Floppa was in shock for a moment, his mind trying to process what he had just heard. Master Joseph remained kneeling, his gaze fixed on the ground as if waiting patiently. Floppa put his hands on his head, searching for something that could make sense of it all."Prince...? How...?"Master Joseph slowly lifted his gaze and, with a faint smile, spoke in a calm voice."I understand this may be overwhelming, young Floppa. But let me explain. You see, the King of Wright has no direct heirs. Many years ago, the sages of the mountain range predicted that when the stars fell from the sky, a new prince would be chosen by the heavens themselves to guide us in times of need."Floppa took a step back, absorbing each word as he recalled the images from the tapestry in the room. The red star falling over the mountains, the golden path... still, it couldn't be true; there were many things in that tapestry that weren't happening at that moment."The stars...?" Floppa murmured."Yes," Joseph replied, standing up. "Two nights ago, when you fell from the sky, the king recognized you as the shooting star that had been predicted. It was no coincidence, young Floppa. The king saw in you the sign that you were the chosen one."Floppa blinked in disbelief, trying to find something that could refute that explanation, but nothing came to mind."But I... I'm not from here. I don't even know how I ended up in this world. How could it be me...?"Master Joseph let out a warm, paternal laugh."The stars don't always belong to the sky they arrive in, but that doesn't make them any less important. You have been brought here for a reason. And now, as prince, your duty is to guide our people and protect the Mountain Range of Wright."Floppa felt a knot in his stomach. Guide? Protector? He barely understood where he was or what it all meant."But... what about the king?" Floppa asked, still searching for a way to understand.Joseph nodded sadly."The king has been ill for some time. He won't be able to rule for much longer. Wright needs someone to succeed him, someone strong and capable... and that someone is you."Floppa sank down onto one of the benches in the garden, his mind swirling with thoughts. Just hours before, he had been trying to survive in this new and strange world, and now... now he was a prince. He had a kingdom waiting for him, a people who already saw him as their future ruler."I can't do this..." he said softly, looking at his hands.Master Joseph approached and placed a hand on his shoulder."No one expects you to do it alone, young prince. We will be here to help you, to teach you everything you need to know. But you must accept your destiny. The kingdom depends on you."Floppa looked up, his eyes filled with doubt and fear, but also with a small spark of determination that was just beginning to ignite."I'll try..." he murmured, knowing that his life was about to change forever.The cool breeze swept through the expansive garden of the Mountain Range, where vibrant flowers contrasted with the imposing mountain horizon. The sun began to descend, casting long shadows over the grass as Floppa walked alongside Master Joseph, who wore a serious expression but had a spark of kindness in his eyes. Floppa still felt disoriented being in a world so different from his own, but Joseph conveyed some calm.Joseph (in a deep yet soothing voice):"Prince Floppa, before we continue with the introductions, it's essential that you meet some of the young people who will be by your side. They are vital to our Mountain Range, and I'm sure you'll get along well."In the distance, three figures approached. At first, they seemed like mere silhouettes among the flowers, but as they got closer, Floppa could better distinguish their faces. Each of them radiated a unique energy, but there were no bows or exaggerated formalities in their postures. They were young, almost around his age.The first to step forward was Dickson, tall with long black hair tied back in a ponytail. His hands were somewhat dirty, marked by constant work in the workshops, but he showed no signs of discomfort he was the blacksmith of the Mountain Range, and, as he would soon discover, a genius in shipbuilding."This is Dickson, our armorer and engineer. He specializes in creating gunships and is working on a special project that I think will interest you."Dickson flashed a slight smile as he approached. There was no formality in his greeting; he simply nodded his head slightly."I'm working on a glider; I named it 'Sparrow.' It's a replica of the one the king used before you. You'll need to learn how to use it; after all, it's the signature vehicle of the Mountain Range."Floppa looked at him with curiosity."Please, just call me Floppa; I can't stand formalities. So... a replica? Of the king's glider?""That's right. It's not exactly the same, but I think you'll like it. It's designed for speed and precision, though I'm still adjusting a few things. I can't quite get enough power to the engine... yet. But I'll get there soon."Floppa smiled. In his world, he had been an expert in mechanics, biology, and chemistry. Dickson's technical language felt familiar."Maybe I can help; I used to work with machinery like that in my world. How are you measuring the power?"Dickson's eyes lit up, thrilled that Floppa knew what he was talking about."I use a measurement unit I invented, called 'erastos.' What I need is a power source that is not only powerful but constant."Floppa nodded, recognizing the challenge."With time, you'll be able to work with Dickson on the adjustments to the glider. But there's more you need to know."The