The young agents followed the two individuals who had gestured to them from a distance. Though unfamiliar with the place and lacking full trust in them, they had no other choice. Their friends were with these people, and that was reason enough to proceed cautiously. The tension in the air was palpable, like a taut rope on the verge of snapping, but they decided to play along for now while staying out of immediate danger.
Suddenly, one of the figures raised a hand, making a sharp gesture for them to stop. His stance was firm, almost intimidating, and he began speaking in a strange language filled with guttural sounds and tones that seemed to vibrate in the air. None of the kids understood what he was saying—not even Dustin, who usually excelled at identifying linguistic patterns.
"What do we do?" the group thought, exchanging nervous glances as they tried to process the situation. Before they could react, the two figures carefully lowered Aiden, Podbe, Floud, and Abigail to the ground, their movements quick and precise.
Aiden, Floud, and Abigail began to wake up but felt a sharp, throbbing pain in their ears, as if they'd been exposed to an overwhelming noise. They blinked in confusion, trying to orient themselves. Looking up, their eyes met the two figures staring intently at them. The three jumped back instinctively, startled, while Podbe took a defensive stance, growling fiercely.
"Easy!" Maria said, raising her hands in a peaceful gesture. "You should come toward us slowly. Wait… Who are you? Enemies or allies?" she asked, her voice heavy with doubt as she assessed the strangers.
The figures made no aggressive moves but continued speaking to each other in that incomprehensible language. The words flowed rapidly, like a torrent of sounds no one could decipher. Billy and Akira exchanged looks, their expressions reflecting frustration.
"This is so confusing. I don't understand anything," Billy muttered, scratching his head nervously.
Meanwhile, Dustin was lost in thought. Suddenly, something clicked in his mind. He remembered the second item Yu had given them before parting ways: a small, shiny pill-like object that seemed edible. Without overthinking it, he pulled it out of his pocket and examined it briefly. It appeared harmless, so after a moment of hesitation, he popped it into his mouth and started chewing.
As the figures continued talking, the rest of the group watched him curiously. But something changed the moment Dustin swallowed the pill. Suddenly, he could clearly understand what the figures were saying, as if their words were being automatically translated into his language. Surprised, he responded aloud, and to his astonishment, the figures also understood what he said.
"It's incredible! It works!" Dustin exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with excitement, though he remained serious.
Everyone stared at him, mouths agape, unable to believe what they were witnessing. Gat was the first to speak, his tone a mix of amazement and disbelief.
"You're speaking... alien? I mean, Luxean? Or whatever language they speak on Lux?"
Akira nodded slowly, visibly impressed.
"Interesting. So these chewable tablets Yu gave us are for that. That archaeologist is brilliant. We should investigate them further," he said, admiration evident in his voice.
Leila, ever practical, added:
"Yeah, they seem magical. I've never seen anything like them."
Without wasting time, the rest of the group took out their own tablets and consumed them. Within seconds, everyone began understanding perfectly what the figures were saying. It was as if a veil had been lifted, granting them access to a new level of communication.
Liam, with his characteristic curiosity, couldn't help but reflect aloud:
"This is eating away at my mind. How can Yu be so ahead of things? It's as if he knew exactly what we'd need."
The group fell silent for a moment, absorbing the magnitude of what they had just experienced. The figures, now aware that communication was possible, began explaining their situation. Though much remained to be uncovered, at least they were no longer completely in the dark.
The figures, whose names were Galao and Ronter, started asking detailed questions to the young agents. They wanted to know how they were doing, if they had any serious injuries or problems, and which part of Lux they came from. Their curiosity seemed genuine, but there was also a hint of distrust in their voices when they noticed the kids didn't know about the dangers of the sands—as if it were basic knowledge for anyone living on the planet.
Dustin, feeling responsible as the oldest in the group, took the lead in responding. He spoke calmly, trying to sound convincing while improvising a story that wouldn't reveal their true origins.
"We're lost," he said finally, carefully choosing his words. "We're not very familiar with this area… or its dangers."
In his mind, Dustin reflected on what had happened. "Wow, my master, Yu thought of everything," he said to himself, impressed by the archaeologist's foresight. But he remained intrigued: How did Yu know these artifacts would allow them to understand and speak the language? Perhaps he had found some ancient writings in Maos' lab, or maybe there was something more behind all this. He decided he'd ask Yu as soon as he returned.
