Battle Of Planets

Chapter 38: Mystery of a name Ciara
The Rangers inside the building stepped aside, their eyes glued in tense silence as Blue and the Rogues walked out confidently, returning to their groups. They didn’t dare block their path, aware that any movement could provoke Coco into harming the President or launching an attack on the civilians hiding within the building. They felt helpless and powerless to act in the face of such danger.”I know that name,” Alex hesitated, ”Wasn’t she the woman who died with my mom?”

Seraphina and Tyson’s ears perked up at the mention. Tyson had always known that Alex’s mother had died in an accident, but he had no idea there was someone else with her when she passed away.

Seraphina remained in the dark, ignorant of the complete circumstances surrounding the tragedy in which Alex lost his mother. There was so much she didn’t understand, leaving her utterly unaware of the seriousness of the situation around her.

Blue led the remaining Rogues toward Coco, still hesitating as he approached.

”Alright, now that we’re all here, we can finally start, right?” Dex said with a grin. ”I’ve been looking forward to this. Let’s get it done.”

Coco sensed that something was wrong with Blue. ”You seem a bit down.”

Blue wasted no time. ”Mr. President, is it true that you knew about our base all along?”

President Edmund nodded silently. ”The hangar by the riverbank. It’s hardly unseen.”

The Rogues who overheard this were taken aback. They had no idea the President was aware of their hideout all along.

”Did he know?” one of them whispered.

”No, that’s not possible. If he knew, why he didn’t attack us?” another replied in disbelief.

”Maybe he was afraid of us?” someone suggested.

”Afraid with Edward by their side?” another one scoffed. ”Are you an idiot?”

The murmurs spread like wildfire among the Rogues, each person processing the President’s answer in their own way, the weight of the revelation sinking in their hearts.

Coco remained silent despite the growing commotion beside him.

”Why did you let us be there?” Blue dared to ask what every Rogue wanted to do.

”Who am I to kick you out? I’m just a public servant,” President Edmund replied, glancing at Coco. ”Many may disagree, but I believe you’re necessary for our survival, just like any Rangers.”

Coco tightened his grip on the whip, his expression growing darker.

The Rogues stood in stunned silence, shocked by the President’s words. Was he not the one who had been promoting a narrative against them? Why was he speaking as if he had always supported them?

”Blue,” Coco’s voice pierced the tension, ”that’s enough.”

Blue, however, wasn’t done. ”Then why did you always make us hide?” he shouted, frustration boiling over. ”Why do you make us suffer for things we haven’t done?”

”It was essential,” President Edmund stated softly. ”If I had permitted those who rejected becoming Rangers yet held the power of Meta-bots to roam freely, chaos would have unraveled much earlier; that’s how this world functions.”

The president was right. Each year, a majority of people were selected by the Meta-bot, but not everyone chose to become a Ranger. Some, like the Rogues, decided to wield that power for their own purposes, defying the laws to do as they pleased. However, their choice was also rooted in something deeper. After all, the Rangers had to train tirelessly and stay ever-vigilant, always on duty. It wasn’t just about power—it was a heavy burden.

Even someone like Tyson, who had the potential and drive, felt the weight of this responsibility. Many others who once dreamed of becoming Rangers found it too burdensome. This hardship led to a growing resistance among those who felt their lives were being sacrificed for a cause they hadn’t chosen, eventually giving rise to the Rogues. They perceived their freedom and autonomy as the price of being thrust into the Ranger’s world.

However, the situation was more complex than that. Those who didn’t break the law or actively harm citizens were labeled as Rogues simply for refusing to join the Rangers. These individuals, who just wanted to live an ordinary life like any other citizen, were often treated with the same suspicion as those who openly defied the system.

This was the government’s way of pressuring Meta-bot wearers into joining the Rangers. If people saw that non-compliance resulted in being branded a Rogue, they would be more likely to step up and accept the burden, even if it wasn’t something they genuinely wanted. However, the government’s position wasn’t without its dilemmas—those who chose not to join the Rangers weren’t necessarily a threat. Yet, they were still treated as such simply because the government needed to ensure the survival of their order.