next young man was Arthur, with short hair and glasses that sparkled under the light of the setting sun. Though he was shorter than Floppa, he radiated fierce intelligence. The alchemical symbol he wore on his wrist was a clear sign of his magical mastery."This is Arthur, an alchemist mage. He not only manipulates the elements but also works with chemical compounds to enhance our weapons and defenses."Arthur pushed up his glasses with a finger and gave Floppa a calculating yet friendly look."Hah, you're the prince, right? When they told me, I thought it was a joke, but whatever, we'll see what you can do. From what we could find among your things, it seems you used to work in a lab; you might be useful.""Yep, I promise I'll be useful."Finally, Momox stepped forward. He was a robust young man, a bit chubby, with tanned skin and a carefree smile; he had a thick beard and was shaved on the sides. He was the diplomat of the Mountain Range, but his demeanor was anything but formal. He seemed more like a close friend than a royal emissary.—And here we have Momox, our diplomat. He is the one who has maintained the peace treaties between the different regions of the mountain range.—Don't worry, Floppa. I'm not all words and smiles. I also know how to pilot the gunships, and I can teach you a couple of tricks.—It seems like there's a lot to learn here.Floppa was surprised to realize how comfortable they felt with him. They didn't treat him like a distant prince but as one of the group. There was a warmth in them that reminded him of the friends he had left behind in his own world.Suddenly, Floppa noticed another young man who was somewhat apart, almost hiding behind Dickson. He hadn't been introduced yet.—And him? Who's the fourth guy?Joseph chuckled softly before answering.
—That's Luis, Dickson's sidekick. He's always following Dickson around, even though he's not officially part of the team.
Luis, a bit embarrassed, waved quickly, trying not to draw too much attention. He seemed more reserved but clearly respected Dickson a lot.—That's fine, a team is never complete without a sidekick.The three boys laughed, and Momox gave Floppa a pat on the back.—Come on, we have to teach you how to pilot our ships. Dickson and Arthur will teach you how to fly the fighter ship, and I'll show you how to use the Sparrow glider when it's ready.
As they walked through the garden toward the hangar.He still felt a mix of familiarity and confusion though. There was something in the relaxed way they behaved around him that made him temporarily forget his new aquired royal title, even though he still felt somewhat disoriented by everything happening.Master Joseph paused for a moment and, with a faint smile, gestured for Floppa to follow him.—Prince Floppa, there's still more to see. If you accompany me to the strategy room, there's something we must present to you.
Floppa nodded, although his mind was still filled with questions.—So, what do you think so far?--
Momox asked Floppa—I won't lie; I expected it. But this is much better. It's... more relaxing.
Dickson laughed—Don't worry, we don't have time for all that unnecessary ceremony. Here we work, and fast.
The group continued walking, and Floppa couldn't help but feel more connected to them.Finally, they arrived at the Strategy Room, a spacious area with detailed maps of the Cordillera and various landmarks. However, before they could discuss any strategies, a slim, well-groomed man awaited them at the entrance. His elegant demeanor revealed that he was one of the tailors of the town.—Ah, Prince Floppa, welcome. We have prepared something for you.
The tailor gestured, and several assistants entered the room with a series of perfectly organized garments and accessories. Floppa frowned, bewildered by the amount of clothing being presented to him.Floppa looked at the outfit before him with confusion
—How do you have my clothes? You never took my measurements.
Before the tailor could explain, Momox let out a light laugh and interrupted him.—They measured you while you were unconscious. You have to get used to that, Prince. Here, we anticipate things.
Floppa scratched his head, somewhat uncomfortable with the idea, but as he examined the clothing more closely, his curiosity grew. The first outfit they handed him consisted of lightweight yet durable white pants, flexible enough to allow for agile movement. The blue shirt with red edges, made of what seemed to be wool, had a simple but practical design. The textures were soft to the touch, yet clearly made for wear and tear from combat or adventures.—That fabric is special. It's wool treated with techniques our people have perfected over generations. It will keep you warm but is also incredibly tough.Floppa raised his eyebrows, impressed by the level of detail. They also handed him a pair of tall boots, which he immediately recognized: they were his boots from the previous world, but something had changed.—Are these my boots? They look... different.
Arthur smiled—We modified them a bit. They were good, but we made them better. Now they have extra protection and will offer you more stability on uneven terrain.
Floppa smiled as he put them on. The boots fit him like a glove, and he could feel the modifications: lighter and firmer but with flexibility that allowed him to move freely. As he adjusted the boots, one of the assistants handed him his old goggles, now repaired and improved. To his surprise, the goggles were now attached to a hat, with lenses that seemed different from the previous ones.—What did you do to them? The lenses look different.
