Caesar sat shackled in one of the underground cells, heavy cuffs forged by Kuro binding both his hands and feet. Outside the cell, Kuro stood twirling Caesar's own sword, the one that bore one of those enchanted restraints. He swung it around mockingly, a wild grin on his face.
"You enjoying the show?" he asked with smug amusement.
Caesar said nothing at first. He simply stared at the ground, the weight of his memories dragging him down. He thought back—just two days ago, everything had been different. That was right after the chaotic clash between the National Division and the members of Kaos Team.
In the grand palace of Yossan Endar, leader of the National Division, the man himself sat lazily on his throne, sipping a cup of coffee. A subordinate entered the hall with urgency in his step.
"Sir, I've come to report the recent developments."
Yossan raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
The subordinate quickly summarized the events—the confrontation between Kaos Team and their forces, the resulting draw and the successful occupation of Kaos Team's base. He also reported the unexpected interference by two commanders from the Fighter Division, Emilio and Caesar , who were joined by a third individual.
"Interesting," Yossan mused. "That is some news. Tell the other commanders to begin converting the former Kaos headquarters into a training facility for our new recruits."
"Yes, sir," the subordinate replied before respectfully exiting the hall.
Left alone, Yossan pulled out a sheet of paper and began writing something.
Elsewhere, in one of his fortified palaces, Murphy Wong, the formidable leader of the Fighter Division of The Fauvism, lounged in his throne chair. A messenger entered.
"Sir, I bring a letter from Yossan Endar, the National Division leader."
Murphy's eyes narrowed. "A letter? Let me see it."
The messenger handed it over. Murphy opened the letter and read:
---
To the Leader of the Fighter Division, Murphy Wong,
Greetings. This is Yossan Endar and yes, this letter is written in my own hand—you should recognize the script.
Recently, an incident occurred. I'm unsure if you've heard of it. During one of our private missions, your commanders Emilio and Caezar, along with a third member, interfered. Emilio killed two of our operatives before he himself died. Caesar and the other fled.
Whether you knew or not, your people violated our jurisdiction. I ask that you control your soldiers and keep them out of National Division affairs.
I wish to speak in person. Let's meet at our usual location in three days' time.
–Yossan Endar
---
Murphy folded the letter, slipping it into his coat. Then he turned to the messenger.
"Summon Karaido and Tatsuka immediately."
"Yes, sir."
As for Caesar, he and Joey had narrowly escaped the chaotic battle between Kaos and the National Division . Believing it was best to disappear before they caused more damage—or so they thought—they hid in one of Caesar's usual haunts
A bar where he was well-known and feared. After all, he was an elite commander from the Fighter Division.
They sat at a secluded table, speaking in low voices.
"I can't believe I missed the chance to kill that bastard Durbin," Joey growled. "He was right there, helpless... and still got away."
"He's stubborn," Caesar replied coldly. "Didn't you say a girl saved him? One with a mole?"
"Yeah. Big black mole on her right cheek. Red hair."
Caesar's eyes narrowed. "That must be Yuna Ribwan... She fits the description. We'll need a new plan to take her and the others down."
But before they could strategize further, an unexpected blast crashed into the bar—aimed directly at them.
Caesar reacted swiftly, blocking the strange power. But his surprise only grew when he saw the attacker: Karaido, his own colleague with Tatsuka by his side.
"What the hell is going on?!" Caesar demanded.
"You and the new guy, Joey, are to come with us," Karaido replied grimly. "You're being summoned for trial."
"Trial? What are you talking about?"
"Yossan sent a letter to our leader, explaining your interference in one of their classified missions."
"You've got it wrong! We were just hunting fugitives from a previous encounter. That's not interference, it's—"
"Enough," Karaido cut in. "Come quietly. You know how Murphy gets when he's angry."
Caesar's throat went dry. After a tense silence, he nodded. "...Fine. Let's go."
The two surrendered and followed Karaido and Tatsuka to the Grand Hall.
There, Murphy sat on his throne, regal and imposing. Joey and Caesar stood before him, with Karaido and Tatsuka stationed behind. Murphy rose slowly and approached.
"You vanished without a word, Caesar. You and Emilio. Said it was mission-related."
Caesar : " Sir , We were tracking those who escaped us before, trying to—"
"Silence."
Murphy's fist crashed into Caesar's face, sending him to the floor. He loomed over him, voice cold and furious.
"You disobeyed orders. Interfered in a National Division operation. We swore not to get involved in their affairs. You—an elite commander—should've known better."
Caesar : "But..., I—"
"How many times must I tell you to shut the fuck up?!"
Murphy kicked him hard in the gut, over and over, then grabbed him by the collar and hoisted him up.
"Your punishment is set. You'll be handed over to Yossan. You're no longer one of us, even if he shows you mercy. Cross us again and I'll torture you until you beg me to kill you."
