Dawn was just about to break on Ayelen's planet. The sky slowly shifted from deep blue to a faint orange, and the first thin ray of sunlight touched the ground. In that quiet moment, a presence returned. Flauge stood alone, facing the horizon. As the light fell on him, something about his aura felt heavier than before. It was not just power. It was pressure, like the air itself was aware of him.
Behind him, footsteps approached.
Arnold arrived, calm but focused, with Kale beside him. She stood close, her fingers lightly holding his hand as if she did not want to let go too soon. Arnold looked at Flauge and spoke in a steady tone. He said he was ready, and that two more strong fighters would be joining them. Flauge did not turn immediately. His eyes remained on the rising sun.
Then he asked, where are those two?
Before Arnold could answer, two figures appeared from a short distance away. No sound, no warning. Just presence.
Ayelen and Vermiliya.
They stepped forward without hesitation. Ayelen's face was calm, almost unreadable. Vermiliya stood beside him, quiet but alert. Flauge finally turned to face them. His eyes moved slowly from one to the other.
Then he spoke.
If you are thinking of betrayal, stop right now. If I find even a hint of it, I will kill both of you without hesitation.
His tone was not loud, but it carried weight. It was the kind of warning that did not need repetition.
Then, without changing his expression, he added that their lives were now his responsibility. So they did not need to worry. After a short pause, he looked directly at Vermiliya and said it was nice to meet her.
Vermiliya froze for a second.
She had not told her name to him.
Her eyes shifted slightly toward Arnold, thinking he might have said something earlier. But before she could ask, Flauge spoke again.
Arnold never told me your name.
That made her uneasy. She did not show it fully, but her mind started to move faster. Still, she said nothing. Her focus was not on betrayal. Not right now.
Flauge's gaze moved again, this time across the entire group.
Someone here is thinking too much, he said quietly. But I cannot see who.
The air went silent for a moment.
Ayelen then stepped forward and raised his hand toward Flauge like a normal introduction. A faint smile appeared on his face.
Nice to meet you. I am Noise. I came here for experience.
Flauge looked at him carefully. For a brief moment, he tried to read his mind. Just a glance. Just a touch of intent.
But something blocked him.
Not resistance. Not strength.
Something strange.
Like a glitch.
Flauge pulled back slightly. He did not react much, but he understood one thing. This person was not simple.
Still, he said nothing more.
Without wasting time, Flauge activated teleportation. The space around them twisted softly, and in the next moment, all of them disappeared.
They arrived on planet ARKON.
The atmosphere felt heavy the moment they stepped in. The sky was darker, even during daylight. The ground felt dry, but alive in a disturbing way. There was something in the air that did not belong to a normal world.
Flauge spoke immediately.
Adapt your NYLOXIN with this planet's atmosphere. This place is corrupted. If you are not careful, it will drain you.
He explained that it would take energy at first, but once their bodies adjusted, they would be able to move freely.
At the start, everyone struggled.
Kale stepped back slightly, holding her breath. Vermiliya closed her eyes, trying to balance herself. Even the others felt the pressure.
But Arnold and Ayelen were different.
Within minutes, both of them adjusted.
Arnold stood straight, calm as always. Ayelen simply opened his eyes and looked around, as if nothing had changed.
Flauge noticed it.
They began to move deeper into the planet.
Strange structures, broken lands, and silent zones filled their path. It did not feel like a dead planet. It felt like something was watching them.
After a while, Ayelen walked closer to Flauge.
What are we searching for here?
Flauge answered without stopping.
A key. A key that allows full control over NYLOXIN.
Ayelen gave a small smirk but said nothing else.
Meanwhile, Arnold walked beside Vermiliya.
He glanced toward Ayelen and asked her quietly, who is that person with you?
Vermiliya paused for a second.
She replied that he was her friend. That he only wanted to work with them and gain experience. Her answer was not smooth, but it was enough.
Arnold smiled lightly and said no problem.
Then he spoke to the group.
We split from here. Search for the secret dungeon. That is the only way to reach the key.
Everyone agreed.
Before they moved, Ayelen turned toward Flauge again.
Can I ask something?
Flauge nodded.
Are you the God of Generation?
That question made Flauge stop.
Not completely surprised, but not relaxed either.
He asked how Ayelen knew.
Ayelen replied that someone had told him that the God of Generation was on their planet.
For a moment, nothing moved.
Then suddenly, Flauge created an energy blade and placed it against Ayelen's neck.
The movement was fast.
Too fast for most to react.
You are the most suspicious one here. Now tell me who you really are.
Ayelen did not panic.
His breathing stayed normal.
I am Noise.
Flauge's voice turned sharper.
I said, who are you?
Ayelen looked at him directly.
I am Noise. And you cannot read my mind because I am using VPN.
Flauge narrowed his eyes.
Why?
Ayelen answered without hesitation.
An alien force is hunting me. I refused to help them. My family was killed. Only a few are left. I do not want them to be found. That is why I use it.
He paused, then added quietly that if this caused trouble for the mission, he was sorry.
Flauge watched him for a few seconds.
Then he slowly lowered the blade.
If you are in trouble, you could have asked Arnold.
Ayelen shook his head.
I do not want to depend on others. I want to grow strong enough to protect my own people.
There was no anger in his voice. Only something steady.
Flauge took a breath and stepped back.
He said sorry for the misunderstanding, then told him to turn off the VPN. He said he would protect him.
Ayelen replied respectfully.
I respect you, sir. But I cannot do that.
Flauge turned away.
His voice was calm again, but colder.
Betrayal does not come from people. It comes from feelings.
He paused for a moment.
Then he added quietly.
Noise, this is not about me. It is about your people. Do not betray anyone.
No one spoke after that.
The air felt heavier again.
Flauge walked forward and said one last thing.
Let's begin the hunt.
And with that, the group moved deeper into ARKON, each carrying their own thoughts, their own secrets, and something none of them said out loud.
CHAPTER 18 ENDS