"Saruto," Sebastian said, scrutinizing Saruto. "Is the reason you didn't include Bianca in the plan because you want to meet her brother and find out why he's changed?"
Then, in a lower voice, he added, "Or is there something else... you're hiding from us?"
Saruto smiled faintly. "It seems, Sebastian, that nothing is hidden from you," he said calmly.
He took a step forward. "You're the ones who said that the Emperor is me... or a version of me in this world. If that's the case, then it makes sense that he possesses the same intelligence as me."
A heavy silence fell before he continued, "The reason I came to this world was Umbra. And Bianca told me that her brother... spoke with him. That means he knows I'm here."
He looked up at them. "And perhaps... he's devised a counter-plan. I don't know what he's hiding."
He pointed to the map. "That's why I ordered you to divide the slaves. Half to advance… and the other half to seize the wagons. So we can ensure an orderly retreat… should a sudden emergency arise."
Then he turned to Bianca. "As for why I brought Bianca… it's as I told you: to find out why her brother has changed."
He paused, then said sternly, "And the second reason… is that if one of the leaders is killed… or if you all die… the rebels will be left without a leader. Even if you die… Bianca will remain. And she will lead those who stay."
"Impossible!" Bianca cried out in anger.
She took a step forward, her voice rising. "How can you ask my followers to participate in a plan where they might lose their lives… and leave me to live instead?!"
In an instant, Saruto dark energy erupted, filling the hall with a suffocating pressure. "You're the one endangering everyone's lives with this action!" he said harshly.
"What do you mean?!" she demanded sharply.
He looked at her steadily and said, "A person can live… even if they lose a limb. They might lose an arm… a leg… even all of them. As long as their mind is working… they can find a solution."
He took another step closer. "But if they lose their mind… they won't live."
Bianca turned to the four leaders and found them silent and resigned. "Well… let's suppose the Emperor defeats you, Saruto," Taios said after a moment's hesitation. "How will you bring the leader back?"
Saruto answered without hesitation, "I'll move her as soon as I finish speaking with the Emperor. Immediately… to avoid putting her in any harm."
Silence fell again. Then everyone nodded in agreement. The plan was acceptable, but doubts hadn't completely disappeared from their hearts.
Later, Saruto emerged from the underground base to catch his breath. He had only taken a few steps when Bianca caught up with him. "Why are you following me?" he said without turning around.
"Why are you treating me like this?" she replied in a low voice.
He paused, then said, "What do you mean?"
Looking at him, she said, "It's as if you're trying to... protect me."
Saruto was silent for a moment, then said, "I don't know. But I had a feeling... that I should keep you away from these battles."
Bianca looked into his eyes and saw an undeniable determination. She decided not to argue.
The days passed. The day of execution arrived. The carriages were packed with the rebels, bound and disguised as slaves. The four leaders wore soldiers' uniforms, each carrying the black orb Saruto had given them to communicate with him.
As for Saruto, he was surrounded by shadows and his attire was transformed into that of the Emperor. They boarded the carriages and set off for the kingdom of Helles. This time, they weren't fleeing. They were coming to overthrow the Emperor.