Hyena and Vulture stood barefoot in the ocean, the warm water lapping at their ankles, waves rolling in with lazy indifference. Their instincts, however, were anything but relaxed—years of training had honed their reflexes to perfection. The flicker of movement in their peripheral vision snapped them to attention. Squeaky. The bird cut through the air like a thrown dagger.

  They eased. Just a bird.

  Then they saw the target.

  “Hey!” Hyena barked, just as Squeaky dove toward their stash of freshly caught fish. Vulture didn’t hesitate—she nocked an arrow and let it fly. Squeaky twisted midair, dodging the shot with unnatural grace. In one fluid motion, the bird swiped up three of their biggest fish, talons gripping tight, beak clutching another.

  If Squeaky had been born a ninja instead of a bird, "Sneaky" would’ve been a far more fitting name.

  The little thief soared triumphantly back to Niles, who stood near the edge of the barrier, grinning like a street vendor about to charge a desperate tourist triple the normal price.

  “Give those back!” Hyena shouted, fists on her hips.

  Niles spread his arms wide, smug as ever. “Sure… but it’s gonna co—”

  “Wait.” Vulture turned to Hyena, studying the man before them. “That’s the summoned champion? He’s uglier than I imagined.”

  Hyena leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper—just loud enough to be overheard. “He even had the nerve to ask about my love life. Can you believe that? As if he’d ever have a chance.”

  Vulture snorted. “What a creep.”

  Niles’ smirk withered. His face paled, stomach sinking into a familiar pit. The offhanded gossip, the casual dismissal—it yanked him straight back to his high school days. Repressed memories clawed their way to the surface.

  His shoulders sagged. “Let’s go, Squeaky,” he muttered, voice thick with wounded pride. The bird chirped, happily oblivious, still clutching its stolen prize.

  Hyena and Vulture turned back to their fishing, unconcerned, their laughter fading into the salty breeze.

  Felix, who had witnessed the whole thing, hesitated before speaking. “Niles, I… I’m sorry about what they said. About, uh… your ugliness.”

  Niles scoffed. “You’re too handsome. You wouldn’t get it.”

  Scanning his party for someone who might understand his pain, his gaze landed on Tesla.

  “Tesla!” Niles sniffled dramatically. “You’re the only one who can understand my suffering!”

  Tesla frowned, arms crossing. “What? Why? Are you calling me ugly too? Get away.”

  Niles pressed forward. “I just know you’ve felt rejection before.”

  Tesla twitched. The words hit deeper than they should have. He hesitated, then sighed. “Well… yeah.”

  Niles opened his arms.

  Tesla did the same.

  And together, they hugged, bound by the silent, shared tragedy of being unwanted men.

  The Xandrian soldiers working on the wooden palisades around the barrier had also been watching the commotion. One of them muttered in frustration, “How are we still not able to lure them out?!”

  Before anyone could respond, Vulcan's voice cut through the chatter. “LESS TALKING, MORE WORKING!” he barked. The soldiers flinched, instinctively straightening up. Despite technically being among the banished, Vulcan had taken charge, and they had long since accepted him as their foreman.

  Nearby, Bear had also observed the events unfold. He stroked his chin in thought. “Maybe we could bait Niles out with the promise of a date with Hyena or Vulture.” He considered it for a moment, then immediately dismissed the idea. “Nah. No one in this world could be THAT desperate.” With that, he wandered off to inspect the construction progress.

  Back inside the barrier, Niles was still sobbing into Tesla’s shoulder. “I’M JUST SO DESPERATE FOR HUMAN WARMTH!” he wailed.

  Tesla gave him an awkward but sympathetic pat on the back. “There, there. I know the feeling.”

  Lina, watching from a distance, scoffed. “Idiots. Both of them.” Her expression was unimpressed, her voice flat.

  Winston, who had been tending to her wounds, wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his courtly robe. “Just got some dust in my eyes,” he mumbled. Then, without another word, he rose to his feet and started walking toward Niles and Tesla.

  The two looked up and spread their arms invitingly.

  “Come, brother,” Niles whimpered.

  “We’re in this together,” Tesla echoed.

  But Winston simply walked past them, shaking his head. “No, thank you. I’m afraid whatever you two have is contagious.”

  Niles and Tesla immediately stopped their sniffling. Their jaws hung open in stunned silence. There was no comeback for that.

