REAL WORLD — THE ISLAND
After spending a night on the island, the Kings finally agreed on a plan.
While The Goat searched the surrounding waters for Eden, Ayden and Vorso would work alongside the giant to build a ship capable of sailing across the sea.
The problem was…
Even the giant himself did not seem to know where they truly were.
Meanwhile, the wives of the Twin Kings used their ferromagnetic jewelry as makeshift compasses to orient themselves once they reached open waters.
Their objective was simple:
Reach another shore before nightfall.
— So? Ayden asked.
— Did you find anything, King of Animals?
The Goat shook his head.
— I searched within a six-kilometer radius. Nothing.
He looked toward the unfinished vessel.
— Perhaps we'll have better luck at sea.
— How is the ship progressing?
Vorso pointed aggressively.
— Move the planks over here!
The giant nodded.
— Okay! What do I do with this tree now?
— Put it there, Vorso replied.
— We're done with the frame. We only need to turn the leaves into sails.
The Goat crossed his arms.
— You've progressed quickly.
— At this rate, we may leave tonight.
Ayden smiled faintly.
— You know I will be limited tonight.
— Also will my wife.
— Good, The Goat replied.
Then we'll have our best chance of finding your brother.
The giant suddenly spoke in a quieter tone.
— Tell me, Your Majesties…
Once the ship is complete…
I'll be alone on this island again, won't I?
Silence.
Vorso avoided his gaze.
The giant continued.
— How much longer are you planning to leave me trapped here?
The Goat immediately stepped forward.
— Do not follow us tonight.
The giant's expression darkened slightly.
— Oh?
You seem to have forgotten something.
A strange pressure filled the air.
— I am far more dangerous than all of you.
You WILL free me.
You are three Kings from three different kingdoms.
I know you possess that power.
Ayden remained calm.
— If we return safely to our kingdoms…
Where would you even go?
And what kingdom do you come from?
The giant lowered his head.
— …None of you are ready to accept me.
Even after helping you.
You lack compassion.
You lack generosity.
I do not consider you worthy of being called Kings.
Vorso's eyes sharpened internally.
— Do NOT fall for his game.
Meanwhile, rage rose inside The Goat.
— How dare he compare me to filthy humans…
Ayden simply sighed.
— Very well.
If looking down on us satisfies you, then so be it.
But thank you for your help.
My kingdom welcomes you as a visitor.
Though I would still appreciate your name.
The giant smiled faintly.
— If you truly knew who I was…
You would stay and speak with me much longer.
You do not need my name.
Then he looked toward the horizon.
— And forgive my words.
I merely wished to see what the new generation of Kings was truly worth.
There is no doubt now…
The title of King is necessary.
He turned away.
— Once your ship leaves…
Do not speak of this island.
I do not want more visitors.
…Playing the fool becomes exhausting sometimes.
The Goat narrowed his eyes.
— Interesting.
Vorso clapped his hands.
— We need to hurry.
While you were talking, the girls finished the ship.
Ayden nodded.
— Push toward open waters!
Helen! Myra!
— We must head south! the twins' wives answered immediately.
The Goat stood near the edge of the vessel.
— Once we are far enough from the island…
I'll dive and continue searching.
Vorso silently exhaled.
— We're finally leaving…
That Council truly was a disaster.
Meanwhile — In Ccare
Isaac was preparing a public address.
Augustus finalized the arrangements before handing the King his official speech and the political decisions made after the Council of Emperors.
Isaac stepped before the citizens.
— My dear people…
The Kingdom of Science may appear cold and calculating at first glance.
But once progress is complete…
Once the world is understood…
People call it elegance.
People call it necessity.
He raised his hand toward the crowd.
— Our nation is the gear that turns the Earth itself.
Without us…
Humanity would still be trapped in the Iron Age.
We are progress.
Thunderous applause erupted.
— Regarding the Council of Emperors…
Do not fear the other kingdoms.
They pose no threat concerning the disappearance of the King of Erusaert.
I have made a decision.
I will create a new expeditionary class.
This mission falls under state secrecy.
But once completed…
Our people shall become even more prosperous.
So place your trust in me.
Together…
We can achieve greatness.
The crowd exploded into applause once more.
Hidden among the citizens stood Isaac's clone army, subtly manipulating public opinion in favor of the King and his ideals.
After hearing that speech, Jay's former classmates grew increasingly worried.
Ever since Jay became part of the Einstein Class, he had vanished completely.
Rose and Charles especially wanted answers.
Charles' father was Augustus himself.
Yet every time they asked about Jay, Augustus always repeated the same lie:
— He simply works much harder now due to his new class.
Reality, however…
was far crueler.
Jay had become a clone.
And Charles' father had been dead for decades.
The Augustus standing before him was merely another clone created as part of Isaac's monstrous plan.
Isaac turned toward Augustus.
— We are going to seize the Lawless Zones.
He smiled faintly.
— Those lands are forbidden for a reason.
And curiosity…
…is my greatest flaw.