabilise it. I suspect we’re merely looking at an image someone deliberately put up for us.”

“What?! But who…” Her sentence was left hanging as Erik cursed under his breath. He rarely lost his cool. This could only mean he was tremendously furious.

“If I ever get my hands on the wretched traitor—”

“Traitor?!” Kairalina repeated, wide-eyed.

Erik sucked in a deep breath to calm himself. He closed his eyes and counted from one to five in his head before resumed his current mission. “The computer system’s been rigged. Someone downloaded a program which freezes the pattern of the energy of the crystals’ power output. It successfully tricks the system into thinking that everything is in place. In actual fact… the energy level could be zero, which easily explains the force field’s disappearing act.”

The system detected no signs of being hacked; KACUSA would have been alerted almost immediately. No, whoever is responsible for this treachery did it from inside KACUSA’s lair. The culprit, without a speck of doubt, has the access into the Headquarter’s and the system itself.

He was quick to identify the harmful programme and destroy it. Once deleted, an alarm blared out, deafening the two. The girl covered her ears with her hands, wincing. The screen was now screaming, ‘INSUFFICIENT ENERGY. FORCE FIELD FUNCTIONING AT 17%.’

Both shared anxious eyes. The colonel wasted no time in commanding the system to restore the energy level back to normal. Soon, the alarm ceased and the power source room regained its peace. This time, the screen informed, ‘ENERGY LEVEL RESTORED. FORCE FIELD FUNCTIONING AT 99.97%’.

“It worked!!” Kairalina held Erik’s arm and congratulated him for his success and brilliance. Erik, nevertheless, was not yet in a joyous mood. Ironically, he was more troubled than ever.

Now, the question is… who is the traitor?

Chapter 4

“I remember you.”

“ARGH!!!” Raviex gasped as the wind was knocked out off him when he received a violent blow from behind. His head spun a little with giddiness.

Not giving any time for his opponent to recover, Soul Stealer continued with his attacks. He tried to bash him on the side but out of reflex, Raviex blocked him off using his sword. The next move made by Soul Stealer definitely caught the less experienced fighter in surprise. Four long iron malleable rods shot out from the back sides of Soul Stealer and entwined around White Dragon in a flick of an eye. Raviex struggled with the rods but they already caught a good grip on him and had tightened.

“Prepare yourself, Raviex Katelion!” crowed the winning fighter. Two more metallic rods which had sharp and pointed heads rose from the back of Soul Stealer as Crone said that. Terror drowned Raviex. His first instinct was to defend and dodge the attack. Damn it, if only he could!

“Devil’s Revenge!”

The two heads of the recently appeared rods struck deep into the body of White Dragon. Instantly, Raviex experienced such agonizing pain that he had never felt before. Volts of electricity burst through the whole Z-tech Crusader including the body of the pilot. As if it was not vicious enough, the unique move of Soul Stealer also crushed his enemy as the four rods tightened immensely around White Dragon while the electricity continued its role. Raviex could feel the space closing in. He screamed in agony but nothing escaped his throat.

The torture lasted for ten seconds. To him, the ten seconds were like forever. His body was numbed with pain. Raviex tried to raise his hand to continue his fight, instead, his fingers trembled. He winced at the excruciating pain as he gasped for air. Unable to keep his consciousness, he closed his eyes and fell onto the control panels.

“Raviex!” yelled Sir Damien as he helplessly watched the gleaming yellow light of life went out of White Dragon’s eyes and it soon began free-falling towards the Blessed Land.

“My child, Raviex…”

Raviex opened his eyes when he heard the voice. He found himself standing on a beach. The sand of the beach was warm beneath his feet. The golden-orange rays of the setting sun cast over on him. “Father?” he called out uncertainly, not daring to hope, yet wanting to believe his ears. He looked around slowly; he saw no one.

Unable to hold the disappointment of himself back any longer, he fell to his knees. Suddenly, he felt small, like a sinner before the Light. “Father, I have failed you. I have failed the Kingdom!” He smashed both fists on the sandy ground, bent over. He was furious at himself, that he could not even defend himself, what else to say the Kingdom.

“No, Raviex, you have not lost. This is only the beginning of a long and terrible war,” the same voice hovered around him, comforting him.

