(Cyrus POV)

Before we headed to assist the civilians in the bunker, we stopped to examine the beetles that had consumed the cubes of cosmic energy.

"So these are the beetles that evolved during the battle?" my father asked.

"Yes," I replied.

"Generally, for a star-spawn astral behemoth to evolve to the next stage, it would have to consume around a hundred celestial cores, either from humans or other astral behemoths of equal rank. For that to happen in the middle of a battle is practically impossible."

"Well, I think I have an explanation," I said, pointing to a cluster of trucks. "Do you see those trucks?"

"Yeah, they look like the exact ones that drove past us while we were walking on the road."

"During the battle, those trucks pulled up to the bunker door. They were transporting containers that seemed to hold raw cosmic energy in the shape of cubes into the bunker. The astral behemoths went into a frenzy down here because of it. These two managed to get a hold of one, and the rest is self-explanatory, I think."

My father took a moment to process what I said. His expression darkened, signaling his displeasure. "We need to get to this bunker and find the leader of this village," he finally said.

"Why? We've already wasted enough time helping them. From what I've seen, it doesn't look like this place has a transponder station either."

"Cyrus, if that cube is what I think it is, we could be in serious trouble."

"But the cube seemed harmless. It just emitted a lot of cosmic energy, that's all."

"It is not harmless. In its current state, those cubes are bombs just waiting to explode."

"How do you know? You didn't even see it."

"I created it, Cyrus. That was the initial phase of my design for a clean energy source. During testing, the cube was always unstable. That's why I was searching for the ancient relic—to stabilize the energy. It seems someone broke into my lab back in Arthenos."

I could see the agitation growing on my father's face as he spoke. There was no persuading him now. The idea of someone using his invention to endanger lives was something the former ruler of our country could not ignore.

My father walked to the bunker door, prying it open with his immense strength. The creaking of the metal echoed, and we were met by a sea of people waiting anxiously inside.

"Is it safe to come out now?" a group of them asked as we stepped inside.

"All the astral behemoths have been dealt with. You may leave the shelter," my father reassured them. "But before you go, I need to know who is in charge of this town."

A wave of uneasy glances passed through the crowd until a man with a medium build, ivory skin, and brown curly hair stepped forward.

"I am the leader of this town," he said. "My name is Adam. How may I help you?"

"Adam, may we speak in private? I have something urgent to discuss," my father requested.

"Sure. But who are you, and what authority do you have?" Adam questioned skeptically.

My father hesitated briefly before responding. "I will explain in private. Please, grant me this courtesy—my son and I just helped save your people."

Adam pondered for a moment before nodding. "Yes, of course. Excuse my misgivings. Follow me."

Something about him didn't sit right with me. How could he not recognize my father? My father ruled this country for years. A town leader should have at least some political awareness.

As we followed Adam to his office, I pulled my father aside. "Father, I think this guy knows more than he's letting on. And how does he not recognize you? You're not even trying to hide your identity."

"I'm sure he does in some way," my father replied, patting my head. "But I need information about those cubes. Don't worry, Cy—I've handled far worse."

Once inside Adam's office, a modest room with hardwood floors and walls adorned with landscape photos of different regions across the world of Valonara, he gestured for us to sit.

"Don't worry," Adam assured us. "This area is secure. No one will hear us during this conversation… Ezra."

Hearing my father's name from Adam sent a knot of dread into my stomach. Was this a trap?

"Thank you, Adam. It's been a while, hasn't it?" my father replied with a calm smile, surprising me. He seemed far too friendly with this man.

"I think it's been eight or ten years. Wasn't it around this little guy's birthday?" Adam said, laughing.

"So… you know each other?" I asked, confused.

"Yes, Cy," my father replied. "Adam and I attended the academy in Arthenos together. We had the school's best squad, didn't we, Adam?"

"Best squad?" Adam chuckled. "I was just the support role. You and your brother handled all the heavy lifting during the war games, by the way how is your brother."

My father's expression shifted, a flicker of pain crossing his face. "We don't know what happened to my brother," he said somberly. "On the day of the massacre, he sent a message warning us of the attack on our clan. I'm sure he fought valiantly to protect them. No one from the Solaris clan, especially at the Empyrean stage, would fall easily."

Adam nodded solemnly. "I couldn't agree more once you guys made it to the third stage it was hard for me to keep up. Your family was extraordinary."

"But, Ezra," Adam continued after a pause, "I have to ask—were you really creating a bomb to destroy the rest of the countries in the Zarathia continent? There are stories saying you wanted complete control of the entire continent, and you wanted Arthenos to rule over it"

My father took a deep breath. "No, Adam. I was framed. My research was meant to create renewable energy for my country that is all. I hate useless bloodshed you should know that Adam."

Adam sighed in relief. "I knew you wouldn't do something so reckless."

"But, Adam," my father said firmly, "those cubes you've been receiving are from my incomplete design. They are unstable. You need to remove them immediately."

Adam hesitated. "That's impossible. These cubes are our town's main energy source. We need them for our daily lives."

"Adam, they're ticking time bombs made of pure cosmic energy in their current state."