The great hall of the king remained a sight to behold, its towering columns and intricate designs echoing the cultural pride and advanced technology of the people. As Kal, Lian, and Dex stood before the King, the atmosphere felt heavy with both tension and history. The robes of the people around them shimmered, intricate patterns of luminous thread forming constellations and ancestral symbols that pulsed softly with life. Their designs were inspired by the tribes of ancient Africa, yet imbued with the technological marvels of this era, a fusion of tradition and progress.
Dex marveled at everything, whispering to himself about the advancements in their society, while Lian stayed close to Kal, her wide eyes taking in the magnificence of the hall. Kal, however, kept his focus on the King.
"Kal Drakken," the King began, his resonant voice echoing through the chamber, "you stand before me once again. What is it you seek this time?"
Kal bowed slightly, his expression stoic. "I need information. The Cybotica Syndicate and their leader. Where are they operating from?"
The King leaned back on his crystalline throne, his fingers steepled as he considered Kal's request. "The Cybotica Syndicate," he said slowly. "An ambitious pursuit. They've claimed Neo-Eden, a planet abandoned by its creators after its purpose was... corrupted. The Syndicate's leader, Vex-9, is a formidable foe. To venture there is to invite certain death."
"Death doesn't scare me," Kal replied sharply.
The King studied Kal, his piercing gaze shifting briefly to Lian. He didn't say anything to her, but his lingering look sent an unspoken message. The child's presence clearly intrigued him.
Finally, the King spoke again. "I will provide you with the information you seek. But in return, you will owe me a favor—a favor I may call upon at a time of my choosing."
Kal's jaw tightened. "What kind of favor?"
The King's gaze hardened. "One that will not be discussed now. You have my word it will not compromise your morals, but it will demand your loyalty. Do we have an agreement?"
Kal hesitated, glancing at Lian and then back at the King. He gave a curt nod. "Fine. I'll owe you one."
The King's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then you shall have what you need."
From the shadows, Cade emerged, his imposing figure and familiar smirk bringing a jolt of recognition to Kal. It was indeed that Cade, the rival from Kal's past. The metallic mask covering half of Cade's face glinted under the light, a grim reminder of the battles he'd fought and the history he shared with Kal.
"Well, well," Cade said, his voice dripping with mockery. "If it isn't the infamous Kal Drakken. Didn't think you'd be crawling back here."
Kal's eyes narrowed. "I'm not here for you, Cade."
"Shame," Cade retorted, stepping closer. "I was hoping you'd learned how to fight by now."
The tension was palpable, and Dex, standing awkwardly beside Kal, looked from one man to the other. "Uh... should I step back? You two seem like you've got... unresolved issues."
Cade ignored Dex entirely, keeping his gaze locked on Kal. "You're going after Vex-9, aren't you? Good luck with that. You'll need it."
Kal scoffed. "I don't need luck."
The King raised a hand, silencing their exchange. "Cade will assist you, Kal. Consider it a... collaboration of necessity."
"I don't need his help," Kal growled.
"And I don't want to babysit him," Cade snapped.
"Enough," the King said firmly. "Cade, you will provide Kal with the intel and resources he requires. And Kal, remember that this mission is larger than you. The Syndicate is experimenting with... dangerous technologies. If they succeed, the balance of power in the galaxy will tip in their favor."
Kal nodded reluctantly. "Fine. But if Cade gets in my way, he's on his own."
The King gestured to one of his attendants, who stepped forward and handed Kal a small data tablet. "Everything you need is here. Vex-9 is not just a target—he is a threat. Do not underestimate him."
As the group turned to leave, the King's gaze returned to Lian, his expression unreadable. He said nothing, but the way he looked at her made Kal's shoulders tense. The King was clearly aware that Lian's significance went far beyond what she appeared.
Back aboard the ship, the tension between Cade and Kal was palpable. Dex, as usual, tried to diffuse the awkwardness.
"So, uh... Cade, is it? How do you know Kal?" Dex asked.
Cade smirked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "We used to run in the same circles—bounty hunting, mercenary work, all that fun stuff. Then Kal here decided he wanted to play hero."
"Is that what happened?" Dex asked, glancing at Kal.
Kal didn't respond, his focus on the controls as they prepared to leave orbit.
"Let's just say he's not great at following orders," Cade continued. "And it's gotten him into trouble more times than I can count."
Dex chuckled nervously. "Sounds like you two have a lot of history. This should be fun."
Kal shot a glare at Cade. "This isn't about history. It's about getting the job done."
Cade shrugged. "Whatever you say, Drakken."