Twenty minutes had elapsed since Ruster's daring escape, and whispers of his heist had already started to echo throughout the Wardok world. The fact that he had stolen the stone to save humanity only served to intensify the intrigue, transforming Ruster into the most wanted fugitive among the Wardoks.
Deep within the immense land of Kathala, a majestic fortress rose above the verdant landscape. Surrounded by lush, rolling hills, the fortress stood as an imposing testament to the might and influence of the Kaths people. Located near the grand city of Nava, the capital of Kathala, this stronghold housed some of the most formidable warriors in all the Kaths armies. It was here that Captain Loopy, one of the greatest captains in the force, knelt before his lord.
"I am here to deliver my report, Lord Ozen," the captain announced, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.
The sound of his words broke the silence that had enveloped the expansive balcony. Seated on a high-backed chair, Lord Ozen appeared deep in thought, his eyes closed as he breathed in the fragrant night air. The full moon cast a silvery glow on his regal robes, and a gentle breeze toyed with his silver hair.
As Captain Loopy's voice reached his ears, Lord Ozen opened his eyes, revealing a sharp, piercing gaze that seemed to hold the wisdom of a thousand lifetimes. The breathtaking night sky above and the dazzling display of lights from the streets of Nava below painted a mesmerizing backdrop to the scene. Lord Ozen's eyes seemed to observe the world with a depth of understanding that few could fathom, his very presence commanding attention and respect.
In this serene moment, the mysterious Lord appeared as a formidable leader, intimately connected with the world around him, and poised to guide his people through any challenge that might arise.
Loopy hesitated for a moment, his gaze dropping to the floor. "My apologies for disturbing your contemplation, my Lord. Shall I return at a later time?" he inquired with the utmost respect.
"No, Captain. Please, join me. I was merely appreciating the enchanting vista before us," Ozen replied, his tone serene and inviting.
With a graceful wave of his hand, he gestured towards the cityscape below. Loopy approached, his gaze following the path of Ozen's outstretched arm. "It is truly a sight to behold. I often find solace in the panoramic views from the rooftops," Loopy mused.
"Yes, it possesses a certain allure. And yet, it falls short of perfection," Ozen lamented, drawing his hand back toward his chest with a swift, fluid motion.
Loopy remained silent, attentive to the words of his lord.
"For this is not our true home. This world is undeserving of such a distinction," Ozen continued, rising from his seat to approach the balcony railing, leaving the captain a few steps behind.
"Indeed, my Lord," Loopy agreed solemnly.
"And what brings you before me, Captain Loopy?" Lord Ozen inquired, his voice laced with curiosity.
"I have come to report on the Cluster stone situation, my Lord."
"Ah, yes. I am aware that Ruster has fled to the human world," Ozen said, his tone betraying no surprise.
"Indeed, my Lord. However, there is more. We discovered a group of conspirators near the Hokkens bridge. We believe they were in league with Ruster," Loopy elaborated.
"Hokkens?" Ozen's eyes narrowed as he turned to face Loopy. "So, Ruster was making his way to Hokkens City... intriguing." He paused for a moment before asking, "Were you able to extract any information from these traitors?"
"Unfortunately not, my Lord. They resisted and were killed in the ensuing conflict," Loopy replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Search the city. We must uncover their plans and the extent of this rebellion," Ozen instructed.
"We have already conducted a thorough search, my Lord. The results were inconclusive. The ravages of war have left Hokkens in disarray, its resources scarce, and the city under military surveillance. We doubt Ruster's cohorts would have any reason to venture there," Loopy explained.
Ozen retreated to his seat, settling in comfortably before reaching for a glass of wine that rested on a nearby table. He took a measured sip and then inquired, "So, what news have you brought to share?"
"I suspect Ruster intended to annihilate the stone, my Lord," Loopy ventured cautiously.
Upon hearing this, Ozen's face registered surprise and confusion. He balanced the glass on his knee, gripping it tightly. "Preposterous! The stone is an ancient relic, not easily destroyed. What leads you to such a conclusion?" he demanded.
