Paltio & 5 Realms

"It's a sphere that I have in my hand," said Paltio, confused.

"Yes, it's the lower part of the scepter. Congratulations, kid. You've already found one. Now you just need four more," Golden encouraged him enthusiastically.

"So it was true that only the boy could touch the pieces. I'll report this to Lord Tejod," Pax thought to himself.

"We should leave this realm as quickly as possible… you know, because of the other things," Golden suggested through their mental link, careful not to let Pax overhear.

"Yes, I think you're right," Mok replied.

"Let's get in the carriage and get out of this realm!" Ron exclaimed.

"Why such a rush?" Pax asked, puzzled.

"If we keep up this good pace, we might find the remaining pieces sooner than the agreed time with your master," Alita explained.

Pax paused for a moment, lost in thought. Finally, he nodded.

"You're right. Let's go," he said passively.

Alita sighed in relief, wiping away the cold sweat caused by her nerves. She had feared Pax might become difficult or demanding, but thankfully, he complied without complications.

"We won't tell Tertrol that we're leaving," Ron remarked.

"No, let that possum stay curious about what we've found," Pax retorted.

"He's a badger," Alita corrected with a forced smile.

"Well, whatever. It doesn't matter which species," Pax scoffed mockingly from inside his helmet.

"He'll figure it out when we reach the exit gate anyway," Paltio commented.

"Fine then… let's leave this realm!"

Before boarding the carriage, Paltio stopped in front of the building known as "Dungeon." He turned back with determination and silently vowed: "I'll return and save them all." Then he climbed into the carriage, leaving behind those people who were being exploited for their magical talents as both an energy source and labor force.

On the way, they decided to contact Opal to inform him of their discovery. They considered it prudent to let him know before departing, if only to gauge his reaction.

"Alright," Paltio said, gesturing to Mok to blow the magical conch shell.

Once again, the holographic bubble appeared, projecting Opal's image. The cunning face of the humanoid weasel lit up as he saw them.

"What is it now? Another altercation with the soldiers?" Opal asked, raising an eyebrow and displaying his usual distrust.

"No, Master Opal. We called because we've already found the piece of the scepter and are ready to head toward the exit of the realm in search of the next one," Mok explained courteously.

"Oh! I see. I'm glad to hear it. Well, you may return to the palace so Tertrol can celebrate the news too," Opal suggested with feigned kindness.

"That won't be necessary, Master Opal. If you'll permit us, it's time to depart. We've already lost three days, and we still have four more pieces to find. It would be better to continue immediately," Mok tried to persuade him, maintaining a respectful yet firm tone.

Opal stroked his chin thoughtfully. After a few seconds of deliberation, he responded:

"I understand your point, butler. However, my lord wishes to see the piece at once."

"What does he want to see it for? I've already verified it; it's genuine," Pax interrupted dryly.

"That much I can confirm," Ron added, pointing to the electric sparks dancing between his strands of hair.

Opal reflected again, stroking his chin. Finally, he said:

"Very well, I cannot oppose someone from the Legion of the Red Shadows. But I will relay the message to my lord before you depart for the next realm. I expect you to answer when he calls."

"Thank you," Paltio and Mok responded in unison. The bubble disappeared.

"We must hurry," Pax urged from the driver's seat, urging the horses to move faster.

"Why such urgency?" Ron asked, intrigued.

"That scoundrel Tertrol is plotting something. So it's best to leave this realm as soon as possible," Pax replied with determination, prodding the horses to increase their speed.

"If Pax is worried about something, it must be serious," everyone agreed, uniting in their resolve to reach the exit as quickly as possible.

Opal approached his superior and informed him that the prince had found the piece and was preparing to leave the realm.

"So they've found the piece and dare to leave without saying goodbye?" Tertrol said, his face contorted with irritation. "I only tolerate them because otherwise, Tejod would strip me of my powers and rank."

"Quickly! I want to see that piece. Prepare my carriage and accompany me with a handful of guards. We'll gallop swiftly toward the exit gate; I know a shortcut," he ordered with a sinister smile. Then he turned to Opal: "Contact the guards stationed at the exit and command them not to let them leave under any circumstances."

"Yes, sir," Opal replied obediently.

Tertrol glanced at two nearby guards and instructed them:

"You two find Meloc in his laboratory—or 'ROOM,' as he calls it—and bring him here. He has a specific order to carry out."

The guards responded in unison:

"Yes, sir!" and quickly departed from Tertrol's presence.

Once alone, Tertrol muttered to himself:

"Meloc must examine the piece. Perhaps we can harness its power for our benefit."

Suddenly, the entire group sprang into action. They arrived at the royal stables, mounted their horses, and bolted toward the exit gate, determined to intercept Paltio's group.

Meanwhile, Paltio and his companions were nearing the gate when, suddenly, a group of guards stationed at the exit blocked their way. With a firm gesture, one of them declared:

"We cannot allow you to pass. We haven't received authorized exit orders from anyone outside the realm."

Paltio frowned, growing impatient, but before he could protest, the ground began to tremble faintly beneath the approaching footsteps of a procession. A murmur of astonishment spread through the group as, suddenly, an imposing caravan appeared before them.

It was Tertrol, seated in a lavish royal carriage drawn by four dark horses whose hooves emitted red flames, illuminating the path with a sinister glow. The scene seemed ripped straight from a nightmare: the humanoid badger wore an arrogant expression as his carriage positioned itself strategically in front of the gate, blocking any chance of escape.

The guards holding Paltio and his group stepped back respectfully, making it clear who was in charge.

"Well, Prince, it's quite rude of you to leave without saying goodbye," Tertrol remarked from his imposing carriage, positioned directly in front of the exit gate.

