Chapter 13 – Between Two Worlds, We Forge Our Blades

The Skybreaker’s hull hummed softly as it rested in the shipyard, the late afternoon light spilling through the open hangar doors. Tools and spare parts lay scattered across the workbenches, the scent of oil and metal lingering in the air.

Kline stepped inside, brushing off a bit of dust from his alchemist’s coat. His sharp eyes immediately found Randy, sitting slouched in the corner with a distant look in his eyes.

“Hey,” Kline said, voice casual yet edged with curiosity. “You good?”

Randy blinked, as if pulled from somewhere far away. “…Huh? Yeah… just tired.”

Kline smirked faintly, walking over and leaning against the table. “Tired? That’s not what it looked like out there. That was something amazing—you beat them. All of them.”

Randy’s gaze fell to the floor, his voice quieter now. “…Something I’m not proud of.”

Kline’s eyes narrowed slightly. He could tell there was more behind those words, but Randy wasn’t ready to say it. Not yet.

Meanwhile — Earth

Outside the perimeter of the infamous Ground Zero—the location where the students had been teleported—heavy barricades lined the streets. Military personnel patrolled the area, rifles at the ready, while scientists bustled between scanning devices and stacks of paper. The air crackled faintly with residual energy, as if reality itself had been torn open and hastily stitched back together.

Among the restricted zone’s shadows, a man stood quietly.

Randy’s uncle.

He reached into his coat and pulled out a small device—an old, battered iPod Touch. His hand tightened around it.

“Please… receive it,” he murmured, and with a press of a hidden rune, the device shimmered in blue light and vanished into thin air.

A voice called to him through his earpiece. “Do you think Randy can be reached?”

“…Not sure,” he admitted. “But at least this will reach him.”

“I hope so… and I pray that Elysia is safe.”

“I sure hope so,” his uncle replied, his gaze fixed on the swirling remnants of magic in the air. “…General… this is something even we might not be able to handle.”

Around them, the scientists and soldiers worked tirelessly, chasing answers in a place that refused to give them.

Albius — The Grand Forge

The Skybreaker floated gently above the city, its magical cores humming like a heartbeat. Inside, the crew rested after the earlier clash.

In the captain’s quarters, Randy lay asleep, the faint rise and fall of his chest betraying a rare moment of peace.

In the adjoining room, Kline sat cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed in meditation, the faint smell of herbs and alchemical reagents clinging to him.

Knock knock.

Luna pushed the door open without waiting for an answer. She found the two men unmoved by her arrival—Randy deep in sleep, Kline lost in his trance.

From behind her, a deep voice rumbled. “So… based on Kuzman’s report, the King and Princess have fallen?”

It was King Fu Xi, his towering presence filling the doorway. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes glinted with concern.

“Yes,” Luna replied, her tone sharper than usual. “And my… half-mother is also someone I suspect.”

Fu Xi frowned. “Then it is not safe for you to be there.”

Luna’s grip tightened on the doorframe. “…I care for the people. Even if it’s dangerous, I can’t stand by.”

The King studied her for a moment, his gaze heavy. “…Then we will need to prepare. A storm is coming, Luna.”

She didn’t flinch. “I know.”

Somewhere in the Skybreaker’s sleeping quarters, Randy stirred.

“Ugh… huh?”

My eyes snap open to the low hum of the Skybreaker’s engines. Blinking away the haze, I see Luna standing just inside the doorway, her expression unreadable, and beside her… King Fu Xi, arms folded, gaze sharp as a hawk’s.

“Hey,” Luna says, voice carrying that soft edge she uses when she’s about to press for answers, “I’m talking now.”

They step inside. Behind them, Kline sits cross-legged in a corner, a swirling halo of tiny magical spheres orbiting him like silent planets. His face is calm, almost monk-like—deep in meditation.

Fu Xi’s voice breaks the quiet.
“I just wonder… at your age, how did you manage to survive?”

I shrug, glancing toward the porthole where the morning light bleeds into the room. “Huh? Lucky, I guess. Since Luna’s been helping me…”

“Luna is just a coincidence,” Fu Xi interrupts, his tone carrying weight. “I’m certain—even without her—you would have survived.”

