Zavian said, "Maybe we need to meet him."
Yui asked, "Him who?"
Zavian answered, "Someone who used to be a student at the Deleted History School and now—" Riju interrupted, "Enough yapping. Just say it's Mr. Gilwas. But that guy's scary, dude."
Zavian replied, "You're right about that."
Riju shrugged. "Well, let's just try."
---
In Gilwas's Room
Gilwas spoke coldly. "What do you want here?"
Riju said, "We want to study the Dark Ages, sir. At the school where you used to study."
Gilwas laughed loudly. "You kids want to study the Dark Ages? Do you even know what it is?"
Zavian answered, "The Dark Age began with the death of Koirus Sekmon and ended with the great civil war between West and East Fikxes, led by Oirens versus Doskio Vargos, with the Mass Starvation marking its close."
Gilwas raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you do know. Good. Call 921######. Tell them Gilwas sent you."
Zavian, Riju, and Yui left.
Riju grinned. "Nice one, Zav."
They went to a public phone and dialed 921######.
"Hello, this is the headmaster of the Deleted History School. Who is this? No answer? I'm hanging up." The voice was curt.
Zavian quickly said, "This is Zavian, a student from Sikharns. We want to visit DHS to study the Dark Ages—especially Oirens."
The headmaster of DHS replied, "What do you know? And why should I accept you?"
Zavian answered, "A little about the Dark Ages. And because of Gilwas."
There was a pause. "Gilwas, huh. You're his students? I'm Fik, headmaster of DHS. If you want to study here, meet me at the DHS private airstrip at 9 AM tomorrow. Gilwas is an old friend."
He hung up.
Riju smiled. "Great job, Zav."
---
The Next Morning
Riju, Zavian, and Yui arrived after walking 4 kilometers and swimming 200 meters. They were lucky—every 7-10 days, Sikharns docks at the Tyusin coast for refueling. That gave them about 7-10 days at DHS.
They were exhausted.
Zavian greeted, "Hello, Headmaster. Thank you for revealing lost histories to the world."
Fik replied coldly, "Who said I gave them? People took them from us. We never give. Every year, we send 8-14 students on expeditions to ruins. 1-2 die—from cuts, slashes, blunt force trauma. We suspect they're killed for information. The point is, I'm only meeting you for one reason. I'll give you information about Oirens only if you three join tomorrow's expedition to El Saragos."
Later, in their room, Fik's words echoed: "We never give." They wondered how such information was obtained. El Saragos was the capital of West Fikxes under Oirens, but after the world's biggest tsunami—31 meters high—the city sank into mud. Its remains lie 73-85 meters underground.
Riju thought about how difficult excavation would be. El Saragos now sits across three countries: Hisme, Vius, and Tidtimus. And Tidtimus had been in the news lately for conflicts with Hisme and Tyusin—where DHS was located.
---
That night, Riju and Zavian went out—not for any serious reason, just to have fun. They bought a deck of cards called "Emotion"—similar to Pokémon but based on human emotions.
Riju smiled. "I play Happiness."
Zavian countered. "I play Sadness to counter."
They laughed.
---
The Next Day - En Route
They slept through most of the 26-hour flight—23,030 kilometers from DHS.
When they arrived at the El Saragos excavation site, they were greeted by the lead archaeologist, Declan Hoses. He led them inside—it was like a coal mine, descending via mining carts.
Declan explained, "Two others are mining inside right now. One more is on the way."
Zavian asked, "On the way from where?"
Declan answered, "From Foria City, Tyusin. Specifically the ancient Argres Library."
Zavian suddenly looked nauseous and scared. "Don't say that name."
---
Elsewhere
A car sped down a road. Inside was Hisek, one of the El Saragos expedition team members.
Hisek muttered, "Finally, I'll see Declan and the others again."
Then he saw something in the distance—not a firecracker. A missile.
Panicked, he leaped from the car just as it exploded. Relieved to be alive, he wondered who had attacked him. Based on its shape and speed, he identified it as an Ahsi-21 missile from Tidtimus. He hid among rocks as a vehicle with Tidtimus flags stopped near his destroyed car. A man stepped out and said, "Come out, kid." But as his eyes focused on the car, a electric pistol struck his hand, electrocuting him until he lost consciousness.
---
7 Hours Later - El Saragos Excavation Site
Riju said tiredly, "This is exhausting. All we do is dig."
Declan replied, "Pretty much."
Riju commented, "This rock is pretty hard."
Declan suddenly smacked Riju lightly.
Riju protested, "Hey! That hurts!"
Declan said, "Stop digging. That's not a rock—it's a book. An ancient book." He carefully brushed away debris. "No work for the next two days. You're free."
They immediately went to their room and slept.
---
The Next Day
Riju suggested exploring the city. Zavian and Yui agreed.
First stop: a Cikdonat fried chicken shop. They bought a whole chicken for 32 Pins and warm tea for 3 Pins each (9 total). As they ate, a stall owner nearby called out, "Try duck shooting! Only 15 Pins. Hit one, and I'll fry it for you!"
