In just 24 hours from now, Alice will leave Paris and arrive in Japan more specifically Tokyo. She will be back to where she lives after she was born for 4 years before moving here in this home that many will see as a mansion...well it is kind of a mansion but is nothing compared to other people in the world like the Trumps! How can they afford those huge things?!
"Lady Alice."
"Huh?" The red-haired teen opens her emerald-like eyes to see Jessenia.
"Breakfast is ready."
"Oh, I will be there in a minute Jessenia!"
The Hishikawa family has been quieter than usual. The main reason has to be the distance between daughter and mother. Rumors have been speculating that the daughter of their Lady has been rebelling on her forcing their Lady to restrict the red-haired teen from seeing her friends until they return from Ayane's business overseas. While some of it is true and it has made Alice hate her mother more than usual, she just ignores it and endures it until they return from this business her mother has overseas. She is just now a princess stuck inside a castle and as much as she wants some sort of Prince to carry her out of this prison she has to face the cruel reality that it will never happen.
()
Meanwhile, in Richard's room. The brown-haired boy and his friends were thinking of giving Alice some sort of charm that will make her feel as if she is not alone.
"Hmm, any ideas?" Asked the leader of Team Omega to his teammates receiving silence in response. Giving something to one of your childhood friends can be so difficult.
"Well, we can go to my mother's jewelry store maybe she can make a locket of some sort?" Frederick suggested. Being the only one to have a parent who can make lockets and jewelry it was not that difficult for the black-haired boy to get his mother a lot of customers especially during Summer.
"Hmm, I guess we can. But we don't have a group photo, in fact, we haven't got the time to get them ever since we became anti-viruses for Omega Corp!" Aeris had a point black hat hackers have been pouring up lately. Sure they weren't at the levels that they have faced in fact they were the lowest class so they had no trouble dealing with them. However, it didn't mean that their lives as normal teenagers weren't jeopardized, The pink-haired sighed instinctively. She really now has the opportunity to be somewhat alone with her childhood friend but they are to busy dealing with these troublesome criminals that they can't even get a damn group photo!
"Are you okay Aeris?"
"She is fine Kurosagi. She is just frustrated like we are that we haven't had a proper Summer vacation is all." Richard has to agree with Yuma on this one. He didn't want to admit it himself but it sucks that he doesn't get to get a crack at the new story that Omega Corp. Was going to release this summer in fact, it was supposed to be launched originally this week! Man, he really was so excited about it too! He sighed.
"So you get it too." Said Adel even she wanted to enjoy a Summer vacation with her friends. While the group kept thinking someone knocked on the door.
"Richard dear, am I interrupting your training?" Asked the blonde beauty Gina Chedid.
"Huh?! Oh no mom we're just discussing something That's all!" The door opened and Gina was carrying a plate with croissants and Lemonade.
"Really?"
"Oh, you came on the perfect time Mrs. Kurosagi!"
"Eh?!" Confused said the blonde adult before setting the tray on the table that the kids were surrounding. The brown-haired teen son of her didn't even waste time with Genre not behind and started eating the croissant albeit the later was more sophisticated in eating the croissant.
"We will like to hear what you think will be the perfect gift to give to Alice Mrs. Kurosagi." Told the pink-haired one to Richard's mother who ponders.
"Ah! I see that's so sweet of all of you! Hmm...I do remember Xino giving me a necklace for our 1st anniversary of being a couple. Maybe you should give her something similar."
"Yeah, but she already has one mom."
"I am sure she will like it either way especially if it comes from her childhood friends." She said with a wink mostly specifically to the brown-haired boy who tilted his head in confusion before nodding.
"I guess."
"Trust me you have been great friends with her she will appreciate anything that her friends give to her. I remembered when your father gave me a gift for our first anniversary." The blonde adult remembers it as it was yesterday. The small dark crystal stone that formed her necklace was made out of one larger charcoal rock that fell from the sky said her husband. It was discovered by his father during one of his many expeditions around the world in search of inspiration. Said he found it somewhere in Nicaragua. It was so shiny, ah! Why is she thinking of the past!? She feels so embarrassing now especially that she was gushing like a high schooler.
"O...k. So, what do you think guys?" Asked the brown-haired boy.
"Well, your mother's suggestions might not be bad after all. I am sure Alice will think the same if you were going to give me one." Aeris instantly regretted saying that and blushed. "I mean if the roles were reverse you know...just so I can remember my childhood friends better yeah!" She laughed it off nervously hoping her brown-haired childhood friend doesn't figure it out. Luckily, for the pink-haired girl, Richard is the densest and clueless person in perhaps the entire planet Earth.
"I guess you do have a point." Said the teen with blue eyes as he gets a text. Leaning to whisper Yuma told the girl...
"Nice save there." She giggles when Aeris blush was as pink as her hair and growing as the seconds passed.
"Aeris' Rhythm... Increasing rapidly." Said the small blonde teen as she pressed the pause button on her headphones.
As this was happening Richard was checking the text.
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:27 AM: Hi Richard, How you guys been doing?
Richard smiles before responding...
Richard July 22nd, 2036 8:28 AM: Been doing great. We were going to get some training before going to accompany the girls to buy something.
There were a few seconds before a response.
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:28 AM: Oh. I see, is too bad that I can't join you guys because of my moving arrangements. =(
Richard July 22nd, 2036 8:29 AM: Nah! Don't beat yourself too much over it. So, how are you doing? Everyone will like to know.
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:30 AM: I have been doing well, thanks for asking! =} Jessenia has been helping in putting all the necessary clothes that I will need for my stay there. I heard that it will be only about 2 ½ weeks. Mother said it was just a few meetings before they seal the deal then we will return.
So it was for a few weeks only. That put the boy at ease, in fact, he is happy is that short. He was worried that she will have to stay longer and will miss the entire Summer. It will not be the same without her around that's for sure.
Richard July 22nd, 2036 8:32 AM: That's awesome! We can at least go to the new wave pool that they opened recently. Is the trip to the Villa still active?
Another few seconds passed before the dot texts appeared.
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:33 AM: Yes. It might take some convincing from mother but, I am sure that if Jessenia is there to keep an eye on us we will be able to go and stay a few days before we return back to the beginning of our third year of school. =}
Richard July 22nd, 2036 8:35 AM: Cool! Can't wait! Hopefully, we don't have to fight any black hat hackers for a while.
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:37 AM: Yeah. Listen I have to go, my mother, is waiting in the dining room and I don't want to keep her waiting.
Richard July 22nd, 2036 8:38 AM: Oh! Well, we don't want her to get angry Xb. Well, talk to you later! XD
Alice July 22nd, 2036 8:39 AM: Yeah, take care! =}
"She really seems to be looking forward to the rest of your summer vacation."
