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Chapter 37 - THE MONSTER INSIDE

In the morning, within the mansion, Henry enters Volk's room and finds Rudda at Volk's side, tending to his slow recovery from a chest wound. Henry then conveys to Volk that he has completed his work with the test subjects but will require additional time to assemble their army. Volk, opening his eyes, expresses his pride in Henry and stresses that their true conflict isn't with Old Berry Town but with their elders within the tower. He emphasizes the importance of conserving their resources for that impending battle rather than squandering them on Old Berry Town. Henry respectfully bows and assures Volk that the army's preparations will be concluded within a week. Henry departs the room and encounters Jarvis in the hallway. Jarvis offers a smile and inquires if Henry is prepared. Henry reciprocates the smile and confirms that he is indeed ready.

In the afternoon, within the daycare, Adam is watching TV when he notices a radiant, magical light emanating from a nearby room. Intrigued, he approaches and discovers Barbra utilizing her magical abilities to mend Mai's mental state. After Barbra successfully completes her work, Mai expresses her gratitude. The two of them share a warm hug, and Barbra emphasizes that Mai still holds a crucial role to play, leaving no room for mental issues. Mai agrees and exits the room after a friendly wave to Adam.

Mai proceeds to a conference room where approximately 50 individuals await her. Taking her place at the front, she addresses the assembly, stating that they are free to choose Ezzy as their leader, but such a decision may bring about their downfall. A member of the crowd raises a question, wondering why they should wait for their Special Star, Adam, to be prepared, instead suggesting that they have enough firepower to obliterate the island tenfold. In response, Mai applauds, prompting several screens to descend from the ceiling, featuring images of Rudda and Henry. Mai proceeds to elucidate that these two are high-level A-Star Zombies that are with the Riders, noting their capacity for communication, strategic planning, and coexistence with humans.

She also emphasizes that, despite their considerable firepower, they cannot secure victory with two high-level A-Stars among the Riders, even with their own A-Star, Michael. At this point, Ezzy steps to the forefront and proposes that with a well-devised plan, they can stage an ambush against the Riders, employing all their available firepower before the two A-Star Zombies can engage in the conflict. Michael, according to Ezzy's plan, can contend with one of the A-Star Zombies, while they devise a method to confine the other within Robo Mall for Rex to manage. Mai expresses her concerns about her father's strength in facing these high-level A-Stars.

Just then, Rex enters the room and mentions how the people of Old Berry Town have frequently approached him to voice their grievances about the Riders. As the proprietor of Robo Mall, he believes that he can eliminate or, at the very least, contain the other A-Star within Robo Mall. Mai attempts to dissuade her father, but Rex is resolute, asserting that the people have waited long enough, and with age catching up, it's time for him to contribute before he departs from this world. He acknowledges that this may well be the final battle Robo Mall faces. The crowd responds with applause and cheers for Rex and Ezzy. Despite their confidence, Mai maintains her stance that they can prevail in this war without risking anything by waiting for Adam's recovery.

A voice from the crowd speaks up, suggesting that a change of leadership is needed since no one else can approach Mai without fearing the curse that has haunted her. In response, Mai declares that she is now freed from her shadow curse, reassuring everyone that it is no longer a cause for concern, and that she is genuinely free.

Mai goes on to caution that by following the proposed course of action, they are putting many lives at risk in this impending war. Ezzy interjects, asserting that the decision should rest with the people of Old Berry Town. She further emphasizes that waiting for Adam's recovery would be too time-consuming, and this approach allows them to handle the conflict quickly. Mai counters by asking if Ezzy is prepared to bear the responsibility for the lives lost in this war. Ezzy responds resolutely, stating that she is willing to shoulder that responsibility if it means securing victory in the war.

The scene transitions to show live voting taking place across Old Berry Town, with Mai and Ezzy's names displayed on a bar graph. As the bars representing their names rise, Ezzy garners 48% of the total votes, while Mai secures 52%. Mai breathes a sigh of relief, reassured that the people of Old Berry Town have made the right decision. In a determined tone, Mai voices her strong desire not to lose any more lives. She emphasizes that they will patiently await the awakening of their Special Star, and with this approach, they will secure a 100% victory without any casualties in Old Berry Town. This declaration prompts half of the people in Old Berry Town to erupt in cheers and support for Mai's plan.

