Chapter 86: A New Enemy Arises: The Dimensional Invaders

This looks like a village.

Phew! Maybe we can find someone to ask about this place?

Thank goodness! This is such a relief!

Who are you?

Wh-What the? What's with all the robots?

No, they're androids... Actually, they don't quite look android either.

What is more, I do not see any humans here.

Searching the area... Numerous metal signatures. Zero human signatures. The residents of this village must be unique mechanical lifeforms, neither robot nor synth human.

A village exclusively for mechanical lifeforms? No way! I've never heard of anything like that before. Looks like this world we've found ourselves in is nothing like our own.

So...this is a world of mechanical lifeforms?

Answer our question. Who are you?

What could humans possibly want in a mek village? Are you Imperial arbiters?

Eep! Not arbiters!

Mek? Imperial arbiters? What are you talking about?

So you're not officers of the Chronos Empire? Then where, or, if you're really human, when did you come from?

We're just adventurers. We don't know what this Chronos Empire thing is, but it's got nothing to do with us.

The Empire refers to our world, ruled by the false axis of time, as the hollow time layer. Did you come from outside our world?

Whose voice was that?

What's Ironheart and Omegapolis FM? Some kind of broadcast?

Yes. It's a mysterious radio broadcast. Even we don't know who's transmitting it.

The audio signal must be transmitted by special electromagnetic waves from somewhere in this world. The electromagnetic waves are received by a relay station and broadcast to the surrounding area.

Something within these meks, possibly their hearts, is resonating with it, thus enabling audio reception. My own heart also resonates with this voice, hence my conclusion.

So this broadcast is intended for all meks? But we can hear it, too?

......

Now, where were we? Ah, yes. So long as you don't cause any trouble, you're welcome to stay... in our village.

Thank you, we'll take you up on that offer. We only just arrived in this world, so we're still a little lost.

Okay, we've been allowed into the village at least.

But the villagers don't seem to like humans much.

It sounds like there are humans in this Chronos Empire they mentioned.

Maybe they're the ones who attacked us?

Something else struck me as odd. He said, he didn't know where or "when" we came from. Is there a way... to travel through time in this world, perhaps?

Oof, this is all too much to take in.

Let's see if we can find out some more from the villagers.

This is Bolton. We're a tiny settlement on the edge of the steam- covered continent. But it serves the role of protecting the lightspark created nearby.

Lightspark?

It forms the heart and brain embedded in a mek's body. It is life itself. Without our lightspark... we would die.

But on the flip side, does that mean you can live forever so long as you have that lightspark?

No one lives forever, whether human or mek.

The parts that make up our bodies deteriorate from metal fatigue and wear. The speed it happens may vary, but once your lightspark heart stops working, you cease functioning, and you die.

Much like a natural lifespan for a human.

Meks appear to be more similar to humans than they are androids.

However, some aren't ready to give up so easily. They want to live longer, even if their own lightspark is... deteriorating. They steal other folks' lightspark. We call 'em the lightspark thieves.

They steal people's hearts? What an abhorrent act!

Sure, but you make it sound like they're going around, making people fall in love with them...

There's even a black market for illegal lightspark. It's a scary world we live in.

When our lives have come to an end, we will become one with the great tree and return to time's embrace.

The great tree?

Thanks, you've been a great help.

Excuse me, do you have a minute?

Oh, it's the adventurers. What can I do for you, miss?

Um, this might sound like a strange question, but what year is it?

You want the date? Why, it's 300 AD.

300 AD?

But that's our time!

Then this place really does have a completely different history from our world!

My, what odd things you're saying! Well, no matter. Make yourselves at home, kids.

Thank you!

Come to think of it, what do the villagers usually do here?

We're a farming village. We mostly tend to our crops.

Oh yeah, I did notice a few fields around.

Other than farming, we also hunt, and take our produce to Omegapolis, of course.

Omegapolis? I remember that name from the broadcast. What is it?

It's the city beyond the forest. It's far larger than our humble village, so you might want to take a visit.

Ooh, that sounds interesting!

*giggle* Doesn't it just?

I've hardly ever been there myself. But to be honest, I wasn't fond of the place. I'm glad I was... allocated to this village.

Allocated? What do you mean?

For meks, our whole lives were decided for us, the very moment we were born. Where we'll live, what we'll do. It's impossible to go against these decisions. It's how we were made.

And that applies to everyone here?

