The smell of food filled the air.
For the first time in days, Funko sat at a wooden table inside a small café. The place was simple. Old walls, a few tables, quiet people scattered around.
But none of that mattered.
Food did.
Funko was already halfway through his meal, eating like he hadn't seen food in years.
"…Man, this is good," he muttered between bites.
Ren sat across from him, arms crossed, watching.
"…You weren't kidding about being hungry."
Funko didn't respond.
He just kept eating.
A few seconds passed.
Then Ren sighed.
"…Alright. I'll explain."
Funko finally slowed down a bit, still chewing as he glanced up.
"…Explain what?"
Ren leaned back slightly.
"Why no one wants to come to this island."
The atmosphere shifted.
Even the quiet chatter around them felt… distant.
Funko swallowed.
"…Yeah. Go on."
Ren looked toward the window for a moment. The island outside looked normal. People walking. Shops open. Nothing out of place.
But his expression said otherwise.
"…This island used to be normal," Ren said. "Nothing special, but not dangerous either."
A short pause.
"…That changed one year ago."
Funko rested his chin on his hand.
"…What happened?"
Ren's eyes hardened slightly.
"A man showed up."
Another pause.
"He calls himself the king."
Funko raised an eyebrow.
"…King?"
Ren nodded.
"His name's Razor."
The name sat heavy.
"Came here in the year 1506. No warning. No reason. He just… took over."
Funko leaned back slightly.
"…Just like that?"
"Yeah," Ren said. "Just like that."
He tapped his finger lightly against the table.
"Anyone who didn't obey him…"
A brief silence.
"…Died."
Funko didn't react much.
But his eyes sharpened.
Ren continued.
"He built a massive palace at the very top of the island. Highest point there is. You can see it from almost anywhere."
Funko glanced toward the window again.
"…That thing up there?"
Ren followed his gaze.
"…Yeah."
Even from a distance, the palace stood out. Large. Overbearing. Watching over everything.
"Guards everywhere," Ren said. "People who follow him without question. Strong ones."
Funko smirked slightly.
"…Sounds interesting."
Ren looked back at him.
"…You're not getting it."
Funko's eyes met his.
"…No. I am."
A small pause.
Ren frowned.
"…This isn't some game. People here are forced to live under him. No one fights back because no one can."
Funko leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the table.
"…So no one's beaten him yet."
Ren's expression darkened.
"…No one's even gotten close."
Silence fell between them.
Then
Funko smiled.
Not wide.
But enough.
"…Good."
Ren froze for a second.
"…You're serious."
Funko picked up his food again.
"Yeah."
Another bite.
"…I've been looking for something like this."
Ren stared at him.
For a moment, he didn't speak.
Then he let out a small breath.
"…You're insane."
Funko shrugged.
"…Maybe."
He stood up, stretching slightly.
"…Where's this palace?"
Ren didn't answer right away.
He just looked at him.
Then finally
"…Top of the island."
Funko nodded.
"…Got it."
To Be Continued!