Rashford quickly composed himself, straightening his posture and adopting a courteous yet cautious demeanor. He could feel the oppressive aura surrounding the trio, but as head of the Silva Sivitas, he was accustomed to maintaining his composure under pressure. Clearing his throat, he introduced himself with measured grace."Greetings, I am Rashford Ragnar, head of the Silva Sivitas and a member of the board of the Sivitas Order. May I have the honor of knowing who you three are?"For a moment, the tension hung thick in the air. The Nova Force energy radiating from the trio was almost tangible, like a dark cloud threatening to swallow the room whole. Rashford's heartbeat quickened, though he kept his face calm, betraying nothing.Zero, the spokesman of the group, stood slightly ahead of the others, his purple eyes like the galaxy unreadable. "It's alright," he said, his voice carrying a strange, soothing authority that immediately quelled the tense atmosphere. The crowd, which had been brimming with nervous energy, visibly relaxed, as though the mere sound of Zero's voice had lifted an invisible weight off their shoulders.Zero stepped forward, his aura seemingly retracting just enough to make conversation possible. "We are Nova Uno, Nova Dos, and I… am Nova Zero," he stated calmly. His words carried the kind of weight that didn't need to be raised in volume. They simply were. The power, the reputation, the danger—they were all felt in the way he spoke, with a certainty that came only from someone who knew they could end the world if they so desired.Rashford's skin prickled, though he kept his smile tight. His mind raced—these were the figures of legend. The Harbingers of Doom. The stories didn't do them justice. Their presence alone was overwhelming, making it hard to even think clearly. But Rashford was no ordinary man. He had navigated power struggles for years and knew when to play his cards carefully.With a sense of urgency creeping into his voice, Rashford shifted his tone. "Let's bring this to a close, everyone. We've had enough excitement for one day. It's time for us to return home. I will personally see to it that this matter is handled."The crowd, sensing the subtle dismissal, began to disperse. Relief washed over them as the trio made no further moves. Whatever Rashford had said or done seemed to satisfy them—for now.Rashford extended a hand toward Zero with a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nova Zero, and your companions," he said, though the words felt hollow in his mouth. The truth was, Rashford had no interest in pleasantries really. He just wanted to quell whatever misunderstanding had happened.With the danger seemingly passed, Miss Irene, Rome, and the others turned to head back inside the castle. They didn't use the familiar, hidden routes they were accustomed to, however. This time, they approached the grand entrance, the main gate that few ever walked through."Come, come, this way," Rashford urged, his voice more eager than usual as he hurried them toward the towering, ornate doors of the castle.As they arrived, Rashford placed his hand against the wall beside the massive door, his fingers tracing a hidden rune etched into the stone. A faint, golden glow began to spread under his touch, and with a low rumble, the doors slowly creaked open. The castle seemed to breathe in response, its age-old mechanisms responding to Rashford's touch."Welcome," he said softly as the doors swung wide, revealing the vast, opulent halls within. But even as they crossed the threshold, Rashford couldn't shake the lingering dread that clung to the air—because though the doors had opened, the presence of the Nova Squad still lingered behind him, like shadows that never truly left. The castle's interior was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a realm where nature and grandeur entwined in perfect harmony. The walls, draped in vibrant greenery, formed a living tapestry of vines and leaves that climbed in twisting patterns, their lush hues lending a tranquil, otherworldly beauty. The air was heavy with the intoxicating scent of blossoms in full bloom, while the gentle rustling of leaves played like a soft melody, orchestrating nature's symphony within these ancient halls.Soft golden lights bathed the space in a radiant warmth, illuminating the intricate natural architecture and drawing attention to every detail. Towering palm trees stood like silent sentinels, their graceful fronds swaying under the castle's lofty ceilings, adding a regal, tropical elegance to the scene. Everywhere the eye could see, life thrived—exquisite flora flourishing in pockets of rich soil, their colors and forms blending into the breathtaking surroundings.Fountains, set like jewels throughout the castle, sent forth streams of shimmering, multicolored water. The liquid danced as it fell, refracting light in a dazzling display that cascaded into crystalline pools below, where exotic fish swam lazily among lush aquatic plants. The soothing sound of water mingling with the vibrant environment added to the atmosphere of peace, making the castle's interior feel like a hidden sanctuary, far removed from the outside world.Their gazes wandered, each taking in the splendor around them, eyes wide with amazement."Welcome," Ragnar said with a knowing smile. "I know you've all been staying here, but I'm certain none of you have seen this side of the castle before." "May I ask you something?" Zero's voice was calm, yet there was a hint of curiosity beneath his usual stoicism.Ragnar nodded. "Of course. What's on your mind?""Why did you believe I was innocent?" Zero's gaze sharpened slightly, awaiting the answer.Ragnar smiled, as if he had anticipated the question. "Good question." He leaned back, his eyes thoughtful. "Trust, you see, is a delicate thing. It lets us see the goodness in others, believe in their intentions, and lean on them when we need strength." Tarif, seated nearby, listened intently as Ragnar continued, his words carrying weight."I trust Miss Irene and Konessàne. Konessàne, especially, wouldn't dare bring someone questionable like you into the castle. And Miss Irene, well, she's an excellent judge of character. Besides, you saved someone I hold dear," Ragnar said, his tone softening as he glanced at Zero.Zero's expression remained unchanged, though there was a flicker of understanding in his eyes. "I see. You have nothing to worry about," he replied, his voice calm yet reassuring.Nova Uno, leaning against the wall with a smirk, chimed in. "Yeah, Zero can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, but deep down? He's a solid guy."Ragnar's expression shifted, a flicker of curiosity in his gaze. "There is one thing that puzzles me, though," he said, leaning forward. "Why do all of you wear