While Alita and Ron continued training in their respective mental spaces, each facing their own internal challenges, in the real world, Rodelos was busy putting the rebel cadets to the test. His training style was unyielding, pushing them to their physical and mental limits. With every blow, every technique, and every movement, Rodelos made it clear that he would accept nothing less than their best. The cadets fell one by one, exhausted, unable to withstand the intensity of the former king of Avocadalia. However, there was one exception: Gikel, who stoically endured the demands of Paltio's grandfather.
"Not bad, Gikel," Rodelos acknowledged with a slight nod, though his tone remained stern. "You're the only one who can handle such intense training."
Gikel simply inclined his head slightly, as if avoiding any excessive display of pride. He knew there was still a lot of room for improvement.
"Again, boy," Rodelos ordered, pointing to the center of the training field. Gikel obeyed without hesitation, moving with renewed determination.
On the other hand, Ludra also tried to participate in the combat, but even she, with all her effort, couldn't match the strength and skill of the former king. Despite this, her perseverance was evident, and her companions admired her for not giving up.
"Come on, kids, I expect more from you," Rodelos exclaimed, looking at the cadets lying on the ground, gasping and sweating. "This was just the warm-up. Recover, because we'll continue later."
At these words, the cadets could barely muster grunts of protest, too exhausted to formulate a coherent response.
Elsewhere, Karpi and Kilibur were absorbed in scientific research, trying to understand how Kilibur's powers worked and whether they could be used against the shadows. Paris, always curious and impulsive, broke the silence with a question:
"Hey, do you think if we connect these things, it'll work?" he asked, pointing to a set of cables and devices that looked improvised.
"Of course it will!" Chip responded enthusiastically, fiddling with some controls. "It's going to go boom!"
"Hey, no explosions!" Karpi quickly interjected, raising his hands in warning. "This research is serious. We can't afford any mistakes."
"Oh, what have I gotten myself into?" Kilibur muttered, watching with concern the cables attached to his arms and legs. "I should've left while I had the chance."
Meanwhile, the rebel leader was immersed in reviewing strategic plans, carefully evaluating their next moves. Attacking Avocadolia didn't seem like the wisest option, as Tejod had his entire army concentrated in the kingdom. The risk was too high, and they knew they needed more than brute force to face such power.
Everyone was deeply engrossed in their respective tasks when suddenly they felt the ground begin to tremble beneath their feet. One of the soldiers shouted in alarm: "Earthquake!"
"But is it really that bad?" another responded, confused by the magnitude of the shaking.
At that moment, outside, where Rodelos was training the cadets, everyone turned their gaze toward the sky. A massive, long leg—similar to that of a giraffe—appeared before them, slamming into the ground with a deafening roar. Everyone looked up, surprised and frightened, and saw a gigantic animal. It resembled a reindeer but with extremely long legs and an imposing body that combined majesty with a fierce presence.
"Hello, how are you?" they heard a kind voice from above. From a platform located on the belly of the enormous animal, an elderly man descended. He wore round glasses, had curly white hair, and a thick beard of the same color. His features were unmistakable, vaguely resembling the shape of a Bacon avocado: an elongated seed like a pear, smooth skin, and a light green tone on the back. He wore an impeccable white lab coat, typical of a dedicated scientist.
"Greetings, I am Professor Kuang," the man said with a warm smile, extending a hand to those present. "And this big animal that seems fierce—though I see looks of fear—is completely harmless. This is my sweet Rose."
"Rose!" the resistance soldiers exclaimed, taking defensive positions and preparing to face the giant animal with giraffe-like legs. Although the enormous reindeer seemed imposing, its gaze was surprisingly calm, almost friendly.
"Ah, you must be Professor Kuang, whom the kids have told me about. Nice to meet you," said Rodelos, extending a hand to the newcomer while his eyes analyzed the older man with curiosity. "I'm Rodelos, Paltio's grandfather."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rodelos," Professor Kuang replied with a warm smile, shaking the offered hand. "Please, let's go inside. We're expected in X's office." Then, turning to the gigantic Rose, he added: "Sweetie, stay here and wait for me. The Kbots will take care of you." The animal let out a soft little growl, as if it understood, and remained still while small robots began to surround it.