"Mom!"
"Have you two had conversations alone yet?" What does she mean by that?
"Well, when we're training sometimes thou the last two sections her maid has been there." Explained Richard earning a disappointing sigh from his mother.
"You need to get good at hiding what you feel."
"Eh? I don't know what you mean by that?" The clueless boy said to his mother.
"Richard, I know that form of acting anywhere. Your father pulled the same tricks every time, he still does today. All I am saying is that she cannot wait forever. What if she finds someone on her trip back to Japan?" For some reason, he flinched unnoticeable by the group but not by her experienced mother.
"That...will not happen." He said with a bit of hesitation. Luckily for him, the group was having a conversation between each other out of their reach.
"Is good to be a bit dense sometimes Richard dear. However, a girl will feel frustrated if the person they've been chasing for years doesn't return their feelings. I bet you have been confessed a few times on your two years of high school, hasn't it?"
"..." The brown-haired boy didn't say anything. It took a few minutes before he speaks. "A few, well, By then I didn't want to have a relationship with them. They were nice and I felt a bit happy but..."
"But...?" Mrs. Kurosagi inquired her son to continue. However, just before he could say anything a ring-tone was heard by everyone in the room. It belonged to the pink-haired teen. She checked and it was only a voice call.
"Yes? Yes, you're speaking to Aeris...Oh! Mother...I see. Well, we're with Richard, Frederick, and Mrs. Kurosagi...Oh, You want to talk to her?!" Aeris looks toward the blonde adult.
"Is Inès. She said she wanted to speak with you about something important. She also said that Mother is going home to visit and that she would like us to be there."
"Oh! Okay." She goes to pick it up.
"Yes, you're speaking with Gina...Hhm, Hhm...Oh no, I don't mind helping out it has been not long since I help during the attack on Omega during The Omega Representation Tournament. Yes, I can get there, oh but I have to make sure there's dinner ready, I can't leave my two big boys hungry." She giggles at calling her husband and son big boys.
"Okay, I will be there as soon as I finish dinner. Okay." Gina gave the C.C. Back to Aeris. She then looks at her son before nodding and then leaving. The brown-haired teen took it as a sign of their conversation far from over.
Is not like he doesn't want to talk about it anymore...is just...he really needs to think about things, there's no need to rush, right?
()
Somewhere in the street of Paris, Rusher and his companion Kula Rowan were talking to someone that has some valuable information about the one item that will complete their mission.
"You're positive of this?" Asked the spiky blue-haired man who has a firm grip of the person he was "interrogating".
"Y-Yes! I heard from police members of The P.E.P.O. around Rue Cier that some rare jewel was going to be exhibited and guarded in one of the stores! That's it! That's all I heard!" The fear in the man's eyes is acceptable he just witnessed his three partners in crime laid waste on this...whatever place this is! They were talking about making the heist of the century and how this pearl will make them live as millionaires for the rest of their lives once it was auctioned and sold in the black market. They just were confronted by this man with his mechanical hand and the loli child beside him. Not taking the risk of them being reported to P.E.P.O. Or the locals, they thought that they could take care of this easily. However, he doesn't know what happened in that split second all he knew is that his comrades were on the ground unconscious and that he was inside this weird maze with the blue-haired male with a tight grip on his collar.
"I see. Kula did you got that?" Rusher asked the orange-haired pre-teen who was typing on her computer after getting the coordination.
"Yes. It seems he is speaking the truth, the description does match Ragnarok."
"Hmm...I guess we should get moving then. We can buy it if they are selling it or take it by force. Either way, our mission will be over once we have Ragnarok."
"Yes." The long orange-haired girl looks at the person her partner is holding tightly. "What shall we do with him and his friends? We cannot risk witnesses." Pointed out, Kula. Rusher agrees they cannot take any risks having people like this getting in the way of their goal. Hmm, usually he will have no problems eliminating them. However, that might be unwise since that might give Majestic 12 a trace. He looks at the scared male before sighing.
"Usually I would take care of you. However, it seems that luck is on your side." The man's hopes of living increased. From here on he should give up on theft.
"Really?!" But just as his hopes were given they were instantly shattered by the smirk on Rusher.
"No." he coldly said before in an instant he snapped the neck of the man. His legendary piece glowing while doing so. This was followed by him throwing the dead human on the group before the gunshots from his cannon were heard. When the dust settled there was nothing but dust. This all happened in just a mere second that seemed to feel like five times that time.
"You are very cruel Rusher. But that is why you're our leader." The glow on their legendary pieces subsided before the maze disappeared and they were back in the streets of Rue Cier.
"You said it yourself: No witnesses. In any case, we need to head to the store. Luckily, is not too far from here."
"Right." Kula ponders before asking something that made Rusher curious. "Rusher, Do you know why we carry these?" She signals to her Square Root Of Puzzles followed by signaling to his legendary piece.
"I have carried this since I can remember. I imagine you're the same. As for the question of knowing...I do not know something about a fairy tale that has our families' last names in it." Rusher said to her.
"A fairy tale? Is that what you think whenever you see these legendary pieces?"
"Call them what you want, if it helps us in getting our revenge on the world that tried to get rid of us because of this curse we have then, by all means, we will use them until the end."
"I know. This M.I.S.T. It has consumed many soldiers. However, while the effects are deadly if we overuse them, it helped in my father's research of creating the perfect super-soldier. You should know that." She was correct this was indeed the ultimate "drug" that gave normal humans the ability to make impossible things possible. Unlike that childish game that Richard Kurosagi and his friends play, this M.I.S.T. Is the perfect example that there are consequences to every action. He should know, he was blinded with power the first time he used this power, So much that his general had to stop him and show him that he lost his left arm due to the side effect. Who knows what else he would've lost that day. He is thankful to have had a kind general like him. As for Kula's Father Professor Rowan, He will keep the promise of keeping Kula safe so she can have her dream and her father's dream come true. He will keep fighting until everyone knows the power of the M.I.S.T.
()
Meanwhile, Diane and Sherri with the new information thanks in help from Xino have tracked down where the members of LeGrace's next target will be.
"So we just need to turn left after Victoire?"
"Yes. According to Xino Ragnarok would be exhibited in L'Cier Antique Arts & Jewelry." Informed the light-brown haired woman to her partner. It wasn't an easy task and Xino was giving some of his small free time to help them out. She feels sorry for his wife and son, to barely see the brown-haired male in the house, it must be refreshing for Xino once he is with his family with no black hat hackers nor other dilemmas getting in the way. However, this is very important as they could have a clue to the whereabouts of the most wanted criminal group in France.
