Nox and Ron reached a silent accord: they would assist Zigh in dismantling the Orleander organization. It was a decision rooted in seeking truth, a path often favored by those seeking to right their past wrongs.
"Alright, I'll finalize your discharge procedures immediately," Zigh announced.
Ron and Nox offered a simultaneous nod. Without another word, Zigh headed toward the administration wing, leaving the two brothers in the lingering silence of the corridor.
"Ron... why do I feel so unsettled?" Nox broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper.
"What do you mean, Nox?"
"Ever since I met Lian... I..." Nox paused, searching for the right words. "There is a tempest in my heart. Something is stirring deep inside."
Ron exhaled a long, weary breath. "Why mention this only now?"
Nox lowered his gaze, staring intently at his own calloused hands. "I don't know. Perhaps it's because I've finally admitted that I was wrong—"
"Not just you, Nox. We were wrong," Ron corrected.
Nox looked up, meeting Ron's eyes. "Ron... if there's a connection between me and Lian..."
Ron placed a firm, grounding hand on Nox's shoulder. "It doesn't matter, does it? We've already let go of our past burdens. All that remains is to seek the truth. Let's trust in the process."
A faint, genuine smile touched Nox's lips. "Ron... thank you."
"You always were a handful—"
BAM!
The door swung open with a sharp crack, cutting Ron off. Zigh stepped back in, his eyes darting between the two.
"What's going on with you two?"
"Just a bit of restless energy, isn't that right, Nox?" Ron replied.
Nox nodded. "Yeah... nothing to worry about, Colonel."
Zigh clicked his tongue, unimpressed. "Fine. Follow me. We're heading to Begepe City right now."
***
The trio made their way to the parking lot. Nox's jaw dropped slightly the moment he laid eyes on Zigh's vehicle. Ron, though more composed, couldn't hide the flicker of intrigue as he studied the car's sleek contours.
Its design is unique—minimalist yet sophisticated. I wonder how much a machine like this costs? Ron mused, stealing a glance at Zigh.
Nox let out a low whistle. "Well, Colonel, I have to admit, you've got excellent taste."
Zigh snorted. "Just get in. Ron, you're in the front. You, Champ, take the back."
"What!? Why am I stuck in the back?" Nox grumbled.
"Can you drive this thing?" Zigh challenged, one eyebrow arched.
Ron sighed. "Nox, just get in. Let's not make a scene."
Nox turned his head away with a huff. "Annoying," he muttered, sliding into the backseat. Ron offered Zigh a brief, apologetic glance before joining him in the front.
Zigh ignited the engine. The car purred to life and smoothly glided out of the hospital grounds toward the main thoroughfare. A heavy silence filled the cabin until Zigh reached out and pressed a single button on the console.
With a mechanical whir, sleek wings extended from the sides. The vehicle lifted off the asphalt, its wheels tilting from vertical to horizontal as it defied gravity.
"Whoa, Ron! We're flying!" Nox shouted, his childish wonder momentarily eclipsing his grumpiness.
Ron smiled. "Calm down, Nox."
"Typical brat," Zigh remarked.
"What did you just say?"
Ron caught Nox's gaze in the rearview mirror. "Nox, enough. And Zigh, please, spare us the sarcasm."
Both men snorted and looked away from each other, leaving Ron to massage his temples in exasperation. Once the tension simmered down, Ron spoke up.
"Zigh, how long until we reach Begepe?"
"In flight mode? About two hours."
"Is it that far?" Nox chimed in.
"Far enough," Zigh replied curtly.
"Anyway, are you sure Lian will welcome us… I mean, into your home, Zigh?" Ron asked.
"To tell you the truth," Zigh paused, "Lian seems a bit... how should I put it?"
"Colonel, don't leave us hanging," Nox complained.
"Quiet, Champ!"
"Nox, stop pestering him," Ron scolded.
"Why am I the one getting blamed here?" Nox groaned.
"I'm not blaming you, I'm just saying—"
"You two are remarkably close," Zigh interrupted, his voice softening slightly.
"Of course. We're brothers," Nox stated.
Zigh offered a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "I see..."
"If you've got a problem with that, Colonel, just say it," Nox challenged.
"Nox Eosvile!"
Ron's voice boomed through the cabin. Both Nox and Zigh flinched, falling into an immediate, stunned silence.
The rumors are true, Zigh thought to himself. The most patient men truly are the most terrifying when angered.
He glanced at Ron. The man was staring straight ahead, the sunlight reflecting off the glass making his blue eyes seem to glow with an intense, divine clarity.
***
Meanwhile, at Zigh's residence, Lian was rhythmically flicking a heavy punching bag. Despite the seemingly light touches, the bag surged backward with enough force to make the support chains groan and rattle.
