"This is impossible! No human could ever do what you did! Agh!" The leader shouted, desperately hoping somebody would hear, unaware that Robin had already isolated their location from the outside world, allowing him to sense their surroundings from a distance.
Cathrin stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination, and delivered a powerful slap to the leader's face. The impact left a distinct imprint of her hand on his already pale and bloodied cheek. His teeth were shattered, and blood trickled from his mouth.
"Who gave you the right to talk?" Cathrin's voice resonated with authority as she firmly grasped the leader's wrist, twisting it with a force that sent waves of pain shooting through his body. He cried out in agony, realizing the gravity of his mistake in trying to harass the beautiful young woman.
The leader, raised in privilege as a typical "young master" from a wealthy family, was accustomed to always getting his way. Now, he found himself confronted by a formidable obstacle, more terrifying than any horror movie he had ever seen.
The rest of his followers were immobilized by Robin's Light tendrils, their mouths sealed shut. Robin, looking at Cathrin with a mix of pride and relief, had witnessed her kindness and empathy firsthand. While these qualities were admirable, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of discomfort. In their future explorations of the stars, such qualities might not always be advantageous. However, he was relieved to see that when the situation demanded it, Cathrin could be merciless to those who deserved it.
Cathrin continued her punishment, breaking the leader's other wrist. Robin, contemplating the severity of the situation, suggested a course of action.
"I think we should let him face the consequences of his actions. We'll make sure he doesn't receive any medical treatment and have him thrown in jail," Robin proposed. Cathrin smiled appreciatively and whispered, "Thanks, babe."
Not because kindness and empathy were inherently negative qualities, but because in her journey through the stars, Robin knew she would face formidable challenges where such virtues might not be enough. She found solace in her ability to be resolute and unyielding when it truly mattered, knowing that her actions had a profound impact on those around her.
Cathrin continued her assault, breaking yet another of the culprit's wrists. Robin anticipated an attack on his remaining fourth leg, but Cathrin restrained herself at the last moment.
"I thought his bloodline would end here today," Robin remarked.
"I would have, but he had already lost consciousness, and the medical pods would simply heal him completely anyway," Cathrin replied with a touch of nonchalance.
"In that case, I will ensure they don't treat him and instead throw him in jail," Robin declared. Cathrin smiled appreciatively and whispered her gratitude.
The other men stood frozen in confusion and horror, struggling to comprehend the inhuman prowess displayed by Robin and Cathrin. Robin gazed at them, releasing her grip on the men who collapsed to the ground, unsupported. Some even kissed the unforgiving gravel beneath them.
"Take him away. No hospital will accept him, so find doctors who can treat him the old-fashioned way, and perhaps he may regain use of his wrists," Robin ordered, dispersing the isolated barrier that had confined the culprits. The men nodded, their heads bowed in gratitude for being spared.
Without uttering a word, they hoisted their incapacitated leader onto their shoulders and sprinted away with all their might. The searing heat of the Light had left their wrists and ankles throbbing, but fueled by adrenaline, they pushed forward, their leader's salvation their only focus.
"These scoundrels dare to misbehave even after all the reforms," Cathrin muttered.
"Babe, you must understand that such elements will always exist in society. It is the price we pay for freedom. While freedom can foster goodness, it can also give rise to individuals like them, which is why we have laws," Robin explained. Robin paused, his hand on the car door, and turned to look towards the parking compound's exit.
"What's the matter?" Cathrin asked, following Robin's gaze. Initially, nothing caught their attention, but soon they spotted a group of men walking steadily in their direction.
At first, Cathrin thought it was a group sent by the leaders' elders to apprehend them and teach them a lesson. However, as she studied their faces and attire more closely, a smile spread across her face.
These men were the Guardians, a legendary group that had been resurrected. Robin had been informed by the Traveler that the Guardians would seek out the Champion of Light, but he hadn't expected their arrival so soon. They must have departed from the grand event recently and used a Valkyrie to reach this country swiftly.
It wasn't difficult for them to find Robin, as he shone like a radiant star in a world illuminated by the Light.
"Commander," the Guardians stepped forward and genuflected before him, leaving Robin perplexed.
"Commander? I thought you no longer possessed memories of your past lives," Robin inquired.
"We don't, but as the Champion of Light, we are duty-bound to follow your commands in times of battle," one of the Guardians explained. Robin was taken aback by this revelation. He hadn't anticipated that being the Champion of Light would grant him such authority.
"Um... I'm honored to be named Commander of the Guardians, but you all have already defended humanity in life and continue to do so in death. You deserve rest. Explore this world, Mars, or even the new planets the Traveler will terraform. And if you crave adventure, I will provide you with spaceships to venture into neighboring solar systems, etching your names among the planets. I understand that wealth and luxury hold little meaning for you, but I hope this offer brings you motivation, aiding humanity's expansion across the stars," Robin expressed his heartfelt sentiments, words he had longed to share with them once they were resurrected.
Humanity didn't require immediate salvation, and the resource of the deceased could be utilized in other endeavors.
"We understand. When we are ready, we shall embark on a journey to explore the universe," one of the Guardians affirmed. Robin engaged in further conversation with them, discussing their lives in the Cloud City. Eventually, the Guardians decided to relocate to Mars and reside there until the spaceships were ready.
Robin beamed with a wide smile, promising to expedite the delivery of spaceships to Mars. With that, the Guardians departed as quietly as they had arrived.
"Death seems to have eroded some of their formalities," Cathrin remarked, acknowledging that no soldier would approach their commander in such an informal manner, disregarding proper protocols, despite addressing Robin as their Commander.
"They were hunters of the wild, and the Light has tamed them somewhat. However, Light signifies freedom, unconstrained by rules. They will adapt more over time. Nonetheless, I'm grateful that they are willing to listen to me. During crucial moments, I can rely on them to defend humanity," Robin explained.
"If humanity requires their defense, it would imply that we have been brought to our knees," Cathrin added, prompting Robin to realize the validity of her statement. The Guardians were scarce in number, and if they were defending Earth, it would indicate significant losses and the Traveler resorting to resurrecting the fallen.
Naturally, Robin would never allow such a scenario to unfold. His arsenal contained more firepower than anyone could fathom. Hence, he wasn't overly concerned for the present.
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May 24, 2024
Many days had passed since their encounter with the Guardians. They had arrived in Malaysia discreetly and departed just as quietly. The leader of the notorious group had been apprehended and imprisoned, while his father was forced to make a public apology for his son's transgressions. The scandal had rocked the nation, further adding to the era's reputation for both scandals and extraterrestrial phenomena.
Just like the parents of Robin, Rita, Cathrin and Sauvik's parents were all sent to space stations to lead their new life, more comfortably and more secure. Using the quantum computing technology, their lives had already been lengthened by a few hundreds of years without their knowledge and Robin was happy about it.
Robin has still stopped any sale of human lengthening and cloning industry for the time being but he knew for sure that human life would soon lengthen by a lot once the quantum computing was put out there. He just needed to make sure that everything was under control and have a very strict policy against cloning.
He didn't need Star Wars in his life.
Today everyone had gathered around in Pyongyang's Earth Palace for the departure. Rita, Rita's husband Ravi, Sauvik, Cathrin and Robin. Ravi was finally been given a full orientation of what was going on with her life. She felt a little guilty of hiding such a big secret from her husband.
But he understood that this was not her secret to tell and he was new to the family. And in addition he was glad that he was able to go on such a journey with his wife and people around.
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