—We improved them, of course. Now they'll allow you to see clearly even in low visibility conditions. And the hat... well, let's just say it's more comfortable than it looks; it has sound dampeners for when you fly.The next item was a pair of gloves with small pieces of armor covering his forearms. Floppa put them on and felt a surprising combination of lightness and protection.Finally, they handed him a kind of helmet, although it looked more like a piece of metal that only covered his forehead and fit perfectly with the hat.Momox punched the shield lightly.
—It's not for full protection, but it helps keep your head safe in case of minor impacts.
Floppa laughed.On the shoulder of the shirt, he noticed something peculiar: a little sparrow embroidered with its wings open, the same symbol he had seen on the map in the book.—This symbol... I saw it on a map.
Master Joseph nodded—It's the symbol of our house. It marks you as one of us, as one of our own.
The last item they handed him was his side bag, the same one he had brought from his world, but now repaired and with multiple additional pockets. Additionally, it was secured to a belt that helped keep the pants in place.—We added some compartments so you can carry more things with you. And we adjusted the belt to keep everything secure.--Arthur explained as he signaled the belt
Floppa got fully dressed, noticing that everything fit him perfectly. As he adjusted the strap of his bag, he looked at the boys and smiled. With his new outfit adjusted, Floppa followed Joseph, Dickson, Arthur, and Momox through the wide garden. The cold air of the mountain range made him feel awake, but each piece of clothing he wore—the new clothes, the modified boots, the goggles now integrated into a hat—seemed to carry more weight than what could fit his physique. He felt as if each piece was a kind of symbol that pulled him toward a destiny he still didn't fully understand. They had dressed him for something greater than himself.Upon exiting to the garden, the wide balcony before them offered an imposing view of the valley below the Cordillera, a sea of mountains that seemed endless. However, what caught Floppa's attention the most was the crowd of villagers gathered beneath the balcony. There were no more than 250 people, but each of them looked at him as if waiting for a divine signal. There was a palpable mix of relief, hope, and expectation on their faces—emotions Floppa couldn't ignore.Dickson, with his firm stance and authoritative voice, stepped forward and extended his arms toward the crowd.—Villagers of the mountain range! Today, before you, we present our new prince! The heir to the will of our ancestors and the protector of these lands we love! I present to you Floppa!
The cheers that followed were deafening. They were not just shouts of approval; there was something more, a cry of relief, as if they could finally breathe easily. Floppa felt the sound overwhelming him for a moment. He watched as the people cheered, clapped, some even with tears in their eyes, as if he were the savior they had been waiting for.Floppa thinked nervously—I don't know how I'm supposed to be the solution to their problems. How can I lead these people if I don't even understand where the hell I am?
He felt the sweat accumulating in the palms of his hands. He took a step forward, his stomach churning from a mix of nerves and doubt. He couldn't offer them grand promises, not in his current state. But he couldn't remain silent.Dickson gave him a supportive look, as if silently telling him to speak from the heart. Floppa nodded, still nervous, and stepped to the edge of the balcony. He looked down at the village and raised a hand to get their attention. The shouts began to fade, replaced by an expectant silence.Floppa swallowed hard. He felt the weight of their gazes on him. He took a deep breath, and with a slight tremor in his voice, began to speak.—Uh... I... —He paused, trying to organize his thoughts—. Honestly, I don't know how I got here. —His voice broke slightly, but he continued—. I don't know why I've been chosen. I'm not a prince in my world. —He looked at the ground for a second, uncomfortable under the intense stares, but then continued—. In my world, I was... a biologist, a doctor a mechanic I was never anyone important, at least not like you see me now.Some people in the crowd began to murmur, but it didn't seem like a negative reaction. Floppa could tell they were listening to him attentively. He forced himself not to stop.—But I know what responsibility is. —Now his words were firmer, though the nervousness still lingered—. And I know what it means to work for something bigger than yourself. I know what it's like not to have all the answers and still keep moving forward. —He ran a hand through his hair, uncomfortable with what he was about to say—. I can't promise you that I will always do the right thing. I can't promise you that I will be the prince you expect. —The knot in his throat became more pronounced, but he took a breath and continued—. But I can promise you one thing: I will do everything in my power to protect this Mountain Range, to learn from you, to live up to the role you have given me.There were some exclamations of approval in the crowd. Floppa, surprised by the support, began to feel more relaxed, though he still felt the pressure of being at the center of it all.