I look away, the sky outside more interesting than the conversation. “…Yeah. You might say that.”

Fu Xi’s eyes narrow slightly. “Is there anything you’re concerned about?”

“I don’t know but—”

A sudden flash of pure white light bursts into the room, like lightning trapped in a sphere. It hovers for a moment before fading, revealing a small, battered iPod Touch floating in the air before me.

My breath catches. “What is that…?”

Fu Xi tilts his head. “A device.”

I snatch it from the air, fingers trembling slightly. “It’s from my uncle… Impossible…”

With a flick of my thumb, the screen comes to life—and a video begins to play. My uncle’s weathered face fills the display.

“Hey, Randy,” his voice crackles through the speaker. “If you’ve got this… it means you’re alive.”

Luna leans in to see, curiosity burning in her eyes. Even Fu Xi steps closer, his expression shifting—recognition flickering in his gaze.

“That uncle of yours…” Fu Xi mutters. “He looks awfully familiar. Something… from the mythical stories told by my late great-grandfather…”

I keep my face neutral. “…Uh huh.”

Fu Xi studies the video harder. “Refined. But he has the aura of a man who’s been to war.”

“Maybe. Or maybe not.”

A sudden voice from behind makes me jump slightly. “Is that your uncle?”

Kline has silently materialized at my back, peering over my shoulder.

“Yeah,” I answer, and we all turn our attention back to the device.

Another figure appears beside my uncle—a stern man in uniform.

“Randy,” the man says, his tone commanding but urgent, “it’s me. General Samuel, 3rd Army Brigade of the United Nations Armed Forces. Please… look after Elysia for me.”

Kline lets out a low whistle. “Wow… Elysia is the general’s daughter? That’s some influence right there.”

The General continues.
“This… isn’t just happening where you are. The phenomenon is global—Japan, China, Russia, Scotland, South America, North America, Australia, even Malaysia… and the latest is Singapore.”

Images flash on-screen—scenes of chaos and devastation eerily similar to what I’ve seen.

“Oh dear…” Luna murmurs, hand rising to her chest. “What is happening…?”

“Look, Randy,” General Samuel’s voice hardens, “I know it’s a lot to ask. But since you were trained by Professor Rhys ap Griffith—your uncle—if possible, gather them together. Find a way to bring them back home. Our own people tried to enter… but we lost good men. Some never returned.”

I exhale slowly. “…He’s asking a lot.”

My uncle steps forward on screen, his voice softer, almost personal.
“I know you’re capable, Randy. The others aren’t ready for this kind of world. But you… I trained you for situations like this. Remember everything I taught you.”

The screen goes silent for a moment, the static hum of the iPod the only sound. Then—subtly—my uncle raises his hand in a gesture only I recognize.

Don’t trust anyone.

I stare at it, my mind tightening around the warning. “…What do you mean by that… Uncle?”

Fu Xi’s gaze settles on me, unreadable yet heavy.
“Looks like you’re not the only one who wants to return home.”

I let out a quiet breath, leaning back in my chair. “…Yeah.”
The truth is, the more I think about it, the more I realize just how tangled I’ve gotten in this mess. A complex situation doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Before I can dwell on it, Gindol strides in, armor still dusted from travel.
“Lord Fu Xi, the preparations are complete.”

I raises an eyebrow. “What happened?”

Luna answers for me, her voice quick and sharp.
“There’s a situation in King Lozla’s palace…”

Uh-huh. Of course there is. Because why wouldn’t things get worse today?
“…Now what?” I mutter.

“Don’t worry,” Luna says firmly, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You should stay here. I’ll handle this.”

“Lady Luna… please, be careful,” Fu Xi say, but she’s already stepping into the teleportation circle. In a flash of light, she’s gone.

Fu Xi turns back to me. “Well then, you’ll need to form a party. Head to the guilds. Got it?”

“Yeah…”

The room clears out, leaving only Kline and me. The alchemist tilts his head, watching me with a strange look.
“Hey… that guy I saw in the video—your uncle—I’ve seen him before.”

