At the epicenter of the Founding Palace, the air was dense, saturated with the prestige and authority emanating from its marble walls and precious metal details. In that vast hall, beneath a ceiling adorned with frescoes narrating forgotten victories, stood the six four-star generals of Lutherking. They remained in sentinel positions, flanking a throne of titanic proportions that seemed carved for a god of war.
Seated upon that monumental structure was the supreme Marshal of Lutherking, Litch Ventoair. His figure was intimidating: two meters and ninety centimeters of perfectly defined musculature, crowned by short, electric-blue hair that seemed to vibrate with contained energy. Upon his broad shoulders rested a majestic cape bearing the metropolis's crest—the golden lion devouring the silver dragon, the symbol of order's supremacy over chaos.
Litch, however, did not display the vigor expected of a sovereign. His countenance was the very definition of existential boredom. — So, let us begin the discussion regarding the foreigners — Litch mentioned, his words trailing off, imbued with a deep discouragement, as if each syllable were an unbearable burden.
He sighed, closing his eyes for a moment before continuing a vent that sounded almost like a child's moan in a giant's body: — I was chilling, playing golf, and then that jerk Manch says there are two intruders in the city — With a gesture of annoyance, he brought his hands to his face, pulling his eyelids down with his fingers in an expression of absolute exhaustion.
The response was not long in coming. Manch Fallin, the strategist General in an immaculate white uniform and a bald head so lustrous it reflected the hall's lights, countered the leader's attitude with the rigidity of a veteran bureaucrat. — It is not a matter of being lazy; it is a matter of these outsiders potentially causing future complications — Manch stated, crossing his arms and keeping his gaze fixed on Litch, who simply settled deeper into his throne, waiting for the council to speak.
The atmosphere of debate ignited quickly. Paco Lustrosa, whose features were tightened in a scowl of pure grumpiness, raised his hand. He still felt the bitterness of the coffee he had been forced to abandon when Manch suddenly teleported him to the meeting. — City policy clearly states that intruders must be deported or executed if they resist! — Paco exclaimed, his harsh voice echoing through the hall.
However, benevolence found a voice in Toga Amashi. With a serene smile that contrasted with Paco's aggressiveness, she intervened, bringing the perspective of tolerance she cultivated during her walks through the city. — I disagree, Mr. Lustrosa! The boys probably just came to have some fun — she said, maintaining a light posture.
Discord, however, was Lucy Dematsuro's specialty. Interrupted in her astronomical contemplation, she did not hide her irritation at being there, far from her telescopes and the silence of the night. — I fucking disagree; intruders are intruders regardless of what they came here to do! — Lucy shouted, her hands clenched into fists.
Beside her, Berk Blizard represented the polar opposite of Lucy's intensity. He exuded a relaxation so deep he seemed to float in a state of near meditation, though he was fully lucid. — It's all the same to me; if they haven't caused trouble, I don't care — Berk murmured, missing the iced tea he had been enjoying moments before the summons.
Finally, Kuro Dematsuro, always focused on practical utility and manual productivity, brought the vision of labor pragmatism. — We have to look into this; I'd say putting them to work is the right thing to do! — Kuro sentenced, with the seriousness of one who values sweat above politics.
Litch observed the impasse with an analytical, albeit distant, expression. He processed the votes: two in favor of freedom, two for severe punishment, Manch maintaining technical neutrality, and Kuro suggesting forced labor. Political arithmetic was too complex for his current mood. He stood up, his stature filling the hall and forcing the generals into silence. — SO, AFTER A LONG TIME THINKING... I DECLARE THAT I HAVE NO GODDAMN IDEA WHAT TO DO! — the Marshal bellowed, only to sit back down, surrendering to his own indecision.
Manch showed no surprise. For him, Litch's mental volatility was a constant already integrated into his strategic calculations. However, the normality was interrupted by a supernatural phenomenon. At the high windows of the palace, a dense and viscous darkness began to gather, blocking the external light. — It is him! — Manch affirmed, his voice gaining a tone of respect mixed with alert. Litch, for his part, broke into a wide grin.
From that mass of shadows, a humanoid form emerged. Dressed in an impeccable black suit and a fedora that shadowed his eyes, the figure seemed composed of the very essence of the abyss. It was Rokko, the personification of Lutherking's shadows. — Let us remember the past; you were once youths who loved to venture, especially you, Litch! — the dark form said, his voice seeming to come from every corner of the room simultaneously.