"But how did they get here so fast?" Pax muttered under his breath, visibly surprised.

"I apologize for not bidding you farewell, Lord Tertrol, but we need to press on. Let us go; we're running out of time. We still have four more pieces to find and must return to Avocadolia," explained Paltio, the prince of Avocadolia, with a firm yet respectful tone.

"You're free to leave, of course. I'm simply waiting for my chief scientist to arrive so he can inspect the scepter piece. How do I know it's genuine?" Tertrol replied with feigned concern.

"Of course it is," Paltio interjected, holding up a glowing red sphere in his hand.

"Besides, I'm living proof," Ron added, interrupting as sparks of electricity crackled between his tousled strands of hair.

"Stay out of this. I don't answer to commoners," Tertrol spat disdainfully, glaring at Ron.

"Hey!" Ron exclaimed, offended.

"Calm down, Ron," Alita urged, placing a hand on his shoulder.

From the front of the carriage, Pax observed Paltio and the group through the driver's slit.

"You really owe me one now. What did you do last night? Something involving that Meloc fellow, perhaps? And now you're in such a hurry for obvious reasons?" Pax asked suspiciously.

"No, nothing," Ron replied nervously.

"Sure…" Pax murmured sarcastically. "You'll thank me later."

Turning to Tertrol, Pax added in a threatening yet ironic tone:

"Listen, Tertrol, let us pass. Time is running out, and we still have four realms to visit before returning to the axis—Avocadolia. Let us go. We don't have time for your scientist to examine the piece. If you want, you can touch it yourself, but I wouldn't recommend it."

Tertrol stepped down from his carriage with determination and approached Paltio's carriage.

"Oh, really? Watch this—I'll take it, and absolutely nothing will happen," he said as he attempted to snatch the sphere from Paltio's hand.

At that instant, the humanoid badger began to feel an intense pain coursing through his body. An invisible force violently repelled him, hurling him several meters backward. The sphere magically returned to Paltio's hand, where he held it calmly, as if nothing had happened.

"What is this? What kind of powerful magic is this?" Tertrol gasped as Opal hurriedly descended from the carriage to check on him.

"My lord, it's best to concede and do as they say. We cannot delay the prince any further. Remember, he must find the remaining pieces within the allotted time, or the nosy Pax will report you to Tejod. Don't forget," Opal advised firmly but respectfully.

Regaining his composure and standing with the help of Opal and a soldier, Tertrol gave the order to let the group pass.

"Your friends stay behind," Tertrol sneered.

"Would you like another taste of this scepter piece?" Paltio retorted with an ironic smile.

Tertrol glared at him furiously and responded:

"Let them all leave at once! I never want to see them again."

Paltio and his group thanked him, maintaining a serious tone but allowing a barely perceptible smile to emerge. The gate opened, and the carriage moved forward, leaving Tertrol and his entourage behind.

Once outside the realm, Ron exclaimed excitedly:

"That was awesome! You gave that scoundrel exactly what he deserved!"

Alita nodded, sharing in Ron's joy. Beneath his helmet, Pax let out a restrained laugh.

"Yes, well, he deserved that and much more," Paltio commented with a satisfied smile.

Mok, ever the measured one, interjected:

"Well, it's fine, but we shouldn't get too arrogant. Now, let's move on to the next realm."

"Alright, let's go," Pax replied, snapping the reins to urge the horses faster. The realm was now far, far behind them.

In another location, the two guards sent to fetch Meloc returned and informed Tertrol:

"We found him, sir, but he seemed distracted and out of it."

"Good, take me to him," Tertrol ordered impatiently.

Upon arriving at "ROOM," Tertrol erupted in fury when he noticed no one was there. He turned to the soldiers and slaves:

"Where are they?"

"Well, sir, they weren't there when we arrived," one of the slaves stammered.

"Damn it! I'm surrounded by incompetents. Strip that rat of his things," Tertrol commanded, referring to Meloc, who was literally a humanoid rat.

After removing the strange objects he carried, Tertrol shook Meloc to bring him back to his senses. However, the scientist only muttered incoherently, and among his ramblings, barely distinguishable words emerged:

"Pal… Pal… Paltio."

"That damn prince! What did he do here?" Tertrol roared, his face reddening with rage.

"Ah! So that's why he was lurking around the dungeon," one of the guards murmured.

"What? And why didn't you tell me anything?" Tertrol demanded, glaring at them.

"I'm sorry, sir. I omitted that part, but there was a dispute with the guards…" Opal began to explain, but Tertrol cut him off abruptly:

"How dare you not tell me something like that!"

"If everything adds up, when I mentioned Meloc, everyone looked foolish. They played me for a fool, these scoundrels," Tertrol reflected, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

"Sir, what do you plan to do? Tejod will be furious if you harm the prince," Opal warned cautiously.

"Don't worry, I won't be the one to hurt him… at least not directly," Tertrol replied, letting out an evil laugh.

Then, turning to Opal, he ordered:

"Make that scientist come to his senses. It's an order. Use any method necessary. If you fail, you'll answer for me."

"Yes, sir," Opal responded, swallowing hard. He had never seen Tertrol so enraged.

Tertrol exited the room and walked along the upper corridor. There, he appeared to be speaking to someone, though no one else was visible. Suddenly, two tall and formidable shadows appeared beside him, their eyes exuding terror.

"Go and eliminate that prince. He and his friends must suffer. That's an order," Tertrol declared in an icy voice.

The shadows emitted almost unintelligible sounds before responding:

"Yes."

With that, they vanished into the darkness.

"You'll pay dearly for your audacity, foolish prince," Tertrol murmured, a malevolent smile spreading across his face.