“The beginning… father? Is that you?” Raviex looked up, as if expecting to see the owner of the voice. He was puzzled ever the more. Was he hallucinating? Were desperation and desolation playing with him, just when he was feeling at complete lost?

“Yes, Raviex, the beginning; more are yet to come. That is why we have come to warn you,” the voice spoke, lingering in the air like whispers of breaths.

“What is it? Who are you?” asked Raviex, bewildered. This time, he was sure that it was not his father’s voice. It was a voice spoken simultaneously by a group of people yet in strange harmony.

“You must be strong. Do not give up, child! Save Katelion from the hands of evil. Descendant of the kingly lion, you are chosen.”

“What..? I don’t…understand.”

“Be still, do not be afraid, do not doubt. We will watch over you and fight along your side as you fight for the people of Katelion. Be brave and be strong... wear the courage of King Leo Katelion when he fought to restore peace on Senadon.”

Raviex gazed skywards as he felt his body lifted from the ground. A raw energy surged through him now, so warm and strong, giving him peace and valour. Was this the touch of the Light?

With a flash of a bright, peaceful light, Raviex was brought back to reality.

His eyes shot wide open. His breaths were fast and unsteady. He looked around wildly at the strange surroundings. He had awakened in a room decorated by only a cupboard, four chairs and a small, round table.

“You’ve finally decided to wake up,” a female voice sounded. He spotted a girl leaning on the doorframe of the room with her arms crossed; her dark auburn ponytail fell just below her shoulders. Her light green clothing boasted a slim and lean figure.

Unwilling to look weak especially to a girl, he attempted to get out of bed. He groaned as his whole body ached when he moved. Raviex gave up and let his body rest on the comfortable bed. The girl did not bother to even move an eye to check on his condition.

“You shouldn’t have moved. After the Devil’s Revenge, you are considered lucky you aren’t crippled. Your nervous system is badly damaged but my brother says you’ll make it fine,” she said flatly.

‘You could have told me earlier,’ complained Raviex silently. Then it hit him. Did she say Devil’s Revenge?

“Can you tell me what had happened after I passed out? How did I get here? Where’s White Dragon?” he blurted. Narrowing his eyes, he added, “And who are you?!”

“You ask too many questions,” the girl who seemed no elder than him stated in boredom, still not looking at him. “Firstly, be grateful that I chose to save you and bring you to this nursing room. Secondly, you do not need to know who I am, as I have no intention in keeping you here longer than I should. Lastly, you will only bring trouble to us, Prince Raviex Lexondré Katelion!” As if to show she really meant her few last words, she shot him an icy stare. Also, to emphasize her three statements, she counted them off her fingers.

The moment she spoke his name, Raviex’s eyes swept sharply at her direction. He struggled again, disregarding all the pain, into a sitting position. It took every ounce of his strength to just do that, causing him to gasp. He leaned his upper body against the wall and closed his eyes. Questions after questions formed in his mind, so many unanswered. The one thought stood out above all was that she knew his true identity! Not to mention his exact, full name. No one knew about that except the Royal Family members. Raviex concluded that it might be a bad sign— judging from the way she behaved. She did not strike him as friendly, not even close.

“How do you know so much?”

“Enough questions! You may be the Prince but I assure you, I will not tolerate you,” the girl snapped. Raviex gulped at her slashing remark. He had never met anyone in his entire life who dared raised his or her voice at him besides his parents and his mentor.

“Christine! I am shocked at your insolence towards Prince Raviex. Apologize to His Highness, now!” a man in his early twenties chided the girl. He was completely different from the girl who was called Christine. He entered the room; his intelligent-looking brown eyes gazed firmly at her. His short chestnut-brown hair was neatly in place. He wore a clean, white coat, giving him a professional appearance.

“Keith!”

“I told you to apologize,” repeated Keith patiently.

Christine narrowed her eyes on Raviex, disgusted at what she was going to do next. “Sorry,” she barely mumbled in an audible way. She stormed out from the room, leaving Keith and Raviex alone.

“Keith Falcon at your service, Your Highness, perhaps I should formally pronounce an apology on behalf of my ignorant sister, Christine Falcon, for her impoliteness,” said Keith while doing a bow to Raviex.

“For a girl with such a feminine name, she sure is nothing close to being feminine,” murmured Raviex, curious at the way how she made him sweat for no reason.

