In the blink of an eye, J found himself in Aurora Vale's capital.
The city buzzed with chatter and laughter. The aroma of delicacies filled the air, and a towering fountain bloomed like a flower at the center of it all.
"Look around you and tell me what you see," Noctis said with pride. "Do you see fear or discomfort in their eyes?"
J had already visited the capital once with Okita, but every time, he was amazed by its beauty. Smiles and joy lit up the faces of the citizens. Despite the harsh rules Noctis had implemented, not one face showed discomfort or fear.
J shook his head calmly. "No. There's no fear or discomfort in their eyes."
"I'm glad to hear that. Now, let's see if we can find anyone dissatisfied with my rules."
Noctis flicked his fingers, and a simple black mask appeared in his hand. It wasn't anything elaborate—just a plain mask with two small holes for eyes.
He put it on, altering his voice slightly, then pointed toward a boy and girl with cat-like ears and tails.
"Try asking them: do they feel oppressed for having to wear modest clothing? Do they want to eat pork and drink alcohol? Or want the punishments for crimes to be reduced?" Noctis said softly.
J tilted his head. "How exactly? I can't just ask that out of nowhere."
"Start a casual conversation. After a few minutes, say you don't like a certain law. Let the rest come naturally."
J didn't like the idea of interrogating strangers, but he couldn't back out. He had to prove Noctis wrong. Slowly, he walked toward the beast-kin pair.
How am I supposed to approach them?
And what if they agree with Noctis?
"I know, right—"
"Hi," J interrupted, waving.
"Hi," they replied.
After an awkward silence, J introduced himself as a new citizen of Aurora Vale. As they talked, the beast-kins' tones softened, and their guards dropped.
Seizing the opportunity, J asked, "Can I ask you something? Don't you dislike wearing such modest clothing? Don't you want to show off your beauty or physique? Personally, I feel like this law is limiting my freedom."
"I don't mind," the boy said with a smile. "I mean, is there any reason for me to show off? If someone can't love me unless they see my muscles or body, I don't need them in my life."
"Same here," the girl added. "I don't see the point of showing too much skin. What do I gain from it?
And as for you feeling limited—it's probably because you're still new.
Weren't there laws or social norms in your world that stopped people from walking around nude?"
J paused, taken aback. In his world, modesty was often mocked or seen as outdated, but these two seemed responsible and confident in their choice.
"Yeah, I guess. But what about the harsh punishments Noctis gives to lawbreakers?"
"Nope," the girl answered casually.
"No way," the boy added sharply. "If someone commits a crime in a kingdom like this—where there's no fear of hunger, abandonment, or poverty—why would they even need to steal?
And we beast-kin have the right to personally request help from the king. Most of the time, we get it in just a few days. So tell me—why would anyone need to steal?"
J shifted uncomfortably. "But… don't you think criminals deserve a second chance?"
The boy narrowed his eyes. "Really? Those people?
I mean—sure, small-time criminals like pickpockets get three chances. But murderers, rapists, or anyone like that? They deserve to rot in the depths of HELL!"
His words sent a chill down J's spine.
The girl raised her hand. "Oh, by the way—a week from now, some slavers, buyers, and a rapist are getting publicly executed. Want to come watch with us?"
J's eyes widened. "Are you serious? Why would you invite me to something like that?"
She shrugged. "I guess it is terrible, but it's rare. Hardly anyone commits crimes here, except in the dark areas."
"Dark areas?" J asked.
"That's what we call the newly conquered kingdoms," the boy explained. "They take time to adjust to the king's rules. And usually, they're the ones committing crimes, thinking they'll be forgiven like before."
He paused. "Oh, and even criminals like murderers or rapists can be forgiven—if the victim or their family chooses to forgive them. Then they're released under strict supervision."
"…I think I'll go home now," J muttered. "I feel sick."
"Okay, bye!" the girl waved.
"Bye," said the boy with a smile. "Guess he couldn't handle the truth. Not surprising, though—he's new. He'll adjust."
"Yeah," the girl replied quietly.
---
Meanwhile, J stood before Noctis, his breath ragged.
"So, what did you find?" Noctis asked with a grin.
"…Your people are as crazy as you," J muttered.
Noctis clutched his chest in mock pain. "How hurtful!
Well—if you're still not convinced, I can take you to the darkest corners of Aurora Vale. Even there, the answers won't be much different."
He leaned forward. "Want to keep exploring?"
J steadied himself. "Yes. I know there are cracks in your rule—cracks that are ruining people's lives. I'll find them and show you your flaws."
Noctis placed a hand on J's shoulder. A humming portal opened, engulfing them once more.