Caesar : "S-Sir... please... forgive me..."
Murphy slammed Caesar's head to the floor, knocking him out.
Turning to Karaido and Tatsuka, he commanded, "I've contacted Yossan. A transport truck will be here in thirty minutes. Take him outside and wait."
"Yes, sir," Tatsuka replied.
Karaido hefted Caesar over his shoulder and the two left.
Joey remained, trembling.
Murphy turned to him slowly. "You afraid, Joey?"
"I... I'm sorry, sir. I made a mistake."
"Apologies won't fix what's done. But... you're lucky. I won't punish you."
"R-Really?!"
"Go. Before I change my mind."
Joey didn't wait. He bolted from the hall, running without a destination—just away. He was too terrified to stop, terrified he'd share Caesar's fate. Eventually, he collapsed under the shade of a tree, panting. He remembered the terrifying aura around Murphy... that overwhelming power. Taking a deep breath, he drank from a water flask and tried to calm his nerves.
Later, the National Division truck arrived. Caesar was handed over.
Back in the present, Caesar looked up at Kuro from within his cell.
"What joy do you get from mocking me, Mr. Binding Powers?"
"I don't do it for joy. Just to pass the time."
"What are you going to do with me? Execute me?"
"That depends on Lord Yossan. He'll decide your punishment."
"So I'll be kept prisoner here?"
"We don't believe in that,"
"What do you mean?"
"We don't imprison people—enemy or not. If we do, it's only temporary. No one has the right to cage another forever."
"Then how do you punish those who wrong you?"
"Either we hurt them as much as they hurt us... or we kill them. Yossan knows a judge who will determine your sentence."
"A trial, then?"
"Call it that if you want."
"So... don't I get a lawyer?"
Kuro smirked. "In our case, attackers have no right to legal counsel. They're to shut up... and accept their punishment with dignity."
That silencing remark left Caesar speechless.
Meanwhile, in their new base, Chris sat alone in the garden, haunted by memories.
He saw again the grotesque creature that had haunted his nightmares—an abomination of fused human bodies connected by blood, some incomplete, some twitching. That monster had invaded his mind the moment the black spider clung to the back of his neck.
He hadn't told anyone. Maybe out of pride. Maybe fear. But the trauma was real.
He decided he needed to talk. If anyone could understand, it would be the Ribwan twins—Luna and Yuna. They too had suffered the spider's curse.
Chris knocked on Luna's door. No answer. He tried Yuna's. Still nothing. Then he heard noise outside.
Peeking through the window, he saw the twins laughing, playing with Tristan's dog, tossing a frisbee back and forth.
He hesitated. Maybe now wasn't the right time.
Then, he felt someone behind him.
Turning, he found himself face to face with Aiden, their leader.
"Hello, Chris," Aiden greeted casually.
Chris : "Leader Aiden... you know my name?"
"I've learned most of your names by now."
"Good to know."
"Why are you watching your friends from a distance instead of joining them?"
"It's complicated."
"Try me. We're not that far apart in age, after all."
And it was true—Aiden was only a year older than Chris.
So Chris opened up. He spoke of the monster, the spider and the fear that clung to him like a second skin.
"That monster you described sounds terrifying," Aiden admitted.
"It is."
"But you still have to face it. Be brave."
"I couldn't... I'm scared it might happen again—that the spider might latch on and I'll see it all again."
"Then don't look at it,"
"What do you mean?"
"If it returns... remember, you might hurt your friends. You could even kill them."
Chris went silent. He remembered nearly killing Jayden once. Merrick had saved him just in time.
Aiden continued, "If you ever face it again, no matter how scared you are, remember—your friends are waiting. Fight for them... and for yourself."
Chris smiled. "You're right. Thank you Leader "
"You're welcome. You're all one of us now. We need to trust each other if we're going to defeat our enemies."
"You're right. We won't succeed otherwise."
They shook hands. Aiden walked off and Chris watched him, admiration in his eyes.
Aiden had that effect on people. He treated his followers like comrades, spoke to them like brothers. He was like how Jayden used to be when he led the Iron Phantom.
Meanwhile, Melvin left his house for a nearby café. As he sat down, a man approached and joined him.
It was Milo.
"How are you?" Milo asked.
"Fine. Just wanted coffee. You?"
"Same. Plus... I wanted to talk."
"I know what it's about."
"Then... did you do what I asked?"
"Yes. And you were right about the Ribwan twins. I confirmed it myself when I fought them."
"I knew it. But the truth we uncovered about them... doesn't pose a threat to us."
"No, it doesn't."
After finishing their drinks, they each returned home.
But the question remained—what exactly had they discovered about Luna and Yuna Ribwan
And would it bring peace… or conflict