Chapter 93 : The Steel Army

Kaizo looks at the cliff wall in front of him. 

"There's nothing here," said Kaizo.

The Prince, Axion, Tirion, and 5 royal knights are looking around not far from Kaizo.

"I'm sure The Prince knows where and how to get in," said Axion. 

"Honestly, I'm not sure," said Stravenkov. He raises the ring and waves it around, hoping for something to happen. 

Suddenly, the ring glows. And light patterns emerge from the cliff's wall. The ground shook as the hidden door slowly opened. 

"I suppose this is how we get in," said Tirion. 

They look at each other.

"I'll share this location with the others. In case we can't get any signal in there," said Axion as she looked at her watch.

Tirion pulled his swords, followed by the other royal knights. Stravenkov took a deep breath.

"Let's go in," said Tirion. 

They walk into the cave cautiously. Axion put her hand on the cave wall. Feeling her surroundings with magic. Her eyes slightly turn blue with magic. She can see a magic stream flowing within the cave's wall. 

"So this is where the legendary army rests," said Kaizo.

"Yes... probably. How many secret doors are there that can suddenly pop up with the swing of a ring?" said Stravenkov. 

"Then I suppose Versatel is quite the thief. Entering this place without a key," said Axion. 

"That's what I wanted to know," said Stravenkov. 

"How much further do you think we're going?" Kaizo asked. 

"Not much," Axion replied. 

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because I can see the magic aura getting thicker ahead of us," Axion thought to herself. 

"A hunch," she replied. 

"You really have faith with your hunch, huh?" 

"Have I ever been wrong?" Axion asked.

Kaizo went silent.

They go deeper until they reach a wider area. They were all stunned to see an army of knights made of steel. 

"I can't believe it…" Tirion mumbled. "The army is here!"

Hundreds of steel knights lined up before them. Their size is bigger than Versatel's elite soldiers. Bigger than Admiral Tarung.  

"FINALLY!" said a voice. 

They all raise their swords and stand on guard. At the other side of the room, Versatel is standing on a platform with the Queen and his number one elite soldier. 

"Versatel!" Tirion exclaimed. 

"I knew you'd come. I was starting to get tired of waiting," said Versatel. 

"Surrender, Versatel," said Stravenkov. "It's over. I have the power to rule this army of knights. You're done." 

Versatel laughs. "Hahahaha, you may have the power. But do you even know how to use it?" 

Stravenkov gritted his teeth. 

"Versatel! hand over the Queen!" yelled Tirion.

"Foolish young man. You think just because you have the ring, you can win?" said Versatel. 

"We have the ring. Why would you still need the Queen?" Axion asks, trying to buy some time.

"Hmmm.... yes. Why would I...? Heh! Did you think I needed the Queen to trade with the ring?" said Versatel. 

Axion flinched. "This man can read my thoughts," she thought.

"Usually I would let go of useless pawns. But let's just say I'm keeping her for… collateral," said Versatel as he smirked. "In case you're trying anything funny, I will kill her. Although I'm not sure if I need collateral to begin with."

"You imbecile!" said Tirion. 

"So you're not going to trade the Queen for the ring?" Axion asked. 

"No, I used to chase that ring. But not anymore," said Versatel. He pulled his hand from his back and showed a power sphere. 

"A power sphere?!" said Kaizo. 

Axion quickly runs the scanner from her visor. "What is its power? How does it work?" she wondered. 

"With this power sphere, I don't need that ring," said Versatel. 

"Axion…" said Kaizo, hoping Axion would quickly finish the scan. 

"I know. Almost there," said Axion as she focuses on the scanner. "Got it! It's PuppetBot," said Axion. 

"Yes. I'm impressed you find out. I suppose that is expected from an outsider," said Versatel.

"PuppetBot?" Stravenkov asked.

"PuppetBot is a power sphere that can control things… like a puppet," said Axion. 

"You all know the legend. But none of you know the 'true' legend," said Versatel. "The so-called 'Gods' in the legend was actually this power sphere."

"I see… that makes sense," said Axion. "The first King found the power sphere. And in turn, PuppetBot 'blesses' the King with the power to command an army."

"Yes. Your ring is just a cheap copy of the power sphere," said Versatel. 

"So we really don't have much to offer for the Queen?" said Axion. 

"I suppose not," said Versatel. "But if you surrender now, I'll consider sparing your life."

"Never!" said Tirion. "We either win or die trying."

"Ahh… you knights are so overly dedicated," said Versatel.

"Your highness. We must not give up. There must be a way," said Tirion with determination. 

Stravenkov looked at him. He looked at the ring.

"Don't bother. Not only you don't know how to use the ring, but that ring is also no match for the real power from PuppetBot," said Versatel. 

"We won't know that unless we try," said Stravenkov. He tries to focus on the ring. Strain filled his face as the ring glows brighter.

One by one, the steel knight's eyes begin to glow. And the army was raised. They all turned to see Stravenkov and kneel before him.