"To think P.E.P.A. Will be guarding an ancient pearl. What could be their purpose or goal with it? I mean they must have heard of something if they were hired to guard Ragnarok." Sherri didn't know what to make of this. The black short-haired younger woman was lost since P.E.P.A. Is an elite police operation that is only called if there's a threatening criminal that will cause destruction and harm to the city of Paris. They rarely are seen and little is reported in the news because the police or detectives like them and Troy take care of cases. It is only when things that even they can't handle occurs that they get involved.
"Whatever it is we can assume that it will affect the rest of the world. Let's hope Troy got the message and he's on his way there too." Troy was surprisingly calm when she called him. She thought that he will be concern or mad that they did this on their own accord but instead, he commended them and appreciated the effort that they are giving to this case. He also told them about his meeting with Red. So his son is also in this case. To be so young and already leading The Majestic 12...She wonders if one day those two will make up and become a family once more.
()
The group of teens was walking on the streets of Rue Cier. Luckily for the pink-haired one, a certain purple-haired girl wasn't here to pester her childhood friend.
"So your mother needs material from this shop?" Frederick nodded at the question from Richard.
"Yeah, she and the owner of L'Cier Antique Arts & Jewelry are good friends and business associates. She was running out of jewelry chains so she just called to inform me to get some and not to worry about paying since she already transferred the money to the store owner's account. All I have to do is say to pick up the delivery by her name and he will understand."
"I see." The brown-haired boy has been thinking of what kind of necklace they will give to Alice so they decided since she likes Cats more specifically Kawai Neko that Frederick's mother could make one out. She had no problems doing so for their friend the only problem she had was that she didn't have the jewelry chain to attach the kitten. But what his mother said was kind of bothering him a bit. What if Alice finds someone that she likes in Japan? I mean he was dense when it came to knowing how to talk to girls. However, it was way too obvious that his red-haired childhood friend has liked him since they were 8. Not right away mind you he learned it way latter around his last year in middle school but he kind of figure out that the crush was far back. He was popular because of his win against Harry in the Omega World Singles Championship. Sure Harry was still the elite being the only person in Omega History to win 3 World Championships in a row but his victory against the seemingly invincible black-haired teen have to turn the attention to him, especially on the female side. He just simply ignores it because he doesn't need to be the center of attention. He sees his win as a reminder that you can accomplish everything if you work hard and have your friends to support you. Still...No way, I am sure she is just going there because she can't be alone in that big mansion of hers. Well, technically speaking she will have her maids and butlers but he can see why she must go with them to Japan. Besides, with the many ways to communicate and the fact that there's an Omega Arcade Station in Japan they can talk anytime! Yet...
"Richard."
"Huh?" He looks to see everyone looking at him in concern.
"You alright buddy, you seem...space out."
"Oh! Yeah, I am alright Frederick! Anyway, we need to turn a right here, correct?!" The boy said in his usual enthusiastic and charismatic tone.
"Yeah, we turn right and then go straight about 3 blocks."
"Okay then. Let's go the faster we get the chain the faster we can give our gift to Alice!" The boy said running fast.
"Hey!" But he was gone. Frederick sighed.
"Something is definitely wrong with him," Adel said getting suspicious of the boy's attitude.
"I know, he has been spaced out ever since we got out of his house," Yuma added.
"His Rhythm...very low and suspicious." Genre added her two cents into it. She could feel that the upbeat of the boy was not there anymore meaning that something was distracting him in away. She should know because back then before they became a group the Rhythm of Aeris was almost the exact same. She wonders if seeing a childhood friend going away affects the boy and he is afraid of change.
"Well...Alice is leaving maybe he is going to miss her. I mean is not going to be the same without her training him to be a better powerhouse. Besides, it was fun when we had our first all girl's day out." The pink-haired do have a point. The next couple of weeks will not be the same without the red-haired girl. Having an extra girl as a sparring partner was always good to have especially when Jessenia was involved. That maid is the equivalent of being a Jack of all trades, a maid, a bodyguard, an Omega warrior? What can't the lilac-haired maid do?! On the other hand...she can now spend more time with Richard. Now that most of her potential rivals are away with the exception of Raylee chiming in from time to time whenever they go outside to train, she now has the biggest opportunity to be alone with the brown-haired boy!
"Can't argue with that, huh?" Yuma stopped to see a huge crowd surrounding a store.
"Wonder what's going in on there?" Adel said before they look at the big sign that the store had.
"Hey isn't that...?"
"Yeah, it is." The spiky-haired teen told his pink-haired friend. "Wonder if they have a special event today." It was the only conclusion that he could think of that so many people were gathering there. It was either a new piece of art that was going to be unveiled there or a special gem that archeologists have discovered not long ago.
"Richard...he's in there." Genre told the group.
"Huh? Where?!" Aeris asked and Genre pointed at a pinch of brown hair being drowned inside the crowd while said brown hair was flailing his arms desperately.
"AH, RICHARD!" The pink-haired yelled before they dragged the boy out of the crowd. Richard panted trying to catch fresh air.
"Thanks, guys, you save my life."
"How did you end up there?!" Frederick asked.
"Well I wanted to see what the commotion was about and the next thing I know I was drowning in people! It happened so suddenly too!" Richard explains if the group came a second later he would've definitely been inside an ocean of crowds and there will be no way out of it.
"Well, you could have just waited for us you know!" Aeris scolded.
"So since you were in there do you know what the big line is about?" Richard started thinking about Frederick's question before speaking.
"Hmm, Well they said something about an ancient jewel that was said to be lost underground for hundreds of years." So it was just like the spiky black-haired boy predicted. Well, it is normal for a store this famous to have a big line for such an event.
"I see."
"Still. Such a big crowd for an event like that." Adel pointed out.
"And is increasing too. Look at it." Yuma pointed at the amount of crowd that was at the entrance. It was ridiculous it as if they were bunnies during mating season.
"Well, standing here will not get us the jewelry chains that your mother asked you to get, right?"
"You do have a point there Rick. But, how do you plan for us to get there without being victims of the crowded ocean?" Frederick pointed out to his pal. Richard can't argue with that. This seems to be very impossible to bypass the crowd and go in to get materials. And considering how frenzy this crowd is they will not kindly step aside and believe them that they're only there to get materials for this store's neighbor associate. Most likely they'll think they just want to cut this line...if you can even call it one!
"Er...hmm, isn't there a backdoor somewhere in the back?"
"Rick..."
"Yeah?"
"If we use the backdoor most likely we will be thrown out or worst-case scenario detained by security." Deadpanned the black-haired teen to his friend. Sometimes his friend and team leader is an idiot.
"But you can explain to them that you're here for the jewelry chain!"
"That may be Aeris but the owner will be extremely jammed in a situation that he can't attend to, especially if this ancient gem is valuable."
"It seems you are in trouble."
"Huh?!" When did the white-haired small teen and her butler get here?!
