As Shahira held onto Ryo's hands, pleading with every ounce of emotion in her, Ryo felt his entire brain short-circuit.
"Oh my god. Oh my god. What should I do?! What should I do?!" His internal monologue was screaming while he kept a straight face.
But inside? Full-blown panic mode.
This wasn't a typical kidnapping—this wasn't just some petty criminal on the loose.
This was Malakar. An immortal, regenerating nightmare.
"How the hell am I supposed to fight that?!" he thought, a single bead of sweat running down his forehead.
Shahira, still desperate, didn't seem to notice Ryo's silent breakdown.
He gulped. Hard.
But then—
A memory flickered in his mind.
That dream, The Ancient Jinn. The Celestial Compass.
Ryo's sharp eye for detail hadn't failed him. Even in his dream, despite his anxiety, he had gotten a close look at the compass.
He had seen the direction it was pointing.
Was it reliable? Maybe. Maybe not.
But time was running out—Amina was in danger, and if Malakar opened the gate, the world would be lost.
Then, another realization struck him—Malakar never fought back. He simply took every hit, regenerated, and laughed it off.
But Ryo had paid attention—he saw something.
A possible strategy.
Something a normal, mortal detective without magic could use.
The panic in his chest faded, his heartbeat steadied, and determination burned in his eyes.
He smirked.
Shahira, still sniffling, noticed and looked at him in confusion. "Ryo…?"
And then, without thinking, without even realizing how bold he was being, Ryo gently pulled his hands free and placed his right hand on her cheek.
Soft. Warm.
His thumb brushed away her tears. Shahira's entire body froze, her face flushed, and her heart skipped a beat.
"What… is he doing?!" she thought, completely flustered.
Shahira gasped, her voice unsteady. "R-Ryo?!"
But Ryo, completely unaware of how flustered he just made her, kept his smirk. "Don't worry, Sha."
He met her gaze, his voice steady. "As your hired detective, no matter what, I'll see this through."
His expression turned serious. "I'll get Amina back—no matter what it takes."
Then, without another word, he stood up from the bed. Grinning, he ruffled her hair playfully—just like Amina used to.
Shahira just sat there, completely dumbfounded, still blushing and processing.
Ryo turned on his heel and walked to the door.
Shahira stuttered. "W-Wait, Ryo—how are you… even going to find Amina—?"
Before she could finish, he shut the door behind him.
Silence.
Shahira sat there, speechless, processing.
"WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!" she blurted out, both hands on her cheeks, still blushing.
And so, Ryo walked through the hallways to go meet someone.
Meanwhile, Sultan Malik sat gracefully on the balcony outside his royal office, the cool night breeze brushing against his face. One hand rested on the table, while the other held a cup of freshly brewed tea.
He exhaled slowly, taking in the fresh air, needing it to clear his mind after the crushing defeat against Malakar.
His failures weighed heavy on him…
His son—imprisoned, with a lost foot.
His best attendant—kidnapped.
The Celestial Compass—activated, in the enemy's hand.
And now, a great calamity is about to arise.
It had been a long time since he had felt this powerless.
But then—
Knock. Knock.
Sultan Malik turned his head slightly toward the balcony entrance.
"Come in," he said.
The door creaked open as Ryo stepped inside. Dressed in casual clothing, with bandages still wrapped around his injuries beneath his clothes, he wore a serious expression.
The Sultan raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Detective? Is there something you need?"
Ryo stepped onto the balcony and stopping right in front of the Sultan's table.
Then, with determined eyes, he spoke. "I need a very fast mode of transportation."
The Sultan took a sip of his tea, and asked. "Why so?"
Ryo inhaled deeply and stared directly at him. "I'm going to the location of the gate…" a brief pause. "To stop Malakar from opening it—" he clenched his fist. "—and to bring Amina back home."
Silence.
The Sultan, cup still raised to his lips, blinked. Then blinked again. And then—
His hand trembled and he nearly spilled the tea all over himself.
He barely managed to set the cup back on the saucer before staring at Ryo, as if he'd just announced he was going to fight a dinosaur with his bare hands.
A long, awkward pause.
"I'm sorry, you're going to what now?" the Sultan asked.
Ryo said firmly. "I'm going to stop Malakar and bring Amina back."
The Sultan squinted at him. "Mr. Detective…we don't even know where the gate is."
Ryo smirked slightly, voice smooth as ever. "Northwest."
Sultan Malik in confusion. "…..Huh?"
The Sultan blinked again, his brain buffering.
"I saw it," Ryo said.
The Sultan tilted his head. "Saw what?"