Loopy shifted uncomfortably, reluctant to divulge his reasoning. Sensing Ozen's growing impatience, he finally conceded. "My Lord, among the conspirators, we discovered a stone breaker!"
Shocked, Ozen's grip tightened, causing the glass to shatter and scatter across his legs. "What!?" he bellowed, rising to his feet in a fury.
Loopy could do nothing but kneel before his enraged lord, feeling the intensity of his wrath wash over him.
Ozen regained a measure of composure and sat down once more. "Are you certain? I believed the stone breakers had vanished centuries ago."
"Indeed, my Lord. We verified his identity, and it was confirmed," Loopy replied, beads of sweat dotting his brow.
"Ruster sought to obliterate the stone—an unforgivable offense. Without the stone, we cannot launch our assault on the human world, nor can we survive in this one!" Ozen mused, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling. "Captain Loopy, I presume you are in pursuit of Ruster?"
"Yes, my Lord. We have pinpointed the location of his leap, a densely populated human city in the country of Japan called Kyoto," Loopy affirmed, rising to his feet. He continued, "I am preparing to jump in pursuit. Ruster is injured and weakened; escape will not be easy for him. I await only the return of my squadron leaders."
Ozen appeared somewhat reassured. "Very well. While it seems unlikely that Ruster can destroy the stone single-handedly in the human world, we cannot predict his intentions. In any case, Loopy, you must reclaim the stone by any means necessary..."
Ozen's gaze was drawn back to the city, his eyes narrowing as anger and frustration painted themselves across his face. The unsettling news still echoed in his mind, only adding to the gravity of the situation. Turning his attention to Loopy, he spoke with sincerity and conviction. "Loopy, the trust and faith I have placed in you are not solely due to our bond as brothers, but also because you have proven time and time again to be the most skilled and dedicated warrior at my side."
He extended his arm, gesturing for Loopy to approach. As Loopy drew near, Ozen's intense gaze softened with warmth and pride. "It is in you that I place my hopes for the future of our people and all wardoks. You have earned this trust, this responsibility, through your unwavering loyalty and your remarkable talents."
With that, Ozen placed a firm yet comforting hand on Loopy's shoulder, as though to physically transfer the weight of this immense duty. His eyes shone with fervent determination, and a smile brimming with optimism and confidence graced his lips. "I have absolute faith in you, Captain Loopy," he affirmed, his voice steady and resolute.
In that fleeting moment, as Loopy stood beside his lord, a profound realization washed over him, enveloping him in a tidal wave of awe. He couldn't help but mentally compare Ozen to the rulers he had served in the past, each of whom paled in comparison to the indomitable figure before him. Those past rulers, driven by grand dreams and lofty ambitions, had ultimately been consumed by their own self-interest. Ozen, however, was a beacon of selflessness, his fervor seamlessly interwoven with the collective welfare of his subjects. He was the kind of leader who would willingly sacrifice his crown for the prosperity of all wardoks, should the need arise.
As Loopy stood there, the magnitude of Ozen's power became chillingly clear. This power was not derived from rank or title, but from something far deeper and more enigmatic, something that defied comprehension. To Ozen, the crown was merely an instrument to achieve his goals, not an emblem of his identity, and this understanding rendered him invincible. This was the essence of his path, the way of the supreme ruler, and as Loopy contemplated the depth of Ozen's resolve, a shiver of awe tingled through every fiber of his being, leaving him utterly mesmerized by the man he served.
As Ozen removed his hand from Loopy's shoulder, the captain's thoughts crystallized into resolve. "Thank you for this immense honor, my Lord. I shall not let you down!"
With renewed purpose, Loopy strode towards the exit, reaching the door and pushing it ajar. Just then, Ozen's voice rang out once more. "Bring him to me alive... I must speak with him."
Pausing, Loopy turned to regard his lord, uncertainty clouding his eyes. "Ruster?" he inquired.
"Yes," Ozen confirmed calmly.
"Understood, my Lord."
Loopy departed, descending a grand staircase that led to a vast hall. Left to his thoughts, Ozen mused, "I hope you can help me uncover the truth I seek... Ruster."
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