“Did you say something, Your Highness?” asked Keith, blinking.

“Nothing in particular, you have my assurance. Leave aside those formalities. This is not the Floating Land and I am in no position to receive apologies,” Raviex spoke wearily. “I believe your name is Keith?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then, Keith, you have my permission to call me by my name, Raviex. It’ll do.” He managed a weak smile.

“Very well, err… Raviex,” Keith felt a little awkward being so casual with a Royal Family member. “Please pardon dear Christine. She never appreciates it when others question her. She’s usually a pleasant person but she’s awfully protective over the tribe.”

Raviex nodded in acknowledgement. “Do you mind if I ask you to explain to me a few matters to clear off my doubts?”

“None at all, it would be an honour to assist you, Your…I mean, Raviex,” replied Keith quickly.

The young prince sighed, “I am grateful for your loyalty to me, Keith Falcon. By my words, I promise you a reward in the Floating Land. But now, I wish to know the fate of Katelion City after I passed out. Do not leave out anything. Let me comprehend everything you say.”

Four metallic rods whipped out from the back Soul Stealer and wrapped around White Dragon at the torso. The opponent struggled to free himself. Two more metallic rods with spear-liked heads appeared all of a sudden from behind Soul Stealer. Both struck deep into the Z-tech Crusader…

White Dragon fell from the sky all of a sudden. It hit hard on the ground and shook the earth. Wispy smoke rose from the fallen Z-tech Crusader. The fate of the pilot was unknown.

It was Eyphion who freed White Dragon from Soul Stealer. As Soul Stealer focused all his crystal energy on Devil’s Revenge to destroy White Dragon, Eyphion tackled him from behind. Soul Stealer whose hands were full at the moment could not return the blow. Also, draining his energy on the Z-tech Templar’s special move took time to restore power. He finally decided to finish off the more important target first before entertaining the other.

Sir Damien, fearing for the life of the Prince, slashed the iron rods off White Dragon. Being badly damaged, White Dragon’s turbo engines malfunctioned, causing it to crash…

The video ended. Keith stood up to retrieve the small disc from the disc drive.

“What you have just seen just now is a recording from the Fourth-Sight. The Mabluku Tribe was out on patrol when Valkyr Empire attacked the Floating Land. Christine used the Fourth-Sight to investigate further. It allowed her to watch clearly what was going on above. Through satellite signals, I was able to watch and record everything she saw,” explained Keith while he packed up the mini projector he had brought into Raviex’s nursing room.

“Naturally, Christine was the first one to have found you. You crash-landed just a few miles away from the Mabluku Territory. She informed me your location and I sent out men to help rescue you. It took quite some time before they could get to you. White Dragon was in a very bad condition. They weren’t able to get you out without cutting through the hatch of it. Christine knew you were the Prince and she also knew that Valkyr’s men would be hunting for you. That’s why Christine told our men to dispose off White Dragon, leaving no tracks behind. She didn’t want the Mabluku people to be in danger.

As for the Capital, after you crashed, miraculously, the Imperial Army arrived. No one expected the Imperial Army, not even Valkyrians. With the Imperial Army back with the Superior and Great Army, Katelion City was saved. The force field was generated, too. All ended well for the Floating Land. The Valkyrians were smart enough to escape pronto without taking any chances.

But there are two things which I don’t understand. Why did the Imperial Army arrive so much earlier than expected? If I guessed right, they had left for about twelve to fourteen hours for Grikshan City, the very north. They were estimated to arrive around noon the next day at least despite travelling their fastest. It was highly impossible they were able to dive in and join in while the battle was still raging. The other puzzle is why did the force field of the Floating Land disappear in the first place?”

Though his body was drained, Raviex’s mind was alert. Keith was right. There were missing puzzles everywhere. Suddenly, as if rewinding a video tape, Raviex replayed the scene when he was awakened by the shudder he felt in his sleep. The force field had disappeared in the middle of the night.

“Hold on, how is it that I’ve never heard of the Fourth-Sight?” asked Raviex out of the blue, knitting his eyebrows together.