I blink. “…What?”

“When I was a little kid,” Kline says, eyes distant as if recalling something precious. “Because of him, I wanted to become an alchemist.”

I snort. “Nah… I don’t think so. He’s always holed up in his room, buried in research. Not exactly mentor material.”

“Oh really? Might as well put that aside for now.”

“Yeah. Let’s go meet Elowen and Seraphina.”

“Yep.”

We head out, the hum of the Skybreaker’s engines fading behind us.

Meanwhile – Palace of King Lozla

Princess Luna’s office smells faintly of ink and parchment. She sits behind her desk, quill scratching against paper as she works through a pile of reports. A knock at the door interrupts her rhythm.

“Come in.”

The door opens, and Kuzman steps in. But something’s different—his usual smug air is gone, replaced by an odd, cautious tension.

“Kuzman?”

“My lady…” He clears his throat. “King Lozla wishes to… propose your hand in marriage to the hero Alfian. As a gesture of leadership—to ensure they do not leave this kingdom.”

“What?!” Luna shoots up from her chair, her voice sharp enough to cut the air. Her hands slam against the desk, eyes wide with shock.

At the Guild – Fortress City of Albius

Elysia sits at a round table with Oswald and a new recruit—Marian, a sharp-eyed wizard from their class. The tavern hums with chatter, the scent of roasted meat mixing with the faint tang of ale.

At the counter, a burly adventurer leans over to his companion and says in a low voice, just loud enough for the rumor to spread:
“Hey, I heard Alfian’s going to be wed to Princess Luna.”

“…Luna?” Elysia’s ears perk up.

“What happened?” Oswald asks.

The adventurer shrugs. “Well, they went to the Fortress City of Albius, and… let’s just say the whole thing ended in disaster. Or a blunder, depending on how you see it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Those so-called ‘heroes’ got their egos shattered. Beaten down—badly—by someone.”

Elysia leans forward. “…Wow. I mean, I could see Alfian getting smacked around, but Raul too? That’s… something.”

The adventurer takes a swig of ale. “So now they’re scrambling to save face. If they can’t impress people with strength, they’ll do it with politics. Hence… the wedding.”

Marian narrows her eyes. “…Pathetic.”

Elysia shot up from her seat without another word, the wooden chair screeching against the guild floor. She marched toward her room, pulling out her communication jewel.

“Hey… what’s going on?” a voice asked on the other end.

“It’s… complicated.”

“Uh-huh. What happened?”

Elysia hesitated. “…I don’t even know where to start. But it’s clear someone’s pulling the strings—trying to lock the politics in their favor.”

“Which means… a wedding. With you?”

“Yes. A double wedding, to be exact—me and Verica.”

There’s a pause. “Raul and Alfian… those stupid nincompoops… they’re really living in some delusion of grandeur.”

Elysia’s tone softened. “I know it’s hard… but tell Randy not to worry about a thing, okay?”

“Hey! Wait—” The connection cut.

She stood there for a moment, fists clenched. “Randy… can you hear me?”

Aboard the Skybreaker

“Huh!?” My head snapped up. That voice wasn’t Luna’s—it was Elysia’s.

“What’s up, senior?”

“Are you okay there?”

“Yeah, all good. Actually… I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“…What?”

“We built an airship.”

“WHAT?! That’s amazing!”

“Yeah. But listen—something’s going on now.”

“What is it?”

“Randy…” She hesitated. “…Luna is being wed.”

I froze. “…Why?” My voice came out flat. Truth was… I didn’t really care about the politics behind it.

“Hey, isn’t she your friend?”

“...I know. Not like I can just crash a wedding, though.”

“I know… but I don’t know what to do.” Her voice cracked—she was crying.

“…Hey, El… remember the day you saved me from those bullies?”

“Yeah… I remember.”

“Well… I might have a plan. But no one can know about it.”

“There are rumors here,” she said quickly. “People who support Lady Luna are openly protesting the wedding. It’s getting chaotic.”

