"Commander, is that really you?" Hugo asked.
"Yes, it’s me," Zia replied with an amused tone.
She had appointed Hugo as his personal bodyguard in the 69th Battalion because the latter had been one of his former hosts.
In the past, this gentle bronze golem wished to become a hero, but before its dream could come true, it died a tragic death to protect those whom it held sacred.
Seeing his flustered reaction, Zia smiled in amusement. Not that she was that much better, but it was obvious that her friend had very little experience with women.
Not wanting to tease him, she shifted his attention to Hans, who had also come to check Zion’s situation.
"Young Master, Lady Callista asked me not to leave your side, so please, don’t send me away again," Hans said helplessly. "She gave me a good scolding after she heard the news of your kidnapping."
"I’m sorry, Hans," Zia replied. "I cannot promise you that. There are things you can do without being by my side that are just as important. In fact, it might even be life-threatening. So please, if I ask you to do something for me, even if it means that you need to be away from me, please do it. My life depends on it."
Hans hesitated before sighing. "As you wish, Young Master. But please, explain it to Lady Callista afterward."
"Understood." Zia nodded before shifting her attention to Colbert. "Colbert, tomorrow, I will need you to carry out some errands for me. I hope you don’t mind."
"I will do anything you say, Young Master," Colbert answered. "Please don’t hesitate to count on me."
"Thank you." Zia smiled. "By the way, I heard that Vincent and Penny are selling my pictures to our soldiers and the Valkyries. Confiscate those pictures and make sure they return the money to their owners."
Colbert chuckled before giving a salute. "Yes, My Lady."
He then left in order to carry out Zion’s orders, but he believed that it would be futile.
He was certain that Vincent and Penny had prepared backup copies, and would once again resume their little business when things died out.
Little did Thirteen know that Roland had briefly returned to Solterra and showed Taiga Zia’s picture. The Hero naturally had ulterior motives when he showed that picture.
He was even planning to say a few words to dig a pit for Taiga, but before he could even say anything, the Tigerkin already fell in love with the young lady in the picture.
The pitiful fool even begged Roland to introduce them. The Hero even acted a bit reluctant before agreeing to arrange a meeting between Taiga and Zia. The tigerkin was so happy, not knowing how hysterically Roland was laughing inside.
In fact, Erica and Shana, who had also acquired Zia’s pictures through Sherry, had shared it with Zion’s family, almost giving Gerald a heart attack.
He thought that his son had permanently turned into a girl, making him feel complicated.
Mikhail and Shasha, on the other hand, found this quite amusing.
Shasha even stated that she was a little jealous of Zia, saying it was unfair that she was more beautiful than her.
Of course, Lady Callista also received this picture. She even decided to print it to hang as a portrait before framing it in the Leventis Residence.
The next day, Colbert left Casimir City in order to do Zia’s bidding.
The first order his Commander gave him was that he should take these attack helicopters to the Cygni Continent.
These helicopters were specially modified by Zion, allowing them to overcome the restrictions that were placed on the technological equipment.
In fact, the Mechas of the Apoc Rangers were still working properly because they were also made from special materials that came from Jinn Parts.
Also, their power source was something that belonged to the Treasury of the Apocalypse, which Metatron had freely given him as their sponsor.
The second order was to let Jubei know that he could no longer get direct orders from Zion at the moment, so he was free to make decisions on his own.
Last but not the least, he told his grandfather to tell everyone that they should fight without relying on any forms of technology.
They should just focus on pure abilities, which was the only way to fight his war.
Zia was also informed that satellite imagery was no longer working in the continent. All they could see was a vast swath of darkness in the place where the Cygni Continent was.
This meant that they could no longer pinpoint and observe the movements of the Jinns.
The Wanderers had grown accustomed to their superior technology. Now that they could no longer use it, they felt like blind people groping in the dark.
That morning after breakfast, Thirteen had gathered everyone to an assembly of sorts.
Camazotz and Zapar’s second in command, the Majin Commander, Mason, were present as well.
"As you may already know, we can no longer monitor our enemies using normal means," Zia said calmly. "As such, we need to employ scouts, so our enemies can’t sneak attack us.
"During the day, it will be the Wanderers scouting the surroundings. At night, it will be the Jinns. Our ally, Camazotz, will also do some spy work by traveling near Velmusa City. While it is not finalized, the Artemians may be our allies at the moment.
"I’m sure they will send a representative here in Casimir City as soon as they sort out the problems on their side. Until then, I want everyone to be on full alert. There is no telling when this war will start, but I assure you that when it does, it will not end until a side has won."
Zia didn’t say which side would likely win. Frankly, the Wanderers were now at a disadvantage.
The Jinns were superior in every way and were used to fighting without any technological weapons on their side.
They were in their natural element, and the Wanderers needed to fight them without holding back.
Zia was certain that Prince Aurelion would soon make his move.
And his first target would be none other than Casimir City, where they were currently at.
Truth be told, Zia was certain that they wouldn’t win in a direct confrontation.
Unless the Artemians reached out to them, they would be like sitting ducks, waiting for their hunters to come knocking on their doors.