Royal Capital, within the Sky Prison.
Right now, Rades was imprisoned inside.
However, unlike other inmates, he wasn't shackled.
He even had a bed!
On the table next to his bed were leftovers from a recent meal.
Though it wasn't exactly gourmet cuisine, compared to the average prisoner, it was presidential treatment.
But Rades knew very well that they weren't pampering him out of kindness.
They just wanted his body in good condition—for a memory probe.
They were hoping to uncover their group's future plans... and perhaps even the identity of that man.
"Too bad," Rades muttered mockingly to himself. "Even I don't know who he is..."
It was funny, really—working so hard for someone and not even knowing who the boss truly was.
But it didn't matter. What mattered was proving his worth.
"Maybe... just another day or two left. I better think of a plan."
Rades frowned, deep in thought.
At that moment, the prison gates creaked open.
Walking in were the Wizard King, Ethan , and a third figure: Langris Vaude, vice-captain of the Golden Dawn.
Langris had insisted on coming—his intention clear: to watch Ethan and prevent him from spreading false information that might frame Vangeance, the captain.
Ethan welcomed this. It saved him a lot of trouble.
After all, while he exposed Vangeance, he deliberately avoided revealing Langris's involvement.
This guy was also a member of the Eye of the Midnight Sun—although his case was unique.
In fact, it was likely Langris himself hadn't realized the role he'd played in betraying the Clover Kingdom.
Almost like... being hypnotized and used.
"Rades," Ethan said playfully. "How's the food here? Not bad, right? You're healing up pretty well too, I see."
Tough guy—survived a direct Rasengan and didn't die on the spot.
But his mouth? Even tougher than his life.
"Save your breath. I won't tell you anything. If you want answers, go ahead and probe my memory—assuming you don't mind killing me in the process!"
Rades turned over on the bed, clearly done with the conversation.
Getting intel out of him? Dream on.
Ethan just smiled.
Physically, Rades was well enough for a memory probe.
But Ethan didn't care about their future plans.
His real goal was to draw out Vangeance, that cunning old fox.
"Glad to see you're in good shape," Ethan said as they turned to leave. "Eat well and rest up—your body needs to recover quickly."
Once outside the cell, Ethan and the Wizard King spoke privately. Langris had already left.
"So, is it time for me to head to Golden Dawn and offer to lift the restriction on Vangeance?" the Wizard King asked.
It was part of Ethan's plan.
"Yes. But don't worry—he'll never agree to lift it."
"I bet Langris is already rushing back to report Rades's condition to Vangeance..." Ethan added, nodding.
Smart people know how to create perfect alibis—something he learned from watching thousands of episodes of Sherlock.
Nothing proves innocence better than being constantly watched.
That's why Ethan had no intention of personally rescuing Rades. That would risk exposing the plan.
Langris was the key.
"Before you leave," Ethan said seriously, "give Langris this—a magical key to the Sky Prison. The reason is up to you. But once you hand it over, I suggest you send someone to tail him. No—do it yourself."
The Wizard King frowned.
So Ethan wasn't just suspecting Vangeance... he was doubting Langris, too?
Was there more than one traitor?
"I know you have doubts," Ethan said. "But you agreed to follow this plan to uncover the truth, didn't you? Sometimes, what you see isn't always real. Even if you never took your eyes off it."
The Wizard King took a deep breath and nodded.
If they didn't get to the bottom of this, not only would he lose sleep—the whole Clover Kingdom might be hanging off a cliff.
Golden Dawn Headquarters.
Langris returned swiftly and went straight to Vangeance's office.
He didn't even notice that his eyes looked... foggy.
His steps were firm, but his mind? Chaos.
Vangeance smiled as Langris entered.
Despite being confined and watched, he could still meet with his vice-captain on home ground.
"Well? How's Rades doing?" Vangeance asked.
"He's recovering well. Another two or three days, and he'll be fully healed. They'll probably begin the memory magic soon."
Two or three days?
Vangeance fell silent.
Rades had to be saved.
If the plan was exposed, the Eye of the Midnight Sun would suffer a major blow.
And worst of all, their ultimate goal—the Elf Stones—might be discovered.
But he couldn't act directly.
Rades had to be saved... but he couldn't be the one to do it.
"Captain Vangeance, the Wizard King is here..."
Just as he was about to give Langris instructions, a voice came from outside.
No knock, no warning—the Wizard King walked right in.
"Well, Vangeance! How've you been? Hanging in there?"
His warm smile greeted them, but when he saw Langris was also present, his heart sank.
Ethan was right.
Again.
He'd called this from the start.
"Wizard King, this is unexpected," Vangeance said, cautious.
"What? Can't I drop by for a chat?" The Wizard King chuckled. "Remember when you were a kid? Look at you now—captain of your own squad."
There was real emotion in his voice.
It was hard—really hard—to believe that Vangeance could be a traitor.
He'd watched him grow up, just like he had with Yami.
They were practically brothers.
But as Wizard King, he had a duty—to eliminate all threats to the kingdom.
Even if it meant investigating someone he once considered family.
"As for the restriction... let's just forget it," the Wizard King said casually. "I watched you grow up. I only agreed to Ethan's suggestion to calm him down. You know how kids are—always trying to make a name for themselves. We old-timers shouldn't take it too seriously."
He laughed lightly, like it was just banter.
But Vangeance's response made his heart sink again.
Because Ethan was right. Again.
Vangeance refused to lift the restriction.
Still smiling, the Wizard King reached into his pocket and pulled out a key.
"Well, no problem then. Langris, this is the key to the Sky Prison. Marquez's memory magic has never failed before, but just in case, it wouldn't hurt to visit Rades now and then, right? I'm sure you'd want the truth to come out and clear your captain's name.
Ethan, that kid... he's a bit much. But don't worry, Vangeance—after this is over, I'll personally bring him over to apologize."
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