[SHADOW DUNGEON]
[2 WEEK UNTIL INVASION]
"Is it just me, or does it seem extra busy today?" Thalia asked in confusion.
The Training Center was bustling today. On a normal day, she would see 40-50 million active connections running through the pyramid. She loved seeing those connections, it was like looking at a stary sky on a clear night…the only difference is that each sparkling star was a soul.
Perhaps it had been that way from the beginning, perhaps the Itarim created large universes to not be alone…perhaps each star was a soul once.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? We have 400 million connections today! That's ten times the usual traffic. Nothing motivates training like a good ol' end of the world scare." Ammut grinned.
"Let me show you something," he continued, "this one here…brand new connection. E-rank and growing fast."
"This one here, this guy is from Canada. He started 2 years ago as a brand new hunter. He leveled up to C-rank, then hit a slump…stopped logging in daily after that. Today is his first day connecting in the last 3 months!"
"And this one…" Ammut was cut-off mid explanation.
"Wait! I know this one…it feels familiar…this is Kesi?" Thalia asked.
"Yes! I have been training him for weeks now…he has grit and spirit…I love seeing that in newbies." Ammut said in appreciation.
Thalia smiled…it warmed her heart to see so many pulling together.
Ammut continued, "so we need to expand the training facility. Let me show you the plans…when you are done with your daily training, we can combine our powers to expand the facility."
[VOID]
[1 WEEK UNTIL INVASION]
"Hey…can I ask you something?" Thalia asked respectfully…she had been wanting to ask him this question for weeks now, but lacked the courage to approach him.
For the last few weeks, she had been coming to the Void everyday as part of her daily scouting mission for the Alliance. As a result, she slowly got used to seeing him. The most powerful being in this universe, and perhaps the entire cosmos…the Shadow Monarch. The King of Shadows and the one known as the Dark God.
In truth, Thalia had slowly come to see him as a father figure. He didn't talk much, but it was evident he loved his family. Furthermore, he deeply respected "normal" (well semi-normal) people like Jinchul Woo and Adam White, whom he considered "friends".
Thalia made up her mind. Today, she would ask him.
"The first time we met…at the Refugee Camp in North Korea…did you know what I was?" Thalia asked, her eyes honest and sincere.
Jinwoo smiled politely as he said, "Yes, I knew."
"Why didn't you say anything? And why did you help me?" Thalia asked in confusion.
Jinwoo chuckled and said, "on earth we have a saying. It goes - the first chapter doesn't determine the whole book. I know all about humble beginnings, and I also knew your story was far from being written."
Thalia smiled.
With concern in his voice, Jinwoo asked, "are you sure about your plan? It's risky, and there is a chance it's too late to help your father."
She quickly replied, "would you stop trying to help your mom or dad even if the risk was high?"
"I see. I just needed to be sure." Jinwoo replied in approval.
"I better get back…and update the IHA and the Alliance on the latest scouting report." Thalia said as she prepared to depart.
"Thalia…it's good to have you with us." Jinwoo said.
Her face seemed to shine as she formed a smile radiating with pride. She waved goodbye and exited the Void.
On most scouting missions Thalia traveled alone with Arsha's void insects as guides. Today she had been accompanied by Suho who also needed to discuss matters as with his father.
"Dad, I want to talk to you about Thalia's special mission to rescue her father. From the memories she "saw", she discovered her father is being kept in Ra's castle…in the heart of the North Empire. It's too risky to go there now…the best time is during the invasion. I would like to accompany Thalia on her special mission." Suho said firmly.
Jinwoo was not shocked by the major change in plans. He simply nodded in agreement. This would indeed change the battle considerably…Suho was a powerful ally and commanded a vast Shadow Army of his own. However, Jinwoo knew this rescue mission was important and inevitable.
"When I was a kid, there was a lake your grandfather would takes us fishing. It was small and somewhat hidden, which made the trip special…more intimate. After this is over, we should go there as a family." Jinwoo said.
Suho smiled and nodded.
Jinwoo added, "maybe you can invite Thalia to join us."
"Not cool dad…" Suho said somewhat irritated.
Jinwoo chuckled seeing his son flustered.