"The Holy Resistance," Kajin murmured thoughtfully. "The most feared resistance group in the entire Kingdom... Started by Alfredo, their sole purpose is to revive the Montag Kingdom under human rule and bring freedom to the humans."
He shifted his sharp gaze to Harley. "For someone his age to know about the Holy Resistance isn't just a coincidence. He must know more than he's letting on."
Kajin finally spoke. "What exactly do you mean by 'join' the Holy Resistance?" he asked, his voice serious.
Harley smiled with excitement. "Well, to join them!" he said eagerly. "To become one of us and help take back our kingdom!"
Kajin listened intently. "And why are you so sure I'd join something like that?" he asked.
Harley paused for a moment before responding. "Well... I don't see a reason why you wouldn't," he said confidently. "I mean, the demons have always treated you badly, and you even escaped from your so-called home."
Kajin stood silent for a moment, his mind racing. "This kid..."
"Are you a member of the Holy Resistance, Harley?" Kajin suddenly asked.
Harley froze, completely caught off guard. His face turned pale, and his voice trembled. "H-huh? O-of course not!" he stammered. "Why would a kid like me be with them?!"
Kajin smirked and leaned closer to him. "Harley Vanson," he whispered.
Harley flinched, his eyes widening in shock. His face was now filled with fear.
"Why didn't you tell me that I've been talking to the Holy Resistance leader's son this entire time?" Kajin asked.
A shiver ran down Harley's spine, and his body froze as goosebumps spread across him. "I... I..." Harley tried to respond but was completely speechless.
Kajin chuckled as he leaned back, watching Harley's expression of defeat. "I knew something was off about you," Kajin said, crossing his arms.
Harley collapsed to the ground. "You weren't supposed to know..." he muttered weakly.
Kajin grinned. "Relax, I'm not going to reveal your identity to anyone," he reassured.
"R-really?!" Harley exclaimed, his face lighting up with hope and excitement.
"Yeah, your secret's safe with me," Kajin replied.
Harley nearly danced with excitement, then looked at Kajin eagerly. "So... will you join the Holy Resistance?"
After a brief silence, Kajin replied flatly, "No."
Harley's expression fell immediately, turning to one of sadness. "But why?" he asked desperately.
Kajin sighed. "I may share some common goals with the Holy Resistance, but my dream doesn't align with theirs," he explained.
Harley looked puzzled. "Then... what is your dream, Kajin?"
Kajin glanced at Harley before turning his gaze toward the entrance. "I, Harley, want to explore this world," Kajin declared. "I want to see every corner of it, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."
Harley stood silent for a moment, absorbing Kajin's words. Then he asked hesitantly, "Sorry to interrupt, but I don't see how your dream doesn't align with ours. Could you explain it to me?"
Kajin turned back to Harley and smiled. "With pleasure."
"The Holy Resistance is indeed a powerful group, but my dream is not to free the humans and revive the Montag Kingdom," said Kajin. "My dream is to explore this world. Dreams are meant to be followed, not thrown away. If I join you, my dream would be sacrificed to make yours a reality."
Harley listened carefully, his expression falling into one of disappointment. Seeing this, Kajin chuckled and lightly punched him on the head.
"Hey! Don't worry! I never said I wouldn't help you guys reclaim your identity and your kingdom!" Kajin reassured him.
Harley's face brightened as he rubbed the small bump forming on his head. "Hooray!" he shouted excitedly.
Kajin smiled, then slowly got up and walked toward the exit. "It's getting late, you should get some rest," he said, glancing back at Harley as the sunset painted the sky outside.
Harley nodded before collapsing onto the ground. "Roger that!"
Kajin gave him one last smile before finally stepping outside. As he looked around, he took a deep breath and began walking.
"Phew, now that's taken care of, I need to focus on my next move," he muttered to himself. "Now that the Royal Patrol knows about us, traveling to Slavara without running into enemies will be much more difficult. And even if we make it there, the city will likely be more guarded and secure than usual."
He looked down, deep in thought. "Disguising ourselves isn't an option either. The Master Mages can detect mana even if it's hidden, mine will stand out like an elephant in a small room."
Kajin thought for a moment before sighing. "There's only one way... but it's risky," he murmured. Just as he was about to sort out his thoughts, Cracknut suddenly jumped onto his head.
"H-Hey! Cracknut?" Kajin said in surprise.
Moments later, Ruya appeared, walking toward him with a grin. "So? How did it go?" he asked.
Kajin exhaled. "Pretty well. I managed to get him to open up to me," he replied, while Cracknut sprawled lazily on his head.
"And? What did he say?" Ruya asked eagerly.
Kajin glanced at him. "He told me he was taken from his hometown by some drunk demons, sold at an auction, and eventually managed to escape."
Ruya and Cracknut listened attentively.
"Do we know anything personal about him? Like where he lived and all that?" Ruya asked.
Kajin thought for a moment before shaking his head. "No. But we'll find out eventually."
Placing a hand on Ruya's shoulder, Kajin locked eyes with him. "For now, we have more important things to do," he said seriously.
Ruya was briefly caught off guard by Kajin's sudden shift in tone but quickly smirked. Grabbing Kajin's arm, he met his gaze with a determined look. "Yeah, we do."
His blue eyes began to glow green, radiating with energy. Kajin raised an eyebrow at Ruya's reaction but soon smirked as well. His own white eyes flared with a deep reddish glow, matching Ruya's confidence as they stared each other down.