Finally, the party arrived at Zacky’s hideout in Academy City. The Skulks remained in the basement, checking their inventory and making repairs to their bikes. Zacky, Aideen, Bianchi, and Alex went to Zacky’s apartment, where, after serving some drinks, Zacky had many questions for her guests, starting with the most obvious:
—You’re Alex Sansta, the princess of Light Castle, in the land of the moon. Why are you here?
Bianchi coughed in surprise. Alex looked through the window, appearing worried.
—Don’t try to fool me. I know who you are. And if you’re here, it’s because your country is in trouble. Isn’t it? —asked Zacky.
—As usual, you know everything, Zacky. But I don’t. Do you care to elaborate? —asked Aideen, sipping his tea.
—Listen carefully. She is the princess of the Light Castle, heir to the crown of the land of the moon. I deduced this from her polite words and her claim that “she’s a friend” of the Skulks, who are known for their interest in power. Her mother, Giotto Sansta, hasn’t shown interest in the Sacred Ruins for… what, a few weeks now? —Alex shrugged her shoulders—. Ah, so the queen doesn’t know you’re here.
—You’re correct, Miss Zacky —said Alex, still looking through the window.
—So, if she doesn’t know that you’re here, it’s because you’ve travelled following the tradition of your lineage: if your country is in deep trouble, you’re supposed to seek the help of the Divine Beast. So, you’re interested in what can be found in the ruins —said Zacky.
—I am —said Alex—. But do you know what lies in there, Miss Zacky?
Zacky was about to answer when she saw the look on Aideen’s face. His expression clearly said: “You’re being annoying. You should calm down.” Zacky could hear his words even though he hadn’t spoken.
—I don’t —said Zacky, trying to control herself. Aideen nodded, drinking more tea—. What can you tell us about your secret mission?
—Not much. But you’re right, Miss Zacky, although not in everything. My friend here, Bianchi, is not interested in power. He’s a kind person who is trying to help me personally. We didn’t want to attack the HANADA Group, but their leader is a very stubborn man —said Alex.
—I know —said Zacky, pouring coffee into a cup.
“This girl is not an ordinary princess. She’s clever, confident, and seems like the kind of person who does whatever it takes to achieve her goals. She’s much more than she looks. And I like that,” Zacky thought. “But there’s something… this sense of loss I feel from her… something fishy is happening here. Another secret to be unveiled.”
—Ok, princess. If you can’t tell us more, we’ll accept that. Do you want to do your detective thing, Zacky? —asked Aideen.
—Of course! Let’s recap what we know. The princess of the Light Castle is on a secret, mysterious quest at the sacred ruins with the help of the Skulks —Zacky looked at Bianchi. He seemed like a dog following his owner—, the academics of Academy City have hired us, me and Aideen, to discover the secrets of the Sacred Ruins, preserving the integrity of the ruins as much as possible. And the HANADA Group is trying to destroy the ruins, which makes them our common enemy.
—But they are much more powerful than we expected —said Bianchi—. Not even our strength as Skulk Gang is enough to beat the HANADA Group.
—So, if things continue as they are now, we will all lose —said Aideen.
—Yes, because you don’t have a proper battle plan —said Zacky.
—I am not an expert tactician. I’m sorry —said Alex.
—Luckily, you have one in front of you —said Zacky—. Do you want to know what your best choice is to win the battle for the Sacred Ruins?
Alex nodded, politely motioning for her to continue.
—Make me your tactician. I will lead this, let’s call it, “Coalition” —said Zacky, very proud of herself. The others turned around, unhappy with that decision, but with no other option but to accept it—. Do you have more allies, princess?
—Yes. Although I hoped I wouldn’t have to resort to them. Have you heard about the Makoto Cloth Corps, Miss Zacky? —said Alex.
—I wish I hadn’t —said Zacky.
There is a wasteland near the Sacred Ruins, a neutral zone, a territory not conquered or claimed by any country. There lives a group of monks whose ideology is the survival of the fittest. Only muscle and power, camaraderie, and manliness have a place. They are the Makoto Cloth Corps, and that is where Alex and Bianchi headed long before heading to the Sacred Ruins.
—It is said that the Sacred Ruins can create life, but after deep research, I think the ruins absorb life rather than create it. This theory is supported by the fact that the centre of the ruins seems to be filled with vegetation and nature, while everything around the ruins a wasteland, like this land —said Zacky.
The group had left the safety of Zacky’s hideout and were headed to a specific area of the wasteland, a place where the group called the "Makoto Cloth Corps" resided, in a giant commune made of interconnected tents.
—So, we’re asking them to join our “coalition”? —asked Aideen.
—We need more muscle —said Zacky.
—That’s what they are: just muscle. Is this our best option? —said Aideen.
—No —Zacky replied—. They’re our only option.
When they reached the tents, a muscular man with golden hair came out to greet them. His presence was imposing, as he was all muscle and of considerable size.