masks?"Konessàne, who had been quiet until now, raised a hand. "Allow me to answer that."Ragnar gestured for him to continue but then paused. "Let's sit down first. We should eat. I have a feeling this explanation might take a while," Ragnar added with a knowing smile, gesturing toward the nearby table. A few maids entered, balancing trays laden with delicious-looking meals that sent their noses twitching with the rich aromas. The smell of fried monster legs, sizzling in snail lord sauce, filled the air with a savory, almost addictive fragrance. It was complemented by the crisp, smoky scent of terror bird wings, marinated to perfection. The combination of spices and the subtle sweetness of the snail lord sauce lingered in the air, making mouths water.Ragnar couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. "The cook must've been blessed with extra skills by the gods themselves."They all dug into their meals, each tearing into the fried monster legs and juicy bird wings with a hunger that matched the food's divine smell. Through the mouth holes in their masks, they devoured the feast, savoring every bite as the rich flavors exploded on their tongues. The crunch of the monster legs gave way to tender meat, while the wings had just the right balance of spice and succulence.When they finally finished, Ragnar wiped his mouth, satisfied. He leaned back and looked at them curiously. "Now, about those masks…""It;s okay Konessàne, I'll talk.Zero finished the last bite and leaned forward. "It's a long story, but I'll give you the short version. The masks… well, they're more than just for show."Ragnar listened, intrigued. "Remarkable. But you're no longer in that place. You can take them off, if you want. It's up to you."A small smile crept upon Nova Zero's face. "Maybe, but there's something about these masks. They've become part of who we are now.""I'd love to meet the one who made them," Ragnar said, admiration in his voice. "And your weapons. A true master must've crafted them."Konessàne nodded. "He is, without a doubt, based on their masks and swords""Where is this master of yours now?" Ragnar asked.Nova Dos, who had been silent for most of the meal, looked up. "He chose to stay."Ragnar frowned, surprised. "Stay? In an environment like that?"Nova Zero's smirk deepened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he recalled the memory. His voice was calm, but there was a weight to it, as though he was speaking of forces far beyond their comprehension."Those birds…," he began, his tone taking on a more ominous edge, "weren't just any creatures. They stood taller than buildings, their wings spread like dark clouds, casting everything beneath them in shadow. Their talons could tear through steel as if it were paper."He paused, glancing around the group as if daring them to imagine what he had faced. "Their cries could shake the ground and send armies running in fear. And their speed… well, you wouldn't expect something that size to move faster than a hurricane, but they did. One second, they're on the horizon; the next, they're right in front of you, claws aimed at your throat."Ragnar leaned in, intrigued. "How did you defeat them?"Nova Zero's half-smirk returned, but it carried no joy, only cold certainty. "I didn't defeat them. I survived them. Barely."The silence that followed was thick with the weight of his words. Ragnar's gaze sharpened, and he nodded slowly. "If those birds were the only things stronger than your master, then meeting him might be more dangerous than I thought."He's cool, nothing to worry about." Said ZeroThe castle was suddenly plunged into chaos as the sound of shattering glasses and screams filled the air. Alert and poised for a fight, everyone in the room stood ready to defend themselves. However, Durato's steady voice cut through the din, urging them to remain calm. Suddenly, a creature the size of a small dog burst out of the doorway, trailed by a flurry of forks and knives. "What in the name is going on here?" exclaimed Ragnar. But Zero was quick to calm his nerves. "Don't worry, it's our pet, Liger," he explained, "we brought it back from the Island." "Come, Liger," called Laylah, holding out her arms. The little creature raced toward her, leaping into her lap with a joyful roar. Zero greeted the animal with a smile, "Hey, boy, how are you doing? I didn't even realize you hopped off my head. As Liger slowly made his way over to him, Zero could feel his affection for the creature growing stronger with every passing day. Despite having only known Liger for a few days, he, Laylah, and Durato had already formed an unbreakable bond with the lovable creature. As the others were busy with their pet, Miss Irene remained silent, lost in her own thoughts. Ragnar noticed her quietness and sought to draw her into the discussion. "Miss Irene, you seem to be awfully quiet. Would you mind sharing your thoughts about the men who killed the Red Fox gang members?" he asked. "Yes, sir," she replied, and went on to give a detailed account of what she had witnessed. She spoke of the men's fighting style, their unique abilities, and their apparent involvement in a larger, more sinister plot. "I have heard about the kidnappings," Ragnar said, contemplating the gravity of the situation. "Based on your information, I believe they are responsible. But what is their ultimate goal here, and how can we put a stop to it?" He turned to the three masked figures, "Will you help us bring an end to this? We need your expertise and skills to get to the bottom of this." Ragnar's voice was steady and firm, indicating that he was fully committed to seeing this through, no matter the cost. As Zero considered the idea of creating an organization to combat the darkness, doubt crept in. These people had only brought him trouble since he arrived - did they really deserve his help? However, before he could fully think it through, Rome blurted out, "I'll help. I know of someone who can assist with things like this - a master investigator who is seeking to establish an organization." Laylah and Durato looked at him with raised eyebrows, clearly puzzled. "So, like a modern-day Sherlock Holmes?" Ragnar quipped. "Exactly," Rome replied, relieved that someone understood his vision. Even Konessàne looked confused by the idea. "I heard about him while out saving some children yesterday," he continued. But Laylah and Durato had never heard of this "Sherlock Holmes" figure, nor had they heard about Rome saving any kids. "I'll tell you more about the children later," Rome said, glancing over at his friends. "Alright, I'll assist with setting it up. Miss Irene, can you help him?" Ragnar asked. "I'll definitely do that," she replied. "Zero, make sure you get word to him," Miss Irene instructed.
"I'll do that," Zero promised.