# Chapter 36 — *Koky's Exodus and the Price of Betrayal*

  Koky's island, once a white sand paradise, was now a nightmare of ashes and smoldering debris. The sweet, welcoming scent of lush vegetation had been replaced by the acrid odor of burnt wood and charred flesh. The fire attack, the rain of incendiary projectiles from Yuzuki's ships, had swept away the fragile peace Koky had striven so hard to maintain. Houses reduced to charred skeletons, trees twisted like black claws against the gray sky, and the silence, a heavy and oppressive silence, broken only by the groans of the wounded and the muffled cries of children.

  Koky, the blind general, walked among the ruins, guided by his daughters. His eyes, which did not see the physical destruction, felt the devastation in his soul. The protective cowardice, the silent pact with Zan, all had failed. His people were wounded, homeless, and the illusion of security he had built had crumbled in flames. He stopped before Hiroshi, Luna, Orpheus, and Zark, his empty eyes fixed on the horizon. "There is nothing left to protect here," his voice was a hoarse, but firm whisper. "We need to go. We need to find a new home, a place where peace is not bought with submission. My cowardice... it cost too much."

  The decision was made: the exodus. The *Sea Vengeance*, though damaged, would be the flagship of an improvised fleet. Fishing boats, rafts, and any vessel capable of floating were gathered. Orpheus's crew, along with the island's younger and stronger residents, worked tirelessly to repair the damage and prepare the ships. Hiroshi, with his authority as a Draconic Archaeologist, organized the logistics, distributing supplies, calming spirits, and instilling hope where there was only despair. Luna, tireless, used the *Touch of Yggdrasil* to heal the wounded, her magic a balm for traumatized bodies and souls.

  The journey would be perilous. The archipelago's waters were now more patrolled than ever, with the Battle Royale in full swing. Other generals and their armies would be lurking, seeking easy prey or unprotected territories. Koky's fleet, laden with civilians, was a tempting target. Hiroshi knew that the protection of the innocent would be the top priority, and that each of them would have to fight as never before.

  On the third day of the journey, under a merciless sun, the threat materialized. Three warships, bearing Zan's crest, appeared on the horizon. They were not Yuzuki's ships, but rather those of the one who should have protected Koky's island. The betrayal was evident. Orpheus, commanding the *Sea Vengeance*, clenched his fists. "Zan's patrol," he growled. "They're coming to 'clean up' what Yuzuki left behind. To ensure there are no witnesses to their master's failure."

  The naval battle began with a volley of arrows and Quaza projectiles. The *Sea Vengeance*, agile, maneuvered to protect the civilian boats, while Orpheus, Zark, Hiroshi, and Luna prepared for combat. Orpheus, with his *Koyote* blade, leaped onto the deck of the first enemy ship, a whirlwind of steel and shadow. Zark, with her flaming arrows, disabled enemy archers, while Luna, from the deck of the *Sea Vengeance*, created energy barriers and healed wounded sailors.

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  Hiroshi, at the center of the formation, was a pillar of strength. His draconic skin gleamed under the sun, and the Karius Sword cut through the air with deadly precision. He used his *Death Breath* to clear a path through enemy soldiers, protecting the civilians huddled in the improvised boats. Kerchack's fury was a powerful ally, but Hiroshi maintained control, remembering the promise he had made to Luna: to fight for humanity, not to become a monster.

  Amidst the chaos of battle, a small fishing boat, laden with children, was hit by a projectile. The boat began to sink rapidly. Luna, without hesitation, jumped into the water, her *Touch of Yggdrasil* magic glowing intensely as she tried to rescue the children. Hiroshi, seeing the danger, used *Sacred Flight*, flying over the water to help Luna, his draconic form imposing against the sky.

  As the naval battle intensified, a messenger from Zan, in a small fast boat, approached the *Sea Vengeance*. Orpheus intercepted him, and the messenger, with an arrogant smile, delivered a message to Koky. "General Zan sends his regards, Koky. He regrets the 'loss' of your island, but understands that sacrifices are necessary for the glory of the Empire. He also informs you that your island served as an excellent diversion for Yuzuki's forces, allowing Zan to consolidate his own positions. Your 'cowardice,' as you call it, was useful, after all. But now, there is no more use for you or your people. Zan orders you to surrender and hand over the 'rebels' accompanying you."

  Koky listened to the message, his face impassive. But Hiroshi, who had returned to the *Sea Vengeance* with Luna and the rescued children, saw the pain and anger in the general's blind eyes. The betrayal was complete. Zan had not only abandoned the island but had used it as bait, sacrificing his own people for his power games. The anger of the islanders, who fought alongside Orpheus and Zark, was palpable. The bond of friendship and loyalty that had been forged on Koky's island solidified even further.

  With a roar, Hiroshi advanced towards the messenger, but Koky stopped him with a gesture. "It's not worth it, Hiroshi. He's just a pawn." Koky then turned to the messenger, his voice now imbued with an authority Hiroshi had never heard before. "Tell Zan that his cowardice is the true betrayal. Tell him that the people of this island will no longer be pawns in his games. And tell him that the Battle Royale... is over for him." With a nod to Orpheus, the *Sea Vengeance* fired a final projectile that sank the messenger's boat, ending the communication.

  Zan's fleet, disorganized by the ferocity of the defense and the loss of two of its ships, retreated. The victory was theirs, but at a cost. Koky's island was lost, and the people were in exodus. Hiroshi looked at the horizon, where the island's smoke still rose. Koky's information about Zan's manipulation was crucial, but Zan's decision to sacrifice innocents for his own gains sealed his fate. Hiroshi knew he needed to find Zan, not only to get more information about the King but to end his tyranny. There was no longer a choice. Zan had to die. The game had become personal, and the Draconic Archaeologist was ready to hunt his next target.