—I don't know if I'll be here for long, nor do I know what challenges I will face. But if you accept me... if you believe I can help... then I will do my best to be worthy of your trust.A reverent silence settled over the place for a few seconds. Then, as if an invisible signal had been given, the villagers began to applaud. But this time, it wasn't deafening shouts of relief or desperation; it was firm and honest applause. They accepted Floppa's humility and sincerity just as he was.Dickson, seeing that the speech had ended, approached him with a small smile and pulled out an object he had kept hidden until that moment. Floppa looked at him curiously as Dickson held up a sword hilt.It was a simple, functional hilt, not ostentatious like the ceremonial swords Floppa had seen in his life. The material was dark, polished but sober, and its design was practical, with a solid, well-balanced grip. There were no unnecessary adornments, just a handle made to be used, not displayed.—This is the hilt of the royal sword. A tool, not an empty symbol. It doesn't have its blade yet, because that part depends on you. —Dickson looked him directly in the eyes—. To become our rightful prince, you will have to pass a test. And that test is to forge the blade of your sword with the shell of a chanchopoyo, an animal I will show you later.A murmur ran through the crowd, a reverent noise filled with respect upon hearing the name of the creature. Some villagers even crossed themselves or murmured prayers. Clearly, getting that shell was not something just anyone could accomplish.Dickson placed the sword hilt in Floppa's hands, which he held with respect, feeling the symbolic weight of the object. It was not just a sword; it was another step toward becoming what those people expected of him.—Show it to the people, Prince Floppa. If they accept you, then we will begin to prepare for your test.Floppa took a deep breath, gripping the hilt more tightly than necessary. He stepped to the edge of the balcony, raising the handle so everyone could see it. The villagers watched him in silence for a moment, evaluating, judging.Floppa's heart raced. He wasn't sure what would happen, but suddenly, the silence was broken by a single foot stomp on the ground. Then another. Soon, the sound multiplied until the entire crowd was stomping the ground in unison. A firm and powerful rhythm resonating like a war drum. Each stomp felt like an affirmation, a resounding yes to his role.And then came the shouts of approval, voices echoing in the air like a unified chorus.Momox, grinning from ear to ear, patted him on the shoulder.—That means they approve, Prince. Soon you'll face the first test.
Floppa, still holding the sword hilt, looked at the crowd. His heart was still racing, but now, instead of fear, he felt a growing determination.—I won't let them down.
As the shouts continued, Floppa lowered the sword hilt, aware that the path ahead would be challenging, but now more certain that he was ready to face it.After the speech, Master Joseph and the others asked Floppa to accompany them to the hangar. Once in the hangar, the metal doors opened.Upon entering the hangar, Floppa first saw the Mountain Range gunship, which stood out for its structure resembling that of a falcon. The wings, currently extended, looked ready to fold once the ship was parked. They were compact but aerodynamic, designed for precision and speed in flight. Beneath them, the wheels were hidden, almost invisible, but perfectly designed to fold within the body of the ship once it took off.The pilot's cabin, located near the head of the ship, had a wide front window, a windshield that provided maximum visibility ahead, although the sides were open, unprotected, leaving the rest of the cabin exposed. It was an unusual feature that allowed the pilot to feel the wind while maneuvering. Almost at the tail of the ship, just before it, there was a second seat. This additional seat had a small windshield to protect the passenger from the wind, but again, the sides were exposed. There, the gunner could help control the weapons, allowing the pilot to focus entirely on flying. The ship, though small, radiated an aura of speed and agility. It was clear that it had been designed to be fast and precise, more of a predator than a flying tank.—It's like a falcon ready to dive, literally, its front is like the face of a bird.Arthur smiles proudly—That's right. This gunship isn't the biggest or heaviest, but it's fast. And when it comes to speed, no one beats it.
Floppa nodded, but his eyes had already moved to the other object in the hangar. Next to it was a smaller, slimmer, and more minimalist structure that caught his attention: the Sparrow.The Sparrow had an extremely simple structure compared to the gunship. It was pure white, with some brown borders, it was almost ethereal, as if it were an extension of the sky itself. Its wings, like those of the gunship, were foldable, but much smaller and thinner. What stood out was its lightness. Unlike the fighter, there was no cabin. Instead, it only had two small handrails, where the pilot could hold on. These handrails seemed as simple as they were practical, and a leather strap was installed so that the pilot could recline during long flights, keeping secure while flying.Floppa looked at the machine with confussion—Doesn't it have controls?
Dickson laughed softly—The Sparrow relies almost entirely on how you move your body. It's a ship that follows your movements. The handrails help, but balance and skill are what really matter.
To start it, Floppa noticed a pedal at the base of the apparatus. There were no visible buttons or switches, just the pedal. Then Dickson hurried to point out the biggest limitation of the ship.Dickson signaled the pedal as he explained
—This little one should turn it on. But... we still haven't found a power source strong enough. The power is measured in a unit I call erastos, and we need more than we've been able to get so far.
Arthur frowned—I've tried everything: magic, chemicals, nothing seems to generate enough energy for it to fly as it should.
Floppa was impressed—It seems more complicated than it looks, then we have some work to do.