A short while later, Duke finds Kiren in the dojo workshop and remarks that Kiren no longer appears overweight. Kiren chuckles and responds, saying he's not only shed the extra weight but has also become much stronger and that he won't be afraid to fight anymore. Duke then inquires about his mother, Megan. After a brief pause, Kiren mentions that he's uncertain about Megan's well-being but believes in her strength and resilience, ensuring that she'll manage just fine. Rune joins their conversation and conveys that during Duke's absence, Jean and Kayla were taken captive by the Riders. Duke can't help but feel a touch of sadness, realizing he's returned to a situation where he has lost his friends.

A little while later, at the front gates of Old Berry Town, Xai and Ezzy, along with a couple of Stella's guards, stand watchfully. Ezzy examines her healed hand wound and expresses that she was so close to become the town's leader. Xai agrees, acknowledging that Ezzy was very close but his sister had a slight advantage over her. Ezzy then confides her deepest wish for the well-being of their town and the removal of the Riders from her homeland. Just then, they hear the approach of a vehicle and raise their rifles in readiness. A Rider wearing a mask emerges from the car, opens the rear door, and Henry steps out, bowing in a respectful manner.

Henry proceeds to convey that his father, Volk, recommended against going to war with Old Berry Town, and he's there to declare that the Riders will no longer mess with the town. Xai is taken aback by this unexpected news, while Ezzy responds by stating that they won't easily forget or forgive the actions of the Riders. Henry, with a smile on his face, assures them that this is just the beginning of how the town can rebuild trust. The Rider then opens the back of the vehicle and places the unconscious Jean and Kayla on the ground, Henry bows once more and offering them the chance to take back these youngsters.

Henry and the Rider depart, leaving Xai to open the gates and retrieve Kayla. A perplexed Ezzy approaches, questioning why the Riders have had a sudden change of heart and sensing that something is amiss. In her quest for answers, she searches Jean's body for any clues. Simbad notices Xai carrying Kayla, and he offers to help. Xai entrusts Kayla to Simbad, who eagerly heads toward Robo Mall with her.

Meanwhile, Kiren, Duke, and Rune are enjoying ice cream outdoors by Robo Mall. They suddenly hear Simbad's voice and turn to see him carrying Kayla. In his excitement, Duke attempts to awaken her, while Rune advises Simbad to take Kayla to Barbra.

As for Ezzy, she removes Jean's shirt, revealing a significant scar on Jean's chest that leaves her in awe, its appearance almost resembling something extraterrestrial. She shakes her head in disbelief. Xai returns and wonders why Ezzy hasn't yet picked up Jean.

Xai picks up Jean and carries him into town. Meanwhile, a perplexed Ezzy reflects on Henry's smile, realizing it wasn't a genuine expression of trust but rather one of sweet revenge. Her thoughts turn to Agustin, and suddenly, everything falls into place. With newfound understanding, she calls out to Xai and rushes after him in the town.

Ezzy tackles Xai to the ground, causing him to drop Jean. Xai is angered by Ezzy's actions and questions if she's lost her mind, emphasizing that she could have harmed Jean further. Ezzy retorts that this is all part of the Riders' plan. Xai remains confused as Ezzy pushes him aside to take another look at Jean's distinctive scar. She places her ear against it, discerning two heartbeats. Suddenly, Jean awakens and lets out a scream, drawing a crowd of onlookers. Xai tries to reassure Jean that he's safe in town.

Jean surveys his surroundings and then gazes at his chest scar, shouting "NO." In a burst of desperation, he runs off. Xai and Ezzy quickly follow as Jean reaches the front gates, attempting to open them with all his strength. Xai and Ezzy, surprised, watches Jean opens the gates with his pure strength. Jean exits the town and collapses in agony, Xai reaches him and inquires about what's happening. Jean, writhing in pain, tells Xai to stay away from him.

Jean struggles to speak, revealing that there's a monstrous entity inside him, and Henry was responsible for implanting these creatures. In shock, Ezzy communicates with Rex through a radio. Jean's cries of pain persist, and his entire body trembles.

Meanwhile, Simbad and the others enter Robo Mall, only to be confined within a cube when walls emerge from the floor. Simbad is puzzled by Rex's actions. Rex's voice resounds through the speakers, instructing Simbad to take Kayla out of town. Duke objects, asserting that Kayla is their friend. Kayla regains consciousness and begins to cry. Simbad tries to comfort her while Kiren emphasizes that they need to get Kayla to Barbra.

