Secrets of the East and the Heat Blade Prototype

  "We didn't get much info," Denki muttered as they walked, his mind reflecting on the ambush.

  "But we learned something new," Grekknark countered.

  "True," Brendarg added, "but if this is all connected to the slavery operations, Fodio might know something. Unless... he's just acting like he’s clueless?"

  "Hmm... I remember him saying he didn't know much," Denki said, a shadow of doubt crossing his face.

  Brookhan, adjusting his heavy shield, spoke up. "But sirs, you met him out there, right? Isn't it possible he’s hiding the truth from us?"

  Denki frowned, his brow furrowing. "We’ll just have to ask him again. Directly."

  They made their way back to Sector A1 of the Yvonary Empire. As they passed through the main gates, a messenger from the BladeClaw Crew intercepted them. "Sir Denki! Lady Noin has requested your presence at the Research Department immediately."

  "We’ll stop by later. Thank you," Denki replied. Once the messenger was out of sight, he turned to the group. "Before we go to research, we head straight to Fodio."

  In the infirmary, Fodio greeted them with a wide, nervous grin. "Bosses! I’m feeling great! How was the journey—?"

  Denki cut him off, his gaze piercing. "Tell us the truth, Fodio. Why did you really run away from them? What are you hiding, and what's the real reason for your escape?"

  The group crowded around Fodio’s bed, waiting. Fodio swallowed hard. "Okay... it’s like this, Boss. I was part of their unit, just a hired hand for escort missions. I was fine with that, but then they started capturing innocent civilians. I realized it wasn't right. When some of us fought back, that’s when I encountered the Toaddah-cult and a woman named Milla from the Belekturr Kingdom."

  "Belekturr? What's that?" Denki asked.

  "They’re a faction of foxes from a distant region to the East," Fodio explained. "That’s why they want me dead. I have intel that Belekturr is building strength to conquer the entire Magutayk Region. They’re after the resources."

  Denki felt a chill. So there really are other lands... why wasn't this told to us? Why are the King and the elders keeping this a secret? The seeds of doubt began to grow in him and his childhood friends.

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  "It was Milla’s group that wiped out my comrades," Fodio added, his voice heavy with grief.

  "Get ready, Fodio," Denki said, his resolve hardening. "You’re coming with us. I know that when we return to Sector A2, those people will show themselves again."

  "The Grimz Outlaw," Fodio whispered.

  "So your first group was an outlaw gang?" Brendarg teased.

  "They weren't outlaws back then!" Fodio protested.

  "Nah, you guys were definitely bandits," Grekknark joked, trying to lighten the heavy mood.

  They proceeded to the Research Department, where Noin was waiting for them, surrounded by glowing blueprints and humming machinery.

  "Ah, our young travelers are here!" she exclaimed. "Look, these are our first prototypes. They have limitations, though." She proudly displayed a set of blades. "These are Heat Blades. They overheat if used constantly, so you must let them rest. Do not abuse them."

  "As long as they help against those Wild Corrupts, Ma'am, they’re a huge help," Denki said.

  Brendarg then beckoned Brookhan forward. "Ma'am Noin, can you take a look at this?"

  Noin took out a handheld scanner and pointed it at Brookhan’s Shield Blast.

  Tut... tut... toooot...

  "Woah! This technology is incredible! Where did this come from?" Noin asked, her eyes wide.

  "An heirloom, Ma'am," Brookhan replied. "I don't know its history."

  Noin practically snatched the shield in her excitement. "Can I borrow this for a moment?"

  Hours later, she returned with upgrades. "I’ve prepared specialized ammunition for that shield and new tipped arrows for our bow user," Noin explained. "But remember: these are prototypes. They could fail or cause an accident if you aren't careful."

  "Thank you, Ma'am Noin," Denki said with a grateful smile as they waved goodbye.

  Back at the plaza, the group inspected their new gear. "We have the Heat Blades now," Denki addressed his crew. "Only use them against mechanoids. Against flesh, use your standard steel. We have to manage the heat limit."

  But as they prepared to depart, they were unaware of a pair of eyes watching them from a high balcony, tracking their every move...