Zavian bought two tries. Riju said confidently, "I'll get it this time." He missed. Zavian smirked. "There goes 15 Pins." He cocked the rifle and with one hand shot a duck right in the head. The stall owner nodded. "Got one. I'll fry it."
---
The Next Morning
After enjoying themselves, they were shocked when someone arrived at the excavation site and said, "The headmaster wants you back at DHS immediately. Something happened. Your friend Hisek has been kidnapped. We're gathering information. Return now."
---
Elsewhere
A man in military uniform sat reading two letters—one from DHS, one from Tyusue. Reading the DHS letter, he angrily grabbed a knife and threw it at a doll pinned to the wall, shredding it. Then he read Tyusue's letter and smiled.
He was Disoa Tyus, Hisek's father.
The DHS letter informed him of his son's kidnapping. Tyusue's letter said:
"I've heard from Fik. My condolences. My decision: you may seek revenge, but do not involve Tyusin officially. Use personal reasons. Only the battalion you command may join you."
---
Back at DHS
After a day-long flight, Riju, Zavian, and Yui arrived at DHS and were immediately called to Fik's office.
Fik said, "Your friend was kidnapped. This is normal—it's been happening for 8 years on every expedition. But this time, we fight back. We have help from Disoa Tyus, commander of the most feared battalion. We've located Hisek. But the enemy is terrifying—the world's #1 intelligence agency, BIT. And we suspect intervention from another party: Wilh Sidukas Sekmon."
Riju whispered to Zavian, "Zav, is Wilh related to Welheim?"
Zavian replied quietly, "Different person. Not even related. He's Wilh, a duke from Vanpien. The royal family expelled him 4 days ago."
Riju asked, "How do you know?"
Zavian sighed. "Read the newspaper sometime."
Riju shrugged. "Too boring."
Fik continued, "I suspect another group is collaborating with BIT. BIT is known for using any means necessary—unlike our nations, which follow proper methods. Tomorrow we go to Disoa's base. Rest and restock your supplies. Dismissed."
Yui asked Zavian, "You're not buying whiskey?"
Zavian raised an eyebrow. "Why would I?"
Yui replied, "Your fighting style uses fire and alcohol, right?"
Zavian said, "When did you start paying attention? But I'm not using whiskey. That's 3 times more expensive than vodka. Vodka's fine."
---
The Next Day - Disoa's Base
They arrived at the Tyusin military base, seeing dozens of combat-ready troops. Disoa greeted them. "Ah, Fik. Long time—since you were named world's best teacher, right?"
Fik nodded. "That was 12 years ago."
Disoa looked at the trio. "So these are Hisek's friends. Rest for now. I need to talk with Fik."
Fik asked, "You noticed something, Disoa?"
Disoa replied, "Of course. You mean Wilh's involvement."
Fik nodded. "It's strange. Someone just stripped of his title gets involved in something like this? Word is Kerapien is also involved. That's odd—a radical group should be focused on their plans in Vanpien, not collaborating with BIT. Unless BIT is just bait."
Disoa agreed. "That's my thought. Logically, if Tyusue gets angry and launches an attack, logistics to Vanpien weaken. That makes things easier for Kerapien—and maybe Wilh's faction."
Fik said, "We're thinking the same."
Disoa glanced toward Yui. "That kid who looks like a girl—he's a boy, right? Feel like I've seen him somewhere in Vanpien. But where?"
He continued, "Kerapien's goal is still the same?"
Fik answered, "Yes. Converting ideology to fascism. But why? Vanpien is already fine in my opinion."
Disoa got to the point. "Our plan is simple. We'll create a diversion. Hisek's friends go in."
Fik was alarmed. "Are you insane? That's suicide."
Disoa explained, "We'll divert most of their forces. Only about 5% will remain inside. The rest will focus on us."
Fik argued, "Still, logically, they're just kids. Even if they're from Sikharns—known for combat training—this is still practically a suicide mission. We don't know how many BIT troops are inside. Could be 1,000. 5% is still 50. 50 against 6? The 50 win."
---
7 Hours Before the Assault
Disoa handed them three flares: red, blue, and green.
"My guess: Kerapien will be there. If you encounter them, use the flares. Green means regular Kerapien members—you can handle them. Blue means elite Kerapien—still winnable. Be careful of anyone carrying a scythe—Jioska Varezes. You cannot fight him. If you see him, fire the red flare. I'll come help. Your only job is to fire the flare and wait for me."
---
The Next Morning
Sunlight bathed East City peacefully. Then gunfire shattered the silence.
Disoa's troops shouted, "Charge!"
Intense firefights erupted. They weren't just attacking BIT—they also targeted military bases to prevent reinforcements. Chaos spread.
Riju, Yui, Zavian, Declan, and others moved forward and jumped into the building.
A guard shouted, "Intruders!"
Yui yelled, "Run!"
They ran, trying to enter a room.