“That’s because I invented it— a lovely invention in my opinion. See, I am a scientist and an inventor,” replied Keith proudly, wearing a delighted smile. Though so, Raviex just stared at him blankly. The claimed scientist sighed exasperatedly at his silent response. “My father might have been a legendary general of Kingdom Katelion, nonetheless, that doesn’t mean I have to be a warrior or some sort. I prefer to keep my sword in its sheath,” Keith continued rather indignantly.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it that… “Raviex quickly apologized as he did not wish to offend anyone but it suddenly struck him about Keith’s slip regarding his family background. He looked directly at Keith, stopping himself from jumping into conclusions. If he was a member of an Honourable Family, why was he not living on the Floating Land? “Your father was a general? Was that how Christine knows that I am the Prince?” he spoke slowly.

Keith fidgeted at the question. He wasn’t sure he liked where the conversation was heading to. It was about his past— Christine’s past. Was it right to tell?

“Perhaps we could talk about that next time. You need your rest, Sire— I mean Raviex,” Keith excused himself, trying to avoid the topic. “A full rest for a day or two before getting out of bed would do. Your body needs some major healing.” With that, he left the room. Raviex wanted to know what he was holding back; however, out of respect for others’ privacy, he kept silent.

General Falcon…

II

“Tell me, Lazachus, why did the capture of the Floating Land fail?” His tone was quiet, too quiet, as if a still venomous snake waiting to strike.

Dark Valkyr’s chamber was never bright. Lazachus took a step forwards. The leader of the Valkyr Empire wasn’t the only one surprised by the sudden turn-up by the Imperial Army. It was a flawless plan. They should have long gone conquered the Capital before they arrived.

“There is no other explanation regarding the Imperial Army except that someone had informed them about our midnight attack during their journey to Grikshan City,” said Lazachus coolly. It was his only thought.

“’An informant… amongst my men?!” hissed Valkyr, his eyes burning.

The young general kept to himself. Something told him that there was an intruder but he did not mention it. He did not feel the need to do so. If there was an intruder, he must be incredibly strong and stealthy. Valkyr Empire’s Fortress was not one that could be infiltrated easily. Suddenly, his blood boiled with excitement at the thought of capturing someone as such.

Oh, what would it like to be killing the person…?

Valkyr’s eyes narrowed to slits. “Then, explain to me on the recovering of the force field. I believe I was assured that the force field would be turned off during our attack.”

Lazachus bowed his head. “One of the scientists in KACUSA must have figured out the key to the regeneration the force field.”

“What a coincidence…” drawled Dark Valkyr. “The Imperial Army’s appearance as well as the regeneration of the force field… smells like a traitor to me. Could it be that it was the same person who pulled off the two feats?”

Lazachus looked out from his serpent-like mask. “Not in my opinion, my Lord.”

“And why?”

“No reason, my Lord, just my opinion.”

“I have my confidence in you, Lazachus.” Valkyr stroke his long silver hair on his chest.

“Thank you and I must report to you that Prince Raviex… is gone.” He knew he had drawn a fresh interest from Valkyr with this information.

“Gone?”

He smiled sinisterly. “Prince Raviex’s Z-Gene crashed during the battle. Everyone’s busy looking for him now. I wonder what they will find. A dead corpse perhaps?” He added in his sick amusement.

“I want to see that dead corpse, Lazachus! I must see it with my own eyes. If there is no corpse, then we must assume he is still alive. Go! Take my men and search for him. Bring him to me, dead or alive!”

“Yes, my Lord!” Lazachus clicked his heels together and gave a deep bow. As he walked out of the chamber, his eyes gave a glint, like the eyes of the devil himself.

III

“Dad, did you find him?” Kairalina ran up to meet Sir Damien who just entered the mansion.

He shook his head exhaustedly. A search party was conducted by him to look for the Prince. For hours the search was on, only to come home fruitless.

“What if he…,” uttered the girl before she wept in her hands. Her father held her as she cried, thinking about Raviex’s fate.

“Don’t worry, we can’t be sure until we’ve found his Z-tech Crusader,” comforted Sir Damien, knowing how fragile his daughter was.

A soft beep sounded from a flat, oval machine which was called a GP (Graphic Phone), breaking the gloomy atmosphere. The knight went to the centre of the living room where the machine was placed on an elegantly designed glass table. He pressed a button which was blinking green. A 3D, live image of Erik’s head projected out above the machine.

“Good day, Sir Damien. Colonel Erik Wilgate reporting status from the Grand Conference Room,” greeted Erik formally as he was carrying out an official duty.

