Moments earlier, Kilibur had been removed from the machine when something strange began to happen across the realm. Slowly, the citizens stopped repeating—or even thinking—the words that had dominated their minds for so long: "We are all friends, and Mejod is a great leader."
However, shortly after, emotions and thoughts began to shift. The citizens no longer carried out their daily tasks; instead, they felt strange, confused, as if something within them had been altered. Gradually, they began interacting with one another, noticing unsettling details: some figures in armor, who once wore the colors of the realm, now bore dark uniforms marked with a distinctive purple insignia. It was clear they had been under a powerful illusion, but now that illusion was starting to fade.
The citizens, feeling a mix of curiosity and alarm, began gathering in small groups that quickly grew in number. Plazas and streets filled with people murmuring among themselves.
"I think we're under attack by the Purple Shadows," one citizen said, pointing to the insignia on the guards' arms.
"Yes!" others responded, nodding with concern.
"What can we do?" some asked.
One of the young adults, trying to remain calm, replied:
"First, we must not cause panic. If the guards discover we've broken free from whatever was controlling us, we could make things worse. I believe it was a spell."
"Yes!" the others agreed.
But before they could organize, nearby guards approached the group with stern expressions.
"What are you doing gathered here?" one of them demanded, his tone authoritative. "You should be carrying out your duties!"
One of the citizens, indignant, retorted:
"We will no longer serve you!" and hurled an apple at one of the guards. Others followed suit, openly confronting them. The initial plan to avoid drawing attention was completely abandoned.
The soldiers, surprised by the sudden rebellion, attempted to control the crowd. But the citizens were determined to face them. However, the Purple Shadow soldiers were experts in close combat. With precise and forceful movements, they managed to disperse the citizens, though this only fueled the tension further.
Soon, these scenes began repeating everywhere in the realm. The alarm blared shrilly, signaling that something grave was unfolding.
In the palace, Mejod, the leader of the Purple Shadows, asked calmly:
"What is happening?"
General Tredus, kneeling swiftly, responded:
"It's nothing, sir. Nothing we can't resolve."
"Very well," Mejod replied, tightening his grip on his staff. "Then I shall retire to my chambers for some rest. I think this does not escalate."
"No, sir," Tredus assured him, maintaining his bowed position as he watched Mejod withdraw.
Tredus immediately called an emergency meeting with his top leaders. Once everyone had arrived, he addressed one of them:
"What is happening? Why are the citizens acting this way?"
The person questioned shook their head.
"I don't know, sir," came the honest reply.
One of the leaders, a burly man, rose from his seat.
"The citizens are behaving as if they have free will. They're attempting to rise against the army," he explained, his grave tone reflecting deep concern.
General Tredus placed a hand on his chin, thoughtful. His eyes scanned the room as he analyzed the possible causes of the situation. Suddenly, his face tensed, and he slammed his fist on the table, frustration evident.
"That being must have escaped! Surely the prisoner managed to free it!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with anger.
A more composed leader, a bulky man calmer than the rest, interjected:
"Sir, calm down. It wouldn't be easy to defeat the Sapurus creature guarding it, would it?"
But another leader, a thin elderly man, countered:
"Then how do you explain the people breaking free from the fox's illusion?"
A third, younger leader added:
"And have you already informed Lord Mejod about this?"
"No!" Tredus snapped, raising his voice. "He'll think we're a bunch of incompetent fools."
At that moment, a voice spoke up from the back of the room. It was Zor, a muscular but bald man known for his ambition, though not as physically imposing as Tredus.
"Then there's no other option but to send a contingent," Zor declared firmly, rising from his seat. "I volunteer."
The other leaders exchanged glances and murmured among themselves:
"Always the flatterer, Zor."
General Tredus observed him for a moment before responding:
"Very well. Take a handful of soldiers and investigate. Be discreet," he ordered, pointing at him with an authoritative finger.
"Yes, sir," Zor replied, bowing his head slightly.
But before he could leave, Tredus stopped him with a cold warning:
"And, Zor… Do not fail me, or your head will end up in that display case."
Everyone knew what lay in the general's display case: war trophies, broken spears, chipped swords, and other grim relics that testified to his brutal efficiency. Zor swallowed hard, nodded quickly, and hurried out of the room, taking with him a large contingent of soldiers. The remaining leaders stayed behind to deal with the growing unrest spreading across the realm.
On the other hand, thanks to the enormous leg of the Sapurus still blocking the entrance, the group had a little more time to think. But they knew it wouldn't last long; soon the soldiers would arrive with explosives.
"I don't want to stay here!" Paris exclaimed, panicking as she stared at the door with wide eyes.
Mok, Alita, Ron, Lukeandria, and an unconscious Paltio quickly gathered, trying to decide what to do. If they were discovered by the soldiers, the consequences would be devastating: they'd be captured and forced into slavery, separated from Paltio. Worse still, Lukeandria, who was impersonating Pax, would face a fate far crueler than death as they extracted answers from her. Paris would return to captivity, and Kilibur would once again become a hostage.
Rykaru, his large eyes brimming with worry, timidly asked:
"And what about me?"
Lukeandria looked at him seriously, though her tone remained gentle:
"Well… Knowing them, they'd take you to Tejod to study you and do horrible things to you."
Rykaru began repeating frantically, tears welling up in his eyes:
"I don't want that! I don't want that!"
"Oh no! Here we go again!" Toco-Toco exclaimed, rolling his eyes as he anticipated the noise the little creature was about to cause.