"Outer, what's the status?" Lian communicated telepathically.
"Asley, the card printer, is currently en route," Outer responded.
"Keep a constant eye on him."
"Of course, Lian. With pleasure."
"I should probably check in with Zigh," Lian murmured to himself. He left the gym area and sat on the edge of his bed, dialing Zigh's number.
"Hello?" Zigh's voice came through.
"Zigh, where are you?"
"On the way to Begepe."
"Alone?"
"No. I'm with Ron and Nox."
"I see... Asley is also heading to Begepe. How are they holding up?"
"You mean Ron and Nox?"
"Who else?"
"They look healthy enough for field work."
"I'm hanging up."
"Wait—"
Click.
Zigh sighed, staring at his phone. "Always doing things his own way," he muttered.
"'Healthy enough'?" Nox mimicked mockingly.
"Nox," Ron warned.
"Forget it. We'll be in Begepe in thirty minutes," Zigh remarked.
Nox peered out the window at the landscape below. "What kind of place is Begepe?"
"Simply put? It's a trade hub."
"Which means the Orleander Organization is holding their meeting there?"
"Precisely, Lieutenant Colonel Ron."
Ron's expression clouded, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "I am no longer a Lieutenant Colonel. Don't use that title."
Zigh glanced at him, observing the weight Ron carried. "Ron, what will you do when you face Lian?"
Nox straightened up, watching his brother's silhouette intently.
Ron closed his eyes for a moment. "Apologize, and..." He trailed off, then looked directly at Zigh. "In your opinion, what is the appropriate punishment for attempted murder?"
"This isn't the Syntax of your world, Ron. I can't pass judgment without evidence."
Ron fell silent.
"What if Lian himself is the evidence?" Nox suggested.
Zigh turned his focus back to the cloud-filled sky ahead. "Champ... have you ever felt like a burden to others?"
Ron started, turning sharply toward Zigh. Nox looked at Ron and offered a small, knowing smile. "I only—"
"Nox, you aren't a burden. I..."
Zigh let out a short, dry laugh. "Must be nice, having a sibling who cares that much."
"Zigh, are you an only child?" Ron asked.
"Yeah."
"Why bring this up now, Colonel?"
"Champ, you know... Lian... it's better if you two just speak with him directly."
Ron clenched his fists, leaning back into his seat. "We will. This time, I—"
"We won't turn away again," Nox finished. "We will find the truth behind the tragedy of Vellion."
Zigh smiled. It seems they've finally broken their shackles.
"Zigh? What is it?" Ron asked, noticing the silence.
"Nothing. We're landing soon."
Nox looked out to the right. Below them, the docks were teeming with merchant vessels, ranging from humble boats to opulent yachts. Ahead, a massive clock tower loomed over the city, its height dwarfing the surrounding skyscrapers.
"Is that clock tower the icon of Begepe?" Ron asked.
Zigh shook his head. "No. That tower was built by the Estogazt Company."
"Estogazt... that sounds familiar," Nox mused.
Ron smiled. "That's the gossip Lena told us at the restaurant. Remember?"
"Oh, right! Zigh, do you have a thing for Leyra?"
Zigh's eyes widened in shock. "W-what are you talking about? What gossip?"
The corner of Nox's mouth tugged upward. "So, who's your favorite then? Lena or Leyra?"
"Champ, what are you implying!?"
Ron let out a soft chuckle.
"Ron, stop laughing!"
"My, my, it seems our Colonel is smitten," Nox teased.
"Nox, you are insufferable."
"You're just realizing that?"
"Damn it, Nox."
Bong... Bong... Bong...
The deep chime of the clock tower echoed through every corner of Begepe, instantly dissolving the lighthearted mood.
Zigh took a deep breath. "Ron, Champ, playtime is over. We're landing near the white building west of the tower."
"Good. I'm ready," Nox said, cracking his knuckles. "After days in a hospital bed, my muscles are stiff."
"Don't be reckless, Nox," Ron cautioned.
Nox struck his chest with a firm fist. "Don't worry."
Zigh's gaze sharpened, radiating a sudden, professional intensity. "Landing now."
The flying car completed a perfect descent, its wheels snapping back into place as it touched the asphalt. The wings retracted seamlessly into the chassis.
Zigh immediately dialed Lian.
"Lian, what's Asley's status?"
"He's entering a hotel... the Esto-something..."
"Understood. I'll be on standby there."
"You know the name?"
"Of course. The Estogazt Grand Hotel."
"Ah, right. That's the one."
"Lian... thank you."
"Don't mention it."
Zigh ended the call. He looked at Ron, then met Nox's eyes through the mirror.
"Ron, Champ—our mission begins now."
To be continued...