"Come with me," Dr. Thomas said, rising into the air.
Ron's muscles tensed. He followed, keeping his guard high. The wind whipped past him as they soared above the city, lights flickering below like tiny stars.
"Hey, Doc, when will you actually talk?" Ron called.
"We're almost there," Dr. Thomas replied.
Ron nodded silently, scanning the streets below. Together, they left Hero Town behind and headed toward another city.
When they landed, Ron's eyes took in the sprawling metropolis below. "What is this place?"
"This is Atliop City," Dr. Thomas said.
They touched down atop a towering building. The wind tugged at Ron's hair and jacket as he crouched, taking in the cityscape—a labyrinth of rooftops and neon signs glowing faintly in the twilight.
"Listen carefully, Ron," Dr. Thomas began, his voice unusually serious.
Ron nodded.
"I need your help—"
"For what?" Ron asked immediately.
"Let me finish," Dr. Thomas interrupted.
"Okay," Ron said, wary.
"I have written many volumes based on my research—about the universe and countless other things."
Ron remembered Dream mentioning Dr. Thomas's research volumes and nodded slowly.
"A piece of one volume is here in Atliop City," Dr. Thomas continued.
Ron's curiosity sharpened. If it's here… what could it contain?
"So, I want you to retrieve it… quietly," Dr. Thomas said.
Ron studied him, weighing the risk. This isn't just a simple task. If I fail… the consequences could be huge.
"Okay," he said at last.
Dr. Thomas extended his hand. Ron hesitated, then remembered something he had seen before.
"Can I ask you something?" he said, letting Dr. Thomas's hand hover in the air.
"Yes," Dr. Thomas replied.
"Can you tell me about Ricky Racon?"
Dr. Thomas's expression darkened. He withdrew his hand and clenched it tightly. I need Ron now… he can bring me that research, and I can use it to awaken the Dead Titan, he thought.
"I don't know him personally," Dr. Thomas said finally. "I heard a lot about him during my research. He was the central figure in the oldest recorded event—the Great Massacre."
Ron's eyes widened. "What's his relation to me?"
Dr. Thomas stared sharply.
"I don't know," he said flatly.
"So… what is the Great Massacre?" Ron pressed, tension tightening his chest.
"Ron, you're asking too much," Dr. Thomas said.
"Wha—" Ron began, but was cut off.
"It's part of a bigger plan," Dr. Thomas continued. "And I'm doing you guys a favor by fighting it."
Ron's eyes widened as he processed the words. A bigger plan… and Wulkranoth is fighting it? I thought he was evil… something doesn't add up.
"Now, are you helping or not?" Dr. Thomas asked.
"I'll help," Ron said. "I'm on your side."
"From where will I get your volumes?" Ron asked.
"Remember The Eclipse, the world's most evil organization," Dr. Thomas said.
"Yeah. They once offered me a chance to join them," Ron said.
"They have it," Dr. Thomas said.
"Where could I find them?" Ron asked.
"That's your job. Bye. Cyaa," Dr. Thomas said.
"Wait," Ron called.
"Oh, yes. They are here in Atliop City," Dr. Thomas added.
With a final thumbs-up, Dr. Thomas vanished in the blink of an eye, leaving Ron crouched atop the building, wind whipping around him.
AT HERO TOWN HOSPITAL
Ava sank into her chair, exhaustion weighing her down. Her day had been long, and she was ready to leave when her phone rang. Liora.
Ava smiled. "Hello?"
"Hello, Ava?" Liora replied.
"Yes. Did you get any information about DA?" Ava asked.
"No," Liora said.
"Why not?" Ava pressed.
"I called him. He said not to worry about DA," Liora explained.
Ava leaned back, thinking. "Okay… if you say so."
"I was surprised too, but there's no need to worry for now," Liora continued.
"Why don't we use that?" Ava asked suddenly, her mind racing.
"That?" Liora raised an eyebrow.
"They have information about everything. Maybe they know something about DA," Ava said, her eyes glinting with determination.
"What do you want to do?" Liora asked, cautious.
"I want to infiltrate and see for myself," Ava said. "You can come, if you want."
"Really? You're trying to infiltrate 'The Eclipse'—the world's biggest terrorist organization?" Liora asked, astonished.
"Yes," Ava said firmly. Her fingers tightened around her phone. "Let's revisit our past."