The next day, in the city of Runtal, Thia received the required information about their meeting with Mystos earlier that morning. With this, they were finally able to make their way to the location where Mystos, the Pillar from Eru, would be waiting for them.
Thia and Kin, accompanied by Vera and Commander Lei, arrived at Mystos' hideout—a small, unassuming structure tucked away in the shadows of the city's bustling marketplace. Though it was daytime, the moment they stepped into the room, an unnatural darkness engulfed them. It was as if they had stepped into a void, their senses dulled to anything beyond the immediate presence of those in the room.
The space itself resembled a small bar, neatly arranged with various bottles of liquor lined up on shelves. As the four of them scanned the room, a voice pulled their attention away from their observations.
"Your Highness," Mystos said, greeting Thia.
A short silence followed. The young girl wasn't accustomed to being addressed in such a formal manner, and it took her a moment to realize Mystos was speaking to her.
"Lord Mystos," Vera finally said, breaking the silence.
Mystos turned to her, his lips curling into a smile. "Lady Eryndril, it's a pleasure to see you after all this time."
"Same here, Lord Mystos," Vera replied with a smile.
Thia watched their exchange with keen eyes. It was clear Vera had a good relationship with Mystos—or at least, that was how it appeared. Yet, Thia couldn't bring herself to feel at ease around him. He didn't seem threatening, but something about him felt off. She wasn't the only one who felt this way; Commander Lei and Kin were equally wary, perhaps even more so. Lei, acting on instinct, had already positioned himself between Mystos and Kin, as if expecting an attack.
Mystos noticed their tension and chuckled. "I apologize if it seems like I've led you into a trap," he said smoothly. "But I mean you no harm, Your Highness. Believe me, the Queen herself has instructed me to aid you in all your endeavors. As long as you need me, I will be at your service." He bowed slightly.
Kin frowned. There was something about Mystos' words that felt contradictory—though the man himself hadn't moved an inch.
Ashell… Kin called internally.
Nothing, Ashell replied. This man is like something that doesn't exist. I don't know if that's a blessing or a curse, but whatever he possesses, it's powerful. Be careful.
With Ashell unable to sense anything, Kin spoke. "It's great to finally put a name to the face of the great Mystos of Eru."
"And it's great to meet you once again, Your Highness."
Kin raised an eyebrow. "Once again? I don't believe we've met before."
"We did," Mystos replied. "But you were only a baby."
"I see…" Kin muttered.
"Well, shall we begin?" Mystos gestured toward a table. "Would you like some water or food?"
"I'm good," Kin replied, and the others echoed the same sentiment. Despite Mystos' easygoing demeanor, the atmosphere remained tense.
Thia, ever the one to break silence, spoke first. "We've completed the mission," she said, her voice steady but tinged with exhaustion. "Just as the Queen instructed, I was able to locate the Prince. But the real challenge lies ahead. Jai… he's becoming a force to be reckoned with. I had the opportunity to witness his powers briefly and saw him clash with General Farouk. The God Sword is very powerful"
Kin's gaze hardened at the mention of Jai. His hand instinctively curled into a fist. "He killed my father. Took the throne through blood and treachery. Now, he's determined to crush anyone who stands in his way—including us."
"We can't let him keep the throne. We need to act quickly before he consolidates his power further," Kin added.
Mystos listened quietly, his gaze shifting between Kin and Thia as they spoke.
"That's why we came to you," Kin continued, his voice low but firm. "I'm sure with my uncle now breathing down Eru's neck, you'll be compelled to take Jai out. I'm also sure Omi would like to remove him from the picture. A powerful ally is always good, but an ally you can't control will one day become your master—and you, his slave."
Mystos leaned forward, studying them intently. "You're right, Your Highness. Jai has become an inconvenience. One that must be dealt with. But we cannot afford to be reckless. To defeat someone like Jai, we must be prudent and strategic. We must strike at the most unexpected time, in the most unexpected place."
"…And with the most unexpected people," Kin added.
Everyone turned to him, intrigued by his words.
Mystos smiled. "What do you mean by that?"
"I mean we attack at the most unexpected place, at the most unexpected time, with the most unexpected people," Kin repeated.
"And who would these 'unexpected people' be?" Mystos asked.
"Everyone expects the God Swords and the strongest warriors to take on Jai," Kin said. "But absolutely no one would expect someone like me to do it."
"That's because you wouldn't survive the encounter," Mystos pointed out.
"True," Kin admitted. "But I won't be going alone. Princess Thia will assist me. Her powers are invaluable in battle. And I hear there's someone in Omi making waves—someone like us. I want him too."
"And who might that be?" Mystos feigned ignorance.
"I believe you already know," Kin replied.
Mystos smirked. "You're right. Attacking Jai at the most unexpected moment, place, and with an unconventional force is a solid strategy—but it won't work unless you have enough strength," he said. "Not to belittle the Princess's power, but even she would fall before Jai. Even without his cursed abilities, he was a God Sword for a reason. He is powerful and fearsome. I'm sure she knows that. I haven't witnessed your abilities, Your Highness, but I hear they are formidable. The same goes for Bale's son, Gor—his strength grows dangerously every day. Recruiting him would be wise, but I fear it still won't be enough."
He leaned back, his expression contemplative. "Here's what I suggest: I will help you bring Bale on board. He's a cunning bastard, and I'm sure he's already making plans to eliminate Jai. He'll take the offer, no doubt. But Bale is not a fool—he is dangerously smart and highly devious. Asking for his help is akin to making a deal with the devil, something most of us here have some experience with. He won't do anything without something in return."
Kin was already aware that seeking aid from other nations meant putting himself in a precarious position—one where he would be indebted to them. Not only would that weaken his country, but it would also erode his authority as a monarch. Even if he survived the battle against his uncle, another fight awaited him—one for the very essence of his nation and his own place as its ruler.