Sam and Siran walked through the torch-lit corridors of the inner fortress, their cloaks brushing the stone floor. A small group of loyal followers walked behind them in silence, their boots echoing faintly in the hall.
Siran broke the silence first, her voice low but sharp.
"I've noticed something strange lately."
Sam glanced at her. "What is it?"
"Kuro agreed too easily to the ceasefire… especially since the suggestion came from Yuna."
Sam's brow furrowed. "Now that you mention it… same with David. The moment he heard about the ceasefire, he agreed without protest. He didn't even want to fight Luna."
Siran sighed. "That's a problem. If Kuro and David don't take this seriously, it could backfire on all of us."
"I agree," Sam said grimly. "We need to keep our eyes on them."
The day of Caesar's trial had come. The courtroom, held deep within the National Division stronghold, was cold and quiet. The accused, Caesar , stood chained before the tribunal. On the opposing side stood Hal , who had lost two of his subordinates due to Caesar and Emilio's interference.
The presiding judge, ( Aldo Neet ), adjusted his glasses and read aloud from the parchment before him.
"Mr. Caesar , you are charged with unauthorized interference in National Division affairs and the indirect cause of death of two subordinates belonging to Mr. Hal . Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Caesar looked up, his voice firm.
"I didn't kill Hal's men—Emilio did. And he's dead now. What's the point of punishing me?"
Hal's voice rang through the hall, sharp with anger.
"Enough lies, scum. We've uncovered intel confirming you brought Emilio to the location of the mission. You knew what you were doing. And if you were in his place, I have no doubt you'd have done the same."
Caesar faltered. "But I—"
"Silence," Judge Aldo interrupted. "According to the evidence, you are guilty. Execution is the fitting sentence."
Caesar clenched his fists, then took a deep breath.
"Then at least grant me one final request."
"That depends. What is your request?"
"I want one last battle. A duel between me and one of the elite commanders of the National Division. It has always been my dream to face one of them in battle."
Hal stepped forward, his eyes glinting with fire.
"I'll grant you that wish. I'll be your executioner."
Caesar nodded. "Then fight me with everything you've got."
"You'll get nothing less."
Two hours later, the arena was prepared.
The training courtyard of the National Division had been transformed into a battleground. The judge, high-ranking officers and other spectators sat in rows of stone benches, watching closely.
Caesar drew his sword—lightning crackled faintly along its blade. Hal summoned his signature black staff, wreathed in flickering fire.
The match began.
Hal attacked first, launching four fire meteors at Caesar from all directions. With agile precision, Caesar dodged two and blocked the others by channeling lightning through his sword. But Hal closed the distance instantly, swinging his flaming staff.
Caesar met the strike head-on. Steel clashed with fire. Then Hal slammed a fist into Caesar's gut, sending him sprawling.
Just as Hal raised his weapon to finish it, Caesar twisted, kicked Hal's leg and delivered a swift punch that brought his opponent to the ground.
Caesar lunged forward, sword raised but Hal retaliated with a fiery blast. Caesar blocked it with an electrified barrier. Hal leapt into the air, descending with a flaming strike, but Caesar met him with a spinning counterattack.
The battle raged. Two elite commanders matched blow for blow, their powers colliding in a storm of flame and lightning.
Then, in a final clash of ultimate techniques, the two warriors struck each other simultaneously.
Both fell.
Unconscious.
Standing beside Camilla, Kuro watched the conclusion of the fight.
Camilla : " I didn't expect him to be this strong "
Kuro : " He was. It's a shame… he has to die "
" Yes "
With cold efficiency, Kuro and Camilla executed Caesar on the spot, ending his story without ceremony.
Elsewhere, Yossan sat alone in his study, staring at an old photograph. He was much younger in the image, standing beside three others. His eyes lingered on one particular figure.
" If you were here… would you be angry at me for fighting them "
he whispered.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter," he said.
David stepped in, holding a cake.
"A cake?" Yossan raised an eyebrow.
