SCENE 1 – LORIEN'S OFFICE – LATE AFTERNOON
The door creaked softly as it opened. Diana walked in holding a lunchbox, smiling as she looked for Lorien.
She froze.
Her eyes widened as she saw who was sitting in front of Lorien. The lunchbox slipped from her hands, crashing to the floor and spilling its contents.
DIANA (in shock):— No way…?!
Tears welled up instantly.
DIANA (rushing forward, emotional):— Kai… you're alive!
Kai gave a small, warm smile as they embraced tightly.
LORIEN (serious, yet restrained):— Kai… how did you survive? Where have you been all this time?
KAI (meeting both their eyes):— It's a long story… but I've always been watching you. Especially your greatest victory against Tyrus... seventeen years ago.
(Pause)
— As for how I survived… I was saved by Kairon.
Total silence.
KAI (continuing):— Since then, I've been judging planets. Destroying some… saving others. The Universal Emperor made me his right hand.
LORIEN (frowning):— Kairon… the guy who wants to kill Inavy to achieve so-called "balance"?!
KAI:— Yes. He's coming here. But it's not just Inavy he wants. He seeks to restore the balanced flow of Primordial Aura.
— The problem is... Earth has become the largest producer of Aura in the cosmos. New creatures are emerging like never before. Humanity is reckless.
(Pause)
— So… hand him over before something worse happens.
Leaning against the wall, Kelvin remained silent, arms crossed, studying every word and gesture.
LORIEN (standing, resolute):— Hand over Inavy? Never.
— If I did that, I'd be throwing away everything Ray died for. And you know that, Kai.
KAI (cold, rising to his feet):— I knew you'd say that. Then…
(Pause. His eyes sharpen.)
— I, Kai Hayashi, Right Hand of Emperor Kairon, hereby declare war.
— And next time we meet… it will be on the battlefield.
A portal began opening behind Kai.
But before he could step through…
VOICE (commanding, charged with energy):— Looks like I showed up just in time, huh?
Everyone turned.
It was Inavy Stormbreak, standing in the doorway with arms crossed, his gaze sharp as lightning.
INAVY:— You're Kai… the former partner of Diana-sensei, right?
KAI (with a smirk):— That's right, Inavy.
INAVY (locking eyes):— I heard everything you said about Kairon… And you, as his so-called "herald," can tell him this: If he wants me…
(steps forward)— He can come get me himself.
KAI (one last look):— Soon… we will meet again.
He vanished through the portal.
LORIEN (sighing):— Damn it, Inavy… you really love making dramatic entrances, huh?
INAVY (smirking slightly):— Lorien… prepare the hardest Draft of your life.
— We need more strength. This new generation… has promise.
End of Chapter 3 – Declaration of War