Before following the professor, Rodelos addressed the cadets with his deep, authoritative voice, which resonated like thunder across the training field. "You lot, keep training. I'll be back, and I expect to see that you've done something useful by then." The soldiers quickly got to their feet, frightened by the warning, and decided to continue their practice without protest.
The professor and Rodelos entered the facility, where the scientist took a monocle from his white coat and began to carefully observe the surroundings. With a thoughtful expression, he commented: "It's interesting... but something is missing. Perhaps more technology. Though these facilities, with what they have, seem well-managed. You must have someone very capable of leading this."
"Ah! You must be Professor Kuang," interrupted 'X', the leader of the resistance, emerging from the shadows in his distinctive suit that always drew attention.
"My, what a strange disguise," the professor remarked with a chuckle, adjusting his round glasses as he observed the enigmatic leader.
'Well,' continued 'X', ignoring the comment, "what you mentioned having someone capable is true. We have an excellent person who works wonders with the few resources we have." He glanced toward Karpi, who was inspecting some nearby devices.
"My, my... I'd like to meet them," said Professor Kuang, intrigued.
"Later, Professor," Rodelos interjected, regaining the group's attention. "What we need now is your support. We have an urgent mission."
"An urgent mission?" asked the professor, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," explained 'X'. "We need to reach Reedalia quickly to support Paltio. Do you have any ideas about how we can do that quickly?"
The professor paused thoughtfully, stroking his chin as he mentally calculated. Finally, a smile lit up his face. "You want to get there fast, I see. I believe I have the solution. On my Rose, I have a prototype that might serve us. Let me fetch that device."
"Truly, Professor, that's great news," Rodelos exclaimed, visibly excited by the announcement.
"But it can only carry five people, or so I believe," the professor added while making some mental calculations related to his invention. "Well, then it will be a small group."
"That's right," 'X' confirmed with determination. "It will be a stealth mission. We can't risk drawing attention with a large deployment. Five people should be enough to accomplish the objective."
Professor Kuang headed toward Rose with a determined step. With just a clap, a platform descended smoothly from the belly of the enormous animal, accompanied by several Kbots carrying something covered by a large white sheet. The small robots moved with mechanical precision, following the professor as he returned to the facility.
"Bring that here and follow me," the professor ordered in a calm but authoritative tone. The Kbots obeyed, carrying the mysterious object behind him.
All those present exchanged curious glances as they observed the strange bundle. It seemed long, about the size of a carriage, though it was impossible to guess what lay beneath the sheets. Speculations began to emerge in whispers: A weapon? A machine? Or something completely different?
The professor advanced until he reached where 'X' and Rodelos were waiting, impatient to discover what he had brought with him. Once there, he pointed proudly at the covered object while explaining: "Here is what you're looking for. With this, we'll reach Reedalia in no time. Of course, I haven't fully tested it because it's a prototype, but I'm sure it will work. The downside is that it only has a one-way trip; after that, I'll need time to repair it."
As he spoke, 'X' signaled to call Karpi, who arrived accompanied by Paris, Chip, and Kilibur. Upon seeing Karpi, the professor smiled widely, impressed by her technical appearance and determined attitude. "Ah, so you're the one who fixes things around here... Not bad at all, young lady. What's your name?"
"Well, I'm Karpi," she replied with a mix of shyness and confidence, adjusting the gloves she was wearing. Then, unable to contain her curiosity, she added: "But tell me, what you have hidden under those sheets? It's really intriguing."
The professor chuckled, pleased by Karpi's straightforwardness. "Good thing you're all here. You're the heavyweights of this place, aren't you? Well, get ready, because what you're about to see will help you do exactly what you want."
With a dramatic gesture, the professor pulled the sheets off with a flourish, finally revealing his invention. Everyone present was left astonished and amazed at the sight of it.