"Unidentified flying vehicle, you have intruded upon the restricted area of the imperial family. Leave immediately, or you will be shot down," a mechanical voice warned.

"Please check the serial number of the shuttle. We are guests of the emperor," I replied.

The drones performed a full scan on us.

"Verification successful. A flying vehicle registered with the inner palace. Relevant individuals have been registered in the database. Entry granted." The three drones transformed from military drones to guide drones as they started showing us in.

We followed the drones and arrived at the plaza in front of the emperor's dwelling place. After getting off the shuttle, a familiar silhouette appeared before me. Master Wind and the same two Gando warriors were waiting for us at the square.

"I knew you would succeed. Looks like I wasn't wrong," said Master Wind.

"It was a very close brush with death. We nearly all died," I replied.

After the short conversation, we followed the Gandos and Master Wind to the emperor's dwelling place.

"His Majesty is in a good mood today. There might be a new request for you. Be careful," whispered Master Wind with a tug at my sleeve.

I nodded and continued following them toward...