Chapter 9: The Outcome
Peter, Aqua, and Goldie were locked in the most crucial battle of their lives against the unknown person. Every attack they launched was effortlessly dodged, and despite their speed and skill, they struggled to land a single hit.
Meanwhile, back in Shinobu, a soldier was tasked with guarding Zimbraya-sensei, who remained confined within a glass prison. Suddenly, Zimbraya spoke.
Zimbraya: "Tell me, why do you think they're still keeping me here, even after discovering the truth?"
The soldier remained silent, unable to answer.
Zimbraya: "Come on, you all are trapped in a web of misunderstanding. As a soldier of Shinobu, shouldn't you be able to recognize the truth?"
Soldier: "Sir, Ethan is investigating your case. If everything proves to be fine, you'll be freed."
Zimbraya: "Freed? You're treating me as a prisoner, aren't you? You don't trust me."
Soldier: "Your cooperation will only work in your favor, sir."
A shadow of intensity crossed Zimbraya's face. His tone became sharper.
Zimbraya: "At this point… everyone already knows."
The soldier stiffened, sensing the weight behind his words.
Zimbraya: "Everyone knows… that I am not the real one."
The soldier immediately went on guard.
Zimbraya: "But the truth is… there's no one here to save you."
Suddenly, a surge of raw elemental energy erupted from Zimbraya, shattering the glass prison into countless shards. The soldier rushed toward him, but before he could react, a strange sensation overtook him his body froze, his mind clouded, and within seconds, he collapsed, unconscious.
Back on the Battlefield
Aqua, Goldie, and Peter continued their relentless assault, but their opponent was untouchable. He weaved through their strikes effortlessly, his movements fluid and unreadable.
Their fight was being transmitted through the team's communication system, and Ethan, Alyssa, Scarlet, and the remaining soldiers could hear everything from afar. Concern filled their voices as they listened.
Goldie unleashed a flurry of sword techniques, but nothing seemed to work. Then, without warning, the unknown person made his move—a massive explosion erupted, sending all three warriors crashing to the ground.
Unknown Person: "Now, this is getting dull. Let's make things… more interesting."
His voice was eerily calm, yet dripping with malice.
Unknown Person: "I know all of you can hear me, even the girl and the scientist. You have all served Shinobu for a long time, haven't you? But there's one thing… one truth that has been kept hidden from you all about Peter."
Silence fell over the communication line.
Scarlet turned toward Ethan. "What is he talking about?"
Ethan clenched his fists. "Peter isn't denying anything… which means there's some truth to this."
The unknown person continued, his voice echoing through the battlefield.
Unknown Person: "We all know that Goldex was the one who started everything. He had a vision—he formed an organization. You might know it by another name, but we call it… Luther."
Ethan listened carefully, confusion evident on his face. "Luther? What is he talking about?"
Goldie glared at the unknown person. "Are you just rambling nonsense to yourself?"
The unknown person smirked. "You wouldn't understand it yet… but you will."
He continued his story.
Unknown Person: "Goldex was the first human born with an abnormal EPS an extraordinary level of elemental power. He alone was able to access the dark element. With that power, he sought to rid the world of corruption, poverty, and everything he despised. He believed that with this ability, nothing could stop him. No one could resist him. No one… except for one person."
At that moment, everyone's gaze turned toward Peter, who stood frozen in silence.
Unknown Person: "That person… was Peter."
Aqua's expression darkened. "What are you trying to say?"
The unknown person smiled, his eyes gleaming with a twisted excitement.
"Peter was able to stop him… because he possesses the dark element within him. And it is no mere coincidence…"
The air grew heavier with each passing second.
Unknown Person: "Peter is none other than the son of Goldex!"
A stunned silence followed. The battlefield stood still.
End of Chapter 9