"France, huh?"
Canis and Aron were still deep in conversation, unaware that the mood around them was starting to shift.
"Yeah. He's basically the most powerful guy in the world right now. But there's barely any info about him. He hardly ever shows up in public—maybe New Year's or when he's visiting allied countries."
"Huh, I see."
So this 'France' guy's the grandson of the old one... Not my problem anymore.
Canis drifted off in thought for a moment, his mind wrestling with something, but he quickly pushed it away.
"Speaking of New Year's... D-Day is in three days."
"Oh yeah? Is there gonna be a party or something?"
"Of course. The whole capital, Ten Yasha, goes wild."
Aron lit up, clenching his fists like a kid promised ice cream.
"Then we should get there soon, right?"
"What?"
Aron's face dropped instantly.
"You're not serious, are you? That's the worst place for fugitives like us!"
"Us? Pretty sure it's just you. I only just got out."
"You think they'll just forget about what you did? You should've finished them off."
"You're right. Should've just killed them all."
"Wait—no! I was joking! Please don't actually do that!"
Aron dropped his voice, pleading. Canis chuckled.
"Hahaha, I'm kidding too. Maybe."
"You're insane!"
Then Canis froze slightly. "Hey, Aron. You hear that?"
"Hear what?"
"The noise outside... Sounds like people are freaking out."
Aron followed Canis' gaze. Outside, the street was alive with panic and confusion.
"Something's going on," Canis muttered. "Hey, Uncle—what's happening?"
The restaurant owner glanced over, worry in his eyes. "They're saying a high-ranking military officer just landed on the island."
"WHAT?!"
---
"Why the hell are we running?!"
They were already sprinting away from the restaurant, blending in with the crowd. Normally, two guys bolting down the street would draw attention—but not today. Everyone else was panicked too.
"Didn't you hear? A high-ranking officer's here. That means they're hunting us."
"Big deal. Let's just wreck him."
"Don't joke! This isn't like last time. Even a One-Star Officer is a nightmare—and if it's someone higher—"
"Ugh, boring."
"Can you just panic a little?! You're way too chill!"
"I've been through worse. I don't panic anymore."
"...Wait. Who's that?"
Up ahead, a group of people blocked the path. Their uniforms gave them away—definitely AIA agents. Guns already drawn, aimed straight at Aron.
Aron slammed to a stop. "Sh*t."
But Canis didn't slow down. He surged forward, breaking into a full sprint.
"Move!"
He leapt and smashed the ground where the agents stood, the impact cracking concrete and blasting a shockwave through the street. The sound echoed like a bomb.
---
The blast left the area wrecked—another crater, five agents down.
Just like back in the cave.
Canis stood over one of them, choking the man with a single hand—this time, fully conscious, eyes cold.
"Your buddies didn't learn. And now here you are... chasing the same death."
The agent struggled to breathe. "Russell… we knew he'd screw it up. That's why… we were sent to clean it up."
Canis didn't let up. "I don't care what beef you've got. If you make yourselves my problem, I'll crush every one of you."
"Our mission was just Aron Telsa. But now… you're on our leader's list too."
"I told you. I'll bulldoze anyone in my way."
Canis raised his fist, ready to drive it into the agent's gut—a punch that could kill.
But before he could strike, a glowing orb shot toward him from the distance.
He noticed just in time and threw up a quick defense.
BOOOOOOM!!!
The orb exploded on impact, hurling Canis back across the street.
A figure stepped into view from atop a massive rock, nearly 300 meters away. His red cloak billowed dramatically in the wind, his presence unmistakable.
"Zamora: Emphasis Orb."
He was none other than Admiral Marc Atomic.
{Chapter 8 End}