That's terrible! You don't even get to choose how you live your own life?

Seems like humans don't have this system. But I don't really mind it. We must live the life we were given. That's the rule for meks. It's natural, a matter of course.

I guess so. Everyone has a different way of life. Different species all the more so...

Altena...

Was there anything else? I've got to get back to work.

No, thank you. You've been a great help.

Got a minute, travelers? I've got a hot tip for you.

A hot tip?

Aye. Do you want a treasure map?

A treasure map, you say? That sounds most suspicious to me.

It's the real deal, I'm tellin' ya! I got it from an adventurer who once came to town.

If it's a real treasure map, why would an adventurer just give it away?

So? What about this treasure map?

Heheh. You guys must have plenty of bearings to spare. So how's about you buy it off me? I'll give you a fair price.

Bearings? What're they?

Come, don't play games with me now. Everyone knows what bearings are... Although...

You humans sure are more...diverse than I thought possible. You've practically got the full rainbow...

Actually, Cyrus aside, Guildna's...

Leave it, Aldo. It's not worth explaining.

R-Right. I'm sorry, but we've only just arrived in this world...

Is that so? Man, what a let down. I thought you didn't look like Chronos Empire folk...

What is this Chronos Empire? Where is it located?

I'd love to tell ya, for a price... But sadly, none of us know. We don't even know where they came from.

Oh... Anyway, you were going to tell us about bearings?

Right. They're magical metal parts you can use to get pretty much anything. We need bearings to buy food and tools and such. If you've got any bearings, you can trade 'em for all sorts of things.

I see. So these "bearings" of which you speak act as a currency in your world? Aldo, whichever world we may find ourselves in, we will always require the wherewithal to pay our way.

You're right. But how do we get them?

There are a few ways to earn 'em, but defeating monsters is probably the quickest.

If all we've got to do is fight, we're going to get rich quick.

I admire your confidence! If you do, I hope you'll buy my treasure map?

Yeah, we'll try and remember that.

Okay, we learned a lot from the villagers...

Let's go through what we found out.

Good idea.

We were attacked by a mysterious battleship and were pulled into a huge hole while fleeing on Hydra... And that led to this world of mechanical lifeforms.

The year is 300 AD, which makes this our era.

There are humans in a place known as the Chronos Empire.

However, the villagers do not appear to be knowledgeable on the subject of the Chronos Empire.

Perhaps we will find out more in the city of Omegapolis.

I guess that's all we know so far...

......

Feinne, what's wrong?

It's nothing. Just...the fact that the meks' lives are chosen for them... It really got to me.

Teehee, you're so kindhearted, Feinne. But it's up to the individual to choose how they want to live their life. And maybe some can be freed from their fate. Like me and Guildna.

I sure hope so.

Yeah, I guess so. Thanks, Altena!

......

So what do we do no, Hm?

Oh dear... What do I do?

I wonder what happened? She looks worried.

Yeah, she does. Let's go ask.

Oh dear... What do I do?

Excuse me, is something wrong?

Eeep?! Y-You're...

Eh? Oh, aren't you the girl who got all scared when we turned up?

Oh, sorry about that. I thought you were Imperial arbiters.

Don't worry about it. But is there something troubling you?

Yes. You see, I've just realized my cooking knife's gone rusty. It's useless now...

Your cooking knife? How come you only just noticed? Don't you use it often?

No, it's a special knife. It's sharp enough to cut through the tough parts of crops. But we don't need to cut our crops to eat them, so I hardly ever have any use for it...

And yet you wanted to use it today?

Was it for us, perhaps?

Yes. I need that knife in order to make our food edible for humans. It's just so rare that humans visit us out here, I must have forgotten to sharpen it...

I see. Can you make a new one?

Yes, easily. I just need to get the materials from a monster in the forest.

Why don't we take care of that?

Are you sure?

Yeah, I mean, you only want the knife because of us.

Let us return the favor.

It is the least we can do.

Th-Thank you so much!

So what do we need to fetch?

I need a propeller from a hawk drone in Moonsteel Forest.

Okay, so defeat a hawk drone, and take the propeller. Got it.

To the forest we go!

Good luck, guys!

Oh, wait a moment! There will be spores in the forest around now.

Spores?

Yes. The mushrooms of the forest emit these special spores. They're super fragrant and they act as relaxants. Once you smell them, they'll restore your health.

Those are some incredible-sounding spores!

So? What's the problem?