This is why many Rogues started coming together to oppose governments globally, feeling oppressed by a system that labeled them as enemies for opting to live independently.

While some may perceive it as a low blow, the government’s actions were necessary for humanity’s survival. The world was on the verge of chaos, and government supervision of Meta-bot users, including Rangers, was crucial for preserving order. In light of escalating threats and instability, cities prioritized this law above all else, hoping to prevent things from spiraling out of control.

Conversely, although humans may think they have their paths to follow and deserve the freedom to live as they wish, the tournament is far less forgiving. Regardless of their skills or preparedness, it will summon any random Meta-bot wearer until the count hits 100.

This was not just a test—it was a way to ensure that Meta-bot wearers, whether trained or not, would be ready to step in and help when the time came. The tournament served as a harsh mechanism to guarantee that those who couldn’t fight wouldn’t survive, regardless of what planet they came from, so everyone had to be prepared or face death.

Without adequate training, ordinary individuals might find themselves summoned alongside the elite Rangers, and that imbalance could spell disaster for the entire planet. If individuals who lack proper preparation are sent into battle, they won’t just risk their own lives—they’ll jeopardize the world as a whole.

”Humans have a way of complicating things,” the President said. ”Though I’m no different. You might view me as a tyrant now, but I have no other way to maintain this order.”

He paused, glancing around at everyone gathered. ”I hope you all understand when the moment arrives.”

Blue exhaled, processing the words ”President,” and after a moment, finally asked, ”Who is Ciara?”

Coco lowered his helmet and locked eyes with Blue. He remained still for a few breaths before shifting his gaze toward the building. ”Leave this place.”

It was as if he were being ordered to leave it for his good. Blue hesitated, sensing that something was off.

Inside the building, Liora whispered, ”It was his wife.”

”Get on your knees!” Coco shouted, pushing President Edmund to the ground. The news helicopter hovered above, capturing every moment.

The Rogues hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. Blue kept his intense glare fixed on Coco, feeling the tension escalate. Dex pulled a cameraman from the sidelines and compelled him to begin recording the scene.

Edmund looked at his family through the building windows, taking deep breaths. ”I hope this isn’t about Ciara, Coco,”

”It’s always been about her, my friend,” Coco shouted, ensuring Edmund knelt correctly. ”Apologize for everything, Edmund.”

”I told you it wasn’t my mistake—”

”Apologize!” Coco commanded, his voice echoing. Edmund flinched, as did the Rogues.

Liora watched from the building, her heart constricting under the moment’s weight. Meanwhile, Sera fought against Alex, attempting to escape his hold.

Blue, still unsure, observed the scene unfold.

”I—I, President Edmund of Elria... failed to protect my friend’s wife,” Edmund stammered, his voice trembling. ”I seek his forgiveness.”

Dex and Blue shared a confused glance. When did this become a personal apology? Wasn’t he meant to be seeking forgiveness from the Rogues, not from Coco himself? And whose wife was he referring to? Why was it necessary at this moment?

A realization struck him. Ciara—was she Coco’s spouse? Blue’s eyes widened as this understanding hit him like a gut punch. It was entirely about her.

”I—I vowed to safeguard his family while he battled in the tournament,” President Edmund stated while looking into the camera. ”Due to my negligence, he lost his wife in the Rogue attack.”

Blue’s breath caught in his throat, as did Raine’s. Did he say Ciara died in a Rogue attack?

The whip in Coco’s hand crackled, sounding like dry leaves skittering across the pavement, as his cold smile grew wider.

”C-Coco, what are you doing?” Edmund asked, fear evident in his voice.

”I’m giving you all a reason to eliminate the Rogues,” Coco replied darkly.

A sickening thud echoed as President Edmund’s head struck the ground, a crimson arc of blood spraying. The ground’s coarse texture is apparent beneath the widening stain, while Coco’s whip whirls dramatically in the air.

Coco had decapitated the President of Elria, right in front of the whole world.