Maizy stood beside the shattered remains of the battlefield, closing her book slowly as the last traces of aura faded from the air.
"How are you feeling, Captain?" she asked.
Jack wiped the blood from his face, eyes still fixed on the scorched moon surface where the Kulix had vanished.
"The fight was interesting," he said calmly. "Interesting enough to change how we define monsters."
Maizy stiffened.
"…You want to summon the other Captains?"
"Yes," Jack replied. "All of them. And bring the government reporter too."
Maizy hesitated. "Is this an emergency?"
Jack finally turned to her, his expression serious.
"What I'm about to say may change how this world sees monsters forever."
Maizy nodded once. "As you wish."
Jack began walking away, then paused.
"How long until the boy wakes up?"
"Two weeks," Maizy answered. "His condition is stable."
"And the girl?"
"She's already awake."
Jack exhaled quietly.
"…So the rookies have officially stepped into the dark side."
Moon Facility — Inner Sector
Jack entered another building and stretched his shoulders.
"I'm grabbing food and sleeping," he said. "Don't let anyone disturb me until the meeting."
"I understand."
Jack stopped again, holding out his sword.
"I forgot to recharge it. Use your book."
Maizy smiled faintly. "That's why I'm here."
She took the blade and moved into a towering chamber built like a vertical skyscraper. At its center stood a massive device, humming softly. Maizy placed her book into the core and lowered Jack's sword into a transparent tube filled with dark fluid.
Crimson aura flowed from the book—
through the liquid—
and into the blade.
The sword pulsed.
Alive again.
Medical Wing
Sasha's eyes snapped open.
A familiar figure stood near her bed.
"…Good morning," Arnold said.
Her expression twisted instantly into rage.
"You fucking bastard," she hissed. "You almost got Karry killed. What do you want from us? I don't even know if he's alive!"
Arnold didn't react.
"He's alive," he said calmly. "That much, I can promise you."
Sasha clenched her fists.
"And understand this clearly," Arnold continued.
"This is my last promise."
Her breathing slowed.
"What do you mean?" she asked quietly.
Arnold stepped closer.
"Power doesn't come from being protected," he said. "It comes from pursuit. From suffering. From finding the truth with your own hands—not mine."
He gestured to a sword resting nearby.
"Pick it up. That is the only way to survive this twisted reality."
Sasha hesitated—then stood and grasped the weapon.
It wasn't like Jack's blade.
Inferior.
But… far superior to anything she had used before.
The moment her fingers closed around the hilt, she felt it.
The weight.
The intent.
Arnold turned away.
"Kernal will train you," he said. "I'll handle Karry when he wakes up."
He paused at the door.
"I'll see you," Arnold added, "on the battlefield… or in the graveyard."
"…Daughter of Kermish."
Sasha froze.
Before she could speak, Arnold was gone.
A ripple distorted the air.
Kernal appeared beside her.
"Training starts now," he said.
Sasha tightened her grip.
"…Yes."
Somewhere on the Moon
Golden sand drifted slowly through the air as immense pressure filled the chamber.
Rows of thrones stood in a circular formation.
At the center, a government reporter stepped forward.
"All Captains are present," he announced.
"I shall begin."
"One—Captain of Destroyers: Jack, the Fighter.
Two—Captain of Lookers: James, the Seeker.
Three—Captain of Sealers: Han, the Killer.
Four—Captain of Night: David, the Darkness.
Five—Captain of Day: Gregor, the Sunshine.
Six—Captain of Peace: Henry, the Peacemaker.
Seven—Captain of Violators: Joyce, the Dancer.
Eight—Captain of Runners: Sam, the Iconic.
Nine—Captain of Holders: Farsh, the Holder."
The air grew heavy.
"And finally—"
"Ten—Captain of Sinners: Arnold, the Mystery."
The moment his name was spoken, the aura in the room shifted violently.
Eyes turned.
Searching.
Cautious.
Uneasy.
Arnold sat at a royal table, silent.
The reporter swallowed.
"…Shall we begin?"
No one answered.
But everyone understood—
Something irreversible had already started.
[End of Chapter 20]