  Then Winston suddenly halted mid-step. His shoulders trembled. Tears welled in his eyes.

  “IT’S JUST SO UNFAIR!” he cried out and lunged into Niles and Tesla’s arms.

  Niles nodded solemnly through his own tears. “One of us.”

  Felix happened to stroll by at that moment, but as he passed, the trio gave him a long, silent, and strangely judgmental look. Felix had no idea why. He simply continued toward Lina, where he sat down beside her without a word.

  Meanwhile, Finn had taken a seat next to Vulcan, observing the soldiers at work. He wasn’t strong enough to fight, but he wanted to contribute in some way—to be useful, if not today, then someday.

  Vulcan, noticing the boy’s focus, spoke in a low voice. “Your time will come.”

  Finn hesitated. “But how do I know that? I’m not good at anything.”

  Vulcan sighed. “Boy.” He turned to Finn, his voice steady. “Do you think you just become good at something? Everything takes practice. Whatever thoughts you feed your mind, your brain will turn you into.”

  Finn frowned. “So I can never doubt myself?”

  Vulcan thought for a moment. “I wish I had a simple answer,” he admitted. Then, with a rare hint of warmth, he added, “Just take one step at a time. But if you doubt yourself, always remember this—you matter. And you bring something to this group that no one else can.”

  Finn nodded, a small flicker of confidence in his eyes. “Thanks.”

  Vulcan grunted and tossed a thumb over his shoulder. “Just don’t end up like that one.”

  Finn followed the direction of his gesture—to where Niles, Tesla, and Winston were still dramatically clinging to each other, lost in their collective misery.

  Finn nodded firmly. “Done.”

  The trio of Niles, Tesla, and Winston huddled together, their collective sobbing forming a pathetic little storm of self-pity. From outside the barrier, they probably looked like three tragic losers clinging to each other for emotional survival.

  But then, as suddenly as it started, Niles wiped his eyes and grinned. “Winston, what’s the status on your end?”

  Winston smirked. “Preparations are complete. The measurements should be enough. What about you?”

  Niles nodded approvingly. “Good. I like what I’m seeing. Let’s check with Vulcan—if he gives the green light, we move forward with the plan.”

  “Green light?” Tesla, still sniffling, blinked in confusion. “What... plan?”

  Niles’ grin turned devilish. “The plan to reclaim our island from the invaders and conquer their fortress, of course.”

  Tesla blinked again. “Wait—weren’t we just wallowing in despair because we’re ugly and unloved?”

  A heavy silence fell between them. Then, as if a switch had flipped, Niles and Tesla’s 'cool guy' act shattered. Fresh tears welled up in their eyes, and in perfect unison, they screamed at Tesla:

  “DON’T RUB SALT IN THE WOUND!”

  Bear surveyed the wooden palisades and fortress with satisfaction. His soldiers had worked efficiently, constructing walls, a watchtower, and a sturdy fort in less than a day. The supply of materials had run dry, and when one soldier asked if they should cut down more trees from the forest, Bear dismissed the idea. What they had was enough—there was no need to make unnecessary noise.

  Inside the fortress, tents had been pitched alongside wooden shacks, each fitted with simple beds for the troops. A larger structure, built specifically for Bear, stood in the center. He took in the sight, nodding approvingly. The sun had begun its descent, painting the sky in warm hues. It was time to set the next part of his plan in motion.

  “Start cooking,” Bear ordered.

  The soldiers moved swiftly, preparing an enormous outdoor feast. A long table was set up, laden with sizzling meats, spiced stews, and freshly grilled vegetables. Smoke and the scent of searing food drifted toward Niles’ barrier. Bear smirked.

  This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

  "This will force them out," he thought. "No man can resist the smell of a feast when he’s running low on supplies."

  Elephant approached him. "We received a proposition from Niles," he said. "He’s offering to let me enter the barrier alone to search for the holy crystal."

  Bear barely acknowledged him. "Then take a weapon."

  Elephant shook his head. "No."

  Bear finally turned, eyes narrowing. "Bring a weapon, get inside that barrier, and kill them. We take the crystal, and we go home."

  Elephant exhaled slowly. "No violence. I gave him my word."

  Bear scoffed. "Dead men don’t hold grudges over broken oaths."

  "I don’t think he has the crystal," Elephant countered. "His offer proves it. He’s an honest man."