Riju complained, "Why are we following that old man's orders?!"
They stumbled into a cafeteria full of employees, who immediately opened fire. Forced to retreat, they entered another room. Zavian smashed one of his vodka bottles, setting the floor on fire—but it was quickly extinguished. Out of ideas, he threw a grenade and closed the door. The explosion collapsed the wall, injuring them slightly.
Riju groaned. "Zavian, what the hell?!"
They pushed forward until they reached a room with an oppressive atmosphere. Someone sat there, using a scythe as a handrest.
"Well, well. Why have you come here? Someone from the Dastan family too. Welcome to this place. I'll make sure you..." He opened his eyes. "...join your brother, Zavian."
Zavian froze.
Two of Declan's friends charged forward but were immediately shot down.
The figure said, "My business is with Zavian and his friends. Not you. And for the friends—let me introduce myself. I'm Jioska, leader of Kerapien."
Riju whispered, "Kerapien? What's their connection to Vanpien?"
Yui replied tensely, "Don't joke. We're facing the 7th strongest fighter from the Histep era."
Zavian said coldly, "Shut up. He's dead. Let him rest. Don't say his name again."
Jioska mocked, "Ooh, scared?" He glanced at Yui. "And next to you—look familiar. Boy or girl? Doesn't matter now. Fight me."
He moved forward and kicked Declan unconscious.
Yui exclaimed, "Declan!"
She lunged, trying to stab Jioska's hand, but he caught her wrist effortlessly. Lifting her, he said, "Your voice says boy. Still, you're weird."
Yui replied, "Not weird. This is how I cope with a tragedy."
Jioska smirked. "What tragedy? I'm listening."
Yui punched his chest, making him grunt. Zavian tried to cut his leg from behind, but Jioska's scythe blocked it. Riju shot from above—Jioska dodged easily. Yui shot his leg—he stumbled but kicked her into a wall.
Riju called out, "Use BV2 strategy!"
Yui responded, "Got it!"
Riju jumped back, shooting—missed. Yui punched—blocked. Riju threw a grenade.
BOOM.
Shrapnel scattered everywhere. Jioska, wounded by fragments, struggled to rise.
Then someone attacked Riju—Fuiriskia, Jioska's deputy in Kerapien.
The situation turned grim until a voice announced, "Relax. We're here." Fik and Disoa had arrived.
Fik ordered, "You three, go!"
Yui, Riju, and Declan ran, with Yui carrying Zavian. In a corridor, they saw someone walking toward them. Panic—but he passed them, heading toward Jioska's location. Relief. But Yui looked terrified.
They noticed the duke emblem on his clothing. They didn't think twice—kept moving. Behind them, the battle between Fik, Disoa, Jioska, and Fuiriskia began.
Riju asked, "What's wrong, Yui?"
Yui stammered, "Th-that was Firukips. Famous for 'one month, definitely one case'—every month he's involved in kidnapping, murder, etc. But strangely, the courts always release him."
Riju asked, "So?"
Yui replied, "If he's here, he's probably the one behind Hisek's kidnapping. Question is—where is Hisek being held?"
Riju said, "Let's search. We're safe for now."
---
Elsewhere
Disoa muttered, "Damn it, Fik."
Both Fik and Fuiriskia were down. Jioska was heavily wounded.
Jioska growled, "No... I have to win." He pressed a button. "15 seconds to escape. Let's see if you can make it."
The building began shaking. Explosions echoed.
Yui and Riju panicked and ran. Seeing a window, Yui shouted, "Jump! Better than dying!" They crashed through the glass just as explosions erupted behind them.
Riju suddenly remembered, "Damn it! This is the 6th floor, Yui!"
They fell—but luckily, the window faced a cliff edge directly above the sea.
Yui and Declan swam to shore, carrying Zavian and Riju (who couldn't swim). On the beach, Riju screamed in pain—salt water in his wounds.
Disoa approached. "Lucky you survived. I jumped through the same window after you. The flare signal—Kerapien was badly hurt but rescued by someone I didn't recognize. Duke rank."
Relieved, they returned to the destroyed BIT base to check on the troops. Riju noticed something under rubble and asked Zavian (now conscious) and Yui for help. They lifted debris and found a basement door.
They entered—Disoa following for security—and smelled rotting corpses.
Inside were dozens of suitcases. Riju opened one: labeled "Tyusin_DHS_032."
They found what they were looking for. But not intact.
Disoa collapsed at the sight.
---
Three Days Later
Riju and the others returned to Sikharns, having obtained the book about Oirens. They attended Hisek's funeral, attended by 3,000 DHS students.
The Grand Court was in uproar. Tyusue demanded Giurmes and Opehajos answer for their involvement. He had strong evidence against both.
---
In Gram's Classroom
Gram asked, "Who can explain Oirens?"
Riju, Yui, and Zavian raised their hands and explained everything.
Gram nodded. "Interesting. You will..."
---
VOLUME 4 PART 2 - END
VOLUME 5?