Part 7

After battling through the harsh sandstorms of Coasta, Zetsu, with the help of NaïKu, crafted protective clothing for the group to withstand the unforgiving environment. The intense heat made each step difficult, even for their resilient Velostrider, who were accustomed to arduous journeys. Finally, after what felt like days, they arrived at a city known as NetherDeep. Eucalyptus had heard of this place before—an ancient accident still lingered in its history. High walls encircled the city, shielding it from the relentless sandstorms and scorching temperatures. The sight of those ramparts was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

To their fortune, they learned that Yachi, the Boss of the Star and ruler of Coasta, was currently in NetherDeep. Yachi was a well-known figure throughout Orstyma, an international star who had become reclusive in recent months. After hours of searching, they finally located a grand building towering over NetherDeep. The locals confirmed that Yachi was inside. Relieved, Eucalyptus, Zephyr, NaïKu, Moki, Shaya and Zetsu entered the building.

The interior was eerily quiet, and after some time, they encountered a young girl who seemed shy and didn’t speak a word. She simply stared at them with a curious yet kind expression, remaining silent even when Eucalyptus greeted her. After a few moments, a man around 35 years old appeared. His name was Henry, and he was the Sub-boss of the Star. Eucalyptus introduced herself and her companions, though Henry’s gaze lingered on Shaya and Moki’s unusual appearances before returning to Eucalyptus. He questioned why they had come, as it was rare for anyone to visit, despite Yachi’s fame.

Eucalyptus explained her plan to destroy the Cross and described the purpose of her organization. Henry seemed confused for a moment, then shook his head and looked at the silent girl, who was still observing them intently. “Shizuko, please take them to Yachi,” he said gently. Shizuko nodded without a word, and Eucalyptus deduced that she was probably mute.

After a few minutes, Shizuko led them to a room where a young woman stood, looking surprised by their arrival. Eucalyptus introduced herself and her companions again. Zephyr, curious, observed the room while Zetsu stood protectively by his side. Moki remained close to NaïKu, as usual, while Shaya positioned herself beside Eucalyptus, introducing herself as a sub-boss, just like Zephyr. Yachi chuckled and, with a teasing tone, asked, “Never heard of the Liberty before. Is that a joke?”

“No, it’s not. I created the Liberty about a month ago. I intend to destroy the Cross with it,” Eucalyptus responded, her expression unusually serious. Yachi seemed intrigued and stepped closer.

“So, you want the Star, my organization, to join your cause?” Yachi asked, her tone still playful but not unkind.

“Exactly. I’m determined to convince everyone to join the Liberty. The Cross must be destroyed, don’t you think?” Eucalyptus said with a smile, refusing to engage in the teasing. She wasn’t one to play along with such games.

“Hmm, I agree,” Yachi said thoughtfully. “So, you’ve already got the Flower on board, right?” she asked, confirming what Eucalyptus had told her. But before Eucalyptus could answer, Zephyr, growing impatient, interjected, “Yeah. Didn’t you hear correctly?”

Shaya quickly stepped in, “Zephyr, don’t speak like that,” she said, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. “Sorry about him. He can be a bit of a jerk sometimes.” Yachi laughed at their exchange, easing the tension.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Yachi said with a grin. After a brief pause, she looked more seriously at Eucalyptus. “Alright, I think the Star can join the Liberty. You all seem pretty cool.” With a smile, she suddenly put her arm around Eucalyptus’s neck a bit too roughly, catching Eucalyptus off guard, but she quickly laughed it off.

Having the Star join the Liberty was a significant victory. Yachi then offered them a place to rest for a few days after their long journey, which they gladly accepted. During their stay, Shaya and Yachi quickly grew close. Eucalyptus made an effort to connect with Shizuko, even though she didn’t speak, but they seemed to enjoy each other’s company nonetheless. Zephyr tried to engage Henry in conversation, but Henry was often busy, so Zephyr spent most of his time with Zetsu. Moki and NaïKu assisted Eucalyptus and her two sub-bosses in planning their next move, deciding that their next target would be Angfroest. To get there, they would need to take a boat across the Hudlita Gulf.

Despite all the progress, Eucalyptus couldn’t stop thinking about her friend, Kumo. The Liberty wasn’t just about destroying the Cross anymore—it was also about saving her friend. But that was a mission she kept to herself, a personal objective she would never share with anyone else.

PART 8