The aftermath of Gok's battle with Garmadon left him exhausted but resolute. He knew this was only the beginning; the Zodiacs wouldn't stop sending their enforcers. If he wanted to survive and protect Earth, he couldn't do it alone.
As he approached the mountain shelter he had built for the displaced Chinese players, he noticed something unusual. The players were no longer in panic. Instead, they were organizing themselves, forming groups, and working together to adapt to their new reality.
Among the crowd, a familiar figure caught his attention—a man in a dark brown hood, leaning casually against a boulder. The Rat.
---
The Proposal
"You again," Gok said, narrowing his eyes. "Did you come to mess with me some more?"
The Rat smirked, his golden eyes glinting mischievously. "Mess with you? No. Help you? Perhaps."
"Help me?" Gok crossed his arms. "The last time we met, you left me with more questions than answers. Why should I trust you now?"
"Because," Rat said, his voice calm but firm, "the Zodiacs are watching. Garmadon was just the beginning. If you want to stand a chance against them, you'll need allies."
"Allies?" Gok scoffed. "And you think you qualify?"
The Rat chuckled. "Oh, I more than qualify. But I'm not here to join you. I'm here to connect you with someone who can."
Before Gok could respond, the air around them shimmered, and a portal opened. Through it stepped a tall figure clad in silver armor, their face obscured by a sleek helmet. The portal closed behind them, leaving a faint hum in the air.
The newcomer removed their helmet, revealing a woman with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. "I am Celestia, the 7th Zodiac, and I am not your enemy."
---
An Uneasy Alliance
Gok instinctively tightened his grip on the Infinite Blade, his body tensing. "Another Zodiac? Why should I believe you're different?"
"Because I've defected," Celestia said plainly. "I disagree with the council's methods. They see you as a threat to the balance of the universe. I see you as our best hope for survival."
"Survival?" Gok asked, his suspicion clear.
"Yes," Celestia said, stepping closer. "The Zodiacs are preparing for a war that spans dimensions. The so-called Ranker game is just the tip of the iceberg. There are other worlds, other races, all vying for dominance. Earth is just one piece of the puzzle."
Rat chimed in, "She's telling the truth. The Zodiacs are split—some want to destroy Earth to prevent it from becoming a threat, others want to protect it. Celestia is one of the few on your side."
Gok studied Celestia's face, searching for any hint of deceit. After a moment, he sighed. "Fine. Let's say I believe you. What's your plan?"
---
Building a Team
Celestia placed her helmet on the ground and looked at Gok with determination. "We need to form a coalition. Not just players from the Ranker world, but people from Earth as well. Scientists, strategists, fighters—anyone who can contribute."
Gok raised an eyebrow. "You're suggesting I start a... what, an interdimensional army?"
"Exactly," Celestia said. "The Zodiacs won't stop coming. And the war you've already seen is nothing compared to what's coming next."
Gok sighed, running a hand through his hair. "This is insane. But then again, so is everything else that's happened lately." He glanced at Rat. "I'm guessing you're part of this plan too?"
Rat grinned. "Of course. Someone has to keep you on your toes."
---
The First Mission
As they strategized, Celestia revealed the location of a hidden stronghold deep within the Ranker world. "It's a vault containing weapons and artifacts powerful enough to challenge the Zodiacs. But it's heavily guarded by one of the most