"The direction. The compass pointed northwest," Ryo said bluntly.
Now the Sultan just looked even more confused. "But…the compass was in Malakar's hand. No one saw where it pointed."
Ryo grinned. "Correction. No one saw it …while awake."
The Sultan stared at him, with his head tilted. "What are you saying?"
Ryo crossed his arms. "I saw it in my dream."
The Sultan's expression instantly fell flat.
A long silence followed.
"…A dream?" the Sultan said, his tone heavy with disappointment.
"Yeah," Ryo replied casually, as if it were nothing.
"You want to bet our entire kingdom's fate on… a dream?" the Sultan said, looking at Mr. Detective with disappointment.
Ryo nodded. "Yup."
The Sultan looked like he aged five more years in that single moment.
He dramatically sighed, rubbing his temple before asking. "Mr. Detective... you do realize how insane that sounds?"
Ryo, arms crossed, replied as casually as ever. "I do."
Sultan Malik facepalmed, then removed his hand from his face before asking…
"You're basing this on... let me repeat... a dream?"
Ryo rubbed the back of his head and replied. "Yeah, I know it sounds stupid, but we don't have any other leads."
The Sultan massaged the bridge of his nose, and said…
"You're still not in any condition to fight. Facing Malakar like this would be suicide. You're no match for him—and you don't even have magic."
Ryo suddenly smacked both palms against the table. "There's no time, Your Majesty!"
The Sultan flinched slightly from the sudden impact.
"You know we're in a crisis. If we sit here, Malakar will open the gate and unleash a horde of malevolent spirits. We don't have time to overthink," Ryo said, his voice sharp.
His eyes were burning with resolve. "I'll take any chance I get—dream, gut feeling, anything. If there's even the slightest chance I can find them, I have to try. We're out of time!"
The Sultan stayed silent, staring at the detective.
He wanted to argue. He wanted to say it was reckless.
But… Ryo was right, there was no time.
And the Sultan knew that if Amina, his personal attendant, were here, she would never forgive him for standing by and doing nothing.
Finally, with a reluctant sigh, the Sultan leaned back in his chair. "…You're out of your mind, Mr. Detective."
Ryo grinned. "Gotta do anything at this point."
The Sultan let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Very well. I shall grant you a fast mode of transportation."
"But you better come back alive," the Sultan said, his voice heavy with worry.
Ryo's smirk widened. "No promises."
In the Sultan's mind, Ryo is either a fool or a miracle worker.
Ryo pointed a finger up. "But before I go, I need someone to come with me—someone who can support me with their magic."
The Sultan stroked his beard in thought. "How about my daughter, Shahira? She's very capable."
Ryo bluntly. "No."
The Sultan blinked. "No? Why not?"
Ryo took a deep breath, his expression serious. "According to the records, Malakar has strong aura detection abilities."
He leaned forward slightly, resting both hands on the Sultan's table, and said…
"If someone as strong as Shahira—someone with immense magical power—comes with me, Malakar will detect her immediately."
The Sultan's eyes darkened.
Ryo continued, his voice lowering. "And worse... if he senses a powerful threat approaching, he might kill Amina on the spot."
A heavy silence filled. The Sultan clenched his fists, his expression grim. "Ugh… you're right."
He looked down for a moment, his mind racing through the possibilities.
Then, after a deep exhale, the Sultan lifted his gaze back to Ryo. "…Then, what kind of person do you need?" he asked, his tone curious.
Ryo straightened up and crossed his arms. "I need someone strong but not so magically powerful that they'd get detected immediately, someone whose magic is not on the same league as the royal family's."
The Sultan nodded slowly, understanding. The royal family has a powerful magical presence. Even Shahira, skilled as she was, would be too easy for Malakar to detect.
But who else could accompany Ryo?
Both men fell into deep thought, trying to think of a suitable candidate—
BANG!
The door to the royal office suddenly flew open.
A voice rang out, loud and determined—
???: "LET ME COME WITH YOU!!"
Both Ryo and the Sultan were startled.
The person storming in was a royal guard. The guard then stepped out onto the balcony, facing Ryo and the Sultan.
Ryo recognized him instantly—it was one of the guards from the battle with Malakar. The man had no helmet, but still wore his armor and blue robe. His blonde hair was now clearly visible.
Ryo narrowed his eyes. "You said you want to come with me, right?" He paused, then asked, "What's your name?"
The guard stood tall, chest puffed out, with a hand over his chest.
"My name is Aladdin! And I want to come with you! I seek revenge on Malakar!"
Silence.
Ryo's eye twitched. He stood there—completely frozen. His brain short-circuited. Then, his eyes widened.
