The man asked coldly, "Are you the Royal Soldiers?"
Ryota replied calmly, "No, we are not. But we want to become one in the future."
Ren turned sharply, shocked. "Wait… what are you saying?"
Suddenly, Ren's Foresight activated.
He saw a vision—the man slicing Ryota in half.
Snapping back to the present, Ren acted instantly. Using his Atomic Control, he formed a defensive sheildl. A moment later, the man charged, swinging his katana with immense force. The blow sent Ren flying, the impact overwhelming. But the man didn't stop—he was ready to strike again.
Ren's foresight began to evolve. Now, he could see both the future and present simultaneously. In a split moment, the man appeared again—not through teleportation, but sheer speed. Ren barely managed to create a barrier by focusing his Atomic Control into his fist. The barrier absorbed the blade, but the shockwave rattled Ren's entire body.
The man stepped back, then lunged again—his katana thrusting toward Ren's abdomen. Ren blocked once more, but the force made him cough blood. The man paused, staring at Ren with disbelief.
"How… how did you stop that?" he asked.
Ren, panting and injured, shouted, "We're not some dogs of the Ruler! We have no intention of joining his army. In fact… we're here to kill him!"
Ryota's eyes widened. "What?!"
Ren cut him off, glaring. "Shut up. Just shut your mouth."
Ryota nodded silently.
But then, something strange happened.
The man… began to cry.
Tears streamed down his face, and his fierce aura faded.
Wiping his face, he said quietly, "My name is Takeshi Hayato. Let's talk… at the palace."
Ren was stunned. This man who nearly killed us… now wants to invite us? He felt uneasy, but nodded. If his mood changes again, it'll be dangerous.
They followed Hayato to the village gates. The guards, dressed in samurai armor, immediately bowed to him. "Prepare a feast," Hayato commanded. "We have guests."
Ryota, still shaken, whispered, "Wait... this guy is the king of this palace?"
As they entered, maids welcomed them, and soldiers gave them a grand salute.
"This… is what it feels like to be a king," Ryota muttered.
Inside the palace, Hayato suddenly turned serious. "Ren, I want to speak with you alone."
Ryota stepped forward. "No. He's not going anywhere alone. What if you kill him?"
Hayato smiled. "Soldiers."
The guards raised their spears toward Ryota.
Ryota backed off. "Hey! What's going on?"
Hayato calmly said, "You can rest. Or enjoy the food."
Ren followed Hayato down into the basement. The hallway was dark, but a light glowed faintly at the end. They entered a quiet chamber with a table and two chairs.
Hayato sat and began eating heartily. "Wow… this food is amazing. I could eat this forever."
Once done, his tone changed.
"I'm the king of this place. This village is called Crimson—land of warriors and samurai."
Ren asked, "Then why bring me down here?"
Hayato looked serious. "Because this is important. No one else should hear it."
He leaned in.
"Do you know anything… about the memory manipulation power of the Celestial Kingdom's king?"
Ren froze.
His eyes widened.
Jaw dropped.
Total shock.