  Bear barked out a laugh. "You’re a fool if you believe that. His words are coated in honey, meant to lure you in." His voice hardened. "Either you follow my order, or we reject the offer. And remember, if you turn him down, you’re letting down me, your brothers in the Xargian Guard, and the nation of Xandria."

  Elephant sighed, shaking his head. "Then I reject the offer."

  He turned to leave but paused, glancing back. "And you’re wrong about something."

  Bear frowned. "What’s that?"

  Elephant’s voice was quiet but firm. "I’m not letting down my family or my friends. It’s the other way around."

  He walked away, making his way toward the shimmering barrier.

  "Sir Niles!" he called out.

  A moment later, Niles appeared, his usual grin plastered on his face. "Elephant! Good to see you!"

  Elephant’s expression was apologetic. "I’m sorry, but Bear rejected your proposal."

  Niles crossed his arms. "But there was nothing for him to lose. All I offered was a chance for you to confirm for yourself whether or not I have the crystal."

  "I told him that," Elephant admitted. "But he wanted me to attack you and your party once inside."

  Niles let out a thoughtful hum. "Well, that would have been an inconvenience for us."

  Elephant chuckled. "Yeah, I imagine it would’ve been."

  Niles plopped down, resting his back against the barrier. Elephant did the same on the other side.

  "So, what happens now?" Niles asked.

  "Bear has… a different plan to get you out."

  Niles perked up. "Oh? How?"

  Elephant hesitated, then sighed. "I shouldn’t tell you, but you’ll see for yourself soon enough. He’s setting up a massive BBQ feast, hoping the smell will lure you out. He’ll even offer you a seat at the table if you surrender."

  Niles was silent for a beat before erupting into laughter. His laughter stretched on before finally settling into a small chuckle. "It must be one hell of a BBQ if he thinks that'll work."

  Elephant chuckled as well.

  "If that’s the best plan he’s got, I can sleep easy tonight," Niles said, leaning his head back with a grin.

  Squeaky sat close to Niles, gulping down the stolen fish with satisfied chirps. Elephant eyed the bird with a curious expression.

  “That bird looks familiar,” he muttered.

  “It’s my familiar,” Niles replied. “I named it Squeaky.”

  Right on cue, the bird let out a loud squeak.

  Elephant chuckled. “That’s a name, all right. About as creative as mine.”

  Niles took a deep breath, shifting the conversation. “Have you given it any thought?”

  Elephant frowned. “Thought about what?”

  Niles pressed on. “Joining us. You’d be free. And I promise, you’d have the chance to visit Dinozonia.”

  For a moment, the mention of that faraway land made Elephant pause, lost in thought. But then, reality settled back in. He shook his head.

  “Thank you for the offer, but my place and loyalty are here.” He hesitated, then added, “But…”

  Niles raised an eyebrow. “But what?”

  Elephant exhaled, crossing his arms. “Wolf.”

  Niles tensed. “That evil-punching, menacing-looking predator?!”

  Elephant let out a short laugh. “Yeah, that one. If something happens… please have mercy on him.”

  Niles studied him. “Why him? Why not anyone else?”

  Elephant’s presence seemed to wane, as if his mind was drifting back to another time. “I was just a young boy when they brought Wolf in. He was only a toddler. Couldn’t even walk yet. But in the Xargian Guard, we start training young.” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “I won’t bore you with the details, but… I’ve looked after him since.”

  Another silence. Then, as if deciding the conversation was over, Elephant stood up.

  “I’ll be on my way, Sir Niles.”

  “Wait,” Niles called after him. He glanced at Squeaky, then gave the bird a slight nod. Understanding the signal, Squeaky hopped onto his arm, and with a gentle toss, Niles sent the bird gliding toward Elephant.

  “Make contact with my familiar,” Niles instructed.

  Elephant reached out, letting the bird land on his arm. The moment they touched, Niles’s voice echoed in his head.

  My familiar can transfer messages through contact. Keep it a secret for now.

  Elephant’s eyes widened slightly as realization struck. He turned back to Niles. “So… everything that happened at the capital?”

  Niles smiled, already walking away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, his voice warm and knowing.

  Squeaky flapped back to Niles, and this time, Elephant’s voice rang in his head. I wish you luck, Sir Niles.

  And just like that, their paths diverged.

  Niles strolled over to Vulcan, who was inspecting the latest construction efforts with a critical eye.

