The dwellers aboard the celestial vessel known as Cephalostar convene in the heart of the spaceship, engaged in rowdy and lively discussions that reverberate faintly through the walls of one tenant's chamber. However, these fervent voices fail to rouse him from his slumber, instead, they cause his dreaming form to shift, accidentally nudging a vodka bottle off his bedside. The shattering crash pierces the air, promptly jolting the young man awake. A startled yelp resonates from his right, drawing his attention to a young lady clad in a nightgown, balancing a tray adorned with two plates brimming with eggs, bacon, and buttered toast.

Dave "Those look hella good."

Amelia "Oh, thank goodness you're actually awake. Honey, your constant sleepwalking was starting to give me a proper scare."

Dave "Oh shit, my bad. Forgot about tell ya that."

Amelia "Well, it's not your bloody fault. This is only the second time we slept together."

Dave "Wait. How long were you awake, Amby?"

Amelia "About two hours, I believe so. I prepared our breakfast and waited though... the chatter outside tempted me to exit. But how could I leave without my dashing knight with cool shades?"

She plants a kiss on his cheek, and they nestle under the covers with the tray before commencing their meal.

Dave "First off, this shit is buzzing. The bacon is super good like actual S tier five star hotel good."

Amelia "Thanks... Hey, Dave. Are you feeling alright?"

Dave "Yeah... what's the prob?"

Amelia "Well, you were pretty sad yesterday I could bloody tell you were going to cry at any moment. Is it about your parents?"

Dave "Me! Crying?! Never!... okay, maybe a bit. I was kinda worried about my parents but then I fucking thought about what they would do before I went to bed. They would tilt their glasses, chug a jug of the good shit, smile, and stare at the blast without regret. They are so fucking cool, man. I love them even though they never spent much time with me. They always went to parties and did whatever they wanted. They were honest and true to themselves. It admired me you know. "

Amelia "Yes, they sound just like you though a bit irresponsible as parents."

Dave "Yeah, I still love them. Me... well, you saw multiple times that I look like an actual pussy. My emotional bizz keeps getting out of control."

Amelia "Dave... halt that right there. Are you trying hard to be cool like your parents? I believe they would find you being yourself quite neat."

Dave "I am... okay, maybe I am trying a bit too hard on being cool all the time."

Amelia "Hey, I think being honest is a perfect fit for being cool."

Dave "Thanks, Amby. I feel much better. Hey, what about your folks?"

Amelia "Oddly, they are quite distant too though I have a much bleaker perspective on them. It's not that I hate them. I just wanted them to interact with me even if it was just a smidgen. So... I found it hard to feel anything when the supernova happened."

Dave "Really, not even once?"

Amelia "Nope, not when I was born. I only had my babysitters."

Dave "It must be really lonely. Man, that sucks."

Amelia "At least, now I have you and everyone else. Oh- You finished already?!"

Dave "Oh yeah, you too. Damn, we were ultra hooked lol."

Amelia "Hehe, let's get dressed up."

The couple tidies up the tray and swaps into their usual attire before stepping out of their room.

Amelia notices the rest of the group gathered around a holographic projection of Caverrin. Most of them appear tense and silent as two individuals engage in an intense debate. Dave and Amelia discreetly take a seat, tuning in to the unfolding drama.

Kanji "Oh for the love of science, We have to keep the integrity of our adventure! We need to discover those facts for ourselves! Scientists do not thrive on handouts!"

Gwen " Oh, please! Be realistic, Kanji! Information about our enemy is crucial to our survival. Being left in the dark has proven to be fatal as I assure us scientists know too well in nature."

Dave "Stop fighting, bros. What is this shit even about?"

Kanji "Oh, you two are finally here. Gwen and I were discussing whether or not to push AN to tell us more about Caverrin. I say it not only tarnishes their time but also ruins the essence of our adventure but mostly I just don't like handouts."

AN "You guys better decide hurry. My timeframe is really tight now with what's going on our end."

Gwen "Fuck.... Err. What about a deal, Kanji? I'll do whatever you want."

Kanji "Ummm..."

He stares at Claire who smiles back before going back to Gwen.

Kanji "Fine. I have noticed you and Claire seem to be fighting so often recently. I don't know what's up with that, but if you want AN's info, then I suggest you and Claire spend a lot more bonding time together for the rest of the trip."

Gwen "That's... ugh. Fine. What do you think, Claire?"

Claire "Sounds great!" "Whew! Now, I don't have to try hard. Plus, I actually have time to bond with my bestie. Maybe... if we become even closer... she'll forgive even if she knows."

AN: "Alright, let me simplify the details. Caverrin has a single empire covering half the world, while the other half is dotted with active volcanoes. The empire is called Incarus and is divided into three parts. At its center lies Sun's Bite Valley and Incaris Palace, resembling a massive ant hill with numerous entrances, bridges, and gates leading in and out. Surrounding the Valley is Nobilis Metropolis, home to the rich and high-ranking Castastrians. Then there's Commonasa, meant for regular workers and the poorer Castastrians. Our plan involved detonating certain buildings along the border of Nobilis, causing the homeless to converge on the wreckage, and distracting the soldiers. It succeeded, and we managed to plant our secret weapon."

