​Far from Metro City, in the privacy of his palace dug into the bowels of the huge Kirokalu Mountain, the Lord of Darkness wore a scary smile. He savoured his victory in advance. This time Metro City would not have a choice. Either he would become its master, or all would be destroyed.

With his deep voice, the great dark figure called his magician.

“Golta!”

“Yes, Master?”

"I want everything to go according to my plan. One mistake and you will all be punished," he threatened.

"We strive to satisfy you, Master."

"For too long this city has resisted me. I can no longer stand it. But all this will soon be forgotten and a new era will begin. I will be the absolute leader of Metro City. Its riches are mine and its inhabitants will become my slaves, or they will perish... "

"The plan is infallible, Master. You will hit Metro City in the heart."

"Have you solved the problem with the army?"

"Right now, our men are introducing a computer virus that will paralyze all safety systems with a simple command from you..."

“Perfect.”

"As expected, in two days, the children of the city will be invited to pick a gift to celebrate the grand opening of Metro City's largest toy store."

The Lord of Darkness burst into diabolical laughter.

"How could they know that this is a trap? They'll all rush to it, too happy to think about it. It'll be such a great time! Once the children are inside, and while the party is in full swing, I myself will activate the secret systems that transform the store into a prison! We'll retain children as hostages until Metro City's authorities give me the power!"

"You are amazing, Master. No one will realize that toy store was a highly sophisticated armoured trap."

"The poor little ones will expect to discover a paradise of toys, when they'll land in hell!"

"This time, Master, your plan can not fail."

"Have you thought about that little monster Astro Boy? That boy has already cost us two of our most fearsome creatures. I don't want him to intervene once again between me and absolute power!"

"Nothing to fear, Master. The armour panels are impervious to everything, even to Astro Boy's lasers and advanced gadgets. He will have no chance trying to enter."

The Lord of Shadow wore a fresh smile. His horrible deformed face, hidden behind his metal mask, became animated.

"I look forward to see them all at my feet, begging me to spare their little darling babies. If they give me everything they have, then yes, perhaps they'll meet again... "