"It is the Gate of Truth. I like to call it that," Gaia replied. "It will reveal astonishing realities we have all been blind to... but this truth may be too heavy for you, driving you to madness. If you wish to live in pleasant illusions for the time being, I won't stop you. But if you truly want to know the reality and secrets of this world, I advise you to step inside."

Leonis spoke with a resolute tone: "I will enter. If you two choose not to, I won't stop you... but I must know the truth. I must know what changed you like this, Father."

Gaia smiled confidently, saying: "Trust me, my son, you will know. And you might even change as I have... but don't be afraid. Once you learn the truth, you will thank me for what I've done."

Leonis felt vexed by his words but resolved to see the truth first before judging him.

Youssef stood, uncertain. He usually waited for Akira to act before deciding, as he disliked taking risks or starting anything without someone else's encouragement. He remembered Noor, who always pulled him everywhere, and wished he were with him now to see the horrors unfolding. After a long internal struggle, Akira decided to follow Leonis.

I knew it, Youssef thought to himself. That reckless fool always manages to get us into the worst situations.

Leonis stepped into the gate. Before Akira followed, he paused for a moment and asked: "Did your machines kill my wife and children?"

Gaia stared at him in silence, then replied: "No... I don't believe your wife died here."

"Then why do I feel that your robots are the ones who killed her?"

"You will know why when you enter the Gate. You will know everything."

Gaia sat cross-legged on the floor, clasped his hands, and closed his eyes. The crystal hanging on his chest began to glow with a bright, attention-grabbing light.

Youssef watched in astonishment, then snapped out of his trance, seeing that Akira had hurried through the gate. Youssef quickly followed.

Little Eliano panted as he told the elder that they were under attack.

"Have we found Gaia?" the elder asked, his facial muscles tense and contracted.

"No, not Gaia. It looks like the followers of Gladious!"

The elder's eyes widened in terror, and the atmosphere grew strained. "Then Gladious has betrayed us and joined Gaia!"

The elder ordered Garen to prepare the soldiers and reinforce the defenses. Garen immediately ran outside, while Omar and Iyad stood in confusion.

"Are those Gladious's followers?" Omar asked.

Menora replied anxiously: "Yes, I believe they are."

Iyad felt a shiver run down his spine at her words, and he spoke with a trembling voice: "Can we... can we go back to Atlantis?"

"I'll go with you and guide you back to Atlantis," Menora said. "Now, follow me."

She headed outside, signaling for them to follow. They ran after her as she led them down a side path that bypassed the town, moving through trees with shining blue leaves. They kept pace behind her without stopping for a moment. She appeared so agile and fast that even with their suits, they couldn't outrun her.

After a long period of running, they reached a high plateau overlooking the entire island. Menora stopped, panting, and scanned the horizon to show them the way. She then caught sight of the city burning in the distance. She gasped and began to weep.

"What's happening? What did you see?" Omar asked her.

Tears streaming from her eyes, she cried: "The city is burning."

Both Omar and Iyad looked toward the horizon, seeing flames and smoke billowing up from the city. Iyad angrily kicked the ground. "Damn it! Why is all this happening?"

Omar looked at the rising flames. "We're going to save the city."

Iyad stared at him, incredulous. "What? We have to go back! This is no time to play the hero! Accept the truth; we are in a harsh, unforgiving world. If you go now, you won't come back, and no one will ever know the truth. We are the only ones who know the truth, and we must warn everyone before Atlantis is destroyed."

Omar was silent for a moment, then sighed and said: "You can go, but I'm staying. This is my final decision... The Astra have suffered enough, and this shouldn't be happening to them. They don't deserve this."

Iyad lost his temper. "You are so stubborn! Fine, I'm going then. Don't blame me when you get crushed by those terrifying creatures."

Menora spoke with a firm tone: "You must go with him, Omar... Staying here could kill you. Your people need to know the truth. Now, go. This is not your war."

"It is my war, and I won't leave. Don't try to convince me. When I make up my mind, nothing in the world can change it."

Iyad snapped: "Leave him! He's a pig-headed wretch."

Menora thanked Omar, pointed Iyad toward the passage, and explained how to get back. Iyad bade them a sour farewell, muttering protests about Omar's decision.

Menora plunged into the forest toward the city, with Omar following cautiously. They darted right and left through the trees and paths until Omar heard the grinding sound and horrors of battle drawing near. Knowing they were close, Omar asked Menora a question that had been bothering him:

"How did you gain these strange powers?"

"From Gladious. That wretch promised us a secret that would allow us to defeat Gaia. He began genetically modifying us so we could acquire these abilities, intending to use us in the war. Because this planet is saturated with the unending power of the Crystal of Life—which supports and enhances natural forces, increases plants, animals, and trees, and maintains the stability of nature's forces on this planet—the best ability for us was to control the elements of nature and draw our strength from the Crystal of Life, whose power pervades every atom in the air via the jewels we wear around our necks. But despite this, we failed, because we are not a warrior race, and few of us can fight skillfully."

"Then why is he attacking you now?"

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