Gwen "What is it?"

AN "First of all, sorry for not telling you this but there are only six of us rebels left."

Diana "Just six? That's hardly an army."

Dave "Yeah dude, it's like that one movie with the dude who likes dogs or some shit. I'm not talking smack but your chance of winning is super fucking low, bro."

AN "Yeah, we lost a lot of people. We were desperate, and our only hope lay with Josai and Voltum. Josai's job was to uncover ancient sites for any technology so Voltum could leverage it to our advantage. Thankfully, it paid off and we found a method for creating cloning machines."

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Gwen "Wait... is this for real? If so, I'm genuinely impressed by this Voltum guy. Not even I can make a proper cloning device."

AN "The thing is that we need something called Gravitum as a material for the core of each clone capsule. The empire has kept all of it at Nova which we raided as I told you before. Managed to snatch up a whole crate of the stuff which allowed us to make a total of 18 capsules. Also, don't give Voltum that much credit. His ego is already as inflated as it is. I personally think that 60% of the creation was due to Josai's findings and translations."

Sarah "Do these clones have emotions or thinking?"

Noah "Yeah, I was thinking that too. It would be really fucked up."

AN "Not to worry. My group had a lot of talk about it and well... the clones don't have emotions but they can think and follow orders. Ico and Ica are responsible for managing them."

Kanji "For the clones, which of you did you use and what were the results?"

AN "We of course used me and Susuna as catalysts. The battle went extremely well and they managed to take a large outer ring of Nobilis. We are defending it at a stalemate but we fear for when the second general will show up."

Gwen "We never asked you much about the other generals have we, or about your team, have we? Care to enlighten us?"

AN "Sure- What?... Oh shit! He's approaching fast! Sorry guys! I have to go!"

Claire "Well... shit. I feel like we are the spectators now, which sucks."

Kanji "Nothing we can do about that but wait. I would like to take this day for training according to my schedule."

Gwen "So you're alternating.... it figures. As for me..."

She looks at Claire with a smile.

Gwen "I'll follow the lead of my best friend." "Rule one of any battle, know your enemy. Become them if you must."

Claire "Oh fuck yeah! This is going to be fun!" "Whew, I thought... that she and I are... no. We are friends. Let's forget about our battle for now."

Diana "Err... boss. What about the rest of us?"

Kanji "Feel free to do whatever you want."

Kanji retreats to his room before opening a portal into the inventory space. He retrieves a terrarium orb consisting of a chaotic swirl of colors and slams it onto the ground. A landscape emerges, divided into four regions— ice, fire, wind, and sea. As his training continues, the rest of the party spends the day learning drawing from Claire and cooking from Amelia. The day passes for one group, while for another...

__________________________________________________________________________

Elsewhere, the echoing of a mop against the hard stone floor dwindles, yielding to a slender beam of light, barely broader than a pencil, that filters into a decrepit cell. Nestled within, a Castastrian finds solace amidst a cascade of tears. His thoughts waver, yet his resolve slowly finds its footing. Time tiptoes by as guards dash past his confinement. His determination stirs, compelling him to rise, though a falter sends him crashing down as he attempts to move.

From beyond his cell, a duo of laughter echoes.

KARNAT "...."

?? "Why so quiet, boss? Still crying?"

KARNAT "Hold on. This voice... Kaja! Xeros! What are you two doing here?! Escape! They are searching for you!"

XEROS "Well, duh. That is why we came here. They won't expect a thing I promise you that."

KAJA "Plus, did you forget what my ability is, boss?"

XEROS "Yeah, Mister Big Boss baby pants."

KAJA "Hey, that was a bit rude especially what happened to you know..."

XEROS "Oh, sorry."

KARNAT "Well, what are you waiting for then?! Get me the fuck out of here!"

KAJA "Huh? I thought you be all like leave here guys and save yourselves."

KARNAT "If you visited me yesterday then yeah. But now... I have taken her words to heart. To be honest, I fear that even in death, her words would still be there."

XEROS "A bit dark, boss. A bit dark... let's just get out here. This place gives me the creeps."

At the touch of the cell's lock, it magically springs open.

KAJA "God, your power is so useful but not as useful as mine!"

A mist materializes around them, concealing their forms as they effortlessly evade the palace's security, guided by Kaja. She clasps their hands, leading them to a hatch on a specific dead end in a floor under the Empress's chambers. They tumble down and out into the chaotic world beyond the palace walls. Karnat, stunned by the exit's existence, halts for a beat.

KARNAT "How did you guys know that?"

KAJA "Twin's secret, boss. Anyway, it's too early to be surprised. Follow me."

They navigate a labyrinth of burrows that Karnat assumes stretches throughout the entire Empire.

KARNAT "Did you two make all of this?! I don't believe it!"

