Chapter 1: Departure into the Unknown

The preparations were nearly complete when Stelio Kitchi Kontos Jr. arrived at the dock for his embarkation. Meanwhile, in Capitolium, the central city of NeoAris near the borders with Verdantia and Noirvale, the tension was palpable. A crucial meeting was underway in the modern offices of the Union.

Tala, an influential representative of Verdantia with political sway comparable to Stelio's, opened the session with calm but firm authority.

"Good morning, everyone," Tala began with measured confidence. "We are here to discuss the future of our relations and the security of the island. The mission that Stelio Kitchi Kontos Jr. is about to undertake is critical for our shared future. It is essential that we align our strategies and coordinate our efforts to avoid any potential conflict."

The participants listened attentively, fully aware of the high stakes and the importance of inter-state cooperation to maintain stability.

On the departure dock, Stelio and his disciple Anémone were in the final stages of preparation. Their mission, which would take them to Zone 3, a largely unexplored territory, represented a major challenge. Zones 2 and 1 had already been secured, but Zone 3 remained unknown and perilous.

"Be careful, Stelio," his partner said, a glimmer of concern in her eyes. "What you're about to face is entirely unknown."

"Don't worry," Stelio replied confidently. "We've planned for everything, and Anémone is a valuable asset to the team. We're ready."

Anémone, despite his enthusiasm, was visibly tense. He meticulously checked the equipment, his anxiety written on his face. Stelio, noticing his agitation, asked:

"Is everything ready, Anémone?"

"Yes, Stelio," Anémone replied, trying to mask his nervousness with a determined front.

Stelio then turned to the boat's pilot, a man of medium stature marked by experience.

"This is our pilot for the mission," Stelio said, introducing him to Anémone.

Anémone, however, appeared indifferent. His lack of respect irritated Stelio, who shot his student a stern look. "You'd do well to watch what you say and how you behave. This pilot is a professional and deserves your respect, regardless of your concerns."

Anémone, clearly stressed, retorted, "First, I'm under pressure. Second, heading into Zone 3 by boat is absurd! In NeoAris, we would have taken planes!"

Stelio, adjusting his glasses, responded with calm resolve, "If you wanted planes, you should have stayed in NeoAris. Here, we use the most suitable means to ensure our safety. Planes aren't viable for these uncharted regions."

Anémone turned his back on Stelio, visibly annoyed, and said, "You don't know anything about me or what I've been through in NeoAris. You can't understand what it involves."

He headed to a cabin to rest, leaving Stelio alone with the pilot. The latter, with a knowing smile, said to Stelio, "It's his first time. Understand that he's like you when you started—emotional and direct. (laughs) Don't worry, take a rest too."

Stelio smiled in return, appreciating the pilot's attempt to lighten the mood. He turned away from the pilot and left the area, leaving behind a mix of laughter and last-minute adjustments before the great departure.

The boat started slowly, and Stelio turned to wave one last time to his wife, barely visible in the distance. The moment was filled with both melancholy and determination as he ventured into the unknown.

The pilot, busy preparing the boat for the journey, gave the two passengers a final briefing. In a pragmatic tone, he declared, "Well, they can't make it any shorter, can they? Damn, not everyone here is a politician. Anyway…"

He consulted a document on his dashboard before continuing, "To sum it up, this land is about 500 kilometers from the island. The trip will take about 20 hours. Damn, at least the boat is new and can go 30 km/h. It's going to be a long haul."

The pilot shook his head with a grimace as the boat slowly pulled away from the dock, marking the beginning of a journey both long and uncertain.

Meanwhile, the discussion at the Union had ended, and the Verdantia leaders were taking the high-speed train back to Edenis. A tense conversation was taking place in a reserved carriage.

Abah: "You can't honestly expect me to believe you trust them!"

Tala: "You have to trust me. I've always known how to handle things."

Abah: "Yes, but now you've put us in a delicate position by sending our most valuable asset on a suicide mission!"

Tala: "I don't see the problem. We need to capitalize on our strengths."

Abah: "(angry) Stop talking like that. We're alone here. I know you well enough to know you don't talk to me that way."

Tala: "Fine… then stop pissing me off! Stelio has media power. If your party doesn't want to leverage it, I will."

Abah: "Power, capitalize, media… You see your problem? This is what power is: you're not thinking of Verdantia, but of your own interests. You forget they're trying to rob us, don't you?"

Tala: "And who's there to stop them…?" (He looks with a cryptic smile.)

Abah: "And who's using him as a weapon…? Hmm, you." (A sly smile appears on his face.)

Tala: "Get out!"

Abah: "What?"

Tala: "Security! Get this man out of my carriage."

Abah: "Fool! I can't wait for the day when Stelio is gone, and you can't capitalize on him anymore."

With those words, Abah headed for the carriage door, leaving behind an atmosphere thick with tension and resentment.