Chapter 163:

Chapter 163: State of the Fortress

Beyond The Stars

In the throne room of the fortress.

Kogen stands near a window, staring out into the distance. Udana watches him closely, her expression tense.

“Most of our strongest forces have been defeated,” Udana says. “Goro still stands, but I have not been able to determine Gen’s status.”

Kogen doesn’t turn as he responds. “Then it is time to make your presence known. Before you go, know this. The plan is failing. I didn’t want to believe it, but Korobu was here, and he rounded up many of our Enigmus forces.”

Udana’s eyes widen. “What!?”

“I saw Korobu flying away from this fortress on his dragon,” Kogen continues. “This can only mean that the Dark Goddess became aware of my plan. We will have to start the project over. We will have to do it somewhere else. But first, we will put an end to these meddling fools.”

“Is Zeth’s capture still an objective?” Udana asks.

“Yes,” Kogen replies. “Zeth will reach here soon. I’m sure of it. I will handle capturing him. You kill the rest.”

Udana turns and starts heading toward the room’s exit, but Kogen speaks again, his voice cold.

“If you can’t kill them… don’t bother coming back.”

Udana pauses only for a moment before continuing out of the room, replying, “Yes. I understand.”

***

Meanwhile, with Kurt.

Kurt moves alone through the corridors of the fortress. He eventually enters a stairwell with steps leading both upward and downward.

Footsteps echo from above.

Kurt immediately charges his magic, readying himself for whoever is coming.

He thinks, “Someone is coming. I had better be ready to fight.”

A moment later, Keith appears, descending the stairs. He’s bloody and shirtless, still recovering from his battle with Subject 7.

“Keith!” Kurt shouts in relief.

“Ah, Kurt, my man!” Keith says with a grin. “I’m glad I ran into a friend here!”

“What happened to you?” Kurt asks. “You look like you went through Hell.”

“I was in a very bloody fight,” Keith replies. “It was regrettable. I killed Subject 7 and… I could feel his emotional pain.”

“From experience, I’m sure most of the Enigmuses have that,” Kurt says.

“Hopefully he’s in a better place now,” Keith says. “Anyway, where are you headed?”

“I’m going to the lower levels,” Kurt answers. “That’s where they keep people in line for the Enigmus Project. I need to rescue my father.”

“Alright,” Keith says without hesitation. “I’ll go with you.”

***

Meanwhile, with Emily.

Emily moves through the fortress on her own. She stops in front of a door marked “Interrogation Room.”

“Using a place to worship the Light as an interrogation room… disgusting,” she mutters.

She pushes the door open and steps inside.

***

Meanwhile, with Goma.

In a large chamber deeper within the fortress, Goma battles a group of Enigmuses. He moves swiftly, snapping necks and bursting heads using his magic with ruthless efficiency.

Suddenly, the Enigmuses stop attacking and begin backing away.

Goma pauses, confused. “Why are they stopping?”

An evil presence fills the room. Gen steps forward, smiling.

“Because I’m making them stop. Hmhmhm. After all, they may be Enigmuses, but they need proper training before they can fight strong opponents… Goma, the most powerful human in Harmone.”

Goma stiffens, Gen’s call-out putting him on full alert. “Who are you!? How do you know me!? I’ve never seen you before!”

Gen snaps his fingers. A massive black demonic ring forms around the Enigmuses.

“I am a demon and a follower of the Dark Goddess,” Gen says calmly. “I make it my business to know potential enemies. And you are one.”

A magic hole opens beneath the Enigmuses, and they sink into darkness.

Goma charges forward as he narrows his eyes and grits his teeth, but Gen vanishes through a wall of darkness that forms instantly around him.

“Damn it!” Goma shouts.

***

Meanwhile, with Joe.

Back in Gido’s lab, Joe stands amid the aftermath of his battle. The door suddenly opens. Goro steps inside and freezes in shock when he sees what remains of Gido’s body.

“Noooooo!!!” Goro roars. “You will pay for what you have done!”

Joe raises his guard.

“No,” he says fiercely. “All of YOU will pay for what you have done!”

***

Meanwhile, with Zeth.

Zeth enters a large dining room dominated by a long table. At the opposite end of the room, Crimson steps inside at the same time.

They both stop, surprised.

Crimson’s expression quickly shifts into a confident grin.

“Yes!” he exclaims. “I have found you!”

He throws his head back and laughs wildly like a maniac. “Hahahaha!”

Zeth clenches his fist, his expression hardening to a serious look.

“You are way too cocky,” he says. “This will be my victory.”