XEROS "Of course, not! We found it... well, Kaja did. Pretty neat, huh, boss?"

KARNAT "... Yeah."

After an hour's journey through the tunnels, they emerge onto the surface. An immediate gust of nostalgia floods the trio as they glimpse their weathered old home. Tears trickle down their cheeks as they draw nearer and nearer— until, with a sudden crash, the door swings open, startling them all into a tumble.

?? "KARNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!"

KARNAT "Oh no! This voice is-

He attempts to escape but a blurred figure bolts past him before blocking his path.

Aged to the extreme, even by Castastrian standards, stands a woman, her form hunched and draped in ragged attire. A necklace crafted from the teeth of various beasts adorns her neck, complementing the tusk-like cane clasped in her right hand. Protrusions, resembling seaweed, cascade from her scalp formation, obscuring her left eye and trailing down her back. A birthmark, depicting a lightning bolt, marks the back of her right hand— a symbol revered by Kaja, who respectfully removes her robe, revealing a scout-like ensemble with robust armored shoulder pads. Her scalp formation bears short kerahairs neatly folded to the left, while the back of her right hand boasts a dotted outline of a Castastrian figure. Following suit with respect, Xeros, with a slight struggle, sheds his robe with Kaja's help, revealing a grey power suit. His scalp formation mirrors Kaja's formation, though directed to the right, while a broken lock etches the back of his right hand.

KAJA "Kaja Jaro extends greetings to Granny Tio."

XEROS "Xeros Crissi extends greetings to Granny Tio."

KARNAT "Granny Tio. It... Er... has been a long time."

TIO "Look who it is. The failure himself. Got anything to say."

KARNAT "I'm... I'm sorry. I should've been me."

TIO "Damn right! It should have been you!! She was such a good girl! She was like my own granddaughter! It's all your fault! Why didn't see any reason for her to give someone like you any kind of affection?!"

KAJA "Granny, you're being a little a bit... you know... unfair."

TIO "OH REALLY?! WHO WAS THE IGNORANT STUBBORN BRAT THAT DIDN'T HEED MY ADVICE?! Despite me telling him it was a dangerous path and only led to tragedy! Hell, I even put him into steel-sealed rooms with beasts to deter him!"

XEROS "But it made him tough though."

TIO "BEING TOUGH WASN'T ENOUGH! The difference between non-ability users and ability users is land and sky."

KARNAT "... I'm sorry. I really am."

TIO "Fuck... maybe I was a bit harsh. Speak up. What are you planning to do now that you are a fugitive?"

KARNAT "I... I don't know. Honestly, I feel lost. My desires, my goals, my dreams, my directions are clinging onto the edge of a cliff."

TIO "Then use all of your strength to climb back up, you stupid child. How about we take her message literally?"

KARNAT "She told me to live."

TIO "Then live you shall. Find somewhere and settle down peacefully for the rest of your pathetic life."

She stares at the volcanoes just a few kilometers away.

KARNAT "You can't be serious!"

TIO "Let me tell you youngsters a little secret. Those volcanoes aren't active."

ALL "Wait! What?!"

TIO "Surpising, right? It was a ruse, a trick, a propaganda campaign made by those imperial scums. You see... for generations, the monarchies of this land desired to conquer more and more so that they could contain and manage the citizens, preventing them from escaping to unclaimed lands. The volcanoes or their real names, "The Silver Mountains", were difficult to manage properly even to this day so they decided to paint a certain, and now... everyone is blind to the truth except for a few like me."

KARNAT "How do you know for sure?"

TIO "I was there in my adventurous youth. Oh, the memories... My desire to explore and discover all kinds of flora and fauna the likes no Castastrian could ever imagine though I only made it halfway. Here, take this. You'll find it very handy, brat. I also recommend you find a cave there and make it your home."

KARNAT "A journal?"

TIO "It catalogs the details of the wildlife I have encountered. It will save your sorry ass."

KARNAT "Wait, what about these two?"

XEROS "Sorry, boss. We can't go with you."

KAJA "Yeah, we don't want to be burdens for you to protect."

TIO "They are right, brat. It is better to go solo than try to feed a party. They'll stay with me."

KARNAT "You're right. I won't drag anyone else into my mistakes. Thank you for everything, Granny Tio, Xeros, and Kaja. I hope you all stay safe. This is a goodbye."

The twin lets out tears while Granny Tio looks away, her face saddened watching Karnat heading towards The Silver Mountains.

Around the home, another Castastrian approaches the trio.

TIO "Who would have thought that the angry stubborn kid you brought it would turn out so mature? Was that also a part of your ingenious plan... granddaughter?"

SUSUNA "Wow, you could even tell by my footsteps. That's a little scary but I expect nothing less from a former revolutionary."

TIO "Now I can finally let loose of that "former" title. Was it a success?"

Susuna "Yep, the entire outer ring is ours, and that savage is approaching us right on queue."

TIO "Excellent, it's time for us to fix this corrupt society! Call in operation, Caged Behemoth!"