"Emuna, Irogan!" Aeris then looks at Regalia. "Um...hi Regalia?" She said questionably in which Emuna in response waved the doll's arm, of course, it was upon said dolls request but they can't hear her because they don't have a legendary piece that allows them to communicate with inanimate objects.
"Hello Miss Russo, Team Omega," Irogan told with a bow.
"Are you here for the event?" Asked Yuma.
"Why yes, it is not every day that we get to see something like this happen," Emuna told the group before she puts Emuna in her ear. "Hum, Regalia said that she also feels that we should be here in case of some unfortunate event ever happening."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Confused the brown-haired boy and his group wonders what was the white-haired emotionless girl talking about?
"You know, black hat hackers, or even a bigger threatening force." Well, the black hat hackers part makes some form of sense. They do like to gain information and if they can get their hands on whatever this ancient gem looks they can sell this to a hire auction on their mysterious websites for profit. But what confuses them was the bigger threatening force. Hmm, the only threatening force were the black hats, maybe a Grey hat? But why would they bother with this? They do not care about stealing some gem for money, they're more busy reversing the controls of users and messing with the screens of the poor people that fall thru their scams. Ugh, the more they think about it the more headaches they get. Especially, Richard who could explode at any minute from thinking about this "riddle".
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
"Is here!!" That was the voice of one of the pedestrians that saw a huge silver bus. It had the words P.E.P.O. And the insignia of a sword with a red wolf insignia in the center along with a triangular black shield with a lion with a crown beside it. Two guards with dark blue armor and the same insignia that the bus had was on the left side of their chest. They both were carrying stun batons. Then, two more were moving a metal table with wheels that had a crystallized cube and inside it was a small pearl. Its colored snow white and was glowing. As it was carried the legendary pieces of Richard, Aeris, Emuna, and Genre started to react to it.
"Oh?!"
"Huh?!"
"Why is it...?"
"...?!" As the teens were wondering why the legendary pieces were reacting right now, a smaller armored guard came out of the van. This one seems to be a female as she is commanded to give some space to the guards. She sounded serious and authoritative which intimidated the citizens of Paris and obey her request for space.
"That voice...isn't it Lieutenant Azmia?!"
"Yeah, I heard she was promoted not too long ago. She is a prodigy among P.E.P.A. Becoming a high-rank elite in just six months."
"Really, that's incredible I have heard that it will take even the most skilled and experienced years before they're ranked to that level let alone be a Lieutenant!" The Lieutenant looked their way and the two men clamp their mouths shut. Azmia has always taken her job seriously to a point that failure is not in her dictionary. You either succeed as a hero or die as one. Failure is a worst fate than death in her eyes.
"Lieutenant Azmia, Is such an honor to see you help in securing the safety of the Dione. I am also honored to have such an ancient treasure be exhibited here." Said the owner who has only white sideburns. He wore glasses and dressed in a green turtleneck long sleeves jacket and long blue pants with shoes. He seemed to be around his late 50's.
"Hn. Commander Alvarez instructed me to guard Dione and make sure that your exhibition does not have any incidents." She looks and saw some people haven't moved to make space.
"HEY! I SAID GIVE THEM SPACE!" Her voice was enough to make two split lines. The owner of L'Cier Arts & Jewelry had to sweat-dropped and remind himself to not get on the short female's bad day.
Meanwhile, the teens, the doll, and the butler were looking at the smaller guard that was talking to the owner.
"That's the owner, right?" Richard asked and Frederick nodded in response.
"Yes, that's Lucas L'Cier 25 years of experience in archaeology."
"But who is the one talking to him? She seems like she has a lot of power considering how she yelled to the citizens to move out of the way." Aeris said.
"That Aeris Russo is Lieutenant Azmia. She was promoted not so long ago by P.E.P.A. By Commander Kaz Alvarez. She seems to be in command of this squad this time meaning that their commander must be on a more important role." Irogan answered the pink-haired girl.
"Is she strong?!" Richard asked with somewhat excitement. The group sighed because he knows the question was about strong as if she is strong inside Omega not in actuality. Emuna chuckled at that.
"She is, however, it is not in the term that you hope for Richard Kurosagi." That immediately deflated the brown-haired boy's hopes and dream of having another Omega rival.
"Oh." Aeris sweat-dropped.
('Was he actually hoping that this Azmia was a fighter? You know not everyone plays the game, Richard.') Although she didn't want to admit it, the pink-haired girl was kind of glad that the lieutenant of this P.E.P.A. Squad was not an Omega player.
Azmia was commanding her squad but also was observant of the children that were nearby. One in specific, he has brown curtained style hair with two long ahoge going left and right, and ocean blue eyes. The boy was dressed in a brown shirt and blue jeans with black with white soles sneakers. On his neck was a diamond shape necklace. There was something about him...something that got her to be observant of him now. Hmm, she can focus on that boy later, right now she has a job to fulfill.
()
Somewhere hidden under the crowd of people were the leader of LeGrace and his genius prodigy partner. By blending in they will be more difficult to be captured in the case of the ensuing chaos. The last thing they want is to get caught by P.E.P.A. Or worse Majestic 12.
"Rusher." Kula looks at her legendary piece which glows and in response he follows.
"I see, so he must be nearby." Sure enough, it didn't take too long for him to find a certain curtained brown-haired teen. He was not alone thou, with him, was the boy that was going after him and a group of girls. Three of those girls specifically caught his eyes. The first one was a long pink-haired girl whose body was a bit overdeveloped at least for her age in his opinion despite her height being slightly taller than the two shortest in the group. She was dressed in a pink short-sleeved blouse and a light blue short skirt with pink sandals. Her ribbon on the left top of her head was blending with her hair color. Rusher had a very keen eye that others with his former military status would love to have as a skill hence why he notice it despite the gap of distance between them. What caught his eye was the Rubik cube that was spinning quickly as if it was controlled by an entity that was trying to solve the said cube as a necklace. The next one a small blonde girl who had silver headphones. She was dressed in a black shirt with a red skull as a logo with the letters Dead Bringers bellow it in white and black jeans along with dark blue sneakers. The necklace she wore was a sharp which if he is not mistaking was the same as the one Kula demonstrated to him a few years ago. He believes it was called the Sharp Of Sinfonia. Lastly, the shortest in the group. He knows very well who this white-haired girl is. She holds the Guinness world record of "Largest Doll House in The World" with 1,656,720 dolls inside of a mansion separated into 13 rooms each holding 127,440 dolls. Her name is Emuna Chariot. Chariot, that coffin bracelet in her arm there was no doubt that it was also a legendary piece.
"It seems he is not alone either."
"Oh?" Kula curiously said. Being short she couldn't see through the crowd of people but that is okay for her. However, she sometimes wishes she was...
