Chapter 49: The Dance Disaster

Chapter 49: The Dance DisasterChapter 49:

"Yeah, yeah, work later — today, we party!" Aiden declared with the enthusiasm of a man escaping paperwork. He was already halfway down the hall. "Great chicken, here I come!" he shouted, practically sprinting toward the Prime Hall like it owed him money.

The others exchanged looks and shook their heads with amused, weary smiles. Sometimes they wondered if Aiden had ever been serious about anything, or if he just wore seriousness like a coat—only during meetings and funerals.

One by one, the rest got up and left.


Han paused and turned toward Ronan. "You not coming?"

Ronan, who had chosen to stay and live in Serenya until the cursed organization was wiped out, shook his head. "Not sure yet. I... need to visit her."

Han nodded, already knowing who he meant—the little girl Ronan had brought back from their mission. He’d heard her story. Everyone had. A victim of the cursed serum. Lost her brother. Rarely spoke. Always staring at the ceiling like it held answers.

"Let her come too," Han said gently. "It might cheer her up."

Ronan didn’t reply, but part of him hoped that Han was right.

A few minutes later, he opened the door to a small room dimly lit by sunlight seeping through the curtains. The girl was lying on her bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling like usual. When she noticed him, she turned her head slowly.

"Had you kill them?" she asked, straight to the point.



Ronan sighed and sat beside her. She reminded him too much of himself at her age. Quiet. Angry. Empty.

"No," he said honestly.

"Then what are you doing here?" she asked, still looking up.

"I want to show you something."

She finally turned to him, her face blank. "What is it?"

"Ever seen a multicolored star?"

She shook her head.

"Then follow me," Ronan said.

A few minutes later, she was dressed up—surprisingly beautifully for a kid who rarely moved—and sitting on Ronan’s shoulders as he carried her to the Prime Hall. The city was bursting with life. Music, laughter, lights—it was Serenya’s 76th Anniversary, and the people were celebrating like tomorrow had been canceled.

She watched kids laughing and running around. After a moment, she frowned.

"Put me down. I’m not a baby."

Ronan nodded and lowered her to the ground. "As you wish."

Just then, a booming voice echoed across the hall:

"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! It’s time for tonight’s highlight event! Two dancers! One stage! A battle of rhythm, style, and... questionable choices! YOU decide who’s better!"

The crowd roared as two familiar figures stepped onto the platform.

Ronan froze.

His eye twitched.

It was none other than Aiden and Ron.

Seriously? Ronan shook his head. What are those two idiots doing up there.

"You think you’re a better dancer than me?" Aiden challenged, cracking his knuckles like he was about to enter a martial arts tournament.

"I know I am," Ron retorted, his arms crossed like a diva.

"Let the battle begin!"

The music started. And with it, all traces of dignity vanished.

Aiden launched into a wild flurry of headbanging and erratic movements that made it look like he was being electrocuted by invisible electricity. He spun. He flailed. At one point, he twerked so violently that several elderly guests dropped their drinks.

Ron was no better. He stomped his feet like he was fighting the floor itself, then flung his arms into the sky like he was hailing UFOs. A child started crying. Another one clapped and yelled, "Do it again!"

"You see?" Aiden puffed out his chest. "They LOVE it!"

"They’re laughing at you, not with you," Ron snapped.

"They’re laughing because of my brilliance!"

"They’re laughing because you dance like a possessed turkey!"

Han, watching from afar, had veins popping from his temple. His fingers twitched. He wasn’t sure what was worse—their dancing or the fact they looked proud of it.

Meanwhile, Aiden wasn’t done.

"You leave me no choice... Time to activate: Booty Bomb Mode!"

He turned around and began shaking his butt with such intensity, several maidens gasped.

Ron panicked. He’s gaining favor! So, he summoned his signature hammer. A small toy-sized one appeared in his palm, then rapidly grew until it towered above him. With a roar, he slammed it into the ground like a dancing blacksmith, sending shockwaves across the hall.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Not to be outdone, Aiden activated his Green Gorilla Fist, morphing his arms into massive limbs and slamming the ground like a jungle titan. The two danced. Or rather, fought the dance floor. Each shockwave stronger than the last.

