MODERN EMPIRE

As Aster and his team led Lena and Elle out of the cave, the sound of helicopters echoed through the valley. The Nova Kingdom's forces had arrived, and they were ready to take action.

"Welcome to the Nova Kingdom," Aster said, smiling at Lena and Elle. "You're safe now."

Lena looked around, taking in the scene before her. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

"You're being rescued," Aster replied. "Those slave traders are going to face justice."

Elle, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aster smiled at her. "You're welcome," he said. "We're going to take care of you."

As they walked towards the helicopters, Milim, the pink-haired girl, approached Aster. "Ne, ne, my lord," she said, "this trip is boring, but I came only for you."

Aster chuckled. "Ah, Milim, you're always so dramatic."

Milim pouted. "I'm not being dramatic, I'm just stating the facts."

Aster smiled. "Well, I appreciate your dedication. Now, let's get down to business."

Milim's expression turned serious. "Of course, my lord. I've evaluated the two girls. The blonde, Lena, has potential. She's strong-willed and determined."

Aster nodded. "Good. What about Elle?"

Milim's expression turned thoughtful. "Elle is... different. She has a strong soul, but her body is weak. I'm not sure how to train her."

Aster's eyes narrowed. "I see. Well, we'll figure something out. Ghost, Price, take care of Elle. Milim, you'll train Lena."

Ghost and Price nodded, while Milim smiled. "Yes, my lord."

As they boarded the helicopters, Flare, a girl with short, spiky hair, approached Aster. "Your Highness, I've tested the soul-reading bell. It's working perfectly."

Aster smiled. "Good work, Flare. Now, let's get back to the kingdom."

The helicopters took off, leaving the cave and the slave traders behind.

Meanwhile, the slaves who had been rescued were being processed. They were given a choice: either head west with some coins or become working citizens of the Nova Kingdom.

One of the slaves, a man named Holton, chose to become a citizen. He was led to a tent, where a man in black was waiting for him.

"Name?" the man asked.

"Holton," the slave replied.

"Age?"

"I'm not sure... 21 or 22."

The man nodded. "Previous job before becoming a slave?"

"I was a part of a merchant carnival," Holton replied. "But I got lost, and... well, you know what happened."

The man nodded again. "I see. Well, Mr. Holton, you're being given a chance to start anew. Welcome to the Nova Kingdom."

As Holton left the tent, he was given a set of clothes and a small bag of coins. He looked around, taking in the scene before him. The Nova Kingdom's forces were everywhere, and the slaves were being processed quickly and efficiently.

Holton felt a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, he could start anew here.

But not everyone was as lucky as Holton. Rathon, another slave, failed the lie detector test. He was shot on the spot, and his body was taken away.

The remaining slaves were warned not to lie. They were told that the magical bell could detect even the slightest deception.

As the processing continued, the slaves who had chosen to return west were led to a separate tent. They were given a memory-altering treatment, making them forget the last 24 hours.

"Please stand in line and look at this thing I'm pointing at," a man in black said, holding up a small device.

The slaves obeyed, and the man activated the device. A bright light flashed, and the slaves stumbled backwards.

When they regained their senses, they were confused and disoriented.

"What... what happened?" one of them asked.

A man in black appeared beside them. "You survived a monster attack in the forbidden territory," he said. "The slave traders were killed, and you're the only survivors."

The slaves looked at each other, unsure of what to believe. But they knew one thing - they were free.

And so, they set off towards the west, leaving the Nova Kingdom and its forces behind.