He disappeared in a whirlwind of blackness only to reappear in the center of the hall, his footsteps leaving marks of living shadows on the marble floor. He adjusted his hat elegantly, exuding an aura of mystery and ancient wisdom. — I find it a complete injustice; they are good boys, they are with Yuji after all — Rokko pondered, while the darkness in his body wavered like black flames. — But surely there will be someone who disagrees with me! —
As if summoned by his words, a figure appeared from above. A woman of magnetic presence, wearing minimal attire that highlighted a toned and athletic musculature, jumped from the window. Her hair was white as snow and she was barefoot, landing with the grace of a feline. It was Liangri. — Who would have thought old Rokko would be here too, and yes, I am against it — she stated, staring down the man of shadows. — You are always against it, Liangri — Rokko retorted, the height difference between the two — him at 1.70m and her at 1.90m — creating a peculiar visual dynamic. — Obviously, regardless of which side you are on, I will always choose the opposite just for the fun of it! — she smiled provocatively. Then, she turned her attention to the Marshal. — You are the Marshal, and knowing you and your pea-sized brain, you're going to choose to let them be free. —
Litch felt the sting of the insult, but Liangri's description of his intellect was dangerously accurate for his current desire to avoid conflict. — Are you going to sell out like that, "Little Wind"? You used to be more perceptive! — Liangri tried, seeking to manipulate Litch's decision through pride.
Paco Lustrosa, still skeptical, intervened in the dialogue of legends: — This is all well and good, but how do you know the foreigners aren't here for something else? — Rokko responded with a frigid calm: — I observe everything. —
The weight of those words silenced most of the generals. Rokko was not just a master of shadows; he was the silent watchman of the metropolis. He continued, detailing his surveillance: — I have observed them from the moment they stepped onto the train until their entry into this city, and also one of our only Macogo masters notified me, as much as they are playing around right now. —
As Rokko spoke, the minds of those present were briefly transported to the scene outside, where Yuji was running chaotically while Yasoke desperately tried to recover his registration. It was a comical sight that contrasted with the gravity of the meeting. — Convincing enough for me! — Manch finally took a side, awaiting Litch's final word.
Rokko, however, diverted the subject to something that bothered him personally. He looked at the white-haired woman with curiosity and suspicion. — By the way, how did this crazy woman escape from prison? —
Liangri sat in a crouch, her long hair framing her silhouette of brown skin and seductive eyes. She exuded a danger that was simultaneously attractive and deadly. — I escaped with extreme skill, "Little Rokko"; never doubt a Natusha! — she said, her smile revealing unshakable confidence. — So you are still a fugitive, you know? — Rokko responded, his tone becoming professional and cold. — According to Lutherking's rules, any natural-born citizen can capture a fugitive from the city prison, and I'm not very keen on leaving you free out there. —
The tension broke with a burst of laughter from Liangri. Before she could finish laughing, tentacles of darkness shot from Rokko's body, snaking through the air to imprison her. With superhuman agility, she dodged, appearing moments later at the top of the window frame, ready for flight. — Time to say bye-bye, you beautiful people, now I'm going to be chased by a shadow guy, hehe! — she bid farewell, disappearing into the night. Rokko, without hesitation, dissolved into shadows and set off in pursuit.
In the hall, silence returned, leaving the generals confused by the speed of events. Litch, however, let out a genuine laugh. — Those two together are always a riot, hahaha! — the Marshal commented, distracted by the fun of the chase.
Manch, losing patience with the leader's wandering mind, delivered a loud slap to Litch's back. The giant startled, initially irate, but the blow served to anchor him back to his responsibility. He took a deep breath, recovering the gravity of his office. — So, the final declaration will be that... — Litch made a dramatic pause before announcing the decision that would change the destiny of the young foreigners. — THE FOREIGNERS SHALL REMAIN IN THE CITY!!!! —
Meanwhile, in the streets of Lutherking, the chase continued. Through a fragment of shadow he had left in the palace, Rokko heard the verdict and smiled. At that exact moment of Liangri's distraction, he captured her with his dark tentacles. — This is unfair, stupid magic! — Liangri complained, seeing Rokko's satisfaction. But, in a flash of malice, she smiled and, in an unexpected move, removed her clothing, standing naked before the watchman. — What the— Woman! — Rokko exclaimed, the shock causing him to loosen the shadows' grip. — Surprise effect, hehehehe! — she mocked, sticking her tongue out and disappearing into the city's shadows before he could react again.