Triple X System

Back at lumia kingdom, most parts damaged from the relentless fight between the three powerhouses had been completed. Leaving minor spots still being attended to.

Several guards were stationed at the entrance to the huge castle walls. With a newly erected bridge constructed out from durable vines. With a makeshift wooden bridge connecting the castle to the inner city.

It was medieval considering the technological advancement in this world. But for personal reasons, the king had demand it to be made.

The security had also doubled with more guard dedicated at server sectors, guarding the castle with their lives. Leaving no blind spots unattended to, with the vast scientific safeguard equipment’s.

The insides of the castle were also taking a change with a blend of new colors. Mainly being of red and gold with some touches of black and white. Giving it a more serene look yet maintain its intricate royal prestige.

I think my arms going to fall off. A male guard complained. He held a small paint bucket in his left hand. And a sleekly designed brush coated in paint in the right.

Your safe. My arms already numb but I can’t stop now. The other spoke with a straight face. Trying his best to maintain a calm demeanor despite his exhausted expression.

I don’t get it. Why is he suddenly make us paint the walls ourselves. I mean, we have other important matters to attend to. Take the dome and safety of the kingdom but no... lets paint a freaking wall instead. The young man sarcastically spoke with a slight frown.

Hed been stationed at the east sector guarding the outer walls of the castle. To be called in the day before yesterday inwards. With high expectations and a glimpse of hope working in the inner walls he didn’t hesitate.

Only to receive a different surprise, one that involved a more special type of labor.

The king’s changed since the unexpected intrusion of his- he paused checking if anyone was approaching. His you know what.

His oldest and ex heir to the throne resurfaced. Of course, he’s bound to be affected mentally. Do you have a problem with that? His partner spoke in a rather questioning tone not batting an eye towards him. Continuing in his work.

Jeez.. it was just a joke. He awkwardly chuckled trying to clear the air. There were cameras everywhere in the castle but during the erection of the dome a large part was left blinded. Which required the demanding increase in security personnel.

I suggest you understand the direness of the situation we’re in before making such jokes. He drily replied dropping the bucket with the brush to the ground.

The kingdom is still at risk of being exposed after the previous incidents. For all we know there might be a mole within us. He said staring at felix making the latter gulp hard.

y-you don’t possible think am a.. mole. Do you? He stuttered with uneasiness feeling the dire weight of his fellow upper rank guard weighing on him.

Dammit why couldn’t I just be quiet. He cursed himself for being too forward.

It was just a joke to ease the atmosphere but if reported could be treated as an act of treason and possibly serious complicated contradictions.

I don’t know, are you?

Of course not! I would never betray king troy, I pledged my allegiance to serve to the end. He proclaimed without a falter in his words.

Good. A light smile swept across the senior’s face. Turning round he began walking away leaving the young felix confused.

Where are you going?

To evaluate more aspiring individuals like yourself. With that he disappeared from sight leaving the guard more perplexed.

What’s his deal? Felix muttered not understanding the latter’s motive.

He couldn’t pinpoint it but the strange man always had a calm expression during their short time. He could tell he’d been working here for at most three days. As there were thick dry paints clinging to his skin.

But he never complained. Not even a sigh, a groan, nothing.. almost like a robot.

Wait could he be.. the thought popped up in mind but quickly died out. No way, I could definitely sense his aura.

Shaking his head, he got back to work. A new partner would be assigned to him shortly. Considering his previous was summoned to help out in another sector.

Wait.. he was summoned right?

There were small translucent transmitters in shape of pods placed to their ears. Though commands came simultaneously and not unanimous leaving no guard idea what commands were given. As a temporary measure during these precarious times.

I forgot to ask his name. the man seemed new like he’d just been recruited as part of the new trainee batch of soldiers. But the three-ranking emblem on his shoulders said otherwise.

Shrugging it off he resumed painting the wall. A few minutes had passed along with the drawing completion of the painting.

Where the hell is my partner. He groaned suppressing his growing frustration. It had only been a day since he was assigned here but he’d been grinding nonstop.

And not in the mission or levelling up quest sorts of way. But a simply house chore with only a two-hour break. 30 minutes to eat and freshen up then the remaining hour and thirty minutes were to be spent on sleeping. To recover lost energy and continue until the completion of the assigned task.

Thud thud.

Light footsteps could be heard indicating someone was approaching.

Finally. He sighed a bit relieved seeing another guard come into light.

What took you so long? He growled a bit grumpy having to fend off by himself.

Sorry~ I got carried away. A soft feminine voice reached his ears. Causing his pupils to shrink a bit realizing whom such sweet voice belonged to.

c-commander ona! I.. forgive my earlier statement. I didn’t mean any disrespect, I thought you were my.. he paused for a moment before carefully letting out the next set of words.

Partner.

Not responding she stared at him for a while, adding to his nervousness.

Hmhmm~ a light giggle escaped her mouth.

It’s alright, you don’t have to be so tense. She gave a reassuring smile but for reasons he knew best not to fall into the charms of this woman.

And you’re right. I am your assigned partner. Her voice was calm, soothing to say the least. Making mere tensions dissolve into a calm wave.

Ona was a fierce independent and strong woman. With an outstanding personality best suited to match her environment. And her uncanning ability to adapt to harsh surroundings made her a more formidable person.

Yet despite all this attributes she had a soft and humble attitude towards others. Though she didn’t show it much, she actually cared about her team’s safety.

y-you’re joking right? Felix muttered but she shook her head dead serious.

But aren’t you meant to be attending to important matters?

This is important to the king. So yes, it’s our priority to fulfil his wishes. Unless you have an objection..

No no. all good. Not quiring forward, he resumed painting the wall. Ona crouching down a bit picking the paint and beginning her share of work.

.......

At the center of the castle two guards stood at attention. Clutches in their hands wasn’t the usual blue cuber guns. But a set of blue glowing swords. Constructed from none other than mana stones.

Halt! The guard by the left yelled, seeing an incoming individual.

Am here to see the king. The young man lazily spoke with an uninterested look.

The king isn’t welcoming any meetings today. The male guard at the right replied.

Huh? That’s certainly a concern. Is he perhaps busy? He asked in a low tone.

Didn’t you hear fool? The king won’t be entertaining guests from anyone. So beat it! The guard at the left added in a disdainful tone.

His hands already outstretched to push the man back. But before it reached, the latter swiftly took hold of his arm. Using the guards momentum against him, sending him crashing face first.

Not giving the other time to react, kicking him in the groin region.

Clang!

Shit! The poor man cried out, his pupils contracting feeling the sharp pain. Despite being clad in armour.

Now.. let’s repeat this again. Shall we? A soft grin crept to his face.

...

That wasn’t so hard now was it? He slyly chuckled exiting to a different location.

Who the hell was that guy? Bane the male guard by the left groaned.

Not only had that strange guard been able to dislocate his arm. But also did so whilst still in armour, meant to protect him from major attacks.

T-that wasn’t an ordinary guard. Flint barely uttered still in pain down the lower regions.

What are you talking about?

I believe that was the commander’s brother. Ronan. Flint said making banes eyes widen.

Ronan? As in the Ronan.. the undying warrior? I thought he was a myth, and besides~”

I wasn’t aware the commander had a brother.

It definitely came as a surprise since it was never spoken about by ona. But the resilient female captain never spoke much, preferring the solitude of keeping things to herself.