Part of the following morning, in the quiet house before Zangh Kao leaves for school.
Zangh Kao sat at the table, his eyes still half-lost between the open notebook and the imposing figure of Ruby leaning against the window, now without a mask—but also without the artificial face. Her real face was still a mystery. This made the young man curious... and suspicious. But it wasn't time for that.
He picked up a pen and asked:
"Ruby... those four... Block Sock, Tru Fant, Dray Kee... and their leader, Janckal... who exactly are they?"
She turned her gaze, her arms crossed, as if each name brought bitter memories.
"Janckal is the worst of them all. A jackal with a sharp brain. Don't make the mistake of thinking he's just strength—he is all of it: strength, mind, articulation, leadership. He never takes a false step."
"Block Sock is brute force. He has the head of a rhinoceros and the delicacy of a rock rolling down a mountain. Tru Fant... he is rare. A mixture of elephant and man. Strong, but... unpredictable. You never know if he's going to hug you or crush you."
"And Dray Kee... the strangest one. He is a crocodile with the soul of a dragon. Intelligent. Silent. You will think he poses no threat... until it's too late."
Zangh Kao carefully wrote everything down. "Are they that powerful? And did you... did you face them alone?"
Ruby sighed. "Face them, yes. Defeat them, no. I was at a disadvantage. Lobraw was kind to say I could do it. Even in my best form, I wouldn't be able to beat all of them. Maybe one, maybe two... but all four?"
"And why did they return the Chi'ia Stone that I took?"
She was silent for a moment, thoughtful. "Perhaps they still have some sense of honor. That... was a gesture. As if to say: 'You won for today.' Maybe they knew that, even weakened, I almost beat them. Perhaps they didn't want to cross a limit that would force them to use all their power—which would prevent them from passing through the portal. They must have used Chi'ia Stones to restrict their own powers and not attract the attention of the Guardians between the worlds."
The Ally and the Threat
Lee Brow was awake. It had been a long time since he'd felt so excited. His team of developers, scientists, and all the resources at his disposal kept bringing him fascinating news.He could barely remember Janckal's face or the form he had taken before collapsing, leaving in his hand a glowing stone accompanied by a whisper before falling to the ground: "Research."
His researchers were astonished. They had never seen anything like it: a stone that could drain energy—and more than that, merge with another energy form, turning into something entirely new. Its potential was immense, and if he could replicate it, the possibilities at his disposal would be endless.He'd been in the robotics field longer than he could remember, yet his competitors still surpassed him. Now, he finally had a chance to rise above them. He kept wondering how to prove himself the best, for he was certain that stone might be the solution to his problems.
It was still early, almost six in the morning. And now, before him, stood the visitor, looking smaller and weaker than the night before, yet a faint smile on his face betrayed unknown intentions."Feeling better, Janckal?""Not enough to fight. But not so weak that I'd want to quit."Lee Brow smiled. He found it fascinating that such a grotesque creature could speak so reflectively."I'm preparing a stage for you to shine above all the stars around you.""I don't think we're close enough for me to understand exactly what you mean," the jackal said, trying to sound calm, though his tail betrayed him."I think you could use a little cultural bath. That way, you'll follow our conversation more easily."
The creature rose from the chair where he'd just sat and, with astonishing speed, lunged toward Lee Brow, who didn't even blink—though fear stirred inside him. Instantly, several bodyguards appeared, aiming their powerful weapons and cocking them."Do I have to go through a scare every time I want to speak with you directly, Janckal?""Worried about that?" the jackal grinned, eyeing the men around. "I was only testing how much you trust me. And apparently, not at all.""You speak of trust? How much do you trust me?" the visitor replied, turning his back.
He then turned again and burst into laughter—a laughter that spread through the room, infectious. Soon, all the guards were laughing too, though none knew why.He's good, thought Lee Brow. It wasn't normal—but too late to warn his men.
The jackal moved fast, cutting through the air in zigzags. His claws extended like a feline's, and with swift, sharp movements, he not only disarmed the guards but killed several.Screams. Terror. The stench of blood filled the air."Was that really necessary?" asked Lee Brow, unflinching."It's just a warning. If you decide to trust me, then I might decide to trust you. That's the golden rule of trust. Don't think I'm here to be your subordinate. I'm here to give you the golden chance to defeat all your enemies."
He paused, stepping closer."I don't know what a stage is yet, but I know stars. And I can make you shine above them. So, if next time I come and you have these scarecrows staring at me with disgust for what they don't understand, our partnership will be over. Forever."He turned away."And just so you know—I don't repeat myself. And don't get too excited, because my subordinates are far stronger than I am. So if you ever get a brilliant idea about betraying me, you have no idea the damage they could do to this little underground 'house' of yours. And I doubt you have toys strong enough to stop them."
Lee Brow smiled and stepped closer without fear."You really think I'm not prepared for that? Or that I'd become your subordinate, like the three who are recovering? Let me warn you—and may this be the last threat you make toward me. There's a word you don't know yet, and I'm a master of the art it represents: Technology. Whatever you have, I can counter it."
The creature dashed forward, but a thick, transparent wall stopped him."All I need to get what I want is time. And I've had enough to prepare for our meeting."The jackal realized the barrier was strong—but not unbreakable. He needed to give Lee Brow a final warning: never trust too much in his so-called technology.
He reached into one of his strange pockets and pulled out a Chi'ia Stone.Before Lee Brow's terrified gaze, sparks of energy began to flow into his body. He grew—swelling, muscles bulging until nearly deformed. He aimed at the glass and, with a single punch, blew a hole wide enough to step through."You still think your time can stop my power?"
Lee Brow stayed silent. That glass was the peak of reinforced technology, capable of withstanding a missile—but not the blow of such a creature."You just need to learn to respect someone superior to you. Someone you can't control. Someone you can't defeat."Lee Brow knew the best tactic now was smooth talk—flattery."I hope you're not upset about that. I only needed to know the limits of my new ally—and not a subordinate. But that's fine. I respect you as my equal, and I'll make your life as comfortable as possible. Whatever you ask for, you'll have.""A companion, Lee Brow.""A companion?""Yes. But not just anyone. One who can fight and understands your talk about technology, stages, and all that.""Oh, I see—you mean someone experienced.""In everything, Lee Brow. One to teach me and one to entertain me. And I can guarantee the profit will be greater for you than for me."
"Just answer me one thing before you go—do you still feel weak?""Yes. But that's only a minor inconvenience that will soon fade.""And how strong are you, exactly?""I'm sorry to disappoint you, Lee Brow, but my strength—my limit—I only reveal to my enemies. Once. And unless you wish to become one of them, I suggest you don't test it."Lee Brow nodded, realizing it wouldn't be wise to challenge him."Don't worry. You'll have a special area reserved for you and your companions. Give me an hour, and your table will have every type of food you desire. Whatever pleases you most, you may ask for more. My subordinates will be at your service.""Keep it that way, Lee Brow. Because soon, if you remain my trusted ally, everything you now offer as luxury will be nothing but trinkets compared to what I'll give you."
Lee Brow smiled as he called a cleanup crew and medical aid for the survivors.That certainly hadn't been in his plans—but now he felt more confident than ever that he was on the right path.And yes, he would trust that being.As far as possible.