Well, they'll also restore the monsters' health...

Ah, of course. We must take extra care when fighting.

Got it.

Let's go!

This place seems so different from before. Is it because of all the spores in the air?

She did say this would happen. There's so many of them...

You know, they are making me feel kind of relaxed.

Yeah, like all the tiredness is just melting away.

The monsters will be feeling the same way. We must proceed with the utmost caution.

Oui. Try to avoid unnecessary fights if things looks dangerous.

Could that be a hawk drone?

A propeller is affixed to its cranial region. That is the hawk drone we're looking for.

All right! Let's defeat this monster and get the materials for the knife!

Propeller successfully removed. We now have the materials required.

Great! Let's go back to the village.

Aldo, wait.

Hm?

This could be the perfect opportunity to look around a little more.

We should get as much information as possible. It couldn't hurt to check the place out a bit more... just as a precaution.

I guess not. Okay, let's take a look around.

Wait! What's that?

Is that a wormhole? But it looks different from the ones I'm used to...

I feel danger emanating from it.

Interesting. Let's see what's on the other side.

Guildna! Don't be so rash!

If we want to know about this world, we'll have to jump in at some point.

He's right. Okay, let's give it a go. If it looks dangerous, we'll come straight back.

What is this place?

It looks like Moonsteel Forest...and yet, not quite.

Checking marked coordinates... There appears to be a slight deviation from our previous point.

*yawn*

Yawning already, Feinne?

Sorry... I just...feel so...sleepy... all...of a sudden...

Yeah, me too... I'm getting kinda drowsy...

Me three, actually. Do you think it's got something to do with the spores?

It appears so. This is a different type of spore to the ones previously experienced. The spores here appear to contain sleep-inducing properties.

This is most unsettling. Even I would struggle to fight in such a state. I dread to think how the rest of you would fare.

Zzz...

He fell asleep?! Hey, wake up, Cyrus!

It won't be easy to explore this area.

No. If it gets too dangerous, let's head back to the village.

It's the lightspark thief! They've struck again!

No, how could this be? Did anyone see it?

Nope, I didn't see a thing. It all happened so quickly...

Hey, what's going on? What happened?

That young maiden recumbent on the ground appears to be the very one who sent us on our quest.

You said it was the lightspark thief? Has her lightspark been stolen?

It looks that way. How dreadful...

Then we have to get it back!

No, I'm afraid it's too late. The thief will be far away from here by now.

We should still try! She'll die if we don't get her heart back!

There's nothing that can be done. Her memories will be saved to her backup battery, so they can be recovered for a short while.

But once that time is up, she will cease functioning completely, and never awaken again. Even if you found the lightspark thief and recovered her lightspark, it would still be too late.

But that's terrible!

Is there really nothing we can do? We're just meant to stand here and watch her die?

If we had some new lightspark, we might be able to awaken her with her memories intact...

New lightspark? Where would we find that?

Lightspark Hollow, an area under our management, south-east of the forest. It is where new lightspark is created. But we are not permitted to take it whenever we like.

Why not? This is an emergency!

Those are the rules. and we meks were programmed not to disobey orders from Omegapolis. We cannot get the lightspark. I'm afraid it's too late for her...

......

If the rules are that important to you, then we'll go get it.

I trust you have no issue with this? Mek rules are not our rules.

Are you out of your minds? Why would humans do all that for a mek like her?

Human, mek, that doesn't matter. If there's a way to save someone from death, we're doing it!

......

Very well. Then go to Lightspark Hollow, if you insist. But we are staying out of this. We don't want anything to do with your rule-breaking.

Understood.

Let's go, everyone! Let's get that lightspark and save this girl!

Wait!

Please. Save her...

We'll do our best!

Wait. I have detected a fluctuation in spacetime, not far from here.

What?

Riica, do you know where?

Yes. Follow me.

This is the spacetime fluctuation?

It must have been opened recently. I did not detect it when we first arrived in this forest.

It looks kinda different from a regular wormhole.

Riica, can you find out what's on the other side of this hole?

Already searching. There is too much noise for a close examination... But I am detecting data consistent with our world!

So one might use this hole to return to our own world?

Aldo...

We've got to get that lightspark as soon as possible. But... Let's go back, just for a moment. I want to make sure Hydra's all right.

Then let's hurry!

Let's go!

Ah, you're back.

Hydra! You're okay!

Thank goodness!

But of course. What's a little bombardment to Synth Hydra Z?