“I’m listening, Colonel Wilgate,” said Sir Damien, giving him a nod.

Erik took a deep breath and fired away with the report. He had been sent as Sir Damien’s representative and spokesman to entertain reporters from all over the world while he was with the search party. Just as the Valkyrians were within the safe range from the Floating Land, reporters flooded the city, requesting for answers.

Named by the late King Levon as the second in command over the Kingdom, they required to speak to Sir Damien. Most asked about the Prince’s well-being. Rumours had spread that Prince Raviex had crashed and was doomed to his death. There were not only reporters there, representatives of warlords from territories and cities demanded for the Prince.

“Sir Damien, frankly speaking, I don’t know if I can hold them off when they come back again tomorrow. I fear the greed of the human hearts would drive warlords to rebel against the Capital City like two years ago. Unless we can ensure that the Prince is alive and safe, the peace of the world would be at stake!” Erik ended dramatically.

The middle-aged knight supported himself by putting both palms on the glass table. He lowered his head, closed his eyes and sighed. It was not because he was shocked or surprise by Erik’s report; it was because of weariness both in physical and mental means. His mind now was full of nothing but the Prince. King Levon entrusted him with Raviex. How could he have failed him? How could he face the ancestors of the Katelion royal family when it was time for him to go?

“I’m sorry, Colonel Wilgate, until Prince Raviex is found, you will have to do your best to buy us some time,” said Sir Damien quietly after a short pause.

“Yes, sir!” answered Erik.

Meanwhile, Kairalina was looking out of the window to the faraway sky. She saw her reflection; a troubled face, worried for her beloved. An image of Raviex appeared in her mind as she touched the window.

Where are you, Raviex? Her heart called out in vain.

Raviex Katelion felt tense as he seated himself together with Keith and Christine around the table in his room for dinner. He had just made a full recovery after three days of rest and intense care. It would only be a courtesy to invite the guest for dinner; need not to say the pride of dining with the Prince, Keith had stated thus. ‘Right then, so, why am I not feeling all delighted?’ thought Raviex dryly. Claire, Keith’s wife, brought in their dinner and placed it on the table.

“Mmm… it sure smells nice, honey,” complimented Keith, sniffing while she took a seat beside her husband.

Claire smiled and nodded at Raviex. “I hope my cooking are up to your likings, Your Highness. These aren’t much but do enjoy them.”

“Oh, no, don’t worry; I’m already looking forwards to dinner after the dishes are laid before us. You are quite a cook, Lady Claire. Honestly, I am very grateful for your generosity and kindness,” expressed Raviex. “But please, do call me by my name.”

Keith chuckled and shook his head. “If you insist, Raviex, if you insist. No need to thank us. We were merely fulfilling our responsibilities as the people of Kingdom Katelion.”

“He should be grateful for everything we’re providing him,” interrupted Christine icily, slamming her mug on the table. The Prince’s gaze fell onto the ground guiltily. This little dinner was going to be ruined by his presence. She got up and went out of the room abruptly.

Keith and Claire looked at one another, prodding each other to approach Raviex. The twenty-four year old scientist sighed apologetically. “I’m greatly sorry about that. Perhaps I should tell you our story, for Christine’s sake. After listening, you will understand Christine’s cold character towards you.”

Chapter 5

“The awakening of the awaited one.”

Two years ago, a terrible war, known as the Kaza War, led by rebellious warriors and warlords broke out, endangering world peace. The traitors were helped by the Valkyr Empire, driving mass destruction upon Kaza City.

Because of the love for his people, King Levon carried out the attack against the enemies to defend the city. Overconfident that he would be victorious, the King led just half of the Imperial Army into war.

General Allegar Falcon, one of the King’s chief general was ordered to accompany His Majesty throughout the war. Loyal to the King, he obeyed. Furthermore, General Falcon had always been a close companion of King Levon. He would readily risk his life for him.

On the day the troops moved out, General Falcon brought along his only son, Keith who was twenty-two years old and his daughter, Christine who was fourteen. It was to be a first-hand experience of taking part in a war.

Though tender at age, Christine showed enthusiasm and talent in hand-to-hand combat. Since she was small in size, she was agile and swift-moving during training session with her father. Impressed, General Falcon taught his daughter combat moves based on agility.

