Blue and Pluto were walking through the streets of Bularn, the soft murmur of the bustling town surrounding them. Pluto took the lead, walking with purpose, while Blue trailed behind, lost in his thoughts. His brow furrowed as he replayed the strange words of the blind man in his mind.
Pluto, noticing Blue's distant expression, called over his shoulder, "What's got you thinking so hard?"
Blue snapped out of his daze but hesitated before answering. "Well... I'm just thinking about what that blind guy said. You know, 'The world will come to an end, and darkness will cover all.' What do you think he meant by that?"
Pluto glanced back at him and, without warning, slapped Blue on the back of his head.
"Hey!" Blue yelled, rubbing his head. "What was that for?"
Pluto grinned. "Stop overthinking things. Take a look around. You should appreciate life while you can. There's no use in worrying about cryptic words from random strangers."
Blue stared at Pluto, unsure whether to be annoyed or laugh. After a brief pause, Pluto's grin widened, and he added, "C'mon, let's go get some food. I'm sure the others are pretty hungry too."
Blue chuckled, despite himself, and followed Pluto through the crowded streets. The conversation helped ease his mind, and a small smile crept onto his face. But just as they continued walking, a group of armored guards stepped into their path, blocking their way.
There were ten guards in total, each clad in shining silver armor, holding long spears that gleamed in the midday sun. They pointed their weapons directly at Pluto and Blue.
"You are under custody of Bularn for theft," one of the guards declared, his voice firm and unyielding.
Pluto and Blue exchanged glances before raising their hands in surrender. "What do you mean?" Pluto asked calmly.
"You can come with us quietly," the guard said, his grip tightening on his spear, "or we will be forced to use violence."
Blue, unphased by the threat, burst out laughing. "Rocket booster!" he shouted, raising his hands as if to activate something. But nothing happened. He blinked, confused. "What the—?"
The guards took a step closer, their spears at the ready. Blue, still flustered, tried again. "Beam cannon!"
Before he could say more, one of the guards struck him with the blunt end of a spear, knocking him unconscious. Blue crumpled to the ground, his body limp.
Pluto, still with his hands raised, sighed. "I surrender," he said, glancing down at Blue. "No need for violence."
The guards moved in swiftly, restraining Pluto and dragging Blue's unconscious body along with them. From a distance, Vagan watched the scene unfold. Her heart raced as she crouched behind a corner, her mind spinning.
"This is bad," she thought to herself. "I have to go back and tell Morin."
Without another moment's hesitation, Vagan turned on her heels and sprinted back toward the ship, hoping she could reach Morin in time.
THE END OF CHAPTER 70