I should have known you'd manage to avoid getting sucked in by that giant hole.

That was a matter of size more than anything. This ship was simply too big for the hole.

So that's why we were the only ones who fell through it...

In any case, it would seem we've found a way to return to our world.

But what was that battleship? And where did that hole lead?

We're in a bit of a rush, so the short version is...

The hollow time layer? I'm afraid I've never heard of it.

No, I thought not.

Listen, we've got to get back to that world as soon as possible.

What? You're going to jump back through that hole? Willingly? I can carry you to the entrance, but I cannot follow you in.

I know. I am a little wary about going on an adventure without you... But we have to go. There's something we have to do there.

Yeah, we have to save that girl!

Besides, we cannot put an end to this matter until we know more about the battleship that attacked us.

So pleeease, Hydra?

Very well. Who could turn down such an eager request from a young lady? Not a gentleman battleship such as I. Just call me the Synth Hydra Z.

Thanks, Hydra!

Okay, back to the mek world!

We will depart at once. Next stop, the hollow time layer!

Looks like we got back without a hitch.

The entrance to the underground area I presume to be Lightspark Hollow is just ahead!

Okay. To Lightspark Hollow!

Is that...steam coming from the ground? Who would do that?

No, this does not appear man-made. And it would be more accurate to say that it is growing from the ground.

What? It's growing?!

Though I don't know why, steam engines seem to occur naturally in this spacetime, no?

Steam, eh? Come to think of it, didn't the villagers say the whole continent was covered in steam?

It's not just the meks, the plants in the forest are all made of metal, and the monsters are all machines. Thinking about it, this really is a strange world.

Indeed. We have visited many a place so far, but never have I seen such curious scenery before.

Well, we've got to do something about this steam blocking the way if we want to get any further.

All machines can be operated somehow or other. We just need to work out how we stop it.

Right. This isn't as easy as I was expecting, but we've got to go as fast as we can.

What's this?

A machine, mayhaps? Be on your guard, Aldo.

I will.

Do you know what this is, Riica?

Please wait.

Scan complete. 0% risk. This item poses no threat. It appears to be some sort of recording medium.

Really? It looks pretty old. If it's not dangerous, why don't we see what it recorded?

Good thinking. There must be a reason why it's here. Let's see what it's got.

What was that? I heard a voice.

Sounds like it's a voice log.

That was...

It sounded like an adventurer's journal. I know not who he was, but I could tell he had the strongest of wills.

Yes. It's not what we're here for, but it sounded like it could be important. There could be other logs out here. If we find any, we should listen to them.

Is this where the lightspark comes from? It looks like a living heart of stone.

Maybe it's a mineral lifeform. It looks like it's growing all around.

It appears to be self-propagating.

It's giving me the creeps.

Now let us take one of those things and make haste out of here.

Stop!

Ahh!

Who goes there? Why would humans come to steal our lightspark?

Who are you?

I am Gardos, guardian of this place. I protect the lightspark from scoundrels like you. This here is our founder, a precious gift of red stone descended from the heavens. I care not how many of you there are. You may not touch it!

A big red stone from the sky?

So mineral life was born from this? And that created this civilization of mechanical lifeforms?

So this red stone must be the foundation of everything in this world. Its genesis.

Step aside. A young mek had her lightspark stolen, and her life depends on a replacement. We can't stand back and let her die when there's something we can do to help!

It is forbidden. No one may take from here, whatever the reason.

But we're not meks! We're not breaking any mek rules.

You don't know what you're talking about. It is my duty to eliminate all who enter this place. Now leave. Or else the young mek won't be the only one to die today.

Look, I understand your point. But we can't back down. You can't prioritize rules over someone's life!

Then come, do your worst. I've been so bored with the lack of intruders lately, I'd welcome the challenge.

Okay, let's do this! Come on, guys!

How could I lose...

I'm sorry. Just stay put for a little while, okay?

Hmph. Do as you like. I did all I could. I simply wasn't strong enough to stop you.

He is surprisingly gracious in defeat.

Okay! Back to the village!

Right. Let's go give that girl this new lightspark!

Then come, do your worst. I've been so bored with the lack of intruders lately, I'd welcome the challenge.

Okay, let's do this! Come on, guys!

We got it! We got the lightspark for her.

You did it? You actually did it?

Thank you so much! She'll make it through now.

You're sure?

Yes, I promise you. Having this lightspark will ensure her survival.