As written in history, King Levon lost. He died in battle, along with another one hundred thousand men. The death toll was terrifying. It was the consequences of arrogance; grave as it was.

A number of soldiers were sent to look for any signs of survivors. The two siblings came out from hiding and claimed their identities and status as citizens of the Floating Land, only to be disgraced by a member of the House of Lords— Duke Ralph. He knew who they were but he rejected their claims just the same. General Falcon had warned them about this treacherous man. He was never fond of the duke. They could not defend their stand about it for they did not own any documents to support their words.

Losing hope of living fast, the two was found by the head of the Mabluku Tribe. They were those who lived in Mabluku Territory which was located a distance away from Kaza City. Apparently, it was not affected by the war as it was hidden in the forest. Lord Nazeck who was an unmarried man, accepted them, cared for them like his own children. One and a half year later, he died of an incurable illness without naming his heir. Appointed by the majority of the Mabluku Tribe Keith became the next leader despite his non-originality from the tribe, assisted by his sister.

“Basically, that’s the full story,” said Keith shortly, sipping the warm tea in his mug. “To Christine, the Mabluku tribe is her second family. When we were homeless, it was this tribe who offered love and kindness to us. That is why she is very protective over it. She couldn’t bear to lose another family, not after she lost dear father.”

Raviex munched his food thoughtfully and swallowed. ‘So she does have a heart deep, down inside,’ mused Raviex. He had been listening tentatively while eating (Claire insisted on them eating before the food went stone-cold). “But why does she treat me so callously? I’d even believe she hates me though this is the first time I’ve met her.”

“Isn’t ‘callously’ a word too harsh for a person who think of you as the son of the indirect murderer who killed her father?” told Keith outright. Raviex was taken aback by his clear-cut statement. Claire who had been listening quietly all along, too, didn’t expect that. “My father was instructed to go to war with King Levon. If it wasn’t because of the command, father didn’t have to go and fight the war. Christine thinks that if he wasn’t involved in the Kaza War, he’d still be alive!”

“It was a war casualty. My father wouldn’t have wanted anyone sacrificed because of it if he could help it,” commented the Prince hoarsely when he finally found his voice. He was upset with Keith mentioning his father as a murderer, however, he understood their feelings as well.

Keith hesitated. He should have heeded his feelings and be more careful with his words. “Nevertheless, her fury was also because we weren’t recognized by the Government. Fortunately, she still abides father’s teachings: Loyalty to the King and the Light, and blessings shall be bestowed upon your family. That was the only reason why she rescued you.”

Christine Falcon… the name rang in Raviex’s mind. Strangely, it occurred to him that the name was awfully familiar but he just could not lay his hands on it.

Sudden rapid knocks sounded on the door, breaking off Raviex’s thoughts. Two men dressed in black tight clothing immediately reported themselves to Keith. “Lord Falcon! It’s Valkyr’s men. They’re closing in on Mabluku Territory but we are positive that they currently do not have any direct destination. They are two miles off east in radius from our territory with fifty armed men,” one of the men spoke urgently yet calmly, ignoring Raviex and Claire’s presences.

“That’s too close.” Keith paused and looked at Raviex. “They’ll connect you and Mabluku in a second. We’re fortunate that Valkyr does not want his search party to be noticeable to the Floating Land. That could explain why no Z-Genes are involved,” he said in a low tone and continued addressing the duo. “Sent out our men to throw them off course; we need to make sure they won’t succeed on finding this territory. Evacuate all women and children to the underground tunnel! I want every single light and fire put out! Do not sound the alarm. We do not want to attract Valkyr’s men. Now, go!”

They hurried out the door as Keith faced his wife. “Claire, please ensure that no one is left behind in the evacuation. I’ll see you as soon as this is over, I promise.” He held her hands gently while Claire’s face was clouded with doubts and uncertainties.

Raviex picked up his sword and stood up. “No. They are here because of me, so, I will tend to them. Keep your sword in its sheath, Lord Keith; I’ll handle them, you go with her.” He flashed a convincing and confident smile.

“Your Highness!” Claire called after him as he fled into the night.

‘I will not let you hurt these people, Dark Valkyr and I shall keep that vow,’ swore Raviex as he sprinted out the enormous wooden entrance gates of the Mabluku Territory. Tall, dark trees flashed by as he ran briskly. His nerves raced on pumped adrenaline.

