—Who the hell is Zero? —Saico asked, clearly clueless about what had just happened.


    —The leader of the beasts, —Ziggy replied with a serious tone. His expression betrayed his concern. He couldn’t understand why a high-ranking beast like Pardo was in City Sven-1. Normally, the Primordials don’t stray too far from Route 66.


    While Ziggy tried to process the situation, Max broke the silence.


    —Where’s BJ?


    Ziggy explained that BJ had asked him to keep watch over the city that night for personal reasons. However, Max’s question made him think.


    —Do you think he’s already finished his espionage mission in Route 66? —Max asked cautiously.


    That’s when it all clicked for Ziggy. A spark of realization crossed his face as he responded,


    —That must be it! BJ completed the mission, but the beasts must have discovered him. That’s why they sent Pardo here… they’re after him!


    Everything made sense now. Ziggy knew he needed to call a meeting with the other LEGATUS and the Captain to inform them of the situation. However, there was still something unresolved: Saico. Ziggy extended his hand to help him up and, as he did, he uttered the same words Leppart had told him five years ago:


    —Follow me, and you’ll get the answers you’re looking for.


    Max couldn’t help but warn him,


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.—Ziggy, don’t turn this kid into an Elemental.


    But Ziggy, fully aware of their lack of manpower and the number of beasts still roaming free, decided to take him along anyway.


    Saico, confused but intrigued, agreed to follow them. He had no idea what he was getting himself into, but he was certain this was where he’d find the answers he needed.


    A few hours later, they arrived at the outskirts of City Sven-1, where the Elementals’ base was located. Saico stared at the structure in disbelief.


    —That’s a base? —he asked, looking at the dilapidated shack that seemed on the verge of collapse.


    Once inside, his surprise was immense. Beneath the surface lay an impressive underground complex filled with advanced technology and bustling activity.


    —This is insane! —Saico exclaimed, astonished.


    Eventually, they reached the Captain’s office, where the other LEGATUS were already waiting for them. Ziggy wasted no time and got straight to the point.


    —We ran into Pardo in the city.


    —AND YOU DIDN’T KILL HIM?! —a furious voice interrupted. It was Reckless, the Earth Elemental and the strongest of the LEGATUS.


    Ziggy turned to him, holding his ground.


    —You know it takes more than one to take down a beast like Pardo.


    Reckless, though he knew this, wasn’t satisfied with the response.


    —You’re just not trying hard enough!


    Whisper Wind and BJ stepped in to diffuse the tension. They couldn’t afford to argue among themselves; there were more pressing matters at hand.


    —Why the meeting? —BJ asked.


    —Because of you, —Ziggy replied.


    —Me?


    Ziggy explained the reason behind Pardo’s unexpected presence in the city. Everyone knew how meticulous BJ was in his missions, especially in a dangerous place like Route 66. For the beasts to have discovered him was deeply unsettling.


    BJ nodded slowly before delivering his report:


    —Pardo’s words weren’t just random threats meant to scare us. Zero is almost fully recovered. It’s only a matter of time before he’s ready to fight again.


    The room fell silent as the weight of that revelation sank in. Finally, BJ asked,


    —Anything else to add?


    —Yes! —Whisper Wind interjected, her gaze shifting to Saico.


    —That boy Ziggy brought… is he going to become an Elemental?