Chapter 87 : The Palace

At the camp. Kaizo and the rest of the knights are finishing their preparations.

"Move fast. If we go now, we'll reach the capital by noon," said Virion.

Shortly later, Ramenman runs towards Kaizo.

"New message from Rum," said Ramenman as he handed over his tab.

Kaizo looked at the tab.

"It looks like they found a hidden passage to the palace. Long ago, Sveratis used this passage to sneak the royal family during wartime," Ramenman explained. "Rum said she'll send a map of the royal palace once she takes over their security controls."

Kaizo looks closely at the passage map.

"I know this passage," said Flavius. "The prince and I have used it before."

"This passage is too narrow for all of us," said Virion.

"Then I suggest we split," Kaizo replied.

Flavius looked at Kaizo. "I'll be going to the palace. Virion will lead the knights and settle the situation in the capital."

"And how do you want us to settle the situation?"

"Fight all Versatel's soldiers," said Flavius. "This is a war."

Virion stared at Flavius, wondering if he meant what he said. But Flavius says nothing. He then walked away.

"I'll go with Flavius. Ramenman, you should go with Virion," said Kaizo.

"Should I join?" Lahap asked.

"No. You stay here with the ship. Flavius may know who we are. But we can't expose our connection to Astraeus."

"What are the chances of Flavius or Vainstale NOT exposing our connection to Astraeus and ending up suing Astraeus for meddling with the political issues? I mean, we're joining an open civil war," said Ramenman.

"Well, I personally will not put you at disadvantage but… okay?" said Virion as he shrugs.

"So? Are you suggesting we bring the ship to the capital?"

"Well... our ship HAS cannons and if things are going out of hand, we probably need it. You saw Vainstale bringing several battleships to raid this place. Who knows how many more battleships Versatel has," said Ramenman.

"Hey, I've got an Idea," Lahap exclaimed.

They follow Lahap's eyes towards Vainstale's battleships.

Meanwhile, at the palace. Axion and Rum helped the Royal Guards escape the dungeon.

"If the Prince's knights are captured, then they must be somewhere in this dungeon," said the Royal Guard Captain.

"Then let's split up," said Axion. She pulled a few guns from her dimension storage and handed them over to the royal guards. "We have three objectives. Find the Prince's knights. Take over the palace's security. And Find the Queen and the Prince. I will find the Prince. Rum will take care of the security system."

"Some of my men can look around the dungeons. My friends here, Anseim and Reynard, used to watch the security cameras. They know where the security control room is. I will go with you," said the Royal Guard Captain.

"I don't see any problem with that plan," said Axion.

"Then it's settled," said the Captain. He offers Axion a handshake.

Axion takes his hand.

"Let me introduce myself. My name is Tirion, the Captain of this Royal Guard."

"... by any chance is your last name Ainsgard?" Axion asked.

"Yes. You must've met my 3rd son, Virion."

"Wow. The world is a small place," said Axion. "Is it a custom to name your kids similar to your name?"

Tirion chuckled. "I suppose so," he said. "This is how we stay connected with our ancestors, in a way. And just like many others. Virion probably became a knight because of his family lineage," he explains.

He then goes and starts to give orders to his men.

"I've made a quick report to Kaizo," said Rum.

"Any news?" Axion asked.

"They're on their way to the capital, with Vainstale's battleships," said Rum as she showed the tab.

Axion looked at the tab's screen. A picture of Ramenman posing cheerfully in front of Vainstale's main battleship with the hashtag "Coming for you with these big boys" is on the screen.

Axion chuckled. "That's so Ramenman."

Rum rolled her eyes. "Seriously. He's making jokes at times like this."

"At least we know they have big weapons. This would help us greatly," said Axion.

"We're ready," said Tirion.

"Alright. Let's move," Axion replied.

With the flickering dim light illuminating the dozing darkness, they walk through the dungeon. After reaching the stairs, a few of the royal guards split up to find the Prince's knights. The rest of the team climbed up the narrow spiral stairs towards the palace's ground.

Lights filled their eyes as soon as they're out of the dungeon. They soon knocked out the military soldiers on their way to the security room. Rum immediately sits on the control chair and tampers with the system.

"I've hacked their system. All CCTV is covered. But not for long. I need to reach the security office to take over all the security systems," said Rum.

"Alright. Let's split," said Axion.

"Are you sure you'll be fine on your own?"

"I'll be fine. Stay in touch."

Axion nodded at Tirion and they both sneaked deeper into the palace.

"So, where do we find the Queen and the Prince?"

"Versatel may be ruthless but I don't think he would treat the Queen badly. We should check the Queen's chamber. She should probably be there," said Tirion.

"Alright."

"Do you know where the Prince might be?"

"The sooner we find Versatel, the sooner we can ask that very same question with a punch on his face," said Axion.

Tirion laughs.