Momox handed Floppa a lab coat—It is. But don't worry, today we'll start with the basics. Here's your coat.
Floppa looked at the robe being offered to him. It was similar to the ones the boys wore, but with red and blue details that made it stand out. On the shoulder, there was an embroidered sparrow with its wings open, the same symbol he had seen in the book.—Whose was it?
Arthur shrugged
—The king's. But it seems to fit you perfectly, don't you think?
Floppa raised an eyebrow, perplexed.
—Did the king used to work in workshops and laboratories?
Dickson nodded
—Yeah, sure. Even our parents worked with him. There's no time for titles or status when there's work to be done.
Floppa felt increasingly comfortable with the boys. They seemed less focused on their position and more interested in what they could build together. As they got to work on the Sparrow's engine, Floppa began to learn details that were completely new to him. They spent a good while adjusting parts, testing connections, but they couldn't get it to work.
After several failed attempts, they took a break, and Dickson pulled out a book. Floppa recognized it instantly: it was the same biology book he had seen in the room where he woke up. Arthur quickly flipped through the pages until he found an image.
Arthur the signaled a realistic drawing on a page
—Here it is. This is a chanchopoyo.
Floppa was stunned to see the drawing. A gigantic cat with eight legs and four eyes, covered by an immense shell. It was a creature like none he had ever seen in his life. According to the scale, the cat could measure up to eight meters in height, although Arthur mentioned that some could grow even larger.
Arthur smiled
—They shed their shells every so often, and when they do, they grow. Those shells are nearly indestructible and are used to forge the royal swords and some more stuff.
Floppa was still processing the information when Dickson proudly pointed at the Sparrow.
—This little guy is made entirely of one of those shells. We found it in the castle's storage; it was an armor piece that had been stored away a long time ago.Floppa looked at the book still stunned by what it was
—And I'm supposed to... hunt one of these?
That's when Momox intervened, clarifying the situation.
—Hunting chanchopoyos is prohibited. It's illegal in the Mountain Range. We have great respect for them, and that's why we never hunt them. What we do is wait for them to shed their shells naturally.
Arthur nodded
—Exactly. The shells we use are the ones we find after the chanchopoyos leave them behind.
Dickson patted Floppa's back
—So, Floppa, don't worry. You won't have to hunt one, just find a fragment. If you do, you'll get your sword. If not... well, then you'll have to settle for something more common.
Floppa nodded, a bit relieved not to have to face such a creature. However, the idea of having to find a shell was still quite a challenge, especially in such an unfamiliar place.
The lunch break ended, and they continued with their work, trying solutions and calculating some things. Momox and Dickson focused on the Sparrow's engine while Floppa and Arthur tested chemical mixtures.
After several failed attempts and mixing different chemicals, Floppa began to feel frustrated. Despite all the efforts from him and Arthur, nothing seemed to work to ignite the Sparrow. While Momox and Dickson discussed how to reduce the engine's power to make it more manageable, Floppa decided to try something riskier.
He looked at his crystal, the red and blue crystal he had found in a cave in his original world, along with his friends' crystals. He had felt from the beginning that it had something special, but he never knew exactly what it did. Out of curiosity, he brought it close to one of the flasks he had prepared with Arthur. As soon as the crystal was near enough, the flask began to electrify. Tiny sparks of electricity moved inside the flask, as if an unexpected reaction was occurring.
Floppa stared in amazement. Then, an idea crossed his mind. Without wasting any more time, he gestured to Arthur to take the flask.
—Arthur, grab this.
Arthur looked at him with an eyebrow raised, puzzled, but obeyed and carefully took the flask while the sparks continued to dance inside.
—What the hell is this? Why is it reacting like this?Floppa smirked
—That's what we're going to find out.
Both approached Momox and Dickson, who were engrossed in a technical discussion about the engine adjustments.
—If we reduce the power by 20%, maybe the turbines will run without losing thrust, but we need something more stable than...
Floppa interrupted the conversation before Momox could finish his thought.
—Dickson, open the fuel tank.
—What? Why?
—Just do it; I think we have something.
Dickson exchanged a look with Momox, who shrugged in acceptance, and finally opened the tank. The metallic sound of the lid reverberated in the hangar.
—Pour the liquid.
—Okay... I hope this doesn't blow everything up.
Arthur tilted the flask, and the electrified liquid slowly fell into the fuel tank. The sparks continued to glow as the liquid mixed with the other components they had added earlier.
Floppa, without hesitation, took off his crystal from around his wrist and brought it close to the electrodes inside the tank. At that moment, the engine seemed to come to life, and small currents of energy began to flow through the tank.
Momox, Dickson, and Arthur watched in silence, their eyes wide open.
