Episode 21 — New Challenges and Old Traditions

  After the meeting with Lord Vharon, the Organization gained a new member.

  Yet acceptance did not come easily.

  Whispers spread through the massive ship’s corridors. The deaths of the Xprians had become public knowledge, but the truth behind them remained hidden. Rumors filled the silence. Some agents claimed Lee was nothing more than a ruthless Krizardian — a warrior without compassion.

  The enormous vessel drifted through space like a floating city, its metallic body stretching wider than a stadium. Lights glowed across its surface while countless hallways pulsed with activity.

  Leon and Lee stepped inside through the main entrance.

  For a moment, Leon simply stared.

  People walked everywhere — soldiers, technicians, officers — conversations blending into a constant low murmur. The Organization felt alive.

  Before he could say anything, a familiar voice called out.

  “Leon!”

  Lara ran toward them, her expression bright and relieved. Without hesitation she wrapped her arms around him in a warm embrace.

  Leon froze for half a second, surprised… then slowly smiled.

  Behind them, Laura watched.

  Her eyes were not warm.

  “Lee,” she said coldly. “Come with me. We need to talk.”

  “Yes, mother,” Lee replied calmly.

  Lara grabbed Leon’s wrist before Laura could speak again.

  “I’ll give you my report later! Come on, Leon! I’ll show you everything!”

  She pulled him down the corridor almost running.

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  “Lara! Come back here!” Laura shouted.

  Lee leaned closer to his mother.

  “Let them go. We should talk in my office.”

  Laura remained silent for a moment. She disliked it — but she knew he was right.

  Inside Lee’s private room, the door closed behind them.

  The air immediately grew tense.

  Laura sat across from him.

  “Lara was promised to Darian,” she said quietly. “He has returned from his journey and will arrive soon. I need you to help me receive him properly.”

  Lee smirked slightly.

  “As if Lara is actually going to marry him.”

  Laura blinked, surprised.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You already know what I mean,” he replied calmly. “Good luck with that. I’ll be there. Don’t worry.”

  He stood and walked out.

  Laura remained seated, her expression shifting between anger… and concern.

  Meanwhile, Lara dragged Leon across multiple sections of the ship.

  Training areas. Rest zones. Recreation halls.

  The place was enormous.

  Agents relaxed at tables, others trained, and some played games as if they lived normal lives despite being in the middle of space.

  Leon was still absorbing everything when a group approached them.

  Nine familiar faces.

  The warriors rescued from the arena.

  They now wore official uniforms.

  One of them smiled proudly.

  “How are you, kid?”

  “I’m good, thank God,” Leon replied. “And you?”

  “We’re agents now. The Organization gave us a chance. We completed our first mission already. Now we fight for something bigger than ourselves.”

  Leon’s expression softened.

  “God bless you.”

  Another man spoke thoughtfully.

  “I had a dream. A light appeared and a voice said: I am Jesus. I have a purpose for you and your friends.”

  Leon looked upward instinctively, toward the artificial sky of the ship.

  “So… You’re working here too, Lord…”

  Back in the office, Laura continued.

  “We need to tell Lara about the marriage. It’s tradition. A family alliance.”

  “If I stay here,” Lee replied calmly, “we’ll end up arguing.”

  “Lee, this alliance matters. It guarantees our future.”

  “I’ll be present,” he said, turning toward the door. “But I won’t allow them to break what the prophetess commanded. They must remain together.”

  He left before she could answer.

  Leon and Lara walked side by side along a long observation corridor.

  Beyond the glass, stars stretched endlessly.

  “This place is amazing, right?” she said happily. “Everything we need to live and work.”

  Leon kept observing carefully.

  “Yes… but it feels like a lot is happening behind the scenes.”

  Her smile faded slightly.

  “My mother is worried. The relationship between Krizardians and Xprians is forbidden.”

  Leon nodded slowly.

  “I understand her… but many things will be revealed. It’s only a matter of patience.”

  Lara looked at him and smiled again — softer this time.

  For a brief moment, neither spoke.

  They simply stared at the universe together.

  Old traditions threatened to separate unlikely allies, while the Organization continued its mission. New alliances would be tested, and the true purpose behind Leon and Lara’s connection was only beginning to reveal itself.

  They stood side by side, gazing at the endless stars as the lights of the ship blinked around them.

  Something important had begun.

  And none of them could stop it anymore.