After Kamata disappeared, Baldwin and Athan convinced the prisoners that he had simply run away.
For some reason, none of them questioned it further. Instead, they all agreed to escape first.
Stepping out of the cave, they were met with an unexpected sight—a vehicle, its dark, metallic frame bearing clear markings of the Dark Side.
As Athan and Baldwin listened to the murmurs of the prisoners, they gathered that a war was raging.
The conflict had begun nine months ago, between two factions: the Light Side and the Dark Side. The details were unclear, but what they did know was that the Dark Side was already winning.
As the vehicle started up, a prisoner muttered under his breath.
"I hate using one of their vehicles."
Athan turned to him. "Why? Is it because they attacked your lands?"
The prisoner scoffed. "Attacked lands? I guess you guys really have forgotten everything!"
Baldwin narrowed his eyes slightly.
"What do you mean?"
"We are from the Light Side," the prisoner explained. "The Dark Side is our natural enemy."
Another man, who looked more like a leader, interrupted.
"Shut up, Bartek. Let me explain everything from the start."
Baldwin nodded. "Yes, please. Maybe it will help restore our memories."
The leader straightened up. "I am Aureliusz, the Knight General of the Impurulia Order. We worship the Light Side. To us, the Light Side kings are gods."
Baldwin and Athan listened intently as Aureliusz continued.
"The Dark Side exists in another dimension, but nine months ago, they marched their armies into our world. Humanity fought back, but we started losing. And now… it's only a matter of time before the Dark Side wins."
Baldwin frowned. "What about the Light Side gods you mentioned? Where are they?"
Aureliusz sighed. "The gods are fighting against the Dark Side directly. We're using every method we can to win… but their forces are too strong."
Baldwin's eyes darkened. "And what happens when the Dark Side conquers land? What do they do?"
Aureliusz's jaw tightened. "They turn innocent people into soldiers. The Dark Side harvests human souls as an energy source. They erase memories, leaving behind empty shells—Hollow Knights."
Baldwin's expression grew serious. "Hollow Knights? Are they… some kind of army?"
Aureliusz nodded grimly.
"Yes. Hollow Knights are people stripped of their past. They are reprogrammed and forced into the Dark Army. Some are hypnotized and used as ordinary Dark soldiers, but the Hollow Knights are different… they retain powerful abilities—like yours."
Bartek clenched his fists, his teeth grinding in frustration.
"Our squad was meant to be turned into Hollow Knights as well," he admitted. "But for some reason… the operation failed. They only managed to erase your memories."
He glanced at Baldwin and Athan.
"By the way, I'm Bartek, second-in-command of this group."
Athan crossed his arms. "So… you're telling me we actually have superpowers?"
Bartek exhaled sharply. "Yes. But from what I've observed, you two didn't inherit Dark Side abilities. Instead, you seem to have gained teleportation and super speed."
Athan smirked slightly. That was a lie.
The abilities they displayed were nothing new—Athan's teleportation and Baldwin's natural speed were skills they already had.
Baldwin, however, remained silent, his thoughts shifting toward the Dark Side kings.
If the Dark Side soldiers think this level of ability is impressive… then maybe their so-called "kings" aren't as terrifying as I thought.
After a moment, Baldwin asked, "So, where are we going now?"
Aureliusz pointed ahead.
"We're heading toward the Impurvilion Order's borders. But before we get too close, we'll step out of this vehicle—otherwise, we might draw unwanted attention."
Baldwin and Athan exchanged glances before nodding.
The journey into war had only just begun.