The day had passed, and Julius now stood outside the Vermillion Palace, his chest rising and falling as he took deep breaths of the crisp, evening air. With arms stretched out wide, he basked in the quiet serenity around him. A reddish tint dyed the stone courtyard, and wind whistled softly through the trees that bordered the royal estate. The sky was streaked with deep amber and violet hues, the last remnants of sunset casting golden fire over the palace towers.
"Good evening, Mr. Airu."
Julius turned at the sound of the familiar voice and offered a calm nod.
"Oh, good evening, Vermillion IV."
Vermillion approached, his footsteps quiet on the stone, and asked,
"What exactly were you doing out here like that?"
"You see," Julius began, "in my world, the air wasn't this clean. So I try to breathe in as much of it as I can while I'm here."
Vermillion nodded thoughtfully.
"That's a good habit. Fresh air is good for the body… and the mind."
Julius tilted his head slightly.
"So, what brings you out here?"
"I went to your room," Vermillion replied, "and you weren't there, so I came outside to find you."
"My room? Why?"
"To begin your training."
A spark of anticipation flashed in Julius' eyes.
"Oh, so I'm learning Wind Turbo now?"
Vermillion shook his head.
"Not yet. Your body isn't ready for it. First, you must defeat Zhou Rui in combat."
"Easy," Julius replied with a smirk.
From behind, another voice rang out sharply.
"Such arrogance."
It was Zhou Rui, walking out of the palace gates with his usual cold expression.
Julius looked over and said with a mocking smile,
"Don't worry, I'll make it quick. I won't hurt you too badly."
Vermillion chuckled and turned to both.
"Shall we begin now?"
Zhou Rui gave a slight bow.
"Yes, my lord, if you allow it."
"Of course." Julius nodded, stepping forward.
Just then, Marcus emerged from behind Zhou Rui and raised a cautionary hand.
"My lord, it's unwise to battle so close to the palace. Perhaps they should fight a bit farther out?"
Vermillion waved off the concern.
"No need. I've already asked the Grand Mage to cast a protective layer over the palace."
Inside the throne room, the Grand Mage—an elderly man draped in a long blue cape—stood in solemn concentration. His tall wooden staff, topped with a glowing green gem, touched the stone floor as he chanted quietly. His long white beard flowed over a brown tunic, and deep wrinkles framed his fair face. At just 5'2", he didn't seem imposing, but his aura radiated wisdom and ancient power.
As his staff pulsed once, green energy spread outward in circular waves, surging through the palace walls, floors, and towers—encasing the entire structure in a shimmering protective barrier.
Outside, both Vermillion and Marcus felt the subtle shift in energy.
"It seems the barrier is in place," Vermillion said.
"Yes, my lord," Marcus confirmed, glancing toward the now-glowing palace.
Julius and Zhou Rui stood face to face, tension already crackling in the air. Zhou Rui's right fist was clenched in an odd position—as though holding something—but from Julius' perspective, his hand was empty.
"You're underestimating me," Julius said, narrowing his eyes. "You can't possibly defeat me empty-handed."
"You're just a fool," Zhou Rui replied calmly, "too blind to see my weapon."
Julius gritted his teeth, but before he could retort, Vermillion stepped between them and raised a hand.
"Here are the rules: Neither of you is allowed to aim for a fatal strike. And Mr. Airu, you may not use Maiden Gacha."
"Don't worry," Julius said confidently, "I'll beat him without it."
"Begin!"
Without hesitation, Julius made the first move.
"Wind Blade!"
Three sharp gusts of compressed wind launched from his hands, spinning like invisible daggers toward Zhou Rui.
But Zhou Rui didn't even flinch. He simply swung his right hand three times.
In an instant, each Wind Blade was intercepted mid-air—by something unseen—about 0.7 meters in front of Zhou Rui. The gusts were shredded and dissipated into harmless puffs.
Julius froze in disbelief.
"WHAT THE FUCK!?"
Before he could recover, Zhou Rui dashed forward with astonishing speed.
In just two seconds, he was already in front of Julius.
With a swift movement, he swung the hilt of the invisible weapon in his hand, striking Julius squarely on the head.
Julius crumpled to the ground before even realizing what had happened.
"STOP!" Vermillion shouted.
The battle was over. Four seconds flat.
Julius lay on the ground, blinking in confusion.
Zhou Rui opened his palm, revealing nothing—and yet the weight of his victory was undeniable.
"That's why you should never underestimate your opponent."
Vermillion walked forward, his voice firm.
"Mr. Airu, until you defeat Zhou Rui in combat, you won't be allowed to learn Wind Turbo. And you have a maximum of six months."
Still lying on the ground, Julius scoffed.
"Why should I care? Those corrupted data packs are your problem, not mine."
He sat up and crossed his legs, annoyed.
Vermillion stood straight, hands behind his back. Beside him, Marcus rested one hand on the hilt of his sword, the other gripping his helmet.
"If those corrupted data packs rise again, you won't be able to return to your world either. And I've found a way to reconnect you to it. You see, you're still alive back in your world. Your body is fine—I've traveled there and seen it with my own eyes."
Julius shot to his feet and grabbed Vermillion by the collar.
"Then tell me how to go back!"
In a blink, two blades were pressed against Julius' neck—one silver, one emerald green.
The silver sword belonged to Marcus. The green, katana-like blade, was Zhou Rui's Guardian Blade.
"Programmer," they said in unison, "you have one second. Let go of his collar or die."