He blinked.
Once. Twice. Three times.
Ryo thought to himself. "No way..."
Slowly, he lifted a shaky finger and pointed at the man, stuttering. "D-Di… Di… Did you just say..." He gulped. "…Aladdin?"
The guard slammed his fist against his chest proudly. "YES, SIR!"
Ryo's brain refused to process, his lips parted slightly as he stared at the man in disbelief.
Then— "Wait, wait, hold up."
He squinted. "You mean… that Aladdin?" He made a hand gesture, as if something were flying. "You know… the one from that animated movie?"
Aladdin's proud stance wavered slightly, his eyes darted to the side, looking a little awkward.
And then, with a small, sheepish chuckle, he rubbed the back of his head.
"…Yeah. I… I know what you're thinking, sir."
Ryo raised an eyebrow.
"The thing is…" He sighed. "My parents… really loved that movie," Aladdin said.
Ryo just stared.
Aladdin let out an awkward laugh. "So uh… they named me Aladdin when I was born."
Ryo blinked.
Aladdin coughed and mumbled. "Honestly… it's embarrassing."
Then he laughed awkwardly.
Ryo… didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
But eventually, he let out a small, awkward chuckle. "Ha… haha… right…"
And just like that, the awkward detective and the unfortunately named guard stood there, awkwardly laughing in front of the Sultan, who was busy sipping tea. The Sultan stared blankly, unimpressed.
BUT BACK TO BUSINESS!
Ryo crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful as he looked at Aladdin.
"I get that you want revenge, and trust me, I understand. Malakar killed your comrade, and you want to make him pay. But I'm not sure if you're the right candidate yet…"
Aladdin clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "It's not just revenge."
Ryo looked at him carefully.
Aladdin's eyes darkened with sorrow, but his voice was steady. "Qasim… the guard that Malakar killed… he wasn't just a comrade."
He took a deep breath, his hands trembling slightly before clenching into fists again.
"He was like a brother to me. We trained together, fought together, survived together."
He lifted his gaze, his expression fierce. "And that bastard Malakar took him away."
His voice shook with suppressed rage. "I won't let his death be for nothing."
Ryo exhaled through his nose, seeing the fire in Aladdin's eyes.
Before he could say anything, Sultan Malik spoke up. "That may be so, but tell me, Aladdin… how can you help the detective?"
Aladdin straightened up. "I heard you both talking. I know you're heading northwest to find the gate."
Ryo narrowed his eyes.
"But outside the city, the desert is massive—a vast, open stretch of sand," Aladdin said. "If we don't know the exact spot, we might pass right by it. We need a way to pinpoint its location."
Ryo raised an eyebrow. "And you have a way?"
Aladdin smirked slightly and tapped his temple. "I can use aura detection."
Ryo's eyes widened slightly.
"I can sense any presence within a two-kilometer radius," Aladdin said. "That means when we get close to the gate, I'll be able to sense Malakar and Lady Amina's auras."
Ryo's lips parted slightly in realization.
"If Malakar's hiding at the gate, I'll be able to pinpoint his or Lady Amina's exact location," Aladdin said.
Ryo slowly nodded.
Sultan Malik felt reassured. "That would indeed be useful…"
But then Ryo held up a hand. "Wait, if you have aura detection, doesn't that mean Malakar can sense you too?"
Aladdin smirked confidently. "Not necessarily. Unlike the royal family, my magical power isn't strong enough to be detected from a distance." His gaze sharpened. "That means I can get close to Malakar without him realizing I'm there."
A moment of silence.
Then—
"…Wow. You're right!" Ryo said, sounding genuinely impressed, like he'd just struck gold.
Aladdin grinned.
Ryo rubbed his chin, finally feeling like the puzzle pieces were falling into place.
"You're strong, you can sense people, but you're not powerful enough to be sensed back. That makes you the perfect choice for this mission!"
Aladdin smirked confidently.
Ryo then raised an eyebrow. "What about your weapon and attack magic? What do you use in combat?"
Aladdin straightened his back proudly. "I use a sword and wind magic."
Ryo blinked. Then realization hit. "…Wait—sword and wind magic?"
Aladdin nodded.
Ryo's eyes slightly widened. He thought. "The similar weapon and the same elemental magic as Amina…"
It was a strange coincidence. But maybe… not a coincidence at all.
Shaking off his thoughts, Ryo stepped forward and extended his hand.
His expression was determined. "Alright Aladdin, You're in! Welcome to the two-man team!"
Aladdin's face lit up with excitement.
