"That face is terrifying!"
"Yeah, which planet's alien is that supposed to be?"
"Looks like one of those Horned Star people."
"Don't be fooled by the good looks—it's probably fake."
As Yu Zhou stepped through the city gates into Zhongdu, a wave of hushed whispers followed him.
After seeing his Jugglus form earlier, the onlookers couldn't resist gossiping.
With his sharp hearing, Yu Zhou caught every word but didn't bother to react.
"They're talking about Jugglus… not me, A-San. What's it got to do with me?"
Shrugging it off, Yu Zhou strode confidently into the capital, wandering aimlessly through its bustling streets.
Seeing Yuzare… he still had no clue how to make that happen.
After thinking it over, the worst—but most direct—plan came to mind: sneak into the royal castle at night.
But before attempting something that reckless, he decided to treat himself first.
He found one of the continent-wide "Dragon Hunter Restaurants" and ordered a full meal.
The Ultra-Ancient cuisine wasn't bad at all—especially the exotic dragon meat dishes, rich and savoury enough to make him grin in satisfaction.
After eating his fill, Yu Zhou strolled deeper into the royal district.
If he was going to break into the King's castle, he'd need at least some idea of the layout.
The closer he got to the royal grounds, the more soldiers patrolled the streets.
Some wore shining metal armour, others were clad in crimson uniforms—the Enforcement Division.
The latter were clearly more numerous, each exuding sharp vigilance, their eyes scanning the streets for even the slightest hint of trouble.
Arriving near the castle gates, Yu Zhou naturally couldn't go in.
He bought a round fruit resembling a coconut from a nearby stall, sat down under a large tree by the gate, and leisurely sipped the juice while keeping an eye on the entrance.
"Maybe I'll get lucky and she'll walk out for a stroll?"
Of course, a man staring fixedly toward the royal castle quickly drew attention.
A red-uniformed officer soon approached, his tone brisk and serious.
"Hey! What are you doing here? Why are you loitering around the royal gate?"
Yu Zhou smiled easily.
"Just admiring the beauty of the architecture here in the capital."
The officer frowned, unconvinced.
"You expect me to believe that? Speak honestly—what are you really up to?"
He'd just received a report from the Aerial Traffic Division about an unidentified spacecraft approaching Zhongdu earlier that day.
This suspicious man fit the description a little too well.
Yu Zhou sighed dramatically.
"Alright, fine. I'll admit it. Aside from admiring the castle, I was also admiring how handsome the Enforcement officers are."
The officer blinked.
"...Are you serious?"
"Yup. My only problem is that my leg hair's too long—it might be a medical condition."
"What—?!"
There was no reasoning with him.
The officer rubbed his temple, exasperated.
For someone who looked this decent, he was clearly missing a few screws.
"If you've got nothing else to do, don't linger around here," the officer finally said, sighing.
"Word is, there was a giant creature attack near Fuhuo City recently. The capital's on high alert."
"Thanks for the warning."
Yu Zhou nodded politely and walked away.
Still, from what he'd seen, the defences around the castle were tight.
Breaking in tonight would be dangerous.
"But if there's no other way…" he murmured, "then that's what I'll have to do."
That evening, Yu Zhou checked into a local inn, renting a small room for the night.
He had plenty of M-coins, the universal currency of the Ultra-Ancient era, so money was no issue.
While lying on the bed, another idea crossed his mind.
"Maybe money could work here too… a bribe, perhaps? Find a guard or official who could sneak me in?"
But then he shook his head.
"No, bribing royal guards sounds like a terrible plan."
Soon, darkness fell over Zhongdu.
Yu Zhou retrieved a black cloak from his space bracelet and slipped it on before heading back toward the royal district.
To his surprise, Zhongdu at night was still bright and lively.
The streets glowed with lamps and energy crystals, bustling with people enjoying the night.
"Wearing this cloak now just makes me stand out more," Yu Zhou muttered.
It was like wearing stealth gear in broad daylight.
Resigned, he put the cloak away for now.
He'd wait until he was closer to the castle.
He stopped by a tavern, ate and drank just enough to blend in, then stepped out again once midnight had fallen.
The city had grown quiet—most citizens were home asleep.
Street lights dimmed, and the once-crowded roads were now mostly empty.
Only patrol units remained, moving in organized groups through every district.
After all, nighttime was when danger struck most often.
Yu Zhou silently made his way to the outer walls of the royal castle.
Under the moonlight, he donned his black cloak once more and looked up.
"Once I'm over this wall… I'll be inside the King's domain."
He bent his knees, then leaped.
With his enhanced strength, he soared upward effortlessly, landing atop the massive wall with barely a sound.
Still, the faint thud drew the attention of nearby guards.
Several soldiers rushed toward the sound—but found nothing there.
By then, Yu Zhou had already dropped silently down the other side, landing within the royal courtyard.
The courtyard was vast and beautiful—lined with flowers, trees, and a shimmering pond filled with rainbow-colored fish gliding lazily beneath the surface.
"I made it in… but where do I even start looking for Yuzare?"
He frowned.
The castle was enormous—searching it room by room was impossible.
"I should figure out where the princess's quarters are first."
The courtyard was mostly empty, with only a few guards occasionally patrolling.
Yu Zhou relied on his sharp hearing to avoid them easily, slipping between shadows.
Soon, he reached the base of the towering castle itself.
If this was where the King lived, then Yuzare's chambers would likely be inside as well.
He couldn't enter through the main gate—so that left only one option.
"Through a window, then."
Unlike modern fortresses, the castle's windows had no security mesh or alarms.
If he could open one quietly, he could slip right in.
Yu Zhou climbed the wall with agile precision, moving swiftly and silently upward.
Moments later, he reached the upper floors.
Just as he was about to peek into a window—
He froze.
At the top of the castle, another figure in a black cloak stood before him, motionless in the moonlight.
The two faced each other in stunned silence.
What the—someone else is here?