Merlion's lips curled into a bitter smirk, his fists tightening as embers flickered faintly around him. "How could I forget?" he spat; his voice laced with fury. "After the humiliating defeat you handed me, it's burned into my memory forever. But things have changed, Guardian. I'm powered up now stronger than ever! This time, I'll kick you off your throne!"
Royal's massive figure loomed in the swirling clouds, his presence radiating an unshakable authority. "This is not your planet, Merlion. No matter how much you've powered up, you cannot unleash more than 30% of your abilities here."
The words struck like lightning. Khusi's eyes widened in disbelief, his body still trembling from the near-death encounter. Beside him, Aryan froze, staring at Merlion with a mixture of awe and horror. A monster who had already unleashed such devastating power... and it was only 30%?
Khusi's voice broke through the tension, a whisper barely audible over the wind. "Thirty percent..."
Aryan's mute expression mirrored the same thought. If this was the destruction Merlion could cause at a fraction of his strength, what would happen if he unlocked his full potential? Earth wouldn't survive. It would be swallowed whole by a storm of fire and ruin—a disaster unlike anything humanity had ever witnessed.
"We'll see about that," he sneered, his pride refusing to accept Royal's words. "This time, I'll break the limits of this cursed world and take you down!"
"Your rage blinds you, Merlion. Your people never meant to rule this world."
Merlion let out a dark, rumbling laugh that echoed across the sinking cruise ship. His molten eyes gleamed with cruel satisfaction. "I'm aware of that, Royal. I'm not here to conquer—yet. I'm just here to warn you."
Merlion's grin widened. "Soon, every monster from all galaxies will come together to destroy your precious solar system. The Battle of Power is inevitable, Guardian. And what's this I hear?" He leaned forward mockingly, flames licking at the corners of his mouth. "You don't even have enough Guardians left to protect it... Hahaha!"
His laughter was jagged, cruel, like shards of glass cutting through the wind.
Royal's expression dimmed, his once-imposing voice carrying a somber weight. "Soon, the missing Guardians will return. They will join us." His words were steady but laced with a faint sadness. "I trust them."
For a brief moment, the mighty Guardian of Jupiter looked vulnerable, the burden of a fractured force weighing on his shoulders. Khusi and Aryan watched, stunned, as the truth of the looming war began to sink in.
Aryan turned to Khusi, his mute lips trembling as if to say: Missing Guardians? Monsters from other galaxies?
Khusi's mind raced. If what Merlion said was true, Earth—and the entire solar system—was teetering on the brink of annihilation. Guardians or not, the battle that awaited them was something far beyond their imagination.
Merlion smirked, his voice low but resolute. "That's exactly what I want, Royal. After everyone gathered on floor. I'll defeat you with my own hands—at the tournament. I wish you'd join soon... the real battle awaits."
With that, Merlion's form began to dissolve into the shadows, flames sputtering as the darkness swallowed him. His loud, chilling laughter echoed long after he was gone.
The storm above began to calm. Royal descended from the skies, his towering figure radiating calm authority as his feet touched the drenched deck. The once-violent waters around the ship began to ripple gently under his command.
He knelt beside Khusi, who was still too weak to move. "Refill Magic."
A soft glow surrounded Khusi, as if the air itself turned into flowing streams of light. The magic seeped into his body, soothing his wounds and replenishing his strength. Khusi gasped as warmth spread through his limbs, relief washing over him like a gentle tide.
Royal then turned to Aryan, his deep voice gentle this time. "Are you alright?"
Before Aryan could reply, Khusi, still catching his breath, spoke up. "He's… he's slightly injured. And… he can't speak."
Royal's expression softened with regret. "Oh! I'm sorry. If you're injured, show me. I can recover your wounds too."
Khusi watched, both relieved and curious. Still weak, he turned his gaze to Royal. "What… what are you?"
Royal paused, looking down at Khusi with a quiet smile, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "I am one of the last Guardians of Jupiter," he replied softly, his voice carrying the weight of both pride and loss. "And it is my duty to protect this world… no matter the cost."
He paused, his piercing gaze softening as he looked at them with curiosity. "You both carry a strong fighting spirit within you. But you, young boy…" he turned to Khusi, his eyes narrowing slightly, "how did you come by this power?"
Khusi hesitated for a moment, his chest still rising and falling as he regained his strength. "It's… my second time unlocking it," he admitted, his voice low. "My mama told me to use it only when absolutely necessary—to protect my brother."
Royal's expression darkened, a shadow of concern crossing his face. He knelt beside Khusi, his tone grave yet gentle. "Don't use it again."
Khusi's eyes widened in confusion. "Why?"
Royal sighed, the weight of his words heavy. "That power—the Z Cell—consumes your life force to activate. Each time you use it, it gradually decreases your lifespan."
His life span? He'd had no idea the power came with such a cost.
"I don't want to attract any more attention here. There are eyes everywhere, and if they discover this power… it could lead to even greater danger."
Khusi and Aryan exchanged a look—Khusi still processing the revelation, Aryan remaining stoic but thoughtful.
Royal turned to leave, his cape swirling as he moved. Before rising into the air, he looked back at them, his expression softening once more. "I hope to see you both again—strong, ready to protect the Earth from within. This land needs guardians like you."
With that, Royal's body began to ascend, rising into the dark sky. A golden glow surrounded him as he disappeared into the clouds, leaving behind only a faint trail of light.