"He is with a group of 6 people excluding him from them. A boy of the same age as him, two girls younger, one with the same age, two of them older and an older man who seems to be the butler of the one holding the doll. I assume the name Emuna Chariot rings a bell correct?"
"Ah, yes she is the sole owner of the Guinness World Record Largest Doll House. She is also from the 12 family branch Chariot owners of the legendary piece The Coffin of The Soulless."
"Well, she seems to have that legendary piece because is glowing just like two more besides Kurosagi's."
"Really?" He nodded.
"One is a Rubik cube the other is a Sharp."
"The Sharp Of Sinfonia and the Rubik Cube Of Knowledge?"
"Ah, So that's the name of that cube."
"If we count the two of ours that makes half of the legendary pieces in one place."
"Seems like "fate" right?" He chuckles at the thought of that. He never believed in "fate" like any other. His partner too they both believe in one thing and that is concrete facts with evidence. Kula rolled her eyes at her partner's quoting fate.
"Right." They observe as the guards carried Dione inside the small museum-like store. "So how do we approach this?"
"Hmm...We'll need you to create a maze that's for sure. However, we have to make sure that we get an easier exit. Not to mention do it before Majestic 12 tracks us down. Remember what happened last time when we faced one of their members." She agreed. If someone similar were to appeared then the maze will be useless protection since they can pierce through it.
"I understand. However, is easier said than done since I can't control the questions like the previous owner of the Square Root of Puzzles."
"I guess we'll need luck on our side then. I can use my legendary piece's power in case of an emergency. So if that happens, you'll know why I am carrying you." Said the blue-haired leader. His ability to slow time is very useful in emergency escapes the only downside is that he is the only one unaffected by it. It is why he decided to take Kula only instead of two. She is the lightest in the group plus is only one person meaning he will be able to move without any slowness from any of the other members like Min, Grew, or even the Heavy artillery Mol.
"Alright, Rusher."
"Hmm?"
"Let's get free of this curse once and for all," Kula told the blue-haired male who smiled.
"Right."
()
Inside the museum, hundreds of people were crowded in the middle of the store/museum. Team Omega (that includes Emuna, Regalia, and Team Alpha), and Irogan were almost the last of the sea of crowd. Entering this place was hell, the pushing and shoving didn't even stop until some of P.E.P.A. Security squad restored order especially when their lieutenant Azmia yelled with authoritative to stop the pushing and to form two lines. The owner hasn't had this much publicity since last year when they exhibited the once lost Scepter of Dagobert that was lost exactly 240 years ago. He is thankful for P.E.P.A. Being here otherwise it will be very chaotic.
"Hey, what do you think is in there?"
"I don't know but..." Frederick looks around seeing people now looking at them but more specifically Aeris, Richard's, Genre's, and Emuna's legendary pieces. "Wish we weren't also the center of attention especially with your necklace and bracelets glowing like Christmas decorations." Pointed out the black spiky-haired boy to his leader and buddy.
"But what is causing it?" The pink-haired teenage girl wonders.
"It must be the item that they got in the exhibition," Irogan informed the children.
"Huh?!"
"Great observation Irogan. The item that they have in the exhibition must have some traits that are similar to our legendary pieces."
"Are you saying that the item that they have is a legendary piece?!" Asked the black-haired boy.
"Not exactly. There is only one circular shaped legendary piece and that is Mrs. Hishikawa's Ragging Sphere. However, there could've been ancient treasures that could have been in the era of the legendary pieces that gave equal if not higher power. If that is the case then that jewel that they have exhibiting must have crossed paths with the legendary piece owners a long time ago." Emuna seems very curious about this item that they were exhibiting. She thinks that this circular shape ancient jewel will take a major role in an event that might put the legendary piece owners to the test, like the tests the first owners had thousands of years ago.
"Hey, Where's Linnet?! Usually, she is with you!" Asked the brown-haired teen before her butler answered for her.
"Mrs. Kishima is with her father. Said that her father wanted to have some quality time with his two creatures."
"I...see," Richard said in understanding. That incident with Velocity's president must have gotten the president of Omega thinking of actually spending more time with his daughter and son. Hmm, maybe he should do the same with his father, who knows when he will be away again. Training with him was very fun plus he wants to see if his Capacity Power changed ever since the day they fought the Boulenvard brothers. What's that ruckus? As soon as they turned around a lot of crowds despite the warnings of P.E.P.A. And Lieutenant Azmia barged in.
"Ah!!!" Everyone tried to get out of the way and after a lot of struggle, they managed to come out.
"Gah, We're out!" Frederick said panting.
"Y-Yeah," Aeris said now knowing how the brown-haired boy felt.
"Now I know how Richard felt during the chaos. Seriously what is wrong with these people?! Don't they have any patience?!" Yuma irritably said glaring daggers at the savage people.
"Hey, where is Richard!?" Now worried Aeris looks around before they spotted the two ahoge that belonged to the brown-haired teen.
"Mpfh!!!"
"NOT AGAIN!?" Everyone yelled.
"Hah, Thanks again, guys!" The brown-haired boy told his friends. This is the second time he got saved by his friends from being just a human shield of the sort.
"Don't mention it. We also got dragged into it." Frederick assured before he sees that P.E.P.A. Got control over the situation again.
However, this will not last long as their legendary pieces responded to something before a strange maze enclosed everyone.
"What the...?!" The crowd of people panicked as they got separated in different rooms from their families and friends. A 6-year-old was crying because he got separated from his parents.
"Huh? Hey, buddy don't cry. I am sure we will find your parents." Assured the brown-haired teen. It didn't work much as the boy continued crying before Aeris stepped in and sing to the boy. Richard could've sworn that the pink-haired girl's voice was like listening to an angel, which how ironic it is that her magical form is one. Her angelic voice seemed to suit the boy and he stopped crying.
"Feeling better." Aeris gave the boy a smile and he nodded. "Don't worry we will find your parents. You got guardian angels with you."
"Whoa. Hey did you girls knew she can sing like that?" Frederick asked and they nodded.
"Yes, She really has the talent to sing, she asked Genre for classic Italian songs so she can practice them," Adel said. Aeris singing helped the short brown-haired older teen relax during her meditations. She is always willing to hear her sing. Yuma is the same the pink-haired girl seems to find ways to be incredible even if it is on Omega or in the real world.
"Very good singer..." Aeris blushed at Genre's compliment. She feels embarrassed since she sang in front of Richard but...it seems that he is in awe which is a good thing...she guesses?
"Kurosagi." That got the boy back to reality.
"Oh! Anyway, what is this maze?!" The kid was hugging Aeris thigh feeling more safer with her.
"Don't know. Whoever made this, it must be planning to do something."
"Hey, do you think whoever it is, is after that treasure P.E.P.A. Is guarding!?" Richard asked.