He firmly grabbed Ryo's hand in a strong handshake. "YES, SIR! GLAD TO BE ONBOARD!"
The two men shook hands firmly, sealing their alliance.
The mission was set.
Ryo turned to Sultan Malik, arms crossed and brow raised. "So, Your Majesty… how exactly are we getting there fast?"
The Sultan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmmm… how about a helicopt—"
Aladdin abruptly cut in. "Apologies, Your Majesty, but unfortunately… a helicopter is too slow."
Sultan Malik raised an eyebrow. "Too slow?"
Aladdin nodded, his expression serious. "We're in a race against time. If we don't act fast, Malakar could open the gate at any moment. And worse…"
Aladdin's fists clenched. "…Lady Amina could be in grave danger."
Ryo raised an eyebrow.
He tilted his head, curious. "Alright, dude. If helicopters aren't gonna cut it, then what do you suggest?"
Aladdin turned to him, eyes burning with determination. "Come with me."
Aladdin guided Ryo and the Sultan through the palace hallways, down a flight of stone steps, until they arrived at a massive reinforced wooden and steel door.
With a push, the door creaked open, revealing—The Royal Weapon Storage Room.
Ryo's mouth fell open slightly as his eyes darted around.
Rows of golden and silver-plated swords, beautifully crafted Arabian bows, bundles of arrows, and neatly arranged spears—it was a warrior's treasure trove.
Ryo in awe. "Whoa… this is like… a freaking fantasy RPG armory."
As Ryo took in the sight, Aladdin navigated swiftly through the towering stacks of weapons.
Finally, he reached a hidden corner, where a rolled-up carpet sat, covered in dust, wedged behind a row of old spears.
He grabbed it, puts it over his shoulder, and turned to Ryo and the Sultan.
Sultan Malik looked confused. "What exactly do you plan to do with this old carpet?"
Ryo, still staring at the dust-covered rug, squinted. "Yeah, uh… what's the plan here, dude?"
Aladdin didn't answer.
Instead, he strode outside, into the open courtyard, and unrolled the carpet onto the stone pavement.
The carpet was gorgeous.
It was a rich emerald green, decorated with beautiful Persian patterns. Its tassels were slightly worn but still elegant.
Ryo tilted his head. "Okay, nice rug. But are we… taking a nap on it, or—"
Before he could finish, Aladdin took a few steps back.
He lifted his right hand, fingers slightly curled—
And then, he cast his magic.
A faint swirl of wind emerged beneath the carpet, starting as nothing more than a whisper of movement— Until it began to rise.
At first, it hovered just inches above the ground.
Then—
It lifted higher…. Higher…. HIGHER.
The carpet hovered smoothly, surrounded by a soft hum of magic-infused wind.
The Sultan gasped.
Ryo's eyes widened.
He recognized this.
"No way… NO FREAKING WAY…" Ryo thought, recalling a certain scene from a movie.
Aladdin, noticing Ryo's stunned expression, smirked. "Something wrong, sir?"
Ryo stammered, pointing at the floating rug. "A-A-Aladdin…"
"Yes, sir?" Aladdin replied.
Ryo stuttered. "…Is this… what I think it is…?"
Aladdin's smirk grew wider.
Suddenly—
With a dramatic upward motion of his right hand—
The carpetBOOMEDinto the night sky, like a jet.
The sudden burst of magical wind sent it soaring high, spinning elegantly as it climbed the heavens.
The Sultan and Ryo's eyes followed it, mouths slightly open, watching in awe.
The way it maneuvered—smooth, fast, precise—
It was nothing short of breathtaking.
Ryo whispered, his eyes twitching. "Aladdin… you're really living up to your name… Just like in that… movie." He said, half convinced the real Aladdin standing before him had stepped straight out of a live-action adaptation.
Still controlling the carpet with smooth hand gestures, Aladdin chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, yeah... I get that a lot." His smirk returned as he guided the carpet back down with an elegant wave of his hand.
As it hovered just above the ground, Aladdin turned to Ryo, crossing his arms confidently.
"Sir…" Aladdin said, clearly referring to the detective—though it sounded like he'd forgotten his name.
Ryo slowly turned his neck to him, like a broken robot, his expression frozen in sheer horror, already knowing what Aladdin was about to say.
Aladdin finished his sentence with a grin.
"…This is our transport."
"We're Flying with the Magic Carpet to the gate."
Ryo went into full panic mode. "HUUUUUUHHH?!?!?!" he shouted, as if he were about to board the most terrifying, one-star airline of his life.
Sultan Malik stroked his beard, looking impressed. "How interesting… This is definitely faster than a helicopter."