Outside, scavengers combed the outskirts for scraps to convert, while others repaired their wooden homes with whatever tools they had. Children ran through the streets laughing. Miss Mary tended the second converter machine, handing out food as people exchanged coins, bottle caps, and spare parts.
At the west gate, Zoner Knights Euly and Raffi patrolled diligently for intruders. The town buzzed with life. For once, things felt steady.
But not for long.
In her chambers, Naggi sat alone, worry deep in her eyes.
Jett, meanwhile, stood at the battlefield station, training young soldiers. While he wielded a sword, the recruits practiced with wooden spears, their movements clumsy. His mind wandered, haunted by the King's words about the Selection and Lanni's declaration that war with the Royals might be inevitable. He hated the thought. His grip tightened on the hilt.
Elsewhere, Lanni met with a group of soldiers, laying out plans to fortify the district. She pointed to sketches of walls reinforced with boards and nails, rudimentary defenses, ineffective against Delta robots, but maybe enough to slow them, enough to buy time to evacuate civilians.
"This won't stop them," she admitted, "but it might give us minutes. Sometimes, minutes save lives."
The soldiers nodded, determination in their eyes.
Then the shadow fell.
It stretched over the gates, swallowing the sun. Euly squinted up, his heart freezing. "What... is that?"
Raffi looked too, his grip tightening on his spear. A massive, winged silhouette drifted above them.
"This isn't good," Raffi muttered.
Euly slammed the alert on his wristband. "Lanni! A huge figure just entered the Zoner districts—it flew right over us! We can't reach it. Hurry!"
Within moments, Lanni rushed from her post, soldiers rallying behind her.
"So," she muttered, hand brushing her Moon Sword, "the Royals have decided to strike again. We won't let them harm our people. We fight back."
Naggi caught the urgency and bolted from her chambers. Jett abandoned the recruits and followed. Soon, all the Knights and dozens of soldiers stood outside, gazes fixed on the descending figure. Even civilians emerged, drawn by fear and curiosity.
The shadow fell closer, wings blotting the sky.
When the dragon landed, the earth shook.
"The... legendary dragon..." Lanni whispered, her eyes wide.
The Zoners gasped, many trembling. Myth had stepped into their reality. Lonnie drew her sword, shouting, "Everyone back! This creature is dangerous!"
But then, a child's voice rang out. "Make way! Braxill, the son of Joy, is here!"
The crowd froze as Braxill slid down the dragon's massive wing. He landed, grinning, then rushed toward Lanni.
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"Oh, Lanni, it's you!"
Before she could react, he threw his arms around her in a hug. Shock froze her for a moment—then recognition softened her face. "Braxill...?"
Sliding down after him came Gravixor, towering, calm. And behind her, Levy.
"Levy!" Naggi cried, breaking into a run. She seized her son and held him tightly.
"I was so worried about you!"
Levy's eyes dropped. "I'm sorry, Mother. I'm sorry for everything I said."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. This was the boy who hated his mother... apologizing now? Lanni's eyes narrowed slightly. Her gaze flicked to Braxill, arms folded, silent, yet radiant. She knew the boy's change of heart was tied to him.
The dragon dissolved into obsidian dust, scattering into the air. The Zoners whispered in awe. Even hardened Knights were stunned.
Jett arrived last, sword in hand, but the moment had already ended. His eyes narrowed on Braxill. Something about this child was important, dangerously important.
Braxill's curiosity burned bright. He looked around, wide-eyed. "Wow... this place is amazing! I've never seen so many humans before. And they all look so cool."
The Zoners exchanged uncertain glances.
Naggi pulled Levy close and led him aside. But Braxill wandered, still in awe. "Wait, are those other Zoner Knights? That's so awesome!"
Raffi stepped forward, frowning. "Who is this kid?"
Euly whispered back, "Yeah... look at him. Those ears are kinda strange."
Lanni cut in. "Fellow Zoner Knights, this is Braxill. He defeated a Sedmo robot."
Shocked gasps erupted.
"That kid?!" Euly's jaw dropped.
"Impossible," Raffi muttered.
Braxill tilted his head. "Wait, you're all artists, right? Just like Lanni?"
Raffi nodded. "Yes."
From the distance, Jett observed silently, his right hand soldier Roberta clustered behind him. "Sir... who is he?" one asked.
"I don't know," Jett admitted, gaze never leaving Braxill. "Find out everything you can."
Roberta dispersed into the crowd.
Meanwhile, other Zoner soldiers stared at Gravixor in confusion.
One muttered, "Hey... are you human?"
Gravixor's brow furrowed. "No. I am a bear."
The soldier blinked. "A... bear? Like a zebra?"
Gravixor sighed. "Yes. Like that."
"You look human to me," another soldier pressed.
Peekol grinned. "Gravixor's a brown bear."
The soldiers paled, raising their swords. "A parasite?! Kill it!"
Raffi pushed forward, barking, "Lower your weapons! She's no parasite. If my memory serves me... you're another species of bear, aren't you?"
Peekol nodded. "Yes. A sloth bear."
Raffi turned to his fellow soldiers. "Forgive their ignorance. Most humans have never seen animals. The few who have... barely understand."
Gravixor tilted her head. "And how do you know, when they don't?"
Euly spoke up. "The Knights' library."
Peekol nodded. "The Knights' library."
Raffi lowered his voice. "Yes. Sacred. Only Knights may enter. Any who step inside without the mark of the Art Class... are reduced to ash. None of us know why, but that's the law."
Gravixor frowned. "A library should be for everyone."
Later, Lanni pulled Braxill aside. "Will you be leaving right away? Or staying the night? The journey back to your village will be long."
Braxill looked to Gravixor. "Can we stay?"
Gravixor hesitated. "...It wouldn't hurt."
"Good." Lanni smiled faintly. "Then allow me to show you the city."
Braxill's face lit up. "That would be awesome! And it'll help me expand my imagination."
Lanni chuckled. "Spoken just like an artist."