The Research and the Royal Decree

  The expedition team finally arrived back at the fortress. The wounded were immediately rushed to the infirmary, including Fodio, who managed to shout, "I'm okay! Don't worry about me, bosses!" before the heavy doors swung shut.

  As they walked through the halls, the leader of the BladeClaw Crew approached Denki. "Before we part ways, follow us to the Research Department. They’ll be thrilled with the loot we recovered."

  "What exactly do they do there?" Denki asked, curious.

  "They discover and create," the leader replied. "We bring them things they've never seen, and they turn them into weapons, armor, or technology beyond our imagination. Come, see for yourself."

  They reached the laboratory of Noin Veshuu.

  The leader presented the scorched and twisted remains of the Wild Corrupts. "Here, Ma'am. We found these in the ruins. They're unlike anything we’ve encountered before."

  Noin’s eyes lit up with scientific fervor. She examined every wire and plate of the mechanical scraps with pure joy. Brendarg stepped forward, shaking her head. "Our current weapons aren't enough for these things. Their metal is too thick."

  "That’s why we targeted the gaps in their armor to cut the internal wires," Denki added.

  Noin looked at Denki, impressed by his tactical insight. "Remarkable strategy," she praised. "You’re right; ordinary blades won't cut through this grade of metal. But don't worry...if we can forge something from these samples, you’ll be the first to receive the new gear designed to take them down."

  Encouraged, the group handed over all their scavenged parts. Before they left, Noin turned to the BladeClaw leader. "On your way out, find Uncle S. and tell him I need him here immediately."

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  Once outside, the three friends discussed their next move. "I think I’m more comfortable fighting mechanoids now," Brendarg admitted. "True," Grekknark grunted, "but it takes too long to bring one down." "This is a good start," Denki said. "Now we know where to bring the parts. The benefits we'll get from the Research Department will be huge."

  Brendarg then suggested expanding their group. "If we have more people, we can carry more loot!" "Our earnings from this trip can probably feed two more mouths," Grekknark calculated. "What do you think?" "I'm in," Brendarg agreed, "as long as we can trust them not to run when things get ugly." "Deal," Denki said. "We’ll hire two more. But first, let’s check on Fodio." "Right," Grekknark huffed, a small smirk playing on his lips. "That dog still owes me a debt. Let's go see him!"

  They found Fodio in the infirmary, resting but wearing a wide grin the moment he saw them. "How are you, sirs?"

  Grekknark crossed his arms. "How are you? Well, it looks like you’re staying behind for now." "What?! Why?" Fodio’s face fell. "We can’t have you out there if your body isn't in peak condition," Denki explained firmly. "Stay here and heal. Your medical bills are already paid for." "But..." "No 'buts' or I’ll give you a new wound to worry about!" Brendarg interrupted with a playful but terrifying glare. Fodio quickly went silent, knowing better than to argue.

  Once they left the infirmary, Denki finally came clean. He told Brendarg and Grekknark the truth about the voice he heard in his head during his dizzy spell. The two were stunned, their minds racing with possibilities. Brendarg insisted they avoid that area for now; they needed to be fully prepared before facing whatever was calling out from the shadows. Grekknark agreed...if four of them struggled against basic mechs, they stood no chance against a mysterious entity without more power and better gear.

  Meanwhile, the POV shifts to Makrikk Ratunda at the fortress plaza.

  "Tomorrow! We march!" Makrikk roared, his voice booming over his assembled army. "The King has decreed that we will be the wall of A3! We will build an outpost and claim that land! Before that soil becomes ours, we will water it with the blood of our enemies!"

  The army responded with a deafening war cry. They began their march out of the fortress...a massive column of wolves accompanied by heavy equipment, supplies for a camp, and defensive barriers. The Yvonary Empire was no longer just scouting; they were moving to conquer and claim Sector A3.