NAGUAN PORT CROSSING
ARCANE LABORATORIES 00
It had only been the second day since Keiro, Rinporter, and Cresson found themselves confined in a room that resembled a cozy mini-house. It was unexpected to discover such amenities within a submarine. The space was equipped with a small living room, kitchen, and dining area, but had only one bedroom with three beds. The walls were a distinct purplish-white color, thick, and soundproofed, infused with Elthier.
“It’s the day,” Cresson expressed his concern. “We should be at the academy right now.”
Restlessly, Keiro paced around the room, glancing at the digital clock on the wall. “Yes, it’s almost time for it to begin.”
“Do you think the Headmaster would really start without us?” Rinporter inquired, observing Keiro as he took a seat, his knee nervously bouncing up and down.
Keiro nodded as he rose from his chair once more. “He won’t wait for us.”
Cresson let out a sigh. “You’re probably right. He’ll likely assume we’re just running late.”
“We need to find a way to escape immediately,” Keiro declared, striding towards the sturdy iron door. However, before he could reach it, the door swung open abruptly, narrowly missing him. Startled, the Veilbreakers turned to face the unexpected visitor.
“President?” Rinporter exclaimed in disbelief.
With a chuckle, Robert walked confidently into the room, accompanied by Dr. Johnson. “Surprised to see me?”
“Why are you here, Mr. President? Are you truly the mastermind behind these reprehensible operations?” Keiro inquired.
Robert nodded solemnly. “Yes. I must admit, I’m quite upset that you managed to dismantle all six research facilities. Yet, despite your actions, you are still treated as honored guests here. How has your stay been thus far?”
“What do you intend to do with us? Are you planning to confine us here indefinitely?” Keiro’s voice trembled with frustration. “Release us immediately. I beg of you—”
A piercing alarm suddenly blared throughout the facility, catching Robert’s attention. He turned to Dr. Johnson, urging her to investigate the source of the disturbance. As she hurriedly left the room, Robert took a seat on a nearby couch and turned to the Veilbreakers. “It pains me to bring this up, but have you forgotten your duty to your country? You have sworn allegiance to the government. Why have you chosen to oppose me?”
“I apologize, but it clearly states in our pact that we serve Ranace. While we work for the government, it does not require us to blindly conform. As Shadow Heroes, our allegiance lies with the betterment of the nation, not your personal interests,” Keiro countered firmly.
Robert crossed his legs and chuckled. “You certainly have a sharp mind, don’t you? You’ve left me with no other option. It seems we’ll have to draft a new pact, then.”
The Veilbreakers exchanged skeptical glances, scoffing at the notion. “That’s absolutely out of the question,” Keiro retorted firmly.
“You can’t defy me!” Robert exclaimed, rising from his seat. His attention, however, was swiftly diverted as the door swung open, revealing Dr. Johnson.
“The Black Marzec are here, Mr. President,” she informed him.
Robert had expected Grovan to rescue his comrades, as he had intentionally made his men wear suits with the Arcane print on them. He was well aware of what had been happening at Arcane Laboratories, including the first time the Veilbreakers snuck into Zero-One. He knew all about it, not only because there were camouflaged security cameras outside the facilities, but also because Dr. Johnson had been secretly reporting to him. Moreover, he had also discovered bug devices hidden in almost every room of the Noble Citadel, which made him laugh at how his brother, the late former president, Bernard Dale, had been so foolish not to notice them.
Naturally, if someone like Grovan, who was talented in technology and working with the Shadow Heroes, was involved, it was possible that there were also tracking devices to monitor each other’s locations in case of emergency situations. So, everything that was happening had been planned by Robert. He instructed his men to dock the submarine under the ship for Grovan to find them since the tracking devices couldn’t transmit signals underwater. However, what Robert never anticipated was that Grovan would seek help from the Black Marzec. This made the situation even more interesting to him.
“Let them in,” he responded, wearing an amused expression.
Dr. Johnson nodded and turned to carry out the instructions. Robert then refocused his attention on the Veilbreakers, who were engaged in hushed conversations and exchanging knowing looks. Clearing his throat, Robert spoke with a stern tone. “Follow me, and I advise you not to attempt anything foolish.”
The three obediently trailed behind him as they made their way outside. Each step felt like a small victory, a glimmer of hope for their eventual freedom. However, chaos welcomed them when they entered the main hall. The once pristine facility had been reduced to ruins, with shattered glass walls and equipment scattered in disarray. Billy the robot lay ruins, its fragmented body crackled with electric discharges, while wisps of smoke billowed from the wreckage. The scene was intensified by the presence of fires, which blazed uncontrollably, even as the sprinkles were activated.
The Elthier Essence proved ineffective against the intruders as well. As a result, the researchers and staff resorted to wielding their Elthier guns in desperation. However, their attempts were futile as the intruders retaliated with a relentless onslaught of fire, sharp projectiles, and live ammunition.
The intruders, clad in black armor suits, were equipped with bulletproof protection and specialized barriers designed to withstand Elthier attacks. This cutting-edge technology, developed by Grovan and Cresson, bestowed upon them a significant advantage. However, its effects were limited to a duration of fifteen minutes.
“Grovan?” Rinporter exclaimed in disbelief, spotting him amidst the chaos.
“I can’t believe the Black Marzec would be the first to try out the suits,” Cresson mumbled.