I smirked to myself. Just like Zoro, huh…

“Well… just wait up.” I glanced at the machine beside me—finally working. My ticket in. “When’s the wedding?”

“Tonight. I heard.”

“Rushing it, huh?”

“Yeah. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Well then… see you tonight.”

I went straight to Fu Xi. He was already waiting, a knowing look in his eyes.

“So… when do you start?” he asked.

“My plan? Become the villain of this land. A wedding crasher, right out of a Zoro-meets-Robin Hood story.”

Fu Xi’s booming laugh echoed through the chamber. “HAHAHA! I like it a lot!”

Gindol frowned. “Son… this is risky.”

“Yeah, I know.”

Kline leaned into the doorway. “Hey, let me in on this fun!”

Seraphina appeared beside him, twirling her spear. “Count me in. It’s been too quiet lately.”

Elowen crossed her arms. “You realize we’ll be branded as traitors.”

“Nope. We’ll be wearing disguises.”

That was all it took—we began drawing up the plan, every step feeding that restless fire in my chest.

Palace of King Lozla – Afternoon

“FATHER!” Luna’s voice thundered through the chamber as she burst in, boots striking the marble floor.

King Lozla sat beside the queen, though something was wrong—the queen’s eyes were sharp, predatory, and the way she leaned toward him was… seductive.

Luna’s hand went to her sword, but before she could draw—

BAM!

A brutal punch to her gut stole her breath. She staggered, eyes wide—Alfian’s smirk burned into her vision.

“That’s for beating me down!”

Her knees gave way, and darkness closed in. “Randy…” she whispered before collapsing.

Alfian turned to the king. “Well then, let’s start the wedding.”

“Patience,” the queen purred. “We’ll begin at night—easier to arrange.”

“Fine! Then let me get into my fine clothes! Hahaha!”

“How foolish of you… just like your mother,” the queen said with a cold smile.

King Lozla sat still—empty-eyed, like a puppet with its strings cut.

The palace bustled with wedding preparations, while outside the gates a massive protest grew. People shouted, banners waved, and the air was thick with anger.

Raul stood at the window, frowning. “This is not good… the people are rallying against us.”

“Leave them be,” Alfian said with a wave. “Come on, let’s enjoy the night.”

The two walked off, laughing.

Far away, high above the city, the Skybreaker cut through the clouds—its crew ready, and the plan set in motion.

The iPod flickered to life again, the screen painting my face in pale blue light. My uncle’s voice came through—steady, confident.

“Randy… I know you’re hesitating. But now isn’t the time to hold back. Let loose. Show them what you’ve learned. You have my blessing.”

I stared at the screen for a moment, my jaw tightening.

“…Asshole piece of an uncle,” I muttered, a smirk tugging at my lips. “Fine. Don’t take back those words later.”

Sliding the device into my coat, I reached for the mask—a smooth, featureless face of cold steel. The moment it locked in place, my breathing slowed, my focus sharpening. Around me, the others were already preparing—each one wearing their own disguise, enchanted to make them unrecognizable.

Elowen adjusted the strap of her hammer across her back. “Remember—straight to the chambers. We’re not here to burn the whole palace down.”

We all nodded in unison.

Fu Xi’s voice rumbled from behind us. “Well then… godspeed, everyone.”

Kline gave me a sidelong grin. “So, tell me again—what’s your plan?”

“Simple,” I replied, tightening my gloves. “Unmask the queen… and the princess.”

Kline’s eyes gleamed. “Then let me have the fun part. Nothing like crashing a wedding. Lucky bastards don’t know what’s coming.”

Seraphina and Elowen both turned their heads slowly to glare at him, their expressions somewhere between pity and disgust.

“…Poor bastard,” Seraphina muttered.

The wind howled as the Skybreaker tilted over the city. Below us, the palace was bathed in golden torchlight, the wedding banners fluttering like prey waiting for the predator.

We stood at the edge of the deck, the moon casting silver across our masks.

“All right,” I said, my voice cold. “Let’s make history.”

And with that—

Whoosh!

All four of us leapt into the night, the city rushing up to meet us, hearts pounding with the rhythm of the hunt.

To be continued…