"We will be back," he said as he disappeared into the shadows, leaving an air of mystery in his wake.
Meanwhile, the enigmatic departure of 001 lingered in the captain's mind, like an unsolved riddle demanding attention. His mysterious exit left the captain with a multitude of unanswered questions, each question a puzzle piece adding to the perplexing enigma. How had 003 accomplished such a departure without leaving a trace? What other knowledge and capabilities did he possess? These questions swirled in the captain's mind, imbuing his contemplations with an air of intrigue and fascination.
Seated on the bed, the captain placed his right hand by his chin, deep in thought about the offer he had just received. He weighed the allure of the benefits against the greater responsibility that lay ahead. Swearing allegiance to the force behind the mysterious visitor meant not only a chance to vanquish present threats but also to uncover the mysteries of the evolving world—a larger stage to perform. The captain understood the weight of such a decision, contemplating the immediate risks against the long-term impact on the safety and prosperity of the city, his men, and his clan.
As he pondered, he paused the train of thoughts, finding no answers to the series of questions in his mind. His gaze shifted to the right, landing on two small glass bottles placed on the shelf.
"This could be poison," he thought, a moment of suspicion crossing his mind. His suspicion was confirmed as excruciating pain followed the drinking of the first portion, causing him to writhe on the ground in unexplainable anguish. Regretful thoughts flooded his mind—wishing he were dead, wishing he hadn't taken the portion. A multitude of "If I had Known" filtered through his consciousness as he resigned himself to fate.
After a few minutes of unbearable pain, relief swept over him. It felt as though a chain had forcefully broken in his body, and a sudden surge in strength followed. "It seems they have a higher scientific level than the Royal Academy of Science," he remarked, picking up the second bottle and examining it. Standing up, he felt his bones crack as they adjusted themselves, all injuries miraculously healed.
"Guess this is one of the perks of strengthening," he mused, dividing the portion into two parts—one for himself and the other for the injured. He wished to distribute it among his men, but the difference in healing rates would be suspicious. Thus, he decided to ensure a general distribution.
His thoughts continued to weave a strategy until he fell asleep.
✓✓✓✓✓
001 reported to Zero on the assignment given, receiving only a nonchalant hum in response. Zero glanced at his men and decided to strategically place the next Chess Pieces where the noble and wealthy congregated—the Academy.
All academies, except the Royal Academy of Military and Royal Academy of Science, were owned and controlled corporately by the clans and the Governing Council from the Royal Capital. The task of infiltrating the academy seemed relatively straightforward due to a recent circular from the Royal Institute of Education (RIE) introducing basic cultivation and martial arts training into the curriculum.
"I am going to enter as a Science teacher, while 004 will go in as the martial arts teacher. You both will continue as I will be given instructions," Zero instructed, and the two teachers-to-be promptly applied at the school environment.
The application process took a while due to the long queue, but once completed, they were informed of the date of the interview. Dispersing to find a place to spend the night, the sun already retiring, they prepared for the challenges ahead.
✓✓✓✓✓
The next day dawned, bringing the daily morning jogging routine for the unwounded guards and the reinforcements. The captain, who had slept more soundly than ever before, attributed it to the increased strength that bolstered his confidence. The Kingdom Anthem played as the flag was hoisted, and he mused, "I think I already have my answers," flexing his biceps femoris muscle.
He proceeded to take a bath, returning to find 001 seated majestically on the same spot.
"Hello. We meet again," 001 greeted, extending his right hand for a handshake, which the captain reciprocated.
"I have a few questions to ask," the captain began, curiosity evident in his eyes.
"Go on. I would have been surprised if you didn't," 001 replied, folding his arms across his chest.
"Who are you?" the captain inquired.
"Overlord Dragon Society."
"What is your goal?"
"World Domination."
"How many members do you have?"
"I don't know," he answered sharply.
The captain took a deep breath and fixed his gaze on 001. "Let me ask this final question."
"Okay. I'm all ears."
"Are you after only me? Or the city I am protecting? Or the Rosette Clan I come from?"
"All of the above," 001 declared, placing one leg over the other and staring at the captain.
"You will know more about the plan for Rosette City after you become a member."
"I think I am in. I can represent my men and my clan in making this decision."
"We will contact you very soon for your official initiation when you return to Rosette City," 001 announced before vanishing once again.
"It seems this man likes to vanish. I hope he will teach me that skill; it's a nice technique to pretend to be forceful," the captain thought.
On his way to the bathroom, he successfully deceived an acquaintance who had found a way to dilute the portion with the water used to cook for the wounded guards. "I hope heat does not reduce its efficacy."
As they awaited the injured guards to reach a certain level of recovery before the return journey, the city's transformation continued to unfold. The recruits, uninjured guards, and under the military leadership, employed a combination of traditional defense methods and cutting-edge technologies transported from the capital. They deployed surveillance drones, established secure communication networks, and conducted frequent reconnaissance missions to gather vital intelligence on the fierce beast distribution. Fortifying strategic points, erecting barricades, and coordinating supply lines, they ensured the city's resilience against potential attacks. The city's defenders remained vigilant, ready to face any challenges that lay ahead.