Eight days later, Yuga and Shadowsong rode their Charizard and Tropius, hurrying to Arus' capital.
During these eight days, Yuga and his group heard news of Arus' defeats everywhere they went. Due to Groudon's rampage alongside the Vante army throughout Arus' territory, many places had suffered, leading to an increasing number of displaced people.
With such a large number of refugees, even Yuga and Shadowsong couldn't take care of them all.
It was said that many people chose to leave Arus and go to the enemy nation, Vante Empire. The citizens of Arus no longer felt a sense of belonging to their own nation. Even if they committed treason, they did so without psychological pressure.
Returning to Arus' capital after two years, Yuga and Shadowsong couldn't help but feel deeply moved. They had once been the prince and an honored guest at the royal palace, but now they were both wanted criminals.
Yuga and Shadowsong were still on Arus' wanted list. So, they didn't enter the city through the main gates but instead used the powers of Gengar and Mismagius to sneak in.
Speaking of which, Shadowsong's Dusknoir had made rapid progress over these two years. Perhaps the death of its previous owner had motivated it to train rigorously.
Seeing its dedication, Yuga also brought it into his own shadow space, allowing it to absorb the power of the Ghost World Origin Stone, together with Gengar and the others.
With Yuga's help, Dusknoir was now just one step away from Elite level. If its potential were slightly better, it might have already broken through.
Dusknoir was very grateful for Yuga's assistance.
After entering the city, Yuga and Shadowsong discreetly entered a mansion. This mansion had been funded by them and arranged through their connections.
However, Arus' capital was currently in turmoil. Many nobles were secretly attempting to flee as news of the Vante army's impending attack spread.
According to informants, General Nolans was taking a heavy handed approach in the capital, executing any nobles who attempted to flee.
Things had escalated to the point where Nolans acted more ruthlessly than before. At present, he no longer showed the same gentleness as in the past.
At night, with the help of Gengar and Mismagius, Yuga and Shadowsong quietly infiltrated a large mansion.
Just as the night had completely fallen and General Moro, who had just finished dinner, was about to read a book, he suddenly felt something was amiss.
"Who's there?" Moro cautiously shouted.
Immediately after, the study was filled with black mist, and Yuga and Shadowsong appeared before Moro.
"Your Highness Shadowsong!"
Seeing Shadowsong, Moro was both surprised and excited.
"General Moro, it's been a while!"
Shadowsong smiled faintly.
"To be able to see Your Highness again safely, this old servant is truly overjoyed."
Moro's voice trembled with excitement.
"Don't call me Your Highness; I am no longer the prince of Arus."
Shadowsong shook his head and said helplessly.
Moro could tell that Shadowsong had become even more resolute and composed over these two years, which meant he must have endured many hardships.
"Regarding what happened back then..."
Even to this day, Moro wanted to uncover the truth.
"I came here today to tell you the truth about what happened back then and to ask for your help."
"You say it, Your Highness, and I'll do it without hesitation."
Over these two years, Moro's involvement with Shadowsong's case had taken a toll on him. Although he was just over fifty years old, he had grayed hair and couldn't hide the signs of aging on his face.
Seeing this, Shadowsong felt a pang of sadness.
So, Shadowsong recounted the events of that time to Moro, including the fact that the current Emperor Rode was not the original one.
Moro was furious after hearing this.
"I must not spare those rebels and evildoers!"
Arus' Empire had reached this point due to the responsibility of those individuals.
"General, please calm down. At this point, pursuing these matters further is meaningless. Moreover, the root cause of all this lies with my father. If he hadn't killed the guardian deity for his selfish desires, none of this would have happened today."
After hearing Shadowsong's words, Moro fell silent.
Yes, the root cause of everything lay with Emperor Rode, who had killed the guardian deity.
"Your Highness, why did you come to me today?"
A calmer Moro asked Shadowsong.
"Now that Arus is on the brink of collapse, the Vante army will soon invade the capital. However, the common people here are innocent. So, I hope you can use your influence in the army to persuade a group of soldiers and quietly lead a group of citizens out of the capital."
The citizens of the capital wanted to escape to save their lives, but the current situation forbade anyone from leaving. Even though there was widespread discontent, no one could do anything about it.
Upon hearing Shadowsong's request, Moro sighed. "I am no longer a general now. I'm afraid my influence may not be enough."
"General, your influence in the army is irreplaceable. Everyone remembers the great service you've done for Arus. As long as you're willing, there will be people willing to follow you. When necessary, you can even use my name to persuade them."
After all, Shadowsong was still Arus' prince, and despite being wanted for rebellion, his royal bloodline couldn't be faked.
"Well then, I will do my best."
Moro firmly agreed.
"Thank you for your efforts."
Seeing Moro agree, Shadowsong was very pleased.
"This is what I should do! But, Your Highness, what will you do after I lead the people away?"
Moro looked at Shadowsong with concern.
"Don't worry, I can make a safe escape, and I have Yuga by my side."
Shadowsong gestured to Yuga beside him.
"Well, with this young gentleman here, I can rest assured."
Moro had great respect for Yuga's strength, and he had no more worries, especially after witnessing Yuga and Shadowsong escape Emperor Rode two years ago.
"Speaking of which, I owe you an apology, young sir. I misunderstood you two years ago and even fought with you."
Moro sincerely apologized, as respect for the strong came from the heart, regardless of age.
Yuga waved his hand and said, "You're too kind. You were only concerned for Shadowsong."
Afterward, the three of them discussed some details of their plan, and then Yuga and Shadowsong quietly left Moro's mansion.