Guests were falling out of their chairs. Wine spilled. A cake collapsed.

"Clara shook her head with a sigh so heavy it could crush a mountain. "If someone doesn’t stop them, they’re going to turn the anniversary into a national disaster."

Han had already moved.

The two sensed a shadow behind them and froze mid-move.

"Inferno Rush."

A flaming fist slammed into both their backs, launching them like rockets.



They crashed into the distance, leaving twin craters smoking behind the hall.

The crowd fell silent... then exploded with applause.

"AND THAT," the host shouted, "was the most explosive performance of the night!"

"Sorry, everyone," Han said, stepping onto the stage like a seasoned host. "Now presenting the actual dance team!"

The crowd erupted in cheers as the true performers entered — a graceful group that danced with actual rhythm, coordination, and most importantly... dignity.

Unlike the two disasters who were currently buried in a crater outside.

Once the beautiful routine ended, the stage lit up again as a group of children climbed up, including Rin, Xin, and a few more.

Ronan’s eye twitched the moment he spotted a familiar face among them.

"...Tell me why she’s up there," he muttered.

Kira, looking like a lost duckling in a crowd of confident goslings, was awkwardly glancing around. She had only wandered into the venue out of curiosity, and before she could blink, she was somehow onstage with the others.

"Xin, sing us a tune!" someone from the crowd called out.

Xin smiled confidently and began singing. The boys played instruments — trumpet, piano, drums. Then, suddenly, Kira was handed a mic.

Rin patted her head. "You got this."

Spoiler alert: She did not got this.

The moment she opened her mouth, it sounded like a seagull having a panic attack.

The crowd burst into laughter. Poor Kira froze, her face bright red.

But then... she spotted Ronan in the crowd. He gave her a thumbs up, face as cold and unreadable as ever. Yet he clapped — the only one.

She looked around — Rin smiled at her, the boys nodded, no one was laughing.

Her eyes lit up with resolve.

She ran offstage.

"She’s gone," someone said.

"No, wait. She’s back," another pointed.

Kira returned, holding something in her small hands — a flute.

She took a deep breath and played.

And silence fell.

The notes were soft, crisp, and beautiful. Xin jumped in with a harmonious song, the boys quickly joined with the instruments, and soon, a full musical performance bloomed.

By the time it ended, the crowd roared in applause.

"Thank you, thank you!" Xin bowed.

As the kids left, a new figure walked onto the stage — stunning in a black dress, long brown hair cascading down her back.

It was Dr. Mia, Serenya’s best healer and leader of all healers in the city.

She smiled warmly. "I am so grateful to witness such joy today. We’ve all suffered, but this—this gathering—is a blessing."

She began to sing a heartfelt melody. Laura and Clara joined her in harmony. Nathan, ever the reliable rhythm king, hit the drums like a pro.

Just when the audience thought the moment had peaked, a guitar melody began weaving through the air like silk.

It was Ronan.

Yes, that Ronan. The "I look like I kill people for fun" Ronan.

And yet he was amazing.

Han, not one to be left out, flung fireballs into the air that exploded in breathtaking patterns, painting the sky above in blazing colors.

It was a moment Serenya would remember forever.

Rin, sulking in the corner, muttered to himself. "Show-offs. Stealing the spotlight."

He glanced at Kira, who was watching the fireworks with childlike wonder.

"...She’s weird." He looked at Ronan. "He’s weirder."

The celebration ended with Han stepping forward once more.



"Let us carry this peace in our hearts. Today, we laugh. Tomorrow, we grow stronger."

Thunderous cheers filled the hall.

---

Later, at a cozy private room upstairs...

"Ronan! Join us!" Han called.

Ronan glanced at Kira, who was playing with the other kids, then nodded. He followed Han upstairs.

Inside were Nathan, Clara, Mia — even Aiden and Ron were present, sulking with matching death glares aimed at Han.

Han coughed and looked away like he didn’t notice them.

They sat and were served a grand feast by none other than Fatty Luo — one of the survivor from the goblin fortress now the leaders of the restaurant in Serenya.

"DELICIOUS!" Aiden bellowed, stuffing his face. "I forgive all crimes in this room in honor of this holy dish!"

The rest gave a weary smile, Aiden will always be Aiden.

To be continued...