1 PEACE AND REVOLT

In the eons that followed the Celestial's enforced repose, humanity descended into a maelstrom of war and strife, a ceaseless cycle of conflict that consumed all in its path. The thirst for power and control was insatiable, and those who sought to wield it did so with a cold, calculating efficiency, manipulating the masses with their vile propaganda and cruel edicts.

Yet amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope remained. The legend of the Celestial lived on, a beacon of inspiration that called to the hearts of all those who yearned for justice and freedom. From all corners of the world, men and women raised arms against the forces of evil, their minds set upon a singular goal: to do what was right, no matter the cost.

For them, the stakes were too high to ignore. They fought not for personal glory or material wealth, but for the very survival of humanity itself. And as they marched into battle, the spirit of the Celestial burned within them, driving them forward with a fierce and unyielding determination.

Their enemies were many, and their resources were few, but they knew that the righteousness of their cause would carry them through. They fought for peace, for prosperity, for a world where justice and freedom reigned supreme. And they would not rest until that world had been achieved.

Throughout the annals of military history, there were few greater figures than those who followed in the footsteps of the Celestial, upholding the ideals of justice and protection that had been passed down to them by their forebears. Their valor and courage in the face of overwhelming odds inspired their people to stand firm against the forces of evil, to fight for what was right no matter the cost.

Yet, despite their best efforts, the whims of fate were cruel and unforgiving. Time and time again, humanity was plunged into the depths of chaos and despair, their very survival hanging in the balance. The hand of God seemed fickle and capricious, testing them with trials that few could hope to endure.

In the end, the human race emerged battered and scarred, their numbers decimated by war and suffering. But they had passed the test, the ultimate trial of faith and endurance. For all the loss and heartache, they had endured, they had emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before.

And as they looked to the future, they saw hope on the horizon. They knew that, no matter what the future held, they could draw strength from the example of those who had come before them, from the teachings of the Celestial and the legacy of those who had fought and died for the cause of justice and freedom. With these lessons as their guide, they would march forward into a new age, determined to build a better world for themselves and for future generations.

The toll of war was staggering, its merciless grip snatching away the very fabric of society in a blink of an eye. Mothers wept for their lost sons, fathers were left with nothing but their shattered dreams, and soldiers who were about to embrace fatherhood themselves were robbed of everything they held dear.

The world groaned under the weight of its collective grief, as the blood of countless innocents flowed like rivers in the wake of the conflict. But even in the darkest of hours, there were those who still held on to hope, clinging to the belief that some divine force would intervene and deliver them from the abyss.

For Royce, the loyal servant of Dronzer, this hope was all that remained. It had been nearly ten thousand years since he had last laid eyes on his master, and the memory of that final parting still burned in his heart like a white-hot flame.

But even as the centuries passed, Royce refused to give up on the possibility of his master's return. He knew that the Celestial's legacy lived on, a beacon of hope that could never be extinguished, and that someday, somehow, Dronzer would come back to lead the fight against the forces of darkness once more.

And so he waited, his eyes fixed upon the horizon, his heart beating with the rhythm of a thousand generations. For in his soul, he knew that the day of reckoning was coming, and that when it did, he and his master would be ready to face it head on.

As Royce rose from his chair, his mind drifted to the one he served so faithfully, Dronzer, the person whose memory still burned bright in his heart. The thought of his master's absence left a bitter taste in Royce's mouth, for he knew that Dronzer had always cherished the simple pleasures of life - the warmth of the sun on his face, the smell of spring blossoms, the sound of laughter echoing through the air.

But even as Royce missed his master, he couldn't help but smile at the memory of Dronzer's infectious grin, the way his eyes would light up with joy whenever they shared a moment of levity together.

With a heavy heart, Royce set out to start his day at the Vanguard Academy, a place of learning and education for the young buds in the modern society. As he soared through the clear blue skies of Japan, his mind raced with thoughts of the past, present, and future, each moment blending seamlessly into the next.

The air was fresh and clean, as it always was in this season of renewal and rebirth. But even as Royce basked in the natural beauty that surrounded him, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at the thought of his master's absence.

Still, he soldiered on, determined to carry on Dronzer's legacy of service and sacrifice, to do his part in bringing about a brighter future for all. For in his heart, Royce knew that his master's spirit lived on, a guiding light that would never be extinguished, no matter what challenges lay ahead.

Royce spotted two familiar students in white uniforms from Vanguard Academy as he descended from the skies. It was Benjiro and Chiharu, who were discussing the latest update on a video game

"Hey, Benjiro! Check it out! It's the latest update on the next part of this video game! What do you say... How about we bunk out before lunch break is over?" Chiharu exclaimed, waving his phone in excitement.

Benjiro took a quick glance at the screen and nodded his head in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. I'm up for it."

Royce, who had overheard their conversation from above, landed gracefully on the ground behind them. "Boys, as much as I appreciate your enthusiasm for video games, skipping classes is not the answer. You are students of Vanguard Academy, and education should be your top priority," he said sternly.

Chiharu rolled his eyes, "Come on, director, it's just one class. We'll catch up on the notes later."