I never thought humans would go to all this trouble for a mek. And yet we couldn't break the rules. Not even with the end closing in on her.

That's just how you're made though. I wouldn't blame yourself for it.

We truly cannot thank you enough.

It's honestly no big deal. We were just doing what we thought was right.

But what you thought was right will be your undoing.

A human? Who are you?

I am Minalca, an arbiter of the Chronos Empire.

Arbiter? I don't really know what that means... But you're from the Chronos Empire?

So you're the arbiter the villagers were so afraid of.

And who are you? You are not people of the Empire. Where did you come from? Heads will roll if I don't like your answer. Stealing lightspark is a grave offense.

Why, this young lady certainly has a thirst for blood. You intend to kill us right here?

Wait. We've only just arrived in this world...

Hm? Your sword... A strange aura is seeping out of it. Heh heh. How interesting.

Urgh, what now?!

Ah, the intruders from another world?

Surely I can just kill them and report it later? That's what we normally do.

Tsk. Fine. Let's go back and report to HQ.

So you people come from outside the hollow time layer?

The hollow time layer?

We shall face each other soon enough. Just you wait.

So? What are we waiting for? Back to Omegapolis!

Minalca, eh?

She didn't seem all too friendly. Neither's the Chronos Empire, by the sounds of things.

I dare say she will cause us quite the headache. She seemed a most capable swordswoman.

Minalca? What are you doing here?

I live in this world.

What?!

Leave these guys to me. Withdraw. I'll take them to Omegapolis myself.

A notice from HQ? Don't care. And are you saying I'm not up to the task? How very courageous of you. Your heads may have to roll for this.

Then go. What are you waiting for? You know I don't like dawdlers!

Minalca, what is going on here?

I am an arbiter of the Chronos Empire. Yet you are foreigners in our hollow time layer. That... puts us in very different positions.

Hollow time layer? Arbiter? What?

Do you mean to say that you are not on our side? And that you never were?

I have a rough idea of who you are so far. But I cannot yet tell the nature of your connection to the Empire.

Let's just leave things as they are for now. We are neither friend nor foe... Until I know more about... the higher-ups' intentions, that is how our relationship must be.

But...can we trust you?

Heh. Don't worry. If I stab you, it won't be in the back.

Well, probably not.

......

Do you happen to know anything about the Chronos Empire? If anyone here would, it's you.

Hmm... The Chronos Empire controls this whole world, beyond just space and time. Mek country and all of us... in it are also under their control. You'd be wise not to cross the Imperials.

So the people of the Chronos Empire control this world?

And they've already got their eye on us?

The lightspark transplant was successful. Now, we just need to wait for her to wake up.

Oh, thank goodness!

How long until she wakes up, do you think?

She should be recovered by morning.

I'm sure she'll want to talk with you. You're welcome to stay the night.

Thank you.

You have my deepest gratitude. First, you granted my favor, and then you saved my life!

You're welcome. We were glad to help.

We're so happy you're okay now! Right, Feinne?

Right! I'm so glad we get to talk again!

Me too! Thank you so much!

And that was quite the feast.

Indeed. Mek cuisine, prepared with your new knife, was most delectable.

Yes, that chewy texture was rather addictive.

Teehee. It must have been, the amount you were eating!

It sure was a unique flavor and texture. Right, Amy?

Actually, I don't remember seeing you at dinner. Where did you go?

What? Umm... Well...

Urgh, honestly! Quit bugging me!

What will you do now?

I think we'll head to Omegapolis. We need to find out more about the Chronos Empire. And Minalca.

How might we best proceed to Omegapolis?

Leave the village and head east, through the forest, and you'll arrive in no time. The trains run through there, and there are lots of big trees, so it'll be easy to spot from afar.

Train? Is that...

Why, that must be the giant caterpillar we saw in the forest.

I knew it was a vehicle. Now I can finally face off with the thing.

Omegapolis is an amazing city, far more developed than our village. They make the best fried ti-chick!

Fried ti-chick?

Lightspark collected in Lightspark Hollow is also sent to Omegapolis. That city is where we meks first come to life. I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for there.

Okay then. Thank you for everything.

Come back anytime. You'll be more than welcome.

So lightspark is the source of life for mechanical lifeforms? Where's life start here, and where's it go?

I really couldn't say yet. But I have no doubt we'll find the answer on our travels.

Right. Let's get going!

To Omegapolis!