Into The Reality

Chapter-17: The Meeting

"Fuck man! My spaceship is gone. We need to gather some money fast!” Kichu said desperately.
“Let’s do it,” Roco replied with a smirk.
“What?”
“Bounty hunting.”
“Yeah, that’s our only option. But where do we find targets? I haven’t even seen a single wanted poster,” Kichu asked, his frustration evident.

They sat near the road, lost in thought.
“Ugh, I’m done. I can’t think anymore. I’m really thirsty,” Roco said, reaching into his pocket. He pulled out two coins worth 3 Xe.
“This is all the money I have left,” Roco muttered before heading off to buy some drinks.

Kichu checked his own pockets but only found scraps of cotton. He stared at the road in distress when suddenly, a vehicle screeched to a stop in front of him.
“Hey, it’s you! I’ve been looking for you!”
A head appeared from the vehicle’s window—it was Hal Chlovsco.

Kichu froze, shocked. He never thought he’d cross paths with Hal again.
“Uh… yes, sir. Nice to meet you again,” Kichu said awkwardly.
Hal stepped out of the vehicle and approached him.
“So, how’s our planet? Did you enjoy it?” Hal asked.
“It’s a nice planet,” Kichu replied with a forced smile.
“Oh, I’m glad to hear that. Anyway, I was looking for you because I’ve got a message for you.” Hal handed Kichu a letter.

Kichu read it and sighed. “Another headache,” he muttered under his breath.
“So, you want me to lure someone to you?” Kichu asked Hal, catching on quickly.
“Bingo!” Hal said, grinning.
“Couldn’t you just catch him yourself?”
“Nope. Too many restrictions,” Hal replied with a shrug.
“Restrictions? Really?”
“Yeah, and I hate rules. I’d rather break them,” Hal said, laughing.
“So, what do you want me to do?” Kichu asked.

Before Hal could answer, a young man drove up in another vehicle.
“Sir Hal, why are you standing here? We’re going to be late for the meeting,” the man said.
“Ah, sorry, kid. Just talking to a new friend,” Hal replied.
The young man turned to Kichu.
“Sorry for the trouble. I’m Herlic Nonelse, captain of the 14th division.”

“Captain? This kid? He looks about my age,” Kichu thought to himself as he watched Herlic scold Hal.
“Oh, I almost forgot—I’ll contact you later, kid. What was your name again?” Hal asked.
“It’s Kichu, sir.”
“Got it. See you around,” Hal said, getting into the vehicle.

Just then, Roco returned with a bottle of water.
“What’s going on here?” he asked, handing Kichu the bottle.
“Nothing. Just a chat,” Kichu replied.
“Forget that for now. There’s big news happening on this planet,” Roco said.
“Big news?” Kichu asked, curious.
“Yeah, I heard at the store—there’s a meeting of the AUL Protector’s Council. All 14 division captains are here.”
“He mentioned that too…” Kichu murmured.
“What?”
“Nothing. I’m getting a bad feeling. We need to leave this planet as soon as we can. But first, the spaceship.”
“How are we going to get the money?”
“I have a plan. Let’s catch the boss of that metal-armed guy. He’s got to have a bounty on him,” Kichu said.
“And where do we find him?” Roco asked.
“Don’t worry—he’ll come to me,” Kichu replied, gripping his sword as he walked ahead.
“What the hell does that mean?” Roco muttered, following him.

Meanwhile, at AUL Headquarters...

“Captain, everyone is present. Can we begin the meeting?” a uniformed officer asked a young man with white hair wearing a black cloak.
The young man nodded and walked into a large room where many were already seated. Taking his place at the head of the table, he introduced himself.
“As you all know, these meetings are rare. I am Sam Ravil, captain of the first division, and I’ll be leading this meeting under instructions from above,” he began.