The Green Fireflies and the Hidden Gate

  ?In the nine days that followed Brookhan’s injury, the Binunuk Region underwent a massive transformation. Sector A2, once a mere refugee settlement, was officially declared a province of the Yvonary Empire. Markets flourished, and refugees found steady work in the scrap-resource industry, supplying the fortress in Sector A1. Meanwhile, Sector A3, the former Ruin City, became a frontline outpost—the gateway to the uncharted wilds. Battles against Wild Corrupts still raged there, and the wounded were constantly ferried back for treatment.

  ?The Yvonary soldiers were now better equipped. Thanks to Noin’s research, almost every warrior carried a Heat Blade—whether it was an axe, a dagger, or a sword. These perfected prototypes charged when idle and drained power during use, though the warning remained: do not abuse them, or they might explode.

  ?This progress was spurred by Denki’s plea to the BladeClaw Crew, who used their influence within the Empire to stabilize the region. The new governor of Province A2 was Durr Haguna, a master trader who despised slavery. His appointment by the King ensured that the dark days of the Grimz Outlaws were over.

  ?Four days after Brookhan’s recovery, Denki gathered his complete team. "This is the new map of Sector A3. I managed to secure a copy," Denki said, wiping his nose with a sense of pride. "Only 25% of this sector has been explored. It’s time we go deeper."

  ?"But it looks like every path leads to a dead end," Brendarg noted, squinting at the map.

  ?"That’s impossible. My old unit used to pass through there," Fodio claimed. The group looked at him with skepticism. "Fine, don't believe me—you bosses never do," he added with a huff.

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  ?"If there's a way through, how do we find it?" Grekknark asked.

  ?"There are events... times when the walls open on their own," Fodio said seriously. "Climbing is suicide. Many have tried; they either come back crippled or don't come back at all."

  ?"So, what’s the plan?" Denki asked.

  ?Fodio pointed to a specific spot on the map. "We camp here. We wait for nightfall."

  ?"Isn't that when the Wild Corrupts are most active?" Brendarg argued.

  ?"If you truly want to explore the unknown, you have to trust me," Fodio insisted. Denki looked at his friends. Krizz and Brookhan remained silent, still wary of Fodio’s past, but Denki eventually nodded.

  ?The group stood before the entrance of the first great dungeon of Sector A3—the rumored gateway to the next sector. "Stay alert," Denki commanded. "The first few levels have been cleared by scouts, but beyond that, we’re on our own."

  ?They trekked through a maze of corridors and vast, hollow chambers. They encountered other explorers heading back and passed campsites of weary soldiers. Eventually, they reached Fodio’s chosen coordinates.

  ?"We stay here," Fodio said as the sun began to set. "We have time to prep."

  ?"We can get the fire ready for tonight," Brookhan added.

  ?"Brookhan, why haven't you tested the Battle Mode on your left arm yet?" Krizz asked curiously.

  ?"We haven't faced anything tough enough to need it," Brookhan replied, flexing his metallic fingers. "It moves just like a normal arm now. I barely notice the difference."

  ?"That means it’s perfectly synced with your brain cells," Brendarg remarked, impressed.

  ?As night fell, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew heavy, and suddenly, glowing green particles began to drift through the ruins like mystical fireflies. When touched, they emitted a faint, static-like shock. The group stood in awe as the eerie light illuminated the dark corners of the ruins.

  ?Then—GRRIKKKK... GRIKKK... GGGGGGG...

  ?A massive wall in front of them began to grind open. Dust cascaded from the ceiling as the hidden stone gate parted. Beyond the threshold, they could only see shadows, but the sound of rhythmic, heavy footsteps began to echo from within.

  ?As the figures emerged into the green light, Denki’s crew drew their weapons. Fodio’s face went pale—he recognized that march. He recognized that armor.

  ?"They are the..."

  ?To be continued...