Prince of The Ruined Kingdom

A sleek black vehicle sped through the dark, deserted streets outside Arcadia Point. Inside, Sierra One sat at the wheel, his hands steady on the steering column. In the backseat, Abigail lay unconscious, securely strapped in with heavy seatbelts. The dim light from the vehicle's dashboard occasionally illuminated Sierra One's cold, expressionless face.

Next to him, a man known only as Beta, wearing dark sunglasses even at night, was focused on a small holographic screen displaying a digital map and other data. The atmosphere between them was tense and silent until Beta finally broke the silence.

"We've crossed into Arcadia Point," he said, his voice low. "The surveillance cameras here are out of reach, but I can't shake the feeling about that hacker."

Sierra One merely nodded, his gaze fixed on the road. "They're too advanced. There's no way an amateur could breach all the city's systems in just seconds. This isn't just a small operation."

Beta sighed, leaning back in his seat. "Of course not. This girl," he added, glancing at Abigail, "is tied to something much bigger. It's not just about her. There's definitely an organization behind this, one with resources that rival ours."

A faint smile crossed Sierra One's lips. "You underestimated them at first, didn't you? I could tell by the way you looked at her when we captured her. I almost made the same mistake. But it's clear now—she's no ordinary assassin or spy. There's a powerful force at play here."

Beta nodded in agreement. "You're right. And now they know we have her. The hacker who compromised those cameras was likely just the beginning. They've probably prepared escape routes that we haven't even detected yet. Archemidas is also a prime target. We can't let him slip away."

The engine purred smoothly as Sierra One accelerated. "I've noticed that too. The factions supporting Evernoir are still quite strong, and unbeknownst to the Republic of Cestisia, they've built a network far more solid than we assumed. Do you remember the latest reports on Evernoir? Not everything is lost. Their military might may have fractured, but their political influence and relationships with neighboring countries are still intact."

Beta glanced at the holographic screen, keeping track of their movements. "Yes, Jonathan's report was clear. He said capturing Archemidas alive is the best decision. Killing him would just turn him into a martyr for his supporters, potentially igniting a larger rebellion. But taking him alive means we can control him or at least use him as a bargaining chip."

Sierra One nodded, his focus unwavering. "The factions supporting Evernoir might not be fully exposed, but they hold more influence than we think. Moreover, they have technological resources that are clearly on par with ours. That hacker? She's working for them."

Beta shifted his gaze back to Abigail, still unconscious in the backseat. "We should have anticipated this. This girl is clearly more than just a bodyguard or protector. She's a key player. Who would have thought a hacker like her would be on their side?"

"Who do you think she really is?" Sierra One asked, his eyes still on the road.

Beta took a moment to ponder before responding. "It's hard to say. She could be a high-level assassin, but her background doesn't match any of the intel we have. Maybe she was trained by one of the remaining Evernoir factions or is part of an underground military force we don't know about."

Sierra One sighed, his tone tinged with frustration. "That's what worries me. If we underestimate them again, this operation could end in total failure. We can't rely solely on our technological capabilities. There are too many variables we don't understand."

"That's why we need to stay ahead of them," Beta replied, adjusting some data on his holographic screen. "We're heading into an unmonitored area for now, but I'm not sure that will be enough to evade their attention. They might know every step we take. We could have been set up from the beginning."

Sierra One narrowed his eyes, his mind racing with possibilities. "Whatever the case, we can't turn back now. We need to move forward and secure this target. Jonathan has ordered us to stick to the original plan—capturing Archemidas alive."

"Speaking of Archemidas," Beta interjected, "isn't it odd that we haven't encountered more significant resistance from his side? If he has allies like this girl, he must have something planned."

A slight smile crept onto Sierra One's lips. "I think we shouldn't underestimate silence. There's definitely something they're preparing. If Archemidas is as clever as they say, he's likely already plotting his next move. We might just be waiting for their trap to spring."

Beta seemed to agree, then cast another sharp glance at Abigail. "This girl… she's the key to all of this. If we can extract more information from her, we could understand their game. There's so much we don't know, and that puts us in danger."

Sierra One glanced in the rearview mirror, looking at Abigail, still unconscious. "She'll be taken to the interrogation facility as soon as possible. We don't have much time. If Archemidas is truly on the move, we need to get answers from her before everything unfolds."

"But we have to be careful," Beta warned. "She's not an ordinary girl. If we push her too hard, we might lose more than we gain."

Sierra One simply nodded, his gaze still sharp and calculating. "I know, Beta. But we don't have a choice."

They continued their journey in silence, the only sound the roar of the vehicle racing down the empty road toward a safer location to complete their mission. Each second felt heavier, with the inevitable confrontation between them and the mysterious forces protecting Abigail and Archemidas drawing closer.