"There's a possibility that they might."
"They?!" The brown-haired asked confused. So Emuna continued.
"This seems to be too big for one person to do. Most likely is a group of 3 to 4 people. That jewel must cost a fortune if they are pulling a stunt like this. Even more..." Emuna shows her bracelet and it was glowing intensively. "It seems that there could be someone with a legendary piece among that group."
()
Rusher would've chosen to do this without dragging people in it, but it still won't change the fact that they could be closing in on getting the pearl that will change their lives forever.
"Rusher we are two doors away from it," Kula informed her blue-haired leader.
"I see. Anyone else coming to our direction?"
"...As of now no. But...It seems Kurosagi and his group are on the other side not too far from where we were standing during the activation of the maze."
"Hmm, it would be interesting if we manage to be in the same room. If that happens..." Rusher for some reason wanted such a situation to happen. Why? Is it perhaps to show the brown-haired boy how a real-world threat is? Or is it just to see what his legendary piece is capable of? Hmm, how strong is the legendary piece? Not the boy, comparing each other in the real world is like comparing him playing in that boy's territory.
"Interesting indeed." Something got Kula curious. Perhaps are the other legendary pieces. Her's is yet to be fully awakened while Rusher's is very close to being fully awakened. The ability to slow time for as short as 5 seconds is very deadly and at the same time convenient ability.
"Something on your mind?"
"Hmm, those legendary pieces...I wonder what are they capable of?" So she was curious. Well, he cannot blame her she has always been someone who likes to discover new things. Just like her father.
"I see...we can discover them once we deliver Dione to LeDutch."
"Hn." Kula looks at one of her monitors and sees some of P.E.P.A. Members going thru the maze. Mostly it was the ones lead by a smaller figure. "It seems they're making progress. Let's hurry then."
"Right."
()
It has been very difficult for Team Omega to solve some of the questions from the maze. They found the hard way that if they got an answer wrong the maze will punish them by moving them into another room mostly one they have been before. In conclusion, they just let Emuna, and Aeris solve most of the problems.
"What's with all the mathematical problems?!" The brown-haired boy asked a bit of frustration in his voice. Don't get him wrong he loves math but this is getting ridiculous!!
"It's probably from the one holding the legendary piece." Frederick started to think.
"Hmm, actually this kind of seems familiar to what dad described not too long ago to me."
"Huh?"
"What do you mean Frederick?" The pink-haired teen was now curious about what information Frederick might give.
"Well, he said that he and Richard's father Xino met a person who could create mazes and the only way to get out of said mazes was by solving mathematical problems."
"So you think that this person might be the same?"
"Well not exactly but...Emuna stating that one of the members of the group responsible for this might have a legendary piece. Hmm...I believe that dad called it the Square Root of Puzzles."
"I see...So I was correct about it. It will explain why the legendary pieces were getting a stronger vibe aside from the pearl that is exhibited and currently the group's main target." Emuna said. The Square Root of Puzzles...she actually remembers it. And now that she thinks about it, it is starting to make sense. The maze, the questions. They really are playing against a very intelligent foe.
"Huh?" Two panels appeared with options in the door. On top of said panels, there was a mathematical problem. It went like this
If 3x – y = 12, what is the value of 8x/2y?
A) 212
B) 44
C) 82
The value cannot be determined from the information given.
"Does anyone knows this?" They all look toward the pink-haired girl.
"Um, why is everyone staring at me?" Aeris said feeling very uncomfortable by the stares.
"Well, you and Richard have been answering the questions at least most of them, and is Richard is asking us then we assume he doesn't know the answer for this one."
"So you guys assume I have the answer?!" The pink-haired felt a bit upset about it. Thou is good that she is helping with this even her mind has her limits.
"So you don't know?"
"No, of course, I don't know Adel!"
"Whoa, calm down Aeris, so it will take time to answer, is a good thing we are not on time," Yuma told trying to calm the upset bubblegum, haired girl.
"Miss I believe in you!" Encouraged the small boy to Aeris surprising her. Hearing that got her a bit motivated to answer this. Hmm...where did she heard this problem before...?
()
(flashback)
"Papa, what's that?!" Asked a small short pink-haired girl looking curiously at a book on her father's shelf.
"Oh! That my little genius is the puzzle of a better math book. It holds many problems. Hmm, here let me show this one to you." The white-haired bearded man with a brown coat and pants takes the blue book from the shelf and open it. He skips through some pages and finds the problem before showing it to his small daughter. "Do you know the answer?" The small girl scrunches her eyebrows, gears working in her mind. However, after a few minutes, she just couldn't find the answer. It frustrated the girl that she stomps once and pouted making the bearded man chuckle.
"It is alright honey, It takes years for a mind to become like a supercomputer."
"Do you know the answer, Papa?" He adjusted his glasses.
"Oh, yes here let me explain it. You see you need to approach it like this: 2 and 8 are both powers of 2, substituting 23 for 8 in the numerator of 8x/2y gives
(23 )x/2ywhich means..."
"Oh! Oh! Now I get it, Papa! They can be rewritten like 3(3x – y) so if that is the case then the problem should be..."
(End of Flashback)
()
Aeris now remembers this problem it was when she was 8 that she got this problem from her dad to answer. After explaining it to her she understood how to answered.
"Is A."
"Huh?"
"The answer to this question is A."
"Are you sure Aeris?" She nodded to her childhood friend.
"Yes, you need to approach it like this: 2 and 8 are both powers of 2, substituting 23 for 8 in the numerator of 8x/2y gives
(23 )x/2ywhich means that 3x – y= 12 with the 12 getting substitute for the exponent, giving it 8x/2y= 212 That's why the answer is A."
"So, you did know the answer."
"It...just took time to solve that's all. But please don't assume that we know all the answers we might encounter a problem we haven't seen before."
"I agreed, it seems that the further we go the harder the problems become." Aeris just push the A button before a green screen appeared indicating that the answer was correct before a door slides open on their left.
"James!"
"Mama! PAPA!" The two parents hugged their son. They were so worried when the maze appeared and separated them from their precious gem. They really didn't know what to do if their only son would've been seriously hurt.
"Oh, thank you! You're a lifesaver!" The dad said to the group of teens.
"Ah, No! We couldn't have done it without our friend here! She was the one who solved the problem and calmed your son when he was scared."
"Yeah, The lady over there sang a lullaby...hmm...I really didn't get what she said but it was beautiful, like when Mama sang in her operas!" Aeris blushed. Even thou, she is happy to help a family reunite with each other, she feels awkward being put in the spotlight like this.
"Is that so?" His mother said looking at Aeris. "Thank You very much, if there's anything I can do to repay you, please do not hesitate to say so."