—Wait... isn't that...?
—The Star Crystal of King Porfirio... we thought it was lost for over a hundred years!
Floppa frowned
—What are you talking about? I found it in a cave, in my world, along with other crystals like this. It has nothing to do with a king...
Dickson smiled at floppa
—Floppa, that's what makes you the star. That crystal has a legacy tied to the royalty of the mountain range.
Floppa somewhat uncomfortable, downplayed the matter
—Well, let's talk about that later... it seems the liquid is already electrified. Why don't we try to see if this works?
Dickson nodded and closed the fuel tank. With a gesture, he indicated for Floppa to get on the glider.
Floppa took a deep breath, climbed onto the Sparrow, and positioned himself in front of the pedal. When he pressed it, the Sparrow came to life. One of the turbines glowed blue, the other red, both with a soft glow that illuminated the hangar. However, the engine emitted a nearly silent hum, as if it operated on a more refined energy.
The four stood still for a moment, unable to believe what they had just achieved.
—Damn, this thing is working!
—Not just that, the engine is running silently. You really did a grat work my love!
Momox said while spanking Dickson.Floppa then shot a look at Dickson and Momox that denoted enormous confusion, so great that he nearly choked on his own saliva.
— I knew we could do it. And you, stop calling me that; at least tell Floppa it's a joke, or else he's going to think we're gay.
Floppa kept his foot on the pedal, while watching the turbines
— So... this is what was needed.
With a satisfied smile, he kept the pedal pressed for a few more seconds, ensuring the engine was still running at full capacity before slowly releasing it, shutting down the Sparrow.
They all let out a sigh of relief and satisfaction. The excitement of turning on the glider was so great that Dickson immediately suggested they test it.
— Let's try it, but on the count of three! — without giving Floppa time to react, he folded the Sparrow's wings, grabbed it by the lower handles, and, with almost contagious energy, ran out of the hangar through the castle's inner door.
Arthur and Momox burst into surprised and excited laughter.
— Wait a second dude!
Without thinking much, Arthur and Momox followed Dickson. Floppa, however, stayed back for a moment, observing the enormous hangar around him. Something caught his attention: in a more remote area of the hangar, almost as if they were trying to hide them, there were several fighter ships similar to the one in the hangar, but they were dismantled, scattered like remnants of a glorious past.
— What is all this? Why are there so many ships here...?
His eyes drifted to the back of the hangar, where there was a semi-hidden metal door. Something in his instinct told him he needed to get closer.
Just as he took a step toward the door, Arthur shouted from a distance.
— Hey, Floppa! We'll check that later; right now we need to fly! Let's go to the tallest tower!
Floppa let out a small laugh, shaking his head at his own curiosity, and then shouted back.
— I'm coming, I'm coming!
He quickly caught up to them, and they all climbed the wide stairs of the castle, each step echoing against the stone walls. As they ascended, the cool evening air flowed through the open windows, and the setting sun bathed the hallway in golden tones.
Floppa looked toward one of the opposite towers and, from there, he could clearly see his own room. The window was ajar, and the bed he had woken up in that very morning still lay in disarray, a reflection of how quickly everything had changed since he opened his eyes in that strange world.
Finally, they reached the top of one of the towers. There, two giant windmills dominated the landscape, their blades slowly turning in the gentle breeze. Momox, always eager to explain things, seized the opportunity.
— These windmills not only generate electricity for the castle, but they also draw clean water from the ground. It's impressive, isn't it?
— Wow, I've never seen anything like this.
While they spoke, Dickson was already busy securing the Sparrow to the launch platform, a kind of giant slingshot that looked makeshift but effective. It was clear that these guys were experts at making things work, even with unconventional methods.
Floppa, unintentionally, let his gaze slide along the edge of the tower. He noticed that strange, tangled, and robust plants were growing all around the edge, but one of them had something different: a small panel embedded in its base. Dickson also noticed it, and after inspecting it, he raised his hand.
— The winds are pretty calm. Unlike this morning, we can test the flight without problems.
— What's that plant, Dickson?
Arthur, excited by the question, quickly intervened before Dickson could respond.
— They're the bio-detectors of the castle. Something like organic sonar. They detect air currents, humidity, anything that could affect flight.
Floppa nodded, impressed by the technology. Meanwhile, Dickson and Momox were making sure the springs were well-tensioned and the mast ready for launch.
— Momox, check the springs and the tension of the mast.
— Everything's ready. The springs are spot on.
Dickson turned to Floppa and began to quickly explain the basics of flying the Sparrow.
— When you start the Sparrow with the pedal, get comfortable. You can lean totally or partially against the railings. If you need more power, press the pedal again, either with your hands or feet. It depends on whether you're standing or leaning on the railings. Also, the railings have a section that you can move to adjust the ailerons and better catch the air currents.