"Celebrating our victory over Kaos Team. The capture of their base. And… Caesar's execution."
"So he's dead, then. Good. Let him be a warning to those who interfere in our affairs. But… you're really celebrating his death?"
"Yes. Want a slice?"
Yossan chuckled faintly. "Why not. It looks delicious."
The two sat like father and son, sharing cake and quiet conversation in the aftermath of blood and fire
The day of the secret meeting had arrived. Yossan found Murphy already waiting at the edge of the ancient ruins—where they always met for matters that transcended factional politics.
"You're late," Murphy growled, arms crossed.
"I'm here now," Yossan replied coolly.
"Let's get to the point. Why did you summon me?"
Yossan's expression turned serious.
"We've gathered intelligence. It appears that a sect tied to the Moon Division is returning… and they're the ones who stole the Silver Connectors we collected with great effort."
Murphy's eyes narrowed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"But Lilian Taylor is dead. Without him, they can't use the Connectors. Why form a new sect?"
"You, me and Lilian were the three chosen to inherit the Golden Cube's Wielder powers—selected to fill the Forty eight slots . After his death, you and I were the last."
"You mean—after we assassinated him," Murphy corrected.
"Same result," Yossan said flatly.
Murphy paced angrily. "But there's one problem. If he's dead, who's behind this? he had no children."
"I asked the Archive scholars. They weren't sure. Taylor was secretive. It's possible… he had a child. If so, that heir would inherit his powers—and become a contender to us both."
Murphy exploded, unleashing fire blasts in random directions, venting his fury.
Yossan waited. When the flames subsided, he asked calmly,
"Finished?"
"…Yes."
" I told you this so you'd understand the gravity. We need to ally—at least until we crush this rising Moon Division . If they grow, we both lose."
"…Fine. This once, I agree. We'll work together."
"Good."
"Oh—and what happened to that traitor Caesar?"
"He's dead."
"Excellent. If you hadn't killed him, I would have."
"You're too harsh with your men, Murphy. One day, it may turn on you."
"I don't care. My only goal is to build the strongest army of Stone Heirs."
"And mine is to reach Kinai, the legendary homeland of the Stone Heirs."
"Then we agree—our goals demand this alliance."
They shook hands in silence… and then departed, each heading back to brief their people.
Meanwhile, the members of Kaos Team were training hard, refusing to fall behind in the escalating chaos. After finishing a grueling session, they took a break.
Luna and Yuna lay beneath a tree, talking quietly, enjoying a moment of peace. But their peace was short-lived. They sensed someone approaching.
Turning, they saw Melvin walking toward them.
"Hello, Mr Melvin," they said together.
Melvin : "Hello, Luna, Yuna. How are you two?"
"We were just resting after our training," Luna replied.
"Good. I have a question for you."
"Go ahead."
"( Smoke City )" Melvin said. "It was torn apart by civil war. A dark history of human experimentation, enslavement and unspeakable cruelty. Are you… from there?"
Luna and Yuna's eyes widened.
Yuna spoke first. "So… you found out."
Luna continued, "Yes. We were from there. We were the 'Bloody Twins'—the slaughtering children who drowned the enemies in blood."
"Our past is… complicated," Yuna added. "We were just children. Abused and twisted by cruel handlers who shaped our powers into tools of destruction. But someone saved us."
"Bressol Eliastor," Melvin said.
"Yes. He freed us, taught us to use our powers for good."
"Don't misunderstand. Knowing your past changes nothing. You're part of us now."
" Thank you… you've eased our hearts," Yuna whispered.
"You're welcome."
Melvin left them to their rest, disappearing into his duties once more
But Luna and Yuna weren't the only ones from Smoke City. Merrick, Clara, Salvador and Sonny were also survivors of that dark past.
The National Division knew.
David had confirmed it during the negotiation to retrieve Clara after her abduction.
Now, with the National and Fighter Divisions allied, they had agreed to share intelligence—especially concerning their enemies.
And Kaos Team was at the top of their list.