  “Are you satisfied with their work?” Niles asked.

  Vulcan scoffed from the ground. “Satisfied? These amateurs would need a thousand years before I’d be satisfied!” He squinted, eyeing the structures again. “But… for something built this fast, I suppose it’s not too shabby.”

  Niles cracked his fingers. “All right. Time to begin.”

  Niles signaled Felix to be ready.

  He then strolled to the edge of the barrier, where a long banquet table stretched before him, laden with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and foaming drinks—an absolute feast prepared for the Xandrian troops. The scent alone was enough to weaken a man's resolve.

  Bear stood by the table, arms crossed, his voice a mix of amusement and provocation. “Oh, you’re just in time,” he said, his tone dripping with mischief. “Feeling hungry?”

  Niles eyed the food. “That does look delicious.”

  Bear chuckled. “You’re free to eat. Just step out of that barrier, take a seat, and have as much as you want.” His voice lowered. “But you better decide quickly—the rest of the troops will be here soon, and once they’re settled in, well… let’s just say your little safe zone won’t matter much.”

  Niles exhaled, tilting his head. “So let me get this straight—you’ll let me and my friends eat if we sit at the table?”

  Bear nodded. “Of course. Better to dine here than starve in there.” He let out a low laugh. “Of course, once you’ve eaten your fill, I’ll be waiting. Consider this a declaration of war.” He spread his arms wide, his laughter rolling through the air like thunder.

  Niles chuckled too. Then he laughed harder.

  Bear’s laughter boomed louder in response.

  But as Bear tapered off, Niles only got louder. His laughter shifted, growing unhinged, until he threw his arms out wide, cackling like a madman. His grin stretched ear to ear, eyes glinting with something dangerously clever.

  Bear squinted. “Are you… all right in the head?”

  “Never felt better!” Niles declared, still grinning. “And thank you for the food.”

  Bear frowned. “What—”

  Before he could finish, Niles flicked his wrist, and a glowing window appeared in the air before him. Bear caught a glimpse—three choices, like upgrade options on a status screen. Niles’s finger moved fast, selecting the middle one.

  A new confirmation screen flashed.

  [Selection acknowledged. Size Matters I locked in]

  Niles inhaled deeply. Then—

  “BARRIER!”

  A glowing support window shimmered into view beside him:

  [Barrier-ish: 1,000 m2 of 11,000 m2 used]

  Niles exhaled slowly, his grin widening. “Our counterattack begins now.”

  Bear’s amusement faded. “Wait… what?”

  Then he saw it.

  Niles moved his hand, and the barrier responded. It surged outward, stretching beyond the small space he’d been confined to. It spilled past the palisades, swept through the fortress, reached the beached ships, and, most importantly, enveloped the entire banquet table.

  The barrier expanded like creeping fog, swallowing supplies, weapons, and everything in its path.

  “WHAT'S GOING ON?!” Bear bellowed.

  Across the beach, shouts rang out.

  “CONTACT THE COMMANDER!”

  “THE BARRIER GREW!”

  “WE CAN’T REACH THE SUPPLIES OR WEAPONS!”

  But Niles wasn’t listening.

  He strolled up to the long table, sat himself down, and grabbed a skewer of sizzling meat.

  “Everyone!” he called out cheerfully. “It’s time to eat!”

  Bear, now standing outside the barrier, gawked in disbelief. As the barrier borders grew he had been pushed out by an invisible force.

  Niles shot him a wink. “I’ll take you up on your offer, Bear. Thanks for the meal.”

  Bear stammered, “No, you can’t do this! It’s not right!”

  With a roar, he transformed, his body swelling into the monstrous shape of a bear. His claws slashed at the barrier, fangs gnawing at its invisible surface, but the magic held firm. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t break through.

  Several Xargian guards rushed to his side.

  “BEAR!” shouted a guard wearing a snarling shark helmet. “We can’t get through the barrier!”

  Bear stood frozen, his mind racing. His men looked to him for orders, but no words came.

  A guard with a crocodile-engraved helmet called out, “Bear! What are your orders?!”

  But Bear remained silent, his massive form looming in stillness.

  Meanwhile, inside the barrier, Niles’s party gathered around the table. Felix carried Lina, while Tesla and Winston hauled Vulcan under his arms. Finn strolled in, looking like he had just arrived at a family picnic.