Floppa nodded with a mix of nerves and excitement as he adjusted his hat and the goggles they had given him. The lenses were designed to protect his eyes from the setting sun and allowed him to see clearly.
— Ready, Floppa?!
— Hell no, but let's just try it already!
Before he could say anything else, Dickson unexpectedly removed the safety lock from the slingshot, and the Sparrow was launched into the sky with a surprising force.
— Oh my god!
Quickly, Floppa pressed the pedal, and the turbines of the Sparrow roared to life with a familiar hum. He felt the glider catch the air currents, but at first, he struggled to stabilize it. He was standing, trying to maintain his balance, but the Sparrow was spinning several times, and he was nearly thrown off more than once.
From the tower, Arthur, Dickson, and Momox watched him with shouts of excitement and nervous laughter.
— He almost fell again!
— Hang in there, Floppa! You're doing it!
After a few minutes of struggle, Floppa finally managed to stabilize the glider. Although he still wasn't completely accustomed to it, he had control of the currents. After flying for a while, he decided to try something more comfortable and lay down on the glider, leaning against the railings and securing himself with the leather belt.
Everything seemed to be going wonderfully until, without realizing it, Floppa rested a hand on the wrong pedal and accidentally turned off the turbines of the Sparrow. At first, he didn't notice, as he continued gliding thanks to the air currents, but when he saw the guys frantically signaling to him from the tower, he understood what had happened.
— Why are they so...?
When he leaned forward to check the turbines, he noticed they were completely off. In a panic, without thinking, he used his teleportation and appeared in some nearby bushes, letting the glider continue to glide smoothly on the current until it gently fell not far away.
At that moment, Floppa realized something important: his powers did not depend on the crystal.
From the tower, Arthur, Dickson, and Momox watched in amazement.
— It's him... he's the star. No doubt about it.
— Yes... but we won't tell him yet.
Floppa breathed heavily among the bushes, gazing at the sky with a mix of awe and exhaustion. The glider, which moments before had seemed completely under control, was now gently floating down, carried by the air currents. He felt the rapid beat of his heart as his mind processed what had just happened: he had teleported without thinking twice. Without the help of any crystal. This was something big."I don't need the crystal..."
In that moment, he heard shouting coming from the tower. Dickson, Arthur, and Momox were rushing down the stairs, calling out to him with a mix of excitement and concern.
"Dude, you almost killed yourself, but you flew! YOU FLEW! That was amazing. Although... well, you almost lost the Sparrow too."
Arthur punched Dickson slightly"Stop joking, Dick. The important thing is that he's okay."
Floppa slowly stood up, shaking the leaves off himself.
"Yeah... I'm fine. Although the landing... well, we'll leave that for next time."
Momox patted Floppa
"You did pretty well for your first flight. Although you almost fell a couple of times... but you stabilized in the end. That's what matters. The glider responded perfectly to your movements."Floppa, still a bit dazed, looked at the group and then at the glider a few meters away, intact.
"I feel like, with a little more practice, I could... well, do it without nearly killing myself next time."
"I hope so. Tomorrow you'll need those reflexes for something bigger. The king wants to meet you, and after what happened today, I think he's going to propose something important."
"The king? Why? I'm just learning to fly a glider."
Arthur moved his head"You're not just any kid, Floppa. We all see it, even if you don't believe it yet. Tomorrow you'll fly the gunship, and that's no small thing. The king has been watching."Floppa looked up at the tower where, in the distance, he saw the silhouette of King Joohn, watching from one of the windows in his wheelchair. Although the king was far away, he could feel his presence, an imposing figure despite his physical frailty.
"So the king... was watching me."
Dickson smiled mischievously "Of course. He sees everything. And after what you did today... well, I think you already have a spot secured in the mountain range."Floppa didn't know how to process all this. In a matter of hours, he had flown for the first time, nearly crashed, and now the king was waiting to meet him. The pieces of something much bigger were starting to fit together in his mind, but he still couldn't fully comprehend what it meant.
"Come on, we have to eat. Tomorrow will be a long day. After the meeting with the king, we'll take you to the gunship. First as a gunner, and then as a pilot." said Arthur
Floppa nodded, following them back to the castle. He still felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins, but a deeper excitement began to rise in his chest. If what he had done today was just the beginning, he couldn't wait to see what would come next.
As the group climbed back up the stairs and entered the castle, at the top of the tower, King Joohn watched silently, a faint smile on his face.
"This boy... will do wonders with the mountain range. I can feel it in my bones."
In his mind, the king envisioned a bright future for Floppa and the fate of the Wright mountain range.
