[Earth 2272] [PLANET - VERMORA]

[GALACTIC BRANCH 22]

"Sera, who was I named after? Why was I named Hydra?"

The young boy's curiosity filled the room, his purple eyes gleaming as he sat cross-legged on the floor, looking up at the woman who had cared for him his entire life.

Sera chuckled softly, sweeping the dust from the windowsill. "You're one for questions, aren't you? Your mother was the same at your age. She used to ask me questions all day long."

A gust of wind swept through the open window, rustling the curtains, and Sera paused, her expression turning nostalgic as she thought of the past. She turned back to Hydra, her smile still warm. "You were named after the great warrior Hydra, the founder of this kingdom. He was a legendary figure, towering twenty feet tall in his snake form, with three heads and enough power to strike fear into the strongest of foes."

"Was he stronger than my father?" Hydra's voice was laced with awe.

Sera paused, her brow furrowing as she considered the question. "That's quite the comparison," she finally said, placing her broom against the wall. "I believe Hydra could have bested your father in sheer power... but your father, Apollo, is the greatest warrior of this generation. And unlike Hydra, he doesn't rely on any stone for his strength."

"A stone?" Hydra's curiosity deepened.

"The stone of power," Sera explained. "A fragment of something ancient and much stronger, protected by the Worldly Serpents for centuries. The original Hydra found it when he was just a child. He spent years studying it, learning how to harness its power. Once he mastered it, he attached the stone to his body, becoming far stronger than anyone could have imagined."

Sera finished cleaning the room and began to leave, but Hydra wasn't done with his questions. "Where is the stone now?"

Sera stopped at the door and looked back at the boy, a faint smile on her lips. "That's a secret, Hydra. You'll need to prove your worth before you're trusted with that knowledge."

Hydra scowled. "You always say that! Everyone treats me like a child. They won't even let me leave the palace because they think I'm too weak to protect myself. But I'm strong, stronger than they know!"

Sera raised an eyebrow, amused by the boy's defiance. "Then why don't you prove it to your father?" she teased gently before leaving him alone.

Left with his thoughts, Hydra sat by the window, staring at the stars. His silver hair shimmered in the moonlight, and his vibrant purple eyes reflected the constellations above. He clenched his fists. I don't need to wait to become worthy. I'll prove I'm strong enough right now. I'll escape this palace and see the world for myself. I'm a genius!

While Hydra was lost in his rebellious plans, Sera wandered through the palace's grand halls, so wide they could accommodate warriors twice her height. She encountered a man standing tall, nearly seven feet, with long black hair cascading down his back and piercing crimson eyes. He wore gleaming golden armor, and a necklace made of snake fangs hung around his neck. His presence was commanding, yet his expression was gentle.

"Your Majesty," Sera said, bowing immediately, "how may I serve you?"

The man laughed softly, shaking his head. "How many times must I ask you to call me Apollo, not 'Your Majesty'? You're my son's personal caretaker, after all."

Sera smiled but couldn't help the formality. "I'm sorry, Apollo. It's a habit."

Apollo waved a hand dismissively. "How is Hydra? Is he doing well?"

Sera sighed. "He's restless, constantly wanting to explore the outside world. He even asked about royal secrets, though I told him he's not ready for such knowledge. He believes he's strong enough to protect himself, but…"

Apollo chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I'd like to see him prove his worth someday. And Sera, I'm sorry for the trouble. You've been a great support."

While this conversation took place, Hydra was already putting his plan into action. Dressed in a stolen guard's uniform, he crept through the palace, his heart pounding in his chest. He'd knocked out the guard and taken his clothes, thinking it would be enough to fool anyone.

As he made his way through the long corridors, he suddenly found himself face-to-face with his father. Apollo, his towering figure casting a long shadow, eyed him suspiciously.

"Where are you going?" Apollo asked, his voice calm but commanding. "The exit is in the other direction."

Hydra froze, his heart racing. "Y-yes, Your Majesty!" he stammered, trying to keep his voice steady.

Apollo frowned but said nothing more as Hydra quickly marched toward the entrance. That was close,he thought as he slipped out of the palace and into the night. The cool breeze hit his face as he stepped into the empty streets. The markets were deserted, and the only sound was the gentle rustling of the wind. Hydra smiled to himself. I did it!

He wandered through the grasslands, admiring the vast open space and the twin moons shining above him. For the first time in his life, Hydra felt free. He lay down on the soft grass, gazing up at the stars, and before he knew it, he drifted off to sleep.

As the sun rose, Hydra woke to the bustling sounds of the market. People bartered loudly, their voices filling the air, and the smell of fresh bread and spices wafted through the streets. Hydra was in awe. He had never seen so much life outside the palace walls.

But his awe quickly turned to concern when he spotted a woman being harassed by three thugs which were stripping her little by little in the narrow passage of marketplace. Without thinking, Hydra rushed toward them.

"Hey! Stop what you're doing!" he shouted, trying to sound brave.

The thugs turned and laughed. "Well, look what we have here, boys. A noble warrior thinks he can stop us. Don't you know we're three against one?"

Before Hydra could react, the thugs lunged at him, overpowering him with ease. They beat him down, and soon he was on his knees, gasping for breath. Just as one of the thugs raised a fist to deliver the final blow, an arrow whizzed through the air, striking him in the arm.