Galao and Ronter exchanged a quick glance, as if evaluating the situation. Finally, they decided to help.
"Alright. We'll take you to the nearest city," Galao said in a practical tone, though a trace of skepticism still lingered in his voice.
Both traders pulled small devices from their belts—machines that emitted a sharp, vibrating frequency. The sound was so intense that even the agents felt a slight ringing in their ears. It was clear this technology was designed to repel the creatures lurking in the sands. "So these are the things they used," Akira said, eyeing the device with interest. Ronter explained that these gadgets were their only support for crossing the dangerous desert, and they also used sound protectors to prevent their eardrums from hurting. Akira understood perfectly. "So these are the things that saved us," Aiden said, thanking the two men once again.
Without wasting time, they activated the devices and began digging into the sand. From beneath the surface emerged a kind of floating platform, similar to a futuristic cart powered by thrusters.
"Get on," Ronter instructed, gesturing toward the platform.
Everyone obeyed, though the space was tight, and they had to adjust to fit. Once everyone was aboard, the platform transformed, deploying a transparent cabin-like structure that covered them like a protective roof. With a soft hum, the vehicle began to move, gliding over the dunes as if floating effortlessly.
During the journey, Akira, always curious and eager to stay ahead of the others, decided to take the opportunity to learn more about the place they now found themselves in. He approached Galao, who seemed to enjoy storytelling, and began asking questions about Lux and its history. While some of the agents showed little interest, others, like Liam and Leila, listened attentively.
Galao smiled, pleased by Akira's interest.
"Lux is no longer what it once was," he began, his voice heavy with nostalgia. "In the beginning, our world was divided into five great regions, each ruled by a powerful family. Those were times of peace and harmony; the families respected each other's territories as part of an ancient pact. They traded, collaborated, and lived in balance. The five families were Luvirion in the north, Amalgar in the east, Rocelania in the west, Osternalia in the south, and Fargabel in the center."
He paused, as if recalling something painful.
"But everything changed when the king of Fargabel, according to legend, went mad after his daughter was abducted. No one knows exactly what happened, but some say it was an external being who took her… The truth is, no one knows for sure. What we do know is that he secretly forged a massive army, one he used to invade the lands of the other families, thanks to a pact with an evil entity."
Ronter chimed in, completing the story:
"Fargabel began his conquest without mercy. First fell Amalgar, Rocelania, and Osternalia. Their territories were devastated, their cities destroyed. Only Luvirion, in the north, managed to resist for a time thanks to its natural defenses and strategic location. They still hold on due to their impenetrable walls, but it won't be long before they succumb to Fargabel's might. Now, almost all of Lux is under his control."
Silence settled over the group as they processed the tale. Akira frowned, visibly shaken by what he had just heard.
"So… nothing remains of the old families? No survivors?" he asked, his tone filled with disbelief.
Galao slowly shook his head.
"Some say the descendants of the families escaped and live in hiding, waiting for the right moment to reclaim what was theirs. But those are just rumors. No one has seen proof of it. What is known is that the inhabitants of those lands are now slaves of Fargabel."
The vehicle continued forward, leaving the dunes behind while the young agents' thoughts swirled around what they had just learned. The journey to the nearest city promised to be long, but every second seemed to bring new revelations about the mysterious world of Lux.
Galao resumed his story with a somber expression, as if each word weighed more than the last.
"His army was made up of indescribable beings—creatures and monsters that gradually infested the world. But the most unsettling thing was that one of the guardians joined his crusade… Urion, they called him."
The name echoed ominously in the air. Aiden couldn't help but react, his voice coming out in an incredulous whisper:
"Urion?"
Both men turned to him, surprised.
"You know him?" they asked in unison, their eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Floud, always innocent and spontaneous, blurted out without thinking:
"Know him? But Podbe and he defeated him!"
A tomb-like silence fell over the group. Everyone turned to look at Floud, some with expressions of disbelief, others with clear frustration. They had agreed to keep a low profile during the trip, something they had discussed telepathically thanks to Mark and Leila. But Floud, with his usual enthusiasm, had just revealed information that shouldn't have been shared so soon.
Ronter broke the silence with an incredulous laugh.
"Defeated a guardian? I can't believe it! Then you're stronger than you look," he said, though his tone betrayed a hint of doubt.
