Becca swung at Axel, aiming for his face, but he easily parried her attack, countering with a swift move that sent her sprawling to the ground, "Again," he ordered, pacing back and forth like a predator waiting for his prey to rise.

  "I can't… move," Becca groaned, her body drenched in sweat, "Everything hurts."

  Axel stopped near the water's edge, "Take a break," he said, crouching to wash his face.

  The cool water trickled down his skin as he unbunched his damp hair.

  Seizing the opportunity, Becca snuck up behind him and shoved him into the water, "Payback!" she shouted, laughing as he splashed into the shallows.

  Axel surfaced, his eyes narrowed mischievously, "Oh, you're gonna regret that," he said, moving toward her with a grin.

  Before he could retaliate, a pink fireball erupted in the sky above Neverport, crackling ominously.

  Both of them froze, their laughter fading as a sense of urgency settled over them.

  Without a word, Axel bolted toward the town, leaving Becca scrambling to catch up.

  Within seconds, he arrived at a field shrouded in purple mist.

  Townsfolk lay scattered on the ground, their breathing steady but unconscious.

  "They're fine, my friend," a familiar voice called out.

  Axel noticed Pi and Jay walking out of the gas.

  Pi smiled calmly as they descended toward him, "Sleeping gas has its uses—efficient, clean, and no unnecessary harm," Pi said.

  Axel's gaze while his right arm begun to glow as he stepped forwar, "Be awhile hasn't it, Pi."

  Pi's eyes flicked to Axel's arm with curiosity, "Ah, a new toy for your arsenal. What is it this time? A dragon? A demon? Or something far more divine?" he asked, his tone almost teasing.

  Axel's expression remained neutral as he tied his hair back, advancing slowly, "Divine," he replied. "But enough about me. Why are you here?"

  Pi stepped closer, gesturing to Jay, "This is Jay—a new member of the Lost Brotherhood and a friend. He's still learning, but I'm confident he'll do well. As for you, Axel... you've changed a lot in these past fifteen years."

  Axel's glowing arm brightened, "Life changes when you're no longer a prince," he said. "Now, I'll ask next, where is Ivy?"

  Jay finally spoke, his voice steady, "She's in a cell. Whether or not you see her again depends on you."

  Axel chuckled unexpectedly, his laughter echoing across the quiet field, Jay scowled. "What's so funny?"

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Coughing violently, Jay couldn't finish his sentence.

  Axel wiped away a tear from laughing too hard, "Tell me—did you cut off her right arm?"

  The question caused Jay to freeze, his frustration visible.

  Even Pi glanced at him, a flicker of disapproval crossing his face.

  "Rookie mistake," Pi muttered to Jay.

  Axel's amusement faded, replaced by a sharp edge in his voice, "So the only leverage you thought you had is meaningless. Care to explain why you're here, or should I leave your friend here with matching scars?"

  Jay's frustration boiled over. His hair and eyes glowed faintly as he stepped forward, "Keep talking, and I'll burn this entire village—"

  Before he could finish, Axel's fist slammed into his stomach, dropping him to his knees.

  A swift kick to the side of the head knocked Jay unconscious.

  "Shh," Axel said, standing over him. "The adults are talking." He sat down on Jay's back, looking up at Pi, "Now, talk."

  Pi sighed, his calm demeanor unshaken, "We know you and Kurtis have joined forces to hunt us. But I came here with a different proposition. My sanctuary offers something better. I know we've both had difficult pasts, Axel, but I think there's a chance for us to work together. Don't you agree?"

  Axel smirked, "You always were good at negotiations. Building trust while keeping your true motives hidden… better than Kurtis honestly." He kept his right hand on Jay head as his eyes glowed suspicious brighter.

  Pi nodded slightly, "The Lost Brotherhood needs a leader like you. A boy genius who can reshape the underground world. Right now, only three individuals can produce Hax at 60% potency, and they've all vanished. But with your help, Hax could become humanity's third magical system—with no side effects."

  "And you and Kurtis?" Axel asked, leaning back casually.

  Pi chuckled darkly, "I'm a murderer, no denying that. But I've always cared for those who've suffered under corrupt rulers. My sanctuary is filled with people mistreated by an unjust king—someone who values royalty over humanity."

  Before Axel could respond, a familiar voice rang out, "AXEL!"

  Becca galloped toward them on Diego, her face flushed with urgency.

  Axel stood and glanced at Pi, "Tempting offer, but I'll have to decline. Still, I'd rather deal with you than Kurtis. Everything depends on her."

  Becca leaped off Diego, grabbing one of Axel's swords.

  Her eyes scanned the unconscious villagers and the lingering mist until they settled on a small figure, "Emily…" she whispered, her voice breaking.

  Her grip on the sword tightened as she turned to Pi, rage boiling over, "WHAT DID YOU DO, YOU BASTARD?" she screamed, charging toward him.

  "EMILY IS FINE!" Axel shouted, stopping her in her tracks. "It's just sleeping gas. Everyone will wake up in a few minutes."

  Becca's breathing slowed, but her anger lingered. She glared at Pi, demanding answers.

  Pi hoisted Jay over his shoulder. "The gas will wear off soon, and everything will return to normal. Hopefully, my friend, we can still change history together."

  Becca's voice trembled with fury. "Where's Ivy? Why did you come here? Kurtis says you're killing innocents—why should we trust you?"

  Pi turned back, his gaze solemn, "You don't know the full story. Kurtis… he's a man who does whatever it takes to protect his throne, no matter the cost. Think carefully about who you trust."

  With a burst of white gas, Pi and Jay disappeared.

  Axel sat down beside Becca, watching her grip the sword tightly, "Looks like we'll need a meeting tomorrow to decide—Kurtis or Pi," he said softly.

  Becca's hand trembled as she let the sword fall, "Who are you? Why does Pi know you so well? Why did Kurtis came back when you write that letter? Who are you, Axel?" she asked as she crouch down with her head buried between her legs.

  Axel looked up at her with a calm expression, "Ask me again later. It's too soon for the truth."

  Her shoulders slumped as she sighed. "Promise me I'm not making a mistake trusting you." she said as she raised her head.

  Axel crouched infront of her, his tone gentle, "That depends on whether you can accept me. But I promise." He tapped her nose playfully, a small smile breaking through the tension.