Sierra One and Beta arrived at an abandoned building outside Arcadia Point, far from the digital spies that haunted every corner of the city. The site was a remnant of a construction project left unfinished years ago, now a silent ruin that seemed perfect for hiding. As they entered the cold, dark structure, Sierra One lowered Abigail from her shoulder and placed her in a chair that remained amidst the debris.

"We'll be safe here for a while," Beta said, scanning the surroundings.

"Yeah, at least until they start looking for you more seriously," Sierra One replied, securely binding Abigail's wrists and ankles with strong straps that prevented any movement.

"This girl is more than just a bodyguard," Sierra One continued. "She has strong connections to the factions still supporting Evernoir. If we can convince her to cooperate, we could gain valuable insights into their underground operations."

Beta studied the unconscious Abigail. "We need to be careful. She's clever, and the people backing her are even craftier. If we make one wrong move, she could turn the tables on us."

Sierra One scoffed, dismissing his warning. To him, everyone had a weakness, and with enough pressure, even the strongest could break. He pulled up another chair, sitting directly across from Abigail as he waited for the girl to regain consciousness.

Minutes passed in silence. Outside, the night wind rustled against the building's walls, creating a soft sound that enhanced the stillness. Suddenly, Abigail stirred, her head moving as her eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the dim light in the room. As she fully regained consciousness, her gaze landed on Sierra One, who sat calmly yet firmly in front of her.

"Finally awake," Sierra One said flatly, observing Abigail's every movement.

Abigail took a deep breath, trying to acclimate. Her red eyes looked at Sierra One with an unsettling calmness, devoid of any signs of panic or fear.

"Good morning," Abigail said nonchalantly, as if she had just woken up in her own bed. "Are we going to chat? Or do you just want to stare at me like that all night?"

Sierra One offered a faint smile, impressed by the girl's composure. "You're quite calm for someone in an interrogation chair."

Abigail shrugged slightly, limited by the restraints binding her wrists. "Situations like this aren't new to me. I'm used to it."

"You might be used to it, but I'm sure this will be different," Sierra One said ominously, searching for a crack in Abigail's facade.

"Of course," Abigail replied without hesitation, tilting her head slightly. "So, what's your first question? We can start whenever you're ready."

Sierra One studied her more intently. "Tell me who you serve. Who ordered you to protect Archemidas? And how many people are involved in this operation?"

Abigail smiled faintly, looking at Sierra One with a condescending gaze. "Do you really think I'll tell you all that just because you asked nicely?"

Sierra One clicked his tongue, holding back his anger. He raised his hand and slapped Abigail sharply across the face. Abigail flinched slightly, but her calm expression remained unchanged.

"I told you," Sierra One spoke more firmly, "this will be different."

Yet Abigail remained silent, letting out a long sigh as if the incident were merely a minor distraction. "If that's your best way of communicating, then I think we won't get anything from this conversation."

Sierra One grabbed the collar of Abigail's shirt, pulling her closer. "Don't play games with me. I know you're more than just a hired fighter. You have much deeper connections. And you're going to tell me."

Abigail chuckled lightly, as if a silly joke had just been thrown at her. "Connections? You really don't know anything, do you?"

Sierra One tightened his grip on Abigail's collar, but Beta stopped him. "Sierra One, don't rush. This girl is still useful."

Sierra One released Abigail roughly, taking a deep breath to calm himself. "You know, I can make you talk." He pulled out a small device from his pocket—a magic-suppressing tool designed to nullify any magical abilities.

Seeing the device, Abigail's eyes flickered momentarily with shock, but she quickly masked her expression with a thin smile. "So, you have a little toy like that?" she asked, laughing lightly. "What are you going to do with it? Stop my magic? You'd be foolish to think that would make a difference."

"Don't be so arrogant!" Sierra One shot back sharply, his voice laced with anger. "I know this device can thwart any dirty tricks you might try. You won't be able to escape me with your magic."

Abigail continued to laugh, shaking her head. "Dirty tricks? You don't understand, do you? You don't know who your real opponent is." She stared at Sierra One with piercing eyes. "That device won't stop what's already been planned. You're already too late."

Sierra One grabbed the device angrily, ready to strike Abigail again, but Beta quickly held his hand back, stopping him.

"Stop, Sierra One," Beta warned in a calm but firm voice. "We can't kill her. This girl is our only bait to draw Archemidas out. If you kill her, we lose our chance."

Although still angry, Sierra One released his grip on the device and let out a heavy sigh. He glared at Beta, his fury barely contained.

"We can't play nice forever," Sierra One muttered.

Beta simply nodded, then turned back to Abigail. "We won't hurt you further, at least for now. But if you try anything—anything—don't expect mercy from us."

Abigail exhaled slowly, remaining relaxed despite the tight restraints on her wrists. "Alright. But don't get me wrong; I won't just give you the information you want. You'll have to work harder for it."