500 kilometers away, in Goldwater, Chara couldn't let chaos and despair take over her. Her gaze drifted to the door of her room, and her mind began to work on a solution. She knew she couldn't stay there, waiting for things to resolve themselves. If that boy had already taken control of most of her village and turned her people into mindless pawns, she had to act quickly.The first thing she needed was to see her parents, and maybe, with luck, find her brother. The only clear exit was through the hidden passage she knew well, one that connected several parts of the castle. She approached the stone wall, moved a loose brick, and pressed a hidden mechanism that opened a small door. It barely fit, but just enough for her to slip through and begin her escape. The cold, damp air of the tunnel made her shiver.
Carefully and quietly, Chara advanced through the corridors until she reached the dungeons. She stopped in front of the cell where, to her horror, she found her parents, King Don and Queen Gilda. They were locked up, with their hands tied, but, to her relief, they were not wearing masks.
"Mom! Dad!" Chara whispered urgently.
Both startled upon seeing her.
"Chara... How did you get out?" her mother asked, but the worry in her eyes was evident immediately.
"That doesn't matter now," she quickly replied. "Where is Frisk?"
The expression on her parents' faces grew even darker.
"They took him a few hours ago," her father replied in a choked voice. "We couldn't do anything."
The weight of those words fell on Chara like a stone, but she couldn't stop to cry at that moment. She had to act. She took a deep breath and asked:
"How do I get out of here? I need my gunship"
Her mother, though exhausted, maintained her firmness.
"In the council chamber are the parts you need. You can build a feedback device that will cause interference with the signal of the boy who took the city. If you can get those parts, you'll be able to modify your ship to confront him."
Chara nodded, and her father added:
"Go, my dear. We can't stop him without that ship, and we can't let him catch you... you are our only hope."
With one last look at her parents, Chara promised to return. Her heart raced, but her mind was clear.
The next step was to infiltrate the hangar.
The hangar was guarded, each one of them wearing those horrible white masks. Chara, moving stealthily, used the shadows and hidden passages to get closer. She knew she couldn't confront them directly. When she reached the maintenance area, she saw her fighter, an agile and fast ship, perfect for her escape.
She couldn't help but smile nervously at seeing it intact, but she knew the hardest moment was yet to come. She needed to activate the controls without alerting the guards. She slipped through the ventilation ducts to the command center of the hangar and, using the passwords she remembered, began the remote startup process.
The ship emitted a soft hum. The noise was low enough not to attract immediate attention, but the systems in the hangar were activating.
"Come on, come on..." she murmured, nervous.
Once the engines were ready, she slipped back down to the hangar floor, but it was then that one of the guards saw her.
"There she is!" he shouted.
In a matter of seconds, an alarm echoed throughout the hangar. Chara didn't have time to hide. She ran towards her fighter, dodging shots and energy projectiles that began to flood the area. Her muscles tensed as she jumped into the cockpit, closed the hatch, and activated the launch systems.
"Come on, take off!" she exclaimed, gripping the controls.
Her fighter roared to life, and Chara pulled on the controls to lift it off the ground just as one of the guards fired an energy beam at her. The ship narrowly dodged the impact as it ascended rapidly.
But she wasn't out of danger yet. As she exited the hangar, more ships controlled by the boy in the mask appeared on her radar. Chara recognized them: they were the ships of the kingdom's elite squadron, now in enemy hands.
"I'm not going to lose here," she said through gritted teeth.
Chara accelerated, performing evasive maneuvers as the shots followed her. She sharply turned to the right, then dove down before making a quick turn that disoriented her pursuers. One of the enemy fighters flew too close and was shot down by the crossfire of its own teammates.
"If I can get out of Goldwater's airspace, I'll be safe... for now."
Despite her skill, the number of enemies was overwhelming. The lights of their shots illuminated the night sky, but Chara, with nerves of steel, continued to dodge and return fire when she could.
Finally, after what seemed like hours of chasing, Chara managed to break through and leave the fighters behind. She crossed the border of her kingdom, and silence settled in her cockpit. The ship shook, but it was still in good shape.
"I did it..." she whispered, breathing heavily but relieved.
Chara looked toward the horizon, knowing that the most important mission of her life had just begun.
"Frisk... Dad, Mom, I will succeed. I will get that part. And then... then I will deal with that invader."As she flew toward the Living Jungle, her thoughts drifted to the star she had seen fall in the Wright Mountain Range. For a moment, she wondered if the boy she had seen could help her. However, the urgency of the weapon and the situation in her kingdom weighed more heavily on her mind.
"First, I need to get the part. Then, if necessary, I will investigate the stars."
With that decision in mind, she accelerated toward her destination, ready to face whatever it took in the Living Jungle.