Royce shook his head, "Oh really?"

Benjiro nodded in quick agreement, "Director is right. Let's not do anything that might get us into trouble."

Chiharu let out a sigh, "Fine. But can we at least talk about the game during lunch break?"

Royce smiled, "Of course. I don't see any harm in discussing a game during your lunch break. Now, let's head to our classes before we're late."

Royce's lips curled into a sardonic smile as he towered over the two quivering students, who cowered under his gaze. Benjiro couldn't help but imagine the numerous diabolical punishments that the director must have concocted in his mind. Chiharu stuttered nervously as he struggled to come up with a convincing excuse, but Royce wasn't one to be fooled.

Chiharu spoke nervously,' Y-Yes director. We were just planning on giving it our best at School today, the same as usual of course. Hahaha...'

"Same as usual?" Royce repeated with a hint of disdain in his voice. "Is that what you call getting caught smuggling porn magazines into your classroom every other day? It appears that you require a lesson in manners." His smile took on a darker edge as he contemplated the appropriate punishment for their disobedience.

Royce softened his expression and addressed the two students. "I understand that there are certain things that may tempt you at your age. However, it is important to recognize that these things can become addictive and harmful. You need to be mindful of your actions and the consequences they may have. As for the video games, what's this about?"

Benjiro quickly spoke up. "Yes, Director. We were talking about checking out a new video game store in the entertainment district after school. We thought it would be a good way to relax and unwind."

Royce nodded. "I see. Just make sure that you are not letting your studies suffer. Remember, your education is important and should be your top priority."

Chiharu whispered to Benjiro, "Hey, do you think the director is feeling charitable today? I can't remember the last time he was so kind."

Benjiro shrugged his shoulders and replied, "I have no idea, but I'm not going to complain about it. It's better than him yelling at us for once."

As they walked towards the school gate, Chiharu couldn't resist asking, "Do you think we should still try to sneak out to the video game store after school?"

Benjiro thought for a moment and then shook his head, "Nah, I don't want to risk it. The director might change his mind and come looking for us. Plus, he did give us some good advice about not getting addicted to certain things."

Chiharu looked surprised at Benjiro's response. He was used to his friend being the more carefree and rebellious one. "You know what, you're right. Maybe we should just stay in school and do what we're supposed to do. But why would you say that?"

Chiharu continued, "You're the fun-loving guy who never cares about what the teachers think of us."

Benjiro smiled and replied, "Well, Chiharu, you're not wrong, but I think we should be responsible for our actions. The director is a wise man, and he cares for us. We should listen to what he says and learn from him."

Chiharu looked at Benjiro with a newfound admiration, "I see. You're right. I think I should start being more responsible too." Benjiro chuckled, "Hey, don't get too serious now. We can still have fun, but we should do it responsibly." Chiharu nodded, "Yeah, you're right. Let's go to School now and learn something new today."

Benjiro smiled and patted Chiharu on the back, "There you go. It's good to be responsible once in a while."

As Royce listened to Benjiro and Chiharu's conversation from high above, he couldn't help but reflect on how quickly the two were maturing. With a knowing grin, he thought to himself, "They're growing up so fast. How time flies." Satisfied with his observation, Royce decided it was time to head back to his office.

Unbeknownst to him, however, there were two shadowy figures lurking in the distance, keeping a close eye on his every move.

The two shadowy figures loomed in the darkness, their faces concealed by masks. They were agents of a highly classified organization, with a singular goal: to gain world domination. These agents were not known by their names, but instead by numbers, further adding to their mystique.

"Is that our target, 23?" queried 95, peering through his binoculars at the man they had been following.

"No," responded 23, his voice low and steady. "Our intel reports indicate that we're after a coffin. It's said to contain a powerful being, one that's been sealed away for centuries. I don't know the specifics, but it's a risk we can't afford to ignore."

"Interesting," mused 95. "But why go through all this trouble for a coffin? What's so special about it?"

"The reports suggest that our enemies are also after it," explained 23. "We have to act fast before they find it first. This could be our only chance to get revenge for our fallen comrades and take down those monsters once and for all." He paused for a moment before continuing with a determined voice. "I'm placing my bet on whoever or whatever is inside that coffin. They could be our ultimate weapon in this fight."

"I don't believe in resurrecting the dead to take down our enemies," 95 queried.

"You're not quite getting the picture, 95," 23 responded.

"The intel indicates that there's a powerful entity sealed within the coffin. It's doubtful that it's deceased. This is all I can disclose. The brass thinks that subordinates like us aren't privy to such information."

95 mulled over the idea for some time before asking, "If we do this, can we finally do justice to our fallen comrades and break free of our numerical identities?"

23 met 95's gaze with steely determination. "We owe it to them, 95. We cannot let their sacrifice be for nothing. We must seize every opportunity to live fully in their honor. That's what they would want if they were here with us."

Looking up at the boundless blue sky, 95 smiled at the memory of their comrades. "You better believe it. We'll show you guys that we're still standing tall."

With a deep exhale, 23 asked, "Are you prepared, 95?"

Without hesitation, 95 nodded. "Absolutely. Let's get this done."