"OH! No, No, No! I really um...I mean you don't need to do that. I'm just glad that we found his parents that's all!"
"We're still in a bit of a dilemma thou." Their attention was now on the girl holding Regalia and her butler. "We're still stuck in this maze meaning that we're not out of the woods yet." That got the teens a bit discourage but nevertheless manage to stay calm.
"There was a question in our room that said to the exit." They look toward the parents.
"Really?!" Richard said to them.
"Yes, although we were afraid to answer it because if we got it wrong who knows where the maze would've taken us."
"Yeah, we know that feeling too well." Answered Frederick. However, having a door that will lead them out of the maze is great. That meant they were one answer away from getting out of this mess.
"Can we ask what the question is?" The pink-haired wanted to know she also was really wanted to get out of the maze too.
"Hmm, I think it was something about what was the equation of Infinity + -Infinity." Infinity + -Infinity? Where that's a mathematical problem from? Aeris cannot even remember if such a problem even exists.
"Huh?!" Aeris's legendary piece glowed before the Rubik Cube Of Knowledge starts going crazy by changing the color pattern. Aeris is once again teleported somewhere. Is the legendary piece telling her that the information lies here? Hmm...from what she can see there are hundreds of mathematical problems here that they previously solved themselves but...still, there's no Infinity + -Infinity answer. Maybe she needs to dig deeper.
"What's this?" She looks to see an image. When she clicked it she was teleported to Paris although this one was different than the futuristic present. She can safely assume this was around 2019 or even further into 2020.
"So, is it here?" asked someone with her legendary piece which she quickly recognized as the previous user.
"Yes, thou, we only have 10 minutes to investigate it." Said a blonde girl with glasses. She was actually holding a ring similar to Jeremiah L'Drem.
"Your illusion am I correct?" The blonde woman nodded before adjusting her glasses. "Alright. Hmm..." While looking around she found some schematics. It looks like some sort of a machine, what it was she was unsure but whatever it is...it cannot be for a good cause.
"Satella, take a look at this!" The owner of the Rubik Cube of Knowledge went to a window and saw what her friend was seeing. The thing was massive! About 80 meters height and perhaps weighing as much as maybe a megalodon. It had four legs and a mouth shaped similar to a T-rex with no eyes like a bat. Its legs were similar to a bullfrog while it had a tail that seems like a scorpion.
"What in the world is this?"
"Whatever it is, they really want the world to never know."
"I see..." Aeris...
"We better get out of here before they discover something is off." Aeris...
"Eh?!" Aeris looks to the side to see a concern, Richard.
"Are you alright?"
"Um..." She must have gone into one of those...
"Aeris Rhythm...slowdown." Genre told the pink-haired teen while her legendary piece glowed.
"You must have entered the Rubik Cube Of Knowledge's library of history."
"Library of history?" Yuma asked confused by what the white-haired small teen said.
"Only the owner of the Rubik Cube of Knowledge can access the cube's so to say mind. By syncing her subconscious Aeris is able to access any information from the Rubik's library of history from previous owner's experiences and knowledge."
"Is it like an encyclopedia?" Adel asked.
"More or less. The Rubik must have seen its owner getting into trouble and decided to help her in any way it could." Help? Well, she couldn't find the answer they were looking for but...it seems that it was trying to tell her something. That something bigger was going to be awakened and that they will have to stop it somehow. Was it a virus? Or something else? So many questions now circle the pink-haired girl.
"Well, I couldn't find the answer to the question." That got everyone dejected except Emuna and Irogan.
"Ah, man." said the brown-haired boy. Hmm, The equation of Infinity + -Infinity...Think Kurosagi! What could that possibly be?! Think harder, he knows he has to have the answer somewhere in that head of his! What has his dad taught him...Hmm, math was one of them, let see physics, not history for sure! He actually wishes he could erase that class from existence. Hmm, Newton's law, Einstein field of equation...No, hmm there was this one time where his father told the story about one of his missions with Frederick's father where they were stuck in a similar situation like the one they're currently in. Let's see...He said that he solved a problem that had an equation. He also had a mathematical explanation for it. What was it? What was it?! Come on Brain grind those gears!!! Then it hit him like a star being born or a baseball player snapping a long slump and starting a very hot streak of hits the answer was in there the equation was...!
"Is 0."
"Huh?"
"Oh?!" Where the answers of Frederick and Emuna respectively.
"The answer to our exit is 0."
"How did you figure that one out!?"
"I didn't, well I did but technically I didn't?!"
"MAKE UP YOUR MIND ALREADY!" Yelled Frederick, Aeris, Yuma, and Adel.
"Ok! Ok! Jeez, I just remembered that dad told me a story about when he was in a mission with Frederick's Dad. He was facing a similar situation. Hmm...I think he said that it was a bit frustrating because the maze changed every time they got an answer wrong."
"Tell me about it." Frederick and Team Alpha said simultaneously before they realize what he just told them.
"Wait your dad said he was on a maze similar to this one?!"
"Er, yeah that's what he told me."
"Hm, could it be that your father Richard Kurosagi had met the previous or current owner of the legendary piece?" Emuna asked.
"Well...Huh, I never thought about it that way." Everyone sweat-dropped.
('Of course, you didn't.') Well, they had to have expected their leader cluelessness to come at some point. But, to know that his father was in a similar situation. It makes the white-haired emotionless girl wonder if they were facing the same opponent. Is the owner testing them? But if so, why? And why go after the pearl that is being exhibited in this store/museum?
()
A left hook knocked another P.E.P.A. Member down. Rusher and Kula cannot waste time as if P.E.P.A. Members were in this room then, they must be close to Ragnarok.
"We must be close," Kula told her blue-haired partner and leader.
"Yes, I imagine there will be members of P.E.P.A. Protecting ."
"Not imagine, is confirmed," Kula said showing him on one of her monitors that there were members. In it there was a small one with it seems the owner of this place.
"I see, it doesn't matter no one will stand in our way." Their legendary pieces glowed.
"Oh?"
"Hmm, it seems that they're still inside."
"Actually, it looks like they're getting out."
"Hmm?" That got the blue-haired adult curious.
"They're at the exit question. Meaning that if we take this route..."
"We can use that one as an exit or a diversion to fool P.E.P.A."
"Exactly."
"I guess we should thank them for making our job easier." Chuckled Rusher. He wished he could see Kurosagi one more time but his job does not involve finding the owners of these legendary pieces. Is a lot bigger, his job is to retrieve one of the quotes on quote "twin pearls" in order to finish the revival of a weapon that was forbidden to be used in wars...The Armageddon.
()
'Problem...Solved.' A door opens and a bright light came from said door meaning...
"That's the light of the sun!"
"Are we free?!" Said the mother of the child. To confirm it Irogan went and look.
