They had done it.
"We must advance forward to the Royal District!" the Monkey King roared, planting his power pole into the ground. "We will show the King the power of animal!"
"HOOOHAAA! HOOOHAAA! HOOOHAAA!" the warriors bellowed back, their unified roar shaking the trees as they began their march forward, toward destiny.
March of the Victors
Kellix walked alongside Releyanda, watching soldiers regroup and reform their ranks.
"You were awesome back there," he said, nudging her with a half-smile.
Releyanda shook her head. "We're all doing our best, Kellix. But this is no time to celebrate. Those parasites weren't random , someone sent them."
Kellix's grin faded. "Yeah... everybody thinks so too."
Above them, the mecha Gibbons hummed softly as it floated overhead, scanning the terrain. Inside, Singway watched the column of warriors stretch far into the distance.
"Wow," she whispered. "The leaders are so strong..."
"They are," Lionice replied, eyes on the horizon. "Each one carries a unique earthen gift. Lord Sunscales commands the Wind Spear. Nyte Fang wields the katana Gakimo. The Monkey King carries the ancient power pole Hema. Father Hart bears the Antlers of Justice. And Grax... Grax wields the most powerful of them all, the Ursen Claw."
Singway blinked. "How do you know all that?"
"I asked," Lionice said simply. "Whenever our village hosted their emissaries, I asked questions, about history, artifacts, power. Information is power, Singway. It might save our lives someday... especially if I ever leave this island."
Singway blushed and turned away, hiding a shy smile. "You're so cute when you say things I don't understand."
On the Road Ahead
Further back, Rufo walked beside Hielo, their pace steady.
"How's Kellix holding up?" he asked.
"He's fine," Hielo replied curtly.
"And you?"
"I am composed."
He glanced at her sidelong, trying to read beneath the calm exterior, but her face revealed nothing. "Anyway... I hope the civilians we left behind are okay."
"They will be," Hielo said firmly, shifting her gaze toward him. "As long as we keep fighting forward, we will win this war."
Rufo exhaled slowly. "I hope so."
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Meanwhile, the Bear Tribe marched with thundering steps and restless energy.
"Grax," Grutix rumbled, "we don't intend to walk all the way to the Royal District."
"No need," Grax replied with a toothy grin. "There are transport trains a few miles ahead. We're going to hijack them."
Grixie raised a brow. "Oh my, isn't that a bit much?"
Grinex laughed, cracking his knuckles. "No. It's perfect. We'll pull straight into the Royal Station and crush them the moment we arrive."
The bears erupted into cheers at the thought, the idea of riding their stolen victory right into the heart of the King's domain fueled them even further. The plan was daring, reckless... and brilliant.
Something Wrong
But as the army pressed onward beneath a shifting sky, something changed.
Hidikai slowed, glancing at her cybernetic arm. It twitched violently, fingers jerking out of rhythm. Sparks crackled. "What the hell...?"
Her eyes widened as the malfunction worsened, the limb spasming uncontrollably. "No, no, no—"
Panicked, she sprinted toward Releyanda. "Rey!"
Releyanda turned, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"My cyber arm, it's freaking out. Are you experiencing anything like this?"
Releyanda flexed her own arm, but it was steady. "No... nothing."
Hidikai sits on a nearby log "Whatever, this stupid thing is always feaking out."
Kellix shaded his eyes and looked upward. "The sky's getting darker... looks like clouds are rolling in fast."
Lord Sunscales tapped his comms. "Gibbons, how far are we from Deer Point Station?"
"Roughly three miles," came the reply. Then, after a pause: "Wait... hold on. I'm picking up three figures ahead."
"Three?" Lord Sunscales' tone sharpened. "What kind of figures?"
"I can't tell. Faces are concealed. But they're not parasites."
Lord Sunscales' expression hardened. "Everyone! Three unknown figures ahead — possible threats. Be on guard!"
The Monkey King scoffed. "Whoever they are, they must know they're outnumbered."
"Overconfidence is death," Father Hart warned. "Prepare yourselves."
Grinex grunted, shifting his massive shoulders. "Let them come."
The Artist's Eyes
And then... the world changed for Hielo.
Time slowed around her. Her heartbeat became steady and deliberate. Years of artistry and battle sharpened her senses beyond natural limits. She could feel the presence of three beings ahead, heavier, darker, more suffocating than anything they'd faced before.
Her breath caught. Something was wrong.
Without a word, Hielo sprinted forward, cutting through the marching ranks.
"Hielo!" Rufo shouted after her. "What's going on?"
She skidded to a stop beside Kellix and grabbed his hand, trembling. "Kellix," she whispered, voice breaking, "you have to go. Go back to the village."
"What?" Kellix blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm begging you," she pleaded, her voice raw. "Please. Turn around. Leave this battlefield. Put your pride aside."
Hidikai stared, confused. "Hielo, why are you saying this?"
"Hey!" Releyanda barked. "What the hell is wrong with you? You're not seriously thinking of running, are you?"
Hielo ignored them all, her eyes locked on Kellix. "Please... your father—"
"Enough, Hielo!" Kellix snapped, pulling his hand away. "Stop using my father as an excuse for your cowardice."
She froze, wounded by the words.
"I am Kellix, the brave son of Jerix and Painter of Clay," he said, voice unwavering. "I run from nobody."
And with that, he walked ahead, leaving her standing there, silent, trembling, and terrified.
The Three
Far beyond the horizon, three silhouettes stood waiting.
The first lowered its hood, revealing a gleaming mechanical face, cold, calculating.
Maegan, the AI Converter.
Beside him, a female pink bacteria smiled with twisted delight. Debora, the Parasite.
And towering over them both, a grotesque figure pulsed with writhing bacteria. Edgar, the Bacteria.
"Where is Nini?" Maegan asked, his voice steeped in arrogance.
Debora shrugged, smiling sweetly. "Beats me. She'll show up eventually."
"Fine," Maegan said. "Remember, if we do well here, the Kings of the Surface will promote us to Knights."
Debora licked her lips. "I don't care about titles. I just want to eat people."
Edgar let out a booming, distorted laugh. "Me, Edgar, want to melt faces! HAHAHA!"
Maegan's metallic gaze turned toward the advancing army. "Then let us satisfy our hearts desires."
...To Be Continued