Rex, however, explains that Ezzy has alerted him to Kayla's potential danger. Kayla apologizes as her body convulses, and she cries out in pain. The floor beneath them propels everyone outside. Simbad inadvertently drops Kayla, and as she rolls on the ground, wings emerge from her back. Kayla pleads with everyone to stay away from her. Duke, baffled, calls her name, and Kayla reveals her transformation into a gigantic seagull-like monster. The monstrous seagull flaps its wings, creating powerful gusts that sweep across the town. Rex emerges from the mall in his robo suit and fires numerous lasers at the seagull. In pain, the seagull lets out a roar and soars into the sky.

Meanwhile, at the front gates, Jean struggles to remember but Henry said that Agustin was a prototype, and both he and Kayla are Henry's backup files that they are now a part of him. Xai, puzzled by Jean's words, suggests they get him to Barbra for help. However, Ezzy draws her pistol and aims it at Jean's head, causing Xai to intervene, questioning Ezzy's actions. Ezzy explains that Jean is essentially asking her to end his suffering. Jean pleads that he doesn't want to become a monster and urges them to hurry because he can no longer restrain it.

Xai wrestles with his decision, suggesting there might be another way to save the kids. In the heat of the moment, Ezzy pushes Xai aside and points the gun at Jean as he grapples with unbearable pain. Right before she can pull the trigger, a gunshot rings out, hitting Ezzy in the shoulder. She collapses to the ground as Stella's men at the gate announce the Riders are attacking. Xai dodges a bullet and gazes into the forest, spotting Jarvis with his rifle, and swiftly returns fire with his own firearm. Ezzy, while crawling to her pistol, comments that she had suspected something was amiss.

Ezzy then observes Jean rising to his feet, his screams intensifying. His arms undergo a startling transformation, morphing into massive monkey-like limbs. Despite his best efforts to resist the transformation, Jean implores Xai to shoot him. Xai points his firearm at Jean but struggles with the decision to pull the trigger. Almost simultaneously, he notices bullets coming close to Jean from another source. Xai turns to see Ezzy, who, despite her shoulder wound causing her to miss her shots, is desperately attempting to hit Jean. She implores Xai to go ahead and shoot Jean, but he exclaims that he can't bring himself to do it.

As the transformation completes, Jean becomes a giant full-fledged monkey-like monster, leaping into the town and wreaking havoc by smashing buildings. Xai watches in shock, then hastily picks up Ezzy. Stella's men continue firing their rifles, but the bullets have minimal impact on the monstrous monkey's body.

Xai and Ezzy bear witness to a colossal seagull-like monster, which employs its talons to lay waste to the town's streets. Their attention is then drawn to Rune, who soars into the sky wielding his massive blade, colliding it with the monkey's powerful arms. In response, the monkey hurls a couple of cars at Rune, who expertly slices them in half. Meanwhile, Kiren clings to Duke, and they quickly maneuver into an alley to evade a claw attack from the seagull monster. The sight of the town being reduced to ruins leaves Duke in tears. Simbad surveys the area, taking note of the numerous casualties. He unsheathes his katana and, filled with regret, begins to pursue the seagull monster.

In the daycare, within Agustin's room, Stella maintains her vigil beside him, where he lies in a comatose state. She receives a radio call, signaling the town is under attack. The entire mall quakes, and Stella peers outside to witness a colossal seagull and a monstrous monkey wreaking havoc in the town. The windows shatter due to the powerful gusts. Stella's attention shifts back to Agustin as his chest shows signs of movement, leaving her confused. She calls out to him, and upon receiving no response from Barbra over the radio, she rushes to Adam's room. Inside, she discovers Barbra engaged in soul healing with Adam, in which they both are unconscious. Stella attempts to wake up Barbra without success. A loud explosion resounds, and the room is torn asunder. Stella quickly grabs Barbra and leaps to the other side of the room, just in time to witness a massive lion-like creature plummeting from the mall. Stella calls out to Agustin and notices that Barbra's head is bleeding.

The lion-like monster proceeds to manifest numerous tails, from which it fires a barrage of energy beams into the town, resulting in the demise of numerous people. Rex, donning his robo suit, retaliates by delivering a powerful punch to the lion monster, propelling it into a nearby town building. The confrontation escalates as Rex fires a series of laser beams at the lion, which counters by unleashing its own lasers in response.