"Hey, someone came out!" One of the many people that were stuck previously inside said.
"Yes...we have exited the maze." Joy escaped the parents and the child they have gotten out of this place safe and sound.
"Thank Goodness." Aeris was relieved to finally get some fresh air.
"Thank you, young lady!" The boy said to her. She just smiles. It feels good to be able to help someone in need.
"We must thank you all for helping us if there's anything we can do to repay you..."
"Ah no, no, no! We were in the same predicament as you were so, we just exited together! If it weren't for the two of you telling us where the exit was we would be running in circles." Explained the brown-haired leader of Omega. That's so like him, even if he was the one who answered the question to get out of the problem he always put others before himself. The parents think he is such a kind person, and they wish him to have a good future...well, a better future than the future that they have now.
"Anyway, shall we get out of here?!" They agreed. Aeris just wants to get home and take a very sweet bath. Genre wants to relax to her ambient music, Yuma wants to perfect her ninjutsu using DOBI while Adel just wants to meditate in the waterfalls of the Ninja Village.
"Right." Just as they were exiting Richard's legendary piece started to glows stronger.
"Is something wrong, Rick?" Asked his black-haired friend.
"Huh? Yeah, just...can you guys go ahead?" That confused everyone.
"Why?"
"It'll be just for a few minutes, I'll catch up promise!" They look skeptically at each other.
"Ok, but don't take too long! We don't know how long until this closes."
"Will do!" Emuna seems curious as to why her brown-haired leader wanted to stay. Perhaps his legendary piece was communicating with him just like it happened with Aeris?
"Hm?" She puts Regalia to her ear. "You think so? I believe there's more to it than that." Told the white-haired girl to her immobile doll.
('But Master, it will be dangerous if the owner of the legendary piece discovers that Kurosagi is still inside the maze. He might trap him and there will be no way to get him out.')
"No, I am sure that he will be fine. Besides, it seems that we're destined to face the owner of the Square Roots of Puzzles sooner or later. Perhaps by him meeting him or her, we might get some information as to why they're stealing this ancient jewel." Said Emuna to her doll.
"Is she...I don't know alright?" Said the mother of the child they saved getting weird out by Emuna talking to a doll.
"Er, yes don't worry about her!" Aeris responded. If she was talking to her doll it meant that something must be happening. She just hopes her childhood friend comes out soon.
()
Richard inside the maze was looking to the north. He starts walking to that direction before his legendary piece glowed more intense and the roar of a dragon was heard. Richard's Omega Eyes appeared before he looks at the question in hand.
C= 5/9 (F-32)
The equation above shows how temperature F, measured in degrees Fahrenheit, relates to a temperature C, measured in Degree Celsius. Based on the equation, which of the following must be true?
A temperature increase of 1 degree Fahrenheit is equivalent to a temperature increase of 5/9 degrees Celsius.
A temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius is equivalent to a temperature increase of 1.8 Fahrenheit.
A temperature increase of 5/9 degrees Fahrenheit is equivalent to a temperature increase of 1 degree Celsius.
A) I only
B) II only
C)III only
D)I and II only
'Searching...Answer found. The answer is D. An increase of 5/9 degree Fahrenheit leads to an increase of 25/81, not 1 degree, Celsius, and so Statement III is not true.'
That was the answer the voice told him so he pressed it. The answer was correct and he was able to proceed. There were more SAT problems and ACT problems, even Math puzzles like Archimedes Stomachion which goal is how many ways 14 pieces can be put together to make a square to Tower of Hanoi Which has several discs that slide onto any of the three pegs shown in the monitor. You can only move 1 disc at a time, removing the top disc in any stack and placing it at the top of another and the goal is to move the entire stack to another peg. A disc cannot be placed on top of a smaller disc. The smallest number of moves turns out to be 2
Door after door the glow of the legendary piece intensified until the brown-haired boy reached one door that leads to...
"Hey, what are you doing here?!" The brown-haired boy blinked before realizing where he was.
"Huh?!" He didn't even remember him getting here all he knew was that he heard a dragon and then a blank city. How did he get here?!
"You, you're that boy with the group." Did he got separated from his group? This maze was a very troublesome one. Her group was cut in half and now her and three members remain to protect this pearl and the owner.
"I recognize him. Aren't you Richard Kurosagi?! Last Years Omega Singles Champion?" The owner said.
"Oh, Er, yeah that's me. Oh, you're the owner! We kind of needed to talk to you. Well, I know its not the right time for it but my friend's mom works at a jewelry shop you see and she needed..."
"Ah, yes. You must be talking about Pacivia Santos, I see, you're correct about the timing being...not the right one, but once this is over I would be glad to help."
"Great! We just needed jewelry chains is all."
"Ahem!" Both males look at the small armored figure.
"Oh, I'm sorry! Richard Kurosagi, this is Lieutenant Azmia she is in command of the P.E.P.A. Squad that was ordered to escort and protect our exhibition today. Lieutenant Azmia this is Richard Kurosagi, he is the famous Omega Singles Champion that with his group will represent us France in the Omega World Championship in the Team group this year."
"Aw, chucks I'm not that famous." Richard scratched the back of his head nervously.
"It is nice meeting you."
"Ah, yes likewise!" the brown-haired boy shook the armored female's hand. It must be the armor because she had a strong grip.
('Dionne.')
"Huh?"
"Is something wrong, Kurosagi?" The boy looks to the female Lieutenant before blinking.
"Oh no, I swore that I thought you said, Dionne." That confused Azmia.
"Dionne? Why would I say the name of the pearl that is said to be lost a long time ago? I was surprised that Ragnarok was discovered as both were said to be separated and lost hundreds if not thousands of years ago." Strange then, he actually could've sworn that he heard a male voice calling out to someone called Dionne. But why would someone call for a Pearl?
"I've been meaning to ask."
"Huh?" He looks at the Lieutenant pointing at his glowing legendary piece.
"Why is that necklace of yours glowing."
"Oh, well, you see...Is, kind of complicated to explain."
"I have all day not like we can't leave unprotected." Told the young Lieutenant. The issue would've been pressed further if it wasn't for the fact that a door slide opened and a body went flying toward them. Luckily for the two young ones they sidestepped in time before the body bounced on the hard glass that was encasing the Pearl.
"What the?!" That was one of her squads! From the entrance came two figures. One of them was a young orange-haired girl with a lot of monitors surrounding her. The other was a blue-haired man with a prosthetic mechanical arm. He was holding one of her squads by the collar.
"Oh?" The man looks to see Richard. As soon as that happened three pieces glowed along with the pearl behind them.
"Rusher."
"I know, it seems that we can finally meet face to face," Rusher said a little bit with eagerness. The day has finally come when the owner of the Diamond Dragonite and La Estrella Del Leopardo clash.