“Where do you think you’re going?” a voice came from above a tree which was slightly ahead of him after running for a few minutes. He stopped abruptly. It was Christine’s voice. The tree’s shadow cloaked her body, making it hard to judge her position.

“I’d like to ask you the same thing. I thought all women and children should be brought to safety?” Raviex shot back. He was tired of being snapped at by this obnoxious girl. He was, after all, still the Prince of Katelion. She could at least show some respect to him for that factor.

Christine leaped and landed ten metres away from Raviex. The enchanting moonlight cast over, illuminating her dark hair and slim figure. A mischievous smile played on her lips. For a moment there, Raviex thought she looked beautiful. “Like a deadly warrior in the night,” he muttered wryly at his previous thought about her.

“I don’t run to safety. I prefer to fight for the people I care for,” said Christine, aware of her surrounding. In a quick movement, she withdrew a dagger from behind her and threw it at Raviex’s direction. His eyes widened in disbelief at her murderous attempt. Sub-consciously, his reflex took over and the next thing he knew, he was dodging sideways.

Before he could make any remark out of it, he heard it struck something. Bushes ruffled. He spun around and saw a Valkyr Empire soldier lying lifelessly between the bushes with Christine’s dagger struck deep into his body where his heart was. He looked back at her, somewhat annoyed by her amused expression. “You could’ve simply warned me first before pulling such a stunt,” gasped Raviex, holding his chest. “If I hadn’t dodged, I would’ve been the one killed!”

Christine pulled her dagger from the dead man and wiped the blood off the dagger on the man’s clothes to clean it. “If I’d warned you earlier, it wouldn’t be called a surprise attack now, would it?”

‘Beautiful and deadly, that’s how she is,’ confirmed Raviex.

Christine lowered her head a little and spoke in a frank manner, “Isn’t it about time we all step into the open and have a fair fight?”

Raviex stared at her as he took a step backwards, her dagger ready to strike again. “W—what?” he stammered, confused.

Suddenly, more bushes rustled and dead twigs snapped. There were activities everywhere. Men started showing themselves, stepping out into the open ground. They were from both sides: Valkyr’s and Mabluku’s. Raviex was amazed by her ability to sense their presences. Something told him that she was more than only of whom he knew as the daughter of General Allegar Falcon.

“Shall we begin?”

The group leader of Valkyr’s men shouted his attack. In a few seconds, the air was full with sounds of the clashing swords. It was soon when a fighter fell to his feet to the other. It was a silent fight; unknown to the Floating Land.

Christine somersaulted in the air and aimed two daggers at two unaware men while still airborne. They hit their targets perfectly—silent, swift and accurate. They didn’t know what hit them till they saw the daggers plunged into their hearts.

She landed gracefully on tiptoes and smiled smugly. She sprang forward into the air again as an enemy tried to lung at her. He stumbled to the front and caught nothing. Christine touched the ground as the man spun around to face her. In blur movement, she kicked his sword out of his hand and swung the other leg at him on the face so hard that he blacked out even before he dropped down.

On the other side, Raviex was sword-fighting with five men in a row. Though he was trained to fight under such tight circumstances, this was his first, real experience of sword-fighting without Sir Damien, his mentor’s guidance and advice.

“Hold him still, so I can slit his throat!” ordered one of the men. A hand reached out and grabbed his shoulder. Seizing the opportunity, Raviex threw the hand up away from him and elbowed the unprotected torso of the man. Without losing a beat, he spun around and swerved his sword sideway to the left, meeting the blade of the attacker and directing it at another Valkyrian.

The soldier’s eyes were filled with bewilderment as his life ended then. Raviex drove the same opponent’s sword again behind him fiercely, killing another foe. Done manipulating the soldier, he swerved backwards unexpectedly and knocked him out with a blow on the neck. The fifth and the last men readied himself for a one-on-one fight with Raviex, realizing that four of his comrades were either dead or down on the ground. The Prince steadied his breaths, keeping his composure; his eyes were watchful.

Movement!

The fighter screamed a war cry as he sped towards Raviex. He had kept his sword sheathed all these while and instinctively, he unsheathed it in a quick action. He remembered the trainings he underwent with Damien. One of the most basic and critical movement in sword-fighting is the ability of drawing your sword in a perfect and smooth pull so as to not hinder the next move you would make.

