Arc II: “Universal Threat”
Chapter III: “Gang War”
Episode III: “Truth”
Akira and Riella tore away from the A.S.S. Gang’s spacecraft, wind shear howling in their ears.
“Y-you can let go of me now! I can fly just fine on my own!” Riella said, cheeks warming.
“Oh, right.”
Akira’s jaw unclenched, and he eased his grip.
“So… is what you said in the mess hall true— about Sikira and my brother?”
“Yes… It’s true. Sikira was blackmailed into working for Ronin. He’s holding someone she cares about hostage— her Sworn Sister, Torra.”
“Torra, huh… and you’re sure she wasn’t on that ship?”
“Yes. The A.S.S. Gang has bases throughout the galaxy. They have ties to half the other syndicates out there, too. Finding one person in all that sprawl would be nearly impossible.”
“I see.”
“Why aren’t you asking about him?”
“Who?”
“You know what I’m talking about. Your brother!”
Akira stayed quiet, eyes on the horizon, aether humming low in his veins…
I’ll believe it when I meet him…
[Ronin and Kyte]
A transmission crackled through Ronin’s earpiece.
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“Master! Our ship’s cloaking device has been destroyed!”
“What?” Ronin asked sternly.
Ronin and Kyte streamed through the clouds as they approached the Phantom.
“Two of our prisoners escaped and wrecked our ship! We have to land in order to fix it!”
“What!? They escaped? What are Frame and Sheets doing!?”
“They were beaten, sir.”
“Beaten? By that Kaelithian?”
“Yes, sir.”
Dammit… seems he had more potential than I thought. Ronin thought, teeth tight. Our opponents are growing at an alarming rate…
“Alright, land at the nearest island and begin repairs. I’ll be there soon.”
“Okay, sir, but I just got another report—”
“What is it this time…”
“It appears that our scanners… have picked up movement from Kona Island. The UFA and Cosmic Guard are sending troops here as we speak.”
“Shit…”
That means he’ll be on his way too…
“Kyte.”
“Yes, Master?”
“Head back to the Phantom. He’ll be following my aether signature, so I need to go deal with him. I’m counting on you to sort things out over there.”
“Yes, sir.”
They split off— contrails peeling in opposite arcs.
[Kona Island]
“So yeah, they’ve found their ship and they’re launching an attack. Are you guys coming?” Asuka asked.
“Of course we are. Is that even a question?” Malek asked. “Right, guys?”
“Yeah!” Leo shouted.
“Naturally,” Rayon said.
“Now I have two to pay back…” Draig grinned.
“I just hope Akira doesn’t get in my way,” Rikito grumbled.
“Alright, then let’s go save our friends!” Asuka shouted.
The nine of them set out with the UFA and Cosmic Guard to confront the A.S.S. Gang.
[The Western Sea, Wave Island]
The A.S.S. Gang brought the Phantom down on the nearest island. They seized all the villagers and corralled them outside the hull; wrists bound, voices a low, frightened buzz.
Within a couple of hours, Kyte rejoined them.
“There you are. Hey, look— it’s the Master’s favorite pet!” Horse jeered.
“Shut up, Horse. You don’t have the right to go around dissing people when you’re that weak,” Rump said.
“What’d you say, Rump!?”
“Both of you, shut it,” Bunbun said. “How are you doing, Kyte~? We know you’ve come a long way.”
Kyte pushed past them, his expression deadpan.
“I’m fine. I heard Frame and Sheets were taken out.”
“Yes, that’s correct. But with our healing serums, I’m sure they’ll be up in no time.”
“Right. Rump, you’re in charge until Frame or the Master returns. I’m going to my quarters.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to take a dip in the vat?” Bunbun asked.
“I’m positive,” Kyte muttered, already walking away.
[Somewhere in the Western Region]
“So, where are we going?” Riella asked. “Do you have somewhere in mind?”
“Nope. I was just flying.”
“What!? I’ve been following you this whole time! I thought you had somewhere in mind!”
“Nah. But since we’re here, I do know a place where we could stop for a while.”
Akira banked toward Hidden Heights— the jagged range where he’d met the Utopian sage, Grom.
“What is this place?”
“It’s where I trained to harness my Utopic aether. We can stay here for a while to get our strength back. And there’s a special barrier here that dampens aether from leaking outside.”
“Shouldn’t your master be here?”
“Yeah… he’s probably just out right now. It’s fine— I’m sure he wouldn’t mind us crashing for the night.”
“We’re going to sleep here?”
Riella eyed the single mat of stitched furs— smoke-musk clinging to the fibers.
“Yeah, why not?”
“Together?”
“How else are both of us supposed to sleep?”
“I swear, sometimes you’re a really big idiot.”
[Next Time on Lyte of Utopia]: “War”
[Yield Levels]:
Akira: 20t
- DP: 20qd
Riella: 500m
- Suppressed: 5
Ronin: ???
- Suppressed: 1qt
Kyte: 5t
- Recovering: 5b
Asuka: 10t
Leo: 10t
Draig: 12t
Malek: 8b
Zane: 30b
Lian: 40b
Darc: 1t
Rayon: 10t
Rikito: 100t
Horse: 5qt
Bunbun: 1qt
Rump: 10qt