The agents exchanged uncomfortable glances. Floud shrank slightly, aware of his mistake.
"I don't believe that," Ronter continued, shaking his head. "What you're saying, kid, is pure fiction. The guardians are on another level entirely. They're the only ones with powers in this world. Beings like us only have brute strength and weapons. It would be a miracle for anyone to do something like that. And that beast you have with you—" he said, gesturing dismissively at Podbe, "—doesn't look strong enough to have destroyed Urion."
Before anyone could respond, Galao interjected, his tone more reflective.
"It might be true what the kids are saying, Ronter. I had already seen them use something akin to magic when they were far away. But let me warn you: you must not use those powers openly where we're going. Anyone who possesses talents or special abilities is captured and taken to the palace… and they're never heard from again."
"It sounds like home," Gat commented sarcastically through the telepathic link. The others immediately responded: "You're telling me."
Galao's words lingered in the agents' minds as they exchanged worried glances. It was clear they would need to be extremely careful to avoid greater trouble. Akira, always eager for knowledge, tried to steer the conversation back to Lux's history.
"Galao, tell me more about Lux's history. What else do you know?"
Galao slowly shook his head, visibly regretful.
"I'm sorry, but that's all I know. I'm no scholar or anything like that. I'm just a trader who has heard stories here and there."
Ronter, impatient to change the subject, seized the pause to ask his own question.
"We've answered everything we could. Now tell me, what are you all doing around here?"
Aiden, trying to stay calm and not reveal too much, responded cautiously:
"We're looking for a friend. He was abducted by men in full-body armor. We don't know who they are or why they took him, but we need to find him."
The two traders exchanged a meaningful glance, as if recognizing the description. But before they could say anything more, the vehicle continued forward, leaving the dunes behind while the young agents' thoughts swirled around the new information they had just received.
"Men in full-body armor…" Ronter repeated, his voice tinged with concern as he exchanged a tense look with Galao. "That's not a good sign."
Riota, ever attentive and curious, furrowed her brow.
"Why? What's so bad about those men?"
Galao sighed heavily before answering, as if the words weighed too much.
"If your friend was taken by them, he's likely in the castle. And trust me, there's no way you can rescue him. Consider him lost. You'd be better off abandoning this search while you still can."
Aiden clenched his fists tightly, his determination burning in his eyes like an unquenchable flame.
"No. I have to save him," he said firmly, his voice resonating with a conviction that surprised even himself.
Ronter and Galao looked at each other, visibly impressed by the spark of bravery they saw in the boy. After a few seconds of silence, Galao spoke calmly, though his tone made the magnitude of the challenge clear.
"It's obvious he's someone important to you. If you truly intend to do this, kid, it won't be an easy task. Getting into the palace is practically impossible."
"Why?" Timmy asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.
Ronter crossed his arms, adopting a more serious stance.
"There are only two ways to get into that place," he explained, his grave tone heavy with warnings. "The first is… dead. They bring corpses to experiment on them."
Hela, who had been silent until that moment, perked up with enthusiasm at the mention of the experiments, as if it awakened something dark and fascinating within her. The others exchanged uncomfortable glances, unsure how to interpret her reaction.
Dante, trying to keep the conversation moving, quickly asked:
"And the second way?"
Ronter opened his mouth to respond, but just then, a bright light illuminated the horizon. Everyone was left speechless as they saw enormous structures rise majestically before them, almost touching the sky. It was a futuristic city, advanced beyond anything the agents had seen on Earth. The towers glowed with pulsating lights, reflecting technology that seemed to belong to another world.
Without another word, Galao extended his arm toward the spectacle in front of them and declared proudly:
"Well, kids. That sight captivating you is where we're headed—the great capital of Fargabel: Faradol."
The group remained silent, taking in the magnificence of the city. Aiden, however, couldn't stop thinking about their mission. He looked at Podbe, who was sitting calmly beside him, as if he knew exactly what was going through Aiden's mind.
"What an adventure awaits us, huh, Podbe?" Aiden said softly, gently stroking the dog's head. "I wish I could talk to you again and fight by your side."
Meanwhile, inside Podbe, something began to activate. A calm, mechanical voice echoed in his mind, processing instructions invisible to everyone else.
"Initiating update… Search sequence activated. One percent…"