The attacker slashed at the centre of the young swordsman’s skull but Raviex defended himself by holding the sword above his head, his left hand supporting the long blade. The foe gritted his teeth and continued his attacks. He aimed for Raviex’s lower part of the body, yet again; his sword was there to block him. It was as if he could read his moves.

At the moment of the Valkyrian’s hesitation, Raviex disarmed him by knocking his sword from his hand. Just as the man tried to retrieve it, he thrust the legendary blade through him, neutralizing the enemy.

“They’re not wearing any Auto-Shield! Fire your weapons at them!” instructed a voice of authority from somewhere in the bushes. Aghast, Raviex veered to his right and saw Mabluku’s men. It was confirmed that there really was no Auto-Shield around Mabluku’s men’s waists.

Auto-Shield generally looks like a waist belt. When activated, it emits a range of frequency waves which would collide and deflect long-range attacks, usually involving bullets and laser beams. The exceptions that could penetrate the Auto-Shield are hand-to-hand weapons and Sacred Energy-based attacks. A trained warrior is able to manipulate his sword to slice through the defense provided by it and command a fair duel with his opponent of equal standing.

“Into the woods!” shouted Christine, fearing for their safety.

Without needing her to repeat her words twice, the Mabluku men ran into the woods and just vanished into thin air. In an incredible speed, she ran to Raviex’s side. “Why the heck are you not running? Do you have a death wish?!” demanded Christine, furious that he was on his knees, clinging onto his sword.

Raviex’s eyes turned to her in shock. “I can’t move!” he gasped.

“What?!” Christine staggered a step back and knelt beside him, baffled. “But…you have to move!” she said sternly with a hint of panic in her tone.

“I can’t feel my legs… why can’t I feel my legs?!” exclaimed Raviex, horrified, his eyes now searching the ground wildly. Then, he glared at Christine. “Save yourself! Go, leave me!”

“Too late,” she muttered hopelessly as the same voice yelled, “Fire at will!”

“No!!!” roared Raviex, so loudly that it echoed through the woods. Suddenly, everything became motionless; time and space both simply froze. As sudden as how that happened, they regained their pacing like usual. But this time, it was different.

A bright blue and golden light shot out from Raviex’s sword, which had its tip struck to the ground. The column of the miraculous light speared itself into the sky directly above the sword at a velocity so fast that it made the speed of the lasers and bullets seemed slow. Christine watched in awe as the light grew and encircled her and the Prince. No weapons could harm them. This unknown light protected them.

“What the—?!” sputtered a confused Valkyrian.

“Impossible!” uttered Christine as the light expanded and spread into the forest in every direction. Strong gusts of wind stirred around them. Christine shielded her eyes from stray particles of sand, her ponytail danced with the wind. Raviex was holding onto the blade with all his might, as if there was a strong force vibrating in it.

After mystified seconds, the light absorbed itself back to its source, the Sword of Katelion, Letaikno (/ lәt٨i:k’nәu /) until it was the only column of light left that joined heaven and earth. It, too, shrunk till the width of the sword and then, disappeared. Raviex, who had been focusing all his strength to sustain Letaikno, collapsed to the ground, over exhausted.

“What was that all about?” Erik whispered to himself in his apartment. He had seen the light from his window, blazing into the sky. Something was on. Never had such an occasion happened before. The wheels in his mind began turning, figuring out every possibilities. His futuristic laptop which he was working with earlier was left on the table, forgotten. “Whatever it was, I can’t be the only one who’s seen it.”

Far off in space, outside the orbit of Senadon, fleets of spaceship and battleships laid there, waiting. Inside an intimidating-looking dorm ship, there was an appallingly old man, resting on a throne-like chair. There were small tubes connected to his head, his wrists, his arms, his body torso and his legs; feeding light-green fluids into his body.

As if sensing the advent of the light of Letaikno, he opened his eyes in anticipation. His extraordinarily long beard which surpassed his feet half-concealed the malicious grin that spread across his heavily-wrinkled face. Decayed yellow teeth were shown.

“It has begun!” he declared in a fearsome voice despite his age. His lady servants cowered behind shadows at his voice, trembling in fear.