[The Great Hall – Yoru's Castle]
The silence in the room was absolute, broken only by the soft clinking of tea sets. Then, as if they had rehearsed it for a thousand years, both Z-Elites moved at the exact same moment. Captain Carod extended a heavy gauntlet toward Yoru, while Yoru pointed a delicate, silk-clad finger toward the Captain.
"She is the strongest Z-Elite, according to me," Carod stated firmly, his mechanical voice carrying a tone of deep respect.
"The Captain is the strongest Z-Elite, according to me," Yoru countered simultaneously, her green eyes locked onto Techyon's shocked face.
Techyon nearly choked on his tea, his eyes darting between the two legends. "What? How can you both be the strongest? That doesn't make any sense!"
Yoru let out a soft, melodic laugh, leaning back into the velvet cushions of her couch. "Listen, Techyon. At our level, 'strength' is a very complicated word. We all fit specific conditions that the others simply cannot fulfill. We aren't just warriors; we are the pillars that hold up different parts of the galaxy's defense."
Carod shook his head, his visor flashing a deep purple. "No, Yoru, don't be modest. That 'complication' applies to us, not you. You are a literal nightmare on the battlefield. You can heal yourself mid-clash, teleport through space, tank hits that would level a galaxy, and deal massive damage all at once. You are the definition of an All-Rounder. And how could we ever forget? You have that terrifying ability to paralyze an opponent just by touching their mana flow."
Yoru smiled, though it was the smile of a predator. "That's true, I suppose. But you have a better Passive Ability than I do, Carod. In a long-drawn-out war, your survivability is higher because of your adaptability."
Techyon's interest was instantly piqued. He leaned forward, his eyes shining with the curiosity of a student. "A better passive than Yoru? Captain... what exactly is your passive ability?"
Carod sat up straight, his armor hissing as he adjusted his stance. "My passive is called [Type Switch]. I have a core that allows me to cycle through six fundamental elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Grass, Ground, and Thunder."
Techyon's jaw dropped. "That means... you're saying you can change your entire elemental typing while you're in the middle of a fight?"
"Yes," Carod replied simply. "If I'm fighting a fire-user like your sister, I switch to Water. If they switch to Thunder, I ground myself. I am never at a disadvantage."
"And don't forget the brain," Yoru added, tapping her temple with a jade-painted nail. "Captain is officially the most intelligent among the Z-Elite 4. His IQ is off the charts when it comes to engineering and logistics."
Carod waved a gauntlet dismissively. "Yes, I'm the smartest in a lab, but when it comes to Battle Analysis and real-time strategy? That's all you, Yoru. You can see a fight ending before it even begins."
Techyon looked at his tea, then back at the two masters. He was starting to realize that to reach the Z-Elite rank, you didn't just need power—you needed to be a genius of war.
Techyon leaned back, his mind spinning with the possibilities of Carod's elemental switches and Yoru's all-rounder capabilities. "Now I am more curious than ever to meet the other Z-Elites," he admitted, a spark of excitement in his eyes.
Yoru smiled, her green eyes shimmering in the hearth's glow. "You should be. Techyon, do you remember that girl with the emerald eyes and hair as green as a forest? Nefa?"
"Yes, I remember," Techyon nodded. "You contacted her through your status window during the chaos back then."
"I am definitely sure you will like her," Yoru said, her voice softening. "She has a spirit very similar to yours. I think she will become your best friend, just like Lapis was."
As if the mention of his name triggered a signal, Techyon's Status Window suddenly chimed with a soft, melodic ping. A message from Alya floated in front of him:
[MESSAGE: ALYA]
"Did you safely reach Netland, Techyon? Are you eating well? Reply to me fast! I'm worried!"
Techyon smiled and began typing a quick reply, but his expression soon turned thoughtful. "Talking about Lapis... I really haven't seen him since the fight with Gudmaro. Last time we spoke, he said he was rushing off to meet his sister."
Yoru let out a sudden, uncharacteristic giggle, covering her mouth with her silk sleeve. "Oh, let me explain that! That day was his sister's parent-teacher meeting. Since his parents weren't home, he had to go as the guardian. But the funniest part? All the unmarried female teachers started flirting with him the moment he walked into the room! He was so embarrassed he nearly used his mana to vanish."
Carod grunted, leaning back against the couch. "Lapis: The Gifted One. I've heard plenty of stories about that boy. Even in the Northern Galaxy, people talk about his talent. He truly is a prodigy."
"Yeah, he's my best friend," Techyon said proudly. He then looked at his mentor curiously. "By the way, Yoru... what have you been doing these days? You seem even more legendary than before."
"The usual," Yoru replied, her expression becoming professional. "Clearing high-level dungeons and training the students you saw in the courtyard. Discipline never sleeps."
Before she could finish her tea, a maid hurried into the room, bowing low. "Lady Yoru! The Guild has just sent an urgent special request. They need you to clear a new S-Rank Dungeon that appeared on the eastern ridge."
Yoru's smile faded, replaced by a look of deep concern. "Again? Why are these dungeons opening so fast lately? And why is every single one a High-Rank? Something isn't right..."