Episode 32: Consequences

  The universe was no longer quiet.

  Lee’s attacks on the Krizardian bases had spread across countless systems. Entire fleets were on alert, communications were being monitored, and the Spilrians had already placed a bounty on his head. Android hunters were being deployed everywhere, tracking every trace of his movements.

  Even worlds that had nothing to do with the conflict were beginning to feel the tension.

  The Council Gathering

  Inside the Organization’s main ship, a rare meeting was taking place. Leaders from multiple factions sat around the large holographic table. Present were Lord Vharon, his father Vander, the directors of the organizations, and the twelve Xprian councilors.

  The atmosphere was heavy.

  Lord Vharon stood at the center.

  “I will remain here for a while,” he said calmly. “Aris himself came looking for me. He wants to know if I have any connection to Lee’s actions. I am not sure whether that is good or bad.”

  His eyes moved across the table.

  “I want to know if anyone here expected this. Laura… do you have something to tell us?”

  Laura visibly tensed.

  “No,” she replied. “He never told me where he was going when he stayed away for days. He only warned me he would be gone for a month. After that… I know nothing.”

  Vander crossed his arms.

  “Then call Lara and her guardian. They are always together.”

  Laura frowned.

  “Guardian? Liu?”

  Vander shook his head.

  “No. The Krizardian.”

  Before she could respond, Doria interrupted.

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  “That boy isn’t her guardian. He’s her boyfriend.”

  Laura immediately stood up and slammed her hand on the table.

  “That is NOT true! I will never allow something like that!”

  Vander looked at her quietly.

  “I understand now.”

  Lord Vharon raised his voice slightly.

  “This is not the time for personal matters. Focus.”

  He turned toward an older man seated beside a holographic star map.

  “Director Veiga. You are a veteran of many wars. Give us your evaluation of Lee’s actions.”

  The War Analysis

  Veiga leaned forward, his eyes sharp.

  “What Lee is doing is dangerous… but also brilliant.”

  The room fell silent.

  “The Spilrians have always used the Krizardians for their own interests. Lee likely discovered that. By attacking the bases, he hurts both sides at the same time.”

  He pointed at the map.

  “In the short term, this makes the universe more dangerous. The Spilrians will monitor everything. Anyone protecting Lee will be punished.”

  He paused.

  “But in the long term… Lee is building power.”

  Some councilors shifted in their seats.

  “He is sending a message directly to Aris’s generals. Fear spreads faster than armies. The Krizardian people will begin to see him as a leader. He removes obstacles personally without risking allies, and the people he frees gain political influence. His popularity will grow very quickly.”

  Vander nodded slowly.

  “I see… but we cannot send agents now. It is too dangerous. We should try contacting him instead.”

  Laura sighed.

  “I already tried. He does not answer… but he said he would return for the tournament.”

  Lord Vharon spoke quietly.

  “At least that means he is preparing to face Aris.”

  The Tournament

  Doria raised an eyebrow.

  “And the tournament? Do we cancel it?”

  Lord Vharon shook his head.

  “Nothing changes… unless Lee makes a fatal mistake and never comes back.”

  For a brief moment, no one spoke.

  Inside the Organization

  The meeting ended, but the tension remained. Everywhere in the ship people discussed Lee’s actions. The Spilrians’ surveillance had already reached multiple systems, even XP territory.

  Darian approached Lara.

  “Is your brother insane?” he said angrily. “Look what he caused. Even XP is being watched because of him.”

  Lara’s eyes hardened and she raised her hand, ready to slap him.

  Leon gently held her wrist.

  “Remember your training,” he said calmly. “Control.”

  She stopped.

  “I have never seen Lee hesitate,” Leon continued. “He has a plan. I trust him. Sometimes when someone searches for peace… war appears first. It will make sense later. Until then, trust me.”

  Lara looked at him, her anger fading.

  “…I’m sorry.”

  Liu’s Concern

  Soon after, Liu was summoned to a meeting with the agents.

  He walked down the corridor tense.

  If he lied, they could read his mind.

  A Hidden World

  Far away from civilization, on an uninhabited planet, a dark cave was illuminated only by small fires.

  Dozens of rescued prisoners gathered inside.

  Lee stood before them, removing his hood.

  His eyes were tired, but firm.

  “Things are very bad outside,” he said. “For now, you must stay here. Do not use any technology. The Spilrians can track us.”

  The crowd stared at him, anxious.

  Lee stepped forward into the light, finally revealing his face completely.

  Silence filled the cavern as everyone waited for what he would say next.

  End of Episode 32