“Guys!” Grovan called out, hoping to reach his fellow Veilbreakers. However, his momentum halted by Keiro’s piercing glare. At that moment, he became acutely aware of his surroundings. He surveyed the scene of destruction and chaos, the extent of devastation unfolding before his eyes beyond comprehension. Despite his repeated pleas for the Black Marzec members to refrain from causing harm to humans, they had acted recklessly from the very beginning. Grovan reluctantly came to the realization that he couldn’t control their actions.
“I’m sorry,” he mouthed, his expression filled with guilt. He took a step towards his comrades but came to a halt as Robert’s voice boomed, “Enough of this madness!”
Surprisingly, and almost instantaneously, everyone froze in their tracks.
Jekyll, the member of the Black Marzec with the ability to attract and propel metals, voiced his frustration, “What’s going on? Why can’t I control the metals the way I usually do?”
“Same here,” added Gullet, the member who possessed the power to generate unlimited bullets.
“Could someone be using a superpower against us?” wondered Blaze, the member known for conjuring fire.
Suddenly, a persistent sound captured everyone’s attention as their gaze turned towards Robert. It was his phone ringing. The members of the Black Marzec questioned him, seeking answers about the cause of their current situation. Murmurs filled the room, with even the Veilbreakers expressing their confusion and uncertainty. Despite their desire to flee and escape, their feet seemed to have betrayed them, rendering them immobile.
“Silence!” Robert’s authoritative voice cut through the murmurs, instantly quieting everyone. He retrieved his phone from the inner pocket of his brown coat and answered the call. “I’m a bit busy. Let’s talk—”
“They haven’t arrived yet! Should I let the fight continue? The situation is worsening. Vanarah is already pressuring me to put a stop to it.”
Robert massaged his temple and let out a heavy sigh. “Let them continue. Do not intervene until you witness the desired outcome.”
After ending the call, Robert made a decisive declaration, “All members of the Black Marzec shall depart. You are now free to leave, and I strongly advise against returning.”
Without fully comprehending the unfolding events, the Black Marzec members began to walk away, gradually disappearing from sight.
Robert shifted his focus to the Veilbreakers and issued a new command, “For all present Shadow Heroes, sign this pact.”
He extended his hand to Dr. Johnson standing beside him, who promptly handed him a black clipboard bearing a paper and a pen. Robert then offered it to Keiro.
“I refuse to sign this,” he stated defiantly, his words contradicting his actions as he proceeded to sign the pact. The others looked at him with wide eyes, questioning his sudden change of heart. He explained, “I can’t control my hand.” He then looked at Robert. “Are you some kind of conjurer?”
“Did you just realize that now? Yes, I am a conjurer and an Arcanian at that. Thanks to Dr. Johnson.”
Giggling mischievously, Dr. Johnson glanced at Grovan and added, “It’s all thanks to my darling here. The idea stemmed from his unique DNA.”
Grovan gasped in surprise. “You actually managed to do it in such a short period of time?”
She beamed proudly. “Genetic modification? Yes, darling, I did it in just ten days. I am quite a remarkable scientist, wouldn’t you agree? So, Jovan, I mean, Grovan, does this mean you want me to be your wife now?”
“Enough with the flirting, Dr. Johnson,” Robert interjected. “We have matters to attend to.” He then instructed Keiro to hand the clipboard to Grovan, who then signed the pact.
The others followed suit, each signing the document that bore the words:
 This pact serves as a testament that the undersigned party (Shadow Heroes) shall unwaveringly carry out President Robert Dale’s orders, regardless of the circumstances. Disobedience will result in the execution of the fellow Shadow Heroes by the signatories themselves.
Chuckling, Robert retrieved the clipboard and turned to Keiro. “It’s been a pleasure reconnecting with you. You haven’t changed a bit, and I’m glad for that.”
Keiro’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean? Who are you, really?”
_________
ELDAM CITY
BLACK MARZEC ABODE
The door slammed loudly as Jekyll entered his room. “What on earth was that? How is it possible that we blindly follow every command of the President without question, as if he has the power to control our every move? Is he truly that all-powerful?” He sank into a chair and chuckled bitterly. “And what did he mean by saying we are free to leave? Was he insinuating that we are insignificant creatures, unworthy of his attention?”
Jekyll’s fists tightened and his jaw clenched as the scene from earlier replayed in his mind. “He will pay for this. This is the third time he’s done it. It’s infuriating that he doesn’t even spare me a glance. He didn’t even recognize me after all the chaos I caused in Noble Citadel. We took lives! It was the first time Father praised me and didn’t compare me to Jovan.”
Although he enjoyed being the center of attention, he was also competitive and desired a fair fight with his brother. After they attacked Noble Citadel, Jovan vanished without a trace. He was convinced that he hadn’t been captured by the Valoures or Shadow Heroes. Jovan, known as Iron Jo, was formidable, and if Jekyll could safely return to Black Marzec, then Jovan could as well.
Reaching for his phone on the table, he dialed Jovan’s number, but it went straight to voicemail. “Why does he always keep his phone turned off?” He let out a sigh and shook his head. As this kept happening, he couldn’t help but start to believe that his brother might have been captured.
Deciding to take action, he called his son who was attending the Supreme Valoure Academy. After four rings, the call was answered. “Father?”
“Have you done what I asked you to do?”