This time, they weren't teleported to a shining city.
They arrived in a slum where dust floated through the air, and makeshift homes made of weeds and tin sheets lined the streets. But it wasn't all bleak—new homes, roads, shops, schools, and restaurants were under construction.
"What is this place?" J asked.
"These are the dark areas you were so curious about," Noctis replied calmly. "Formerly known as Conres—a land ruled by the nobles of Iris."
"So… why bring me here?" J narrowed his eyes. "I thought you'd take me somewhere your real people live."
"They are my people!" Noctis snapped, his voice suddenly sharp—rattling the air. "The moment they came under my rule, they became my responsibility. Their safety, their peace—that's on me."
He turned, walking forward. "Let's continue. If you're going to find someone who thinks like you, it'll most likely be here."
J followed close behind. "So that's what you want? Someone who shares my ideals?"
"No," Noctis replied softly, his smile calm. "I want you to see what happens to the kingdoms I conquer."
As they walked, an odd sight caught J's gaze—something he hadn't seen in Aurora Vale until now. A group of women were crying, their bodies trembling as they begged the construction workers not to tear down a building.
"Ma'am, please let us do our job. I promise you will be compensated soon. Until then, you'll receive free food and housing," one of the workers said gently.
"But... but it was the only thing I was good at. It was my only source of income," one of the women said, her voice somber.
Another dropped to her knees, her voice sharp. "You people can't do this! First, you conquered our land, and now you're taking away our only source of income!"
The worker sighed. "Ma'am, as I said, you will be compensated. The king instructed us to build shops based on your preferences and to give you proper training—whether in sewing, craftsmanship, or something else. It's your choice."
Meanwhile, J stared at Noctis, eyes wide. "Noctis! What is this?"
Noctis glanced at the women, then shifted his gaze back to J. "Oh, those? You'll see situations like that a lot in the dark areas. Those women were prostitutes—not by choice, but by circumstance. So I'm giving them a second chance at life, with dignity. They can start any business they want, and I'll support them."
Noctis paused, his tone cold. "Count them lucky. If they were from the main cities, they—and the people who paid for their services—would've been executed after a single warning."
"You psycho!" J shouted.
"Did you already forget? I made modesty into law, banned pornography, and outlawed alcohol. For me to allow something like that would be hypocritical, wouldn't it?" Noctis explained calmly.
"Yes, that may be, but sentencing someone to death for that is madness!" J exclaimed.
"It may sound like madness," Noctis replied calmly, walking forward, "but it produces results — unlike those idealistic laws other kingdoms so proudly uphold."
As J followed him, he glanced at the mask on Noctis's face. "Why are you wearing that creepy mask, anyway?"
"To hide my identity," Noctis said, his tone casual, "and to make it easier to speak with my people without them being overly conscious of my presence—"
Suddenly, Noctis's hand shot out, grabbing a hooded kid who was running by.
"Ugh!"
"Let me go!" the kid shouted, struggling in Noctis's grasp.
Noctis crouched down, his voice soft. "Kid, you do know that stealing is wrong right?"
The kid gulped as a sweat drop trickled down his face. "Umm... I didn't steal anything, these fruits are mine."
Noctis grabbed the kids shoulders tight as his eyes glimmered. "Kid... kid do not lie to me, you cannot fool my eyes of truth. You do not need to suffer from poverty. Tell the truth and you will gain all the help you need."
The kid dropped the shack of fruits as he bursted out in tears. His cries echoed in the air.
"Noctis! Stop it he said he didn't let him go already." J shouted.
"J stay out of what you do not understand." Noctis exclaimed. "Kid please tell me the truth I promise I will not let anything happen to you. I am like your brother or father how ever you like it. I will protect and provide for you if needed so please tell the truth." He said softly.
With tearful eyes and stuttering voice the kid said. "I– I am sorry. My... my mother is sick and... and there is no food at home. So, I— I stole these."
Noctis gave satisfied smile and hugged the kid, peting his back. "There you go was it hard?"
The kid shook his head as he hugged Noctis back.
"Do not worry I will take your mother to a good doctor and manage a place for you and your mother to live." Noctis said pulling back. "For now let us return that shall we?"
Sniff! Sniff!
"Okay..." The kid said whipping his tears.
Noctis stood up as he held the kids hand. "Can you tell me where you stole these from."
"The shop is on 15th street at least I think so." The kid said softly.
Noctis smiled softly. "Okay, we will check it out." Noctis continued. "J, place your hand on my shoulder or else you will left behind once I teleport."
J titled his head. "Why? Can't you teleport without contact?"
