News of the revelation spread quickly, reaching neighboring villages and even as far as Visgard. It was a shock to everyone, a surprise that set tongues wagging and curiosity burning.
People began streaming into Takeki Village, eager to witness the unfolding events for themselves, wondering if the promised duel would truly take place.
Casey and the children heard the news but could hardly comprehend it. Their futures seemed shrouded in uncertainty, and none could say what fate awaited them.
Meanwhile, Saz was led solemnly to the tomb. His mind was consumed by the weight of shame and the sense of impending downfall that pressed upon him like a shadow.
Guriel, Yeln, and Casey felt a gnawing unease inside, a turmoil that threatened to consume them from within.
***
The next day arrived, and both villagers and outsiders alike gathered at the palace, their faces a mixture of anticipation and tension. At the palace entrance, Jade stood firm, flanked by his family, while the other pillars took their places behind them.
Silence fell as the announcement began.
“Firstly, I thank you all for your attention this morning,” Jade’s voice rang clear. “I’ve called you here to make an important announcement, and I will get straight to the point because our time is precious.” The crowd quieted to a hush, hanging on his every word.
“As the first son of King Slaran, I am the rightful heir to the throne. However, I willingly stepped aside to allow King Saz to rule, hoping for peace.”
He took a deep breath. “King Slaran once had an affair with a stranger in Visgard. I am the product of that union.”
“Due to certain delicate circumstances, I cannot disclose the woman’s name. The king persuaded his advisor to raise me as his own son, and for fifteen years, this secret was kept. But it was exposed during the war fifteen years ago.”
Jade’s eyes scanned the crowd solemnly. “Back then, I lost a great deal of blood and required a transfusion. At that time, the king’s advisor had no choice but to reveal the truth.”
“Only a handful of people knew: Rhen, Mark, Mrs. Lillian, Dr. Bryan, and the president and vice president of Visgard.”
“I was prepared to yield the crown to Saz, but after he banished my family, he left me with no choice.”
He stepped back and addressed the crowd. “If anyone has questions or wishes to speak, you may do so now.”
From the throng, a voice shouted, “Where’s the proof? Boo! Boo!”
Mark stepped forward confidently. “What Jade has announced is the truth,” he said firmly. “He is your rightful king. But if you want proof, it can only come one way — if King Saz agrees to a challenge against the next heir to the throne.” Mark gestured toward the assembled pillars. “I know it sounds unusual, but Jade is now a guardian. If he is truly king, then Racle should be the heir. The only way forward is the hard way.”
Suddenly, the tomb’s entrance creaked open, and Saz appeared. His disheveled appearance was unsettling — ragged clothes and wild eyes gave him a haunting look. Without hesitation, he took the microphone.
“Hello, everyone,” Saz’s voice was grave, yet controlled. “I don’t believe we need any proof. The pillars have already confirmed the truth. Besides, I cannot challenge a child in a duel just to prove what some consider a crazy theory.” His gaze swept the crowd. “It’s my fault for letting things escalate this far. From this moment on, my family and I will leave for Visgard City, for the greater good. Thank you for everything.”
He handed the microphone back to Mark and turned to leave.
“Well, it’s settled,” Mark said as he reclaimed the mic. “And as of today, your new king...” But before he could finish, Jade stepped forward, seizing the microphone.
“Since we’re all here,” Jade began, clearing his throat, “I’d like to inform you about the war that is fast approaching.” His voice was steady yet heavy. “Embarking on this journey will likely cost me my life. Therefore, I wish to appoint my son as the new king once I am gone.”
Mark immediately resumed, “You heard him loud and clear. According to Takeki law, when he passes from this earth, Racle will become king. Once again, thank you all for your attention. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
The ambience remained thick with tension, as though the very air anticipated the storm of war to follow.
***
The crowd dispersed to their homes. Two days later, Saz and his family quietly departed the village.
Jade, meanwhile, headed to the army training cantonment to discuss strategy. The soldiers gathered in the field, standing quietly as Jade and Peter assumed their places at the front.
“As you’ve all been informed,” Peter began, gesturing toward Jade, “half of the army will be deployed to space. Here’s the plan.”
Jade stepped forward, opening a cardboard folder with a detailed sketch. “Though a mission like this is personally difficult—dying in service is the hardest burden on a family—it is my duty, and there are no alternatives. Early this morning, I contacted the other villages and the Visgard president. They should arrive any moment.”
Jade pointed at the map. “Twenty-five percent of our army remains on Earth. Seventy-five percent will depart. When we reach the next planet, we will form three groups: one to destroy their machine, another to confront the skimals, and the third to battle the grogg.”
He paused and looked around. “Any questions?”
There were none.
“Then move out,” Peter ordered. “Be ready for when the others arrive.”
***
Soldiers from Visgard and neighboring villages arrived soon after. They reviewed the strategy one last time, then gathered outside the village, awaiting Jade.
Inside the castle, Jade was still conferring with Rhen, knowing this was likely the last time they would see each other.
***
“I guess I’ve finally caught up to my destiny,” Jade whispered, gently caressing Rhen’s face.
“It’s taken you long enough,” she replied, tears spilling down her cheeks. “But now you must leave it behind.”
Selina and Racle quietly watched the two as they exchanged words, their hearts heavy.
“If it’s to save my family and humanity, then my life is worth the sacrifice,” Jade said softly.
“That’s enough now,” Selina said, wiping her own tears. “Dad, you have to go. Just… try to stay alive.”
The painful truth weighed heavily on them all.
“Yeah. I wish we could perform some voodoo spell and erase the last grogg, like it never existed,” Racle said wistfully.
Jade walked toward the door, the three following silently.
“Wish me luck,” he said, then dashed into the street, heading towards the border.
Soon, he crossed the boundary and met with the assembled soldiers.
The soldiers stood ready, clad in special suits, each carrying the MK-19 and a sword at their side.
At the front stood Jade, Mark, Peter, and Billy.
“It’s time,” Jade announced. “Once we arrive on the planet, we activate Plan A.”
He raised his hands and began forming a crystal shield to envelop them all. His breath came heavy as the shimmering crystal grew, encasing them midway.
Suddenly, a thunderous pounding echoed from every direction.
Jade halted the crystal's formation, and everyone looked up in unison.
Hovering in the sky was a spaceship large enough to hold two thousand humans. Skimals leapt from the ship, descending rapidly.
“Earth is the battlefield,” Jade declared, his voice firm as they sprinted toward the ship's landing spot. “Change of plan — everyone, protect Earth!”
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