  Niles grinned, spreading his arms. “Dig in, everyone!” His tone carried the satisfaction of a man who had personally grilled every piece of meat to perfection.

  Bear coughed awkwardly. “Uh… Sir Niles?”

  Niles turned his head in exaggerated curiosity. “Yeeeeees?”

  Bear tensed. “Might we… eat as well?”

  Niles hummed, nodding as if considering it, all while piling food onto his own plate. “Hmm. I could be wrong, but didn’t you just declare war on us?”

  The Xargian guards immediately pounced on their leader.

  “BEAR! WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS?!” Shark barked.

  Hyena and Vulture, their hunger overriding any sense of loyalty, jumped in. “YOU APOLOGIZE TO THIS NICE, HANDSOME MAN RIGHT NOW!”

  Crocodile folded his arms. “A true leader knows there’s no fighting during a barbecue.”

  The rest of the guards grumbled in agreement, suddenly more interested in securing a meal than following their commander’s lead. Bear, who moments ago had been a raging beast, now looked more like a guilty cub caught raiding the pantry.

  With a heavy sigh, he muttered, “I apologize.”

  Niles smirked. “Hmm. Not convinced.”

  “Yeah, Bear, you gotta sound convincing!” Vulture added.

  “A real leader knows how to make a genuine apology,” Crocodile remarked wisely—though mostly just hungrily.

  Bear groaned, then dropped to his knees, pressing his forehead against the ground. “I apologize, Sir Niles.”

  Niles tapped his chin. “And didn’t you laugh at my nation’s name?”

  Bear exhaled through gritted teeth. “I apologize, Sir Niles, the merciful ruler of…” He hesitated, then glanced up. “Wait, what was the name again?”

  Niles nodded approvingly. “Niceland.”

  Bear let out a slow, defeated breath. “I apologize, Sir Niles, merciful ruler of Niceland. Would you allow us to dine with you?”

  Niles pretended to consider. “Hmm. I need to consult with my advisors. But first...”

  He turned away from the pleading Bear, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Elephant. The towering Xargian stood still, watching with quiet amusement.

  Niles walked up to him, holding his plate of different grilled food. “Good evening, Elephant.”

  “Sir Niles,” Elephant greeted, his voice steady.

  Without a word, Niles extended the plate, offering it to him. Elephant took it—and to Bear’s shock, the food phased right through the barrier.

  Elephant chuckled, shaking his head. “Well played. You really got us.”

  Niles grinned. “Thanks for sharing food with Finn earlier.”

  Elephant glanced at the plate, then at his starving comrades. “Would you mind if I shared this with the others?”

  Niles smiled. “Of course. It’s yours.” He turned his gaze back to Bear and smirked. “After all, I’m a merciful ruler… according to your commander.”

  They both laughed, and Niles returned to his party.

  Elephant, true to his nature, distributed the entire plate to his fellow soldiers—taking nothing for himself.

  Niles huddled with his friends, who were eating and drinking like the world was ending tomorrow. He let the question hang in the air: "What do you all want to do?"

  The feast was enough to fill the bellies of Bear’s entire small army, yet they hesitated. Ideas floated between them, but Niles had already settled on one. His gaze landed on Vulcan, the old smith, who was busy gulping down a drink with one hand while gripping a hunk of grilled mutton in the other.

  "Vulcan," Niles said, voice measured.

  The blacksmith barely glanced up. "What?" he grunted.

  Niles leaned in, lowering his voice. "If we negotiate right, we might get to see the faces of the Xargian Guard."

  Vulcan’s expression didn’t change, still uninterested. "So?"

  Niles didn’t let up. "I’m not saying it’s likely… but if we did, do you think you’d recognize your stolen child?"

  That struck like a hammer to steel. The old smith stilled, his drink frozen halfway to his lips. Slowly, his gaze shifted across the battlefield of food toward the Xargian Guards standing together, their metal helmets concealing their identities. His grip on the mug tightened.

  Finally, he gave a slow, firm nod. "Aye. I hope so. Let’s do it."

  Niles straightened and turned toward Bear, calling out across the gathering. "We’re ready to negotiate!"

  Bear exhaled in relief—maybe this meant he could still enjoy his damn barbecue.

  But before Bear could celebrate, Niles raised a hand. "One condition," he said, pausing just long enough to build tension. "We can’t negotiate properly with your beastly helmets on. Every single one of you needs to take them off."