"I can but it would require me to use little more of my power which will frighten the kid." Noctis replied with his unnerving smile.
J shook his shoulders. "Whatever you say." J placed his hand over Noctis's shoulders.
A humming portal engulfed them canceling out all the sounds. The kid flinched and close his eyes and when he opened his eyes he found himself in front of the seller.
"There you are." The man exclaimed. "Did you people caught this thief? Thank you if you did."
Noctis shook his head. "No, we did not he asked us to bring him to you. So, that he can apologize and return your goods and as compensation here take these." Noctis a handed the seller three gold coins as he signalled the kid.
"Mr. I— I am sorry. I was to desperate here are the fruits I stole." The kid stuttered.
With a bright smile the seller said. "It's okay kido, I forgive after all how couldn't I after receiving such a gift."
Noctis turned towards the kid, his tone soft. "Now, then let us visit your sickly mother and get her to the hospital shall we? So, tell me where do you live?"
The kid tilted his head as he said. "The second house on the 10th Street."
"Okay."
Noctis said softly as he teleported them in front of a small hut. The kid ran ahead, waving at Noctis with a wide smile on his face.
As they walked in, they saw an empty hut with only a few utensils lying around. The kid's mother lay on a ragged cloth—her body burning with fever, her skin pale, and her limbs trembling.
"How did they even survive? Having this hut is the same as not having any," J thought to himself as he looked around.
The kid rushed to his mother, still smiling. "Mom! Mom! Look who I brought! You don't have to worry anymore—you'll get better!" He turned toward Noctis. "Right? She will, won't she?"
Noctis nodded and slowly approached the mother, then gently picked her up in his arms.
"You two, hold onto me," Noctis commanded.
J nodded and placed his hand on Noctis's shoulder, while the kid grabbed onto Noctis's leg, looking up at him with hope in his eyes. Noctis exhaled slowly as a portal began to form around them—but this time, it was slower… almost strained.
Buzz! Chat! Buzz!
As the world reformed around them, they found themselves in a hospital. A large white room with floral columns reaching up to a black ceiling; chairs were scattered across the space, and a wooden reception desk sat in the center.
Noctis walked up to the sleepy receptionist and spoke in a soft yet commanding voice. "Hello, miss. Wake up and call Bea—we have an emergency."
The receptionist yawned, but when she recognized him, she immediately stood up. "My king!"
Noctis raised a finger to his mask. "Shh."
She nodded and quickly led them through several corridors, stopping at door number 302.
"Dr. Bea is currently treating a patient," she said softly.
"Thanks," Noctis said, pushing the door open.
"Thank you, doctor," the patient said as he exited the room.
"If it isn't my favorite patient—the king," Bea teased as she looked up.
But when her gaze landed on the kid and his mother, she stood. "Did you remarry or something? Who are they?"
"Bea, you know very well that June was the only woman for me," Noctis replied, gently laying the mother down on the patient bed.
"I know, I know." Bea said as she examined the mother's body.
"Do, you know what is the problem with her?" Noctis asked softly.
"She has a severe fever, but don't worry she will be fine if she gets enough rest and healthy source of food." Bea replied.
"Then I have nothing worry. Also do you not have a extra house laying around? Can you let them live in that house and take care of them? I will be providing the funds so, you do not have to worry." Noctis said.
"Okay, okay I'll be doing that. But how about your condition?" Bea asked.
"I am waiting for the dwarves to extract the hydra blood." Noctis replied as he turned towards the kid. "So, kid what is your name?"
"Coco." The kid replied.
"Coco, from this point onwards you will live with Dr. Bea here at least in one of her house and she will be taking care of you and your mother. But, do not misbehave okay, also from next week you will be go to school okay."
The kid nodded a wide smile on his face. "Okay!" The kid paused and asked. "But will you come back and visit us again?"
"I do not know. But I have to go now." Noctis said softly as he turned to leave.
"Bye-bye!" The kid weaved his hand.
"Hey Noctis do not forget to drink the elixir once it's ready." Bea said as she treated the mother.
Noctis just raised his hand as slid the door open.
"Noctis." J called out.
"Yes, J, what is it? " Noctis asked.
" Who is that woman? She seemed so close to you, even Lillian and the others aren't that close to you." J replied narrowing his eyes.
"She is my doctor, she have been for the last hundred years." Noctis said as he turned to face J.
"Okay... But who is June?" J added.
"I will tell you later but not now, after all we have one more place to visit." Noctis's voice cold.
"Where?" J asked tilting his head.
Noctis placed his hand on J's shoulder as a humming portal engulfed them—