Tech Hero in Another World

"That’s quite a story... And your group must have had a very capable leader," Ren said, leaning back into the creaky chair that was surprisingly comfortable.

Rumi offered a faint smile, nostalgia flickering in her eyes. "Oh, him... Yeah. I really admired him. Until... Trek decided to imprison him."

Ren frowned. "Wait—what? Imprison him? Not... kill him?"

"Yeah. Trek said Freedy was too dangerous to be left free. But that didn’t mean he wanted him dead."

Ren’s focus sharpened. "So he was some sort of political rival?"

"You could say that," Rumi replied, folding her hands in her lap. "Although his supporters weren’t as many as Trek’s, we still believed in him. In our culture, leadership isn’t inherited by blood or lineage, but earned through The Rite—a brutal annual colosseum battle. The victor claims the throne."

Ren nodded. "I’ve heard of that. So why was Freedy considered dangerous? Why not just neutralize him outright?"

"Because, besides being a political rival, they were... childhood friends," Rumi said softly. "They grew up together. Two souls forged by the harsh life of Eks. But over time, their ideologies diverged. Trek believed in power and stability through isolation, while Freedy believed in openness and change. That... led to conflict."

Ren fell silent for a moment, then asked, "And... is Freedy still imprisoned now?"

Rumi nodded. "Yes. But no one knows exactly where. Only Trek’s closest inner circle knows. Some say he’s locked in the lowest level prison beneath the colosseum. But that’s all rumor."

Ren stroked his chin, thoughtful. (So if I want to find Trek’s weakness... maybe Freedy could be the answer.)

"Thank you for sharing all this, Miss Rumi," Ren said sincerely.