***

I woke up feeling heavy, my mind pulsing as if I had just been hit with a shocking realization. As I stirred, the name slipped from my lips: "Abigail..." My voice was barely audible, yet that name resonated powerfully in my thoughts, haunting every corner of my consciousness. I remembered everything now. Yes, I remembered it all.

We had met before. I knew who she was. We first crossed paths in the Evernoir castle when we were children, and now, how foolish I had been to realize that the girl I thought could be my enemy... was actually an ally. "Oh God… why was I so stupid?" I muttered to myself, my face lowering in embarrassment and frustration.

My hand lifted to touch my cheek, suddenly damp. I… was crying? My fingers brushed against the tears that had fallen without my noticing. Had I been crying in my sleep? When was the last time I shed tears? I couldn't remember. But one thing was clear: the feelings of loss, regret, and despair crashed over me, even while I slept. I had forgotten Abigail, forgotten our meeting that should have been so significant to me. Now she was trapped somewhere, and I... I could only feel guilt.

I imagined how devastated Abigail must be. How could she possibly feel anything for me after I had forgotten her so easily? I could picture her cold expression, concealing hidden wounds. It made the ache in my chest even worse. "What have I done?" I whispered, half-hoping this was all just a nightmare that would soon pass.

Suddenly, I heard a knocking sound. The knocks were soft but persistent, coming from the direction of the window. My head turned, my eyes still misty from the remnants of tears. What was that?

I rose from the bed unsteadily, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The knocking continued, more insistent. As I opened the window, something small and round shot into my room.

"You foolish prince! You're truly a foolish prince!" The loud, electronic voice echoed in the space. A small drone hovered in front of me, its bright optical sensor staring me down. I immediately knew who was behind the drone. "Ophelia... or Lilith?" I asked, even though I already suspected the answer.

"Of course, who else could it be but me?" Lilith's unmistakable voice came from the drone. "You foolish prince, you let Abigail get captured! Do you have no brains?" Lilith continued to scold me, and I felt a jolt of surprise at the news.

"Captured?" I stammered, my body tensing. "What do you mean Abigail was captured? Who took her?"

"Who else but that ridiculous shadow agent from Cestisia! Sierra One or whatever his name is! You are so unbelievably foolish, Arche! How could you let this happen?"

I fell silent, my thoughts racing. Sierra One… That name was familiar. He was one of the most dangerous agents from the Cestisia Republic, notorious for his successful missions. But why had they captured Abigail? Did they see her as a threat?

I clenched my fists, trying to calm myself. Now was not the time to drown in guilt or confusion. Abigail was in danger, and I had to act. "Where is she now?" I asked firmly, my voice steadier this time.

The drone hovered closer, as if trying to scrutinize me with its optical sensor. "Abigail's last signal was detected outside the city, but then it vanished. It seems she was taken somewhere with her signal blocked. We don't have much time, Arche. If you keep sitting around like this, she could—"

"I know!" I interrupted the drone, my voice louder than I intended. "I know. I have to move."

Lilith, through the drone, paused for a moment before speaking again. "Good. Finally, you're taking action." There was a note of relief in her voice, though it was laced with her usual sarcasm.

I let out a long sigh, trying to calm the rapid beating of my heart. The thoughts of Abigail—trapped, pursued, or worse... I couldn't let them consume me. I had to stay focused. "I'm ready. Let's go," I told the drone as I hurriedly put on my clothes and grabbed the supplies I needed.

"Finally! This lazy prince is getting out of bed." Lilith didn't stop teasing through the drone. "Follow me. I'll take you to the last place her signal was detected."

I followed the drone out the window, feeling the cold night air hit my face. With every step I took, my clarity increased. I couldn't let this regret hold me back now.

As we swiftly navigated the castle corridors toward a safer hideout to begin this mission, my mind replayed memories of our meeting. I recalled that day at the shrine of Goddess Oriana, where Abigail and I spoke about the solitude and peace we cherished. How serene she had been then, and how connected we were despite our simple conversation.

I remembered her calm smile, her soft laugh when she called me 'the introverted prince.' Now, I felt foolish for letting all that slip by without understanding how important that moment had been for both of us.

Lilith spoke again through the drone, breaking my reverie. "Don't get too lost in your thoughts, Arche. We don't have much time. Sierra One is not someone to be taken lightly."

"I know," I murmured. "I will save her, no matter what."

The guilt that had enveloped me transformed into strong determination. This was not just about saving an ally. It was about saving someone I should have protected, someone who had taught me about tranquility amidst the chaos of noble life.

Every step I took that night felt heavy, but I knew I couldn't stop. It was no longer about redemption or guilt. It was about fulfilling an unspoken promise to always protect those who mattered.

***