Chapter 87: Omegapolis: Some Love Too Little

So this is Omegapolis? They weren't exaggerating, this city is huge.

It is. But I didn't imagine it being so...

Poor?

This is the Underbelly of the city. The slum.

Slum?

I have. Did the up-aboves say anything?

Leave them to roam and see what they do?

Hmph. Did they, now? Then this is all working out rather well. I'll just do this my way.

Good news, Aldo. Your freedom in this land is guaranteed for now. The Empire has decided not to interfere with your activities.

I feel like there's a catch, but great.

Heh heh. Don't be so suspicious. Why don't we go about together? You don't know your way around. You'll need a guide.

This is the Underbelly of the city. The slum.

Minalca...

Welcome to Omegapolis, intruders from another world. Good news, your lightspark theft case has been dismissed.

It has? Why?

Doesn't matter. The Chronos Empire will guarantee your freedom here. Do as you please.

But you're still gonna monitor us?

Heh heh. Don't be so suspicious. Look, you don't know your way around. You'll need a guide.

If you're our guide, then can you tell us about the Chronos Empire?

Patience, intruders, patience. All you need to know is that it's a powerful military state that controls everything in the hollow time layer.

Okay. If you're going to be like that, I guess we'll just have to investigate on our own.

On that note. Men, leave.

Now I can act as I please. And you are free to do the same.

She's neither friend nor foe, huh? I wonder how much we can trust her.

......

Hello there. I saw you talking to those Imperial soldiers. Are you Imperials, too?

Nope, we've got nothing to do with the Chronos Empire.

Phew! Then I can get to trading.

You got any bearings? I've got some great weapons for sale.

Weapons? You're a weapons merchant?

Wait, does that mean you wouldn't trade with us if we were Imperials?

Oops... That was a slip of the tongue. We can't do this here. Let's go over to that back alley.

Ah!

I-I'm so sorry! My eye sensor doesn't appear to be work...

Eep! Please, have mercy!

Grandpa!

Stop this!

Cease your bullying of the weak. We will not take kindly to any further lawlessness.

I'd advise you to leave while you still can.

Meanies!

Yeah, those were some awful people.

That must have been so scary for you. But it's all okay now.

Yeah!

Are you hurt?

No, I'm fine all thanks to you. I truly am most grateful.

Are ze Imperials always like that?

Yes. Most humans treat us more like machines than people.

This cannot be overlooked! This is a false perception of reality! We must establish mek rights!

So, you aren't from the Empire? I've never met humans like you before. You're rather a strange bunch.

But do be careful. Defy the Empire, and you'll pay for it with your life. Especially if they send an arbiter.

I know, but we'll be fine. You just make sure you stay safe.

Thank you so much for what you did. We must be off now.

Thanks! See you later, miss!

Bye!

Okay, we should head off, too. There's still much to learn about this place.

Just between you and me, I'm a so-called black marketeer.

A black marketeer is a vendor who conducts behind-the-scenes dealings outside of proper channels.

This is a black market weapons merchant? I am not impressed.

Our lives are decided from the moment we are born. There is a weapon shop in town... but I cannot work there.

If the Empire found out, I assume there would be consequences. Why risk so much just to sell weapons?

Why? Because I'm a genius weapons crafter, that's why!

You sure are confident! Are your weapons really that good?

Of course they are! The heavens blessed me with this talent, and I mustn't let it go to waste! Besides, I'm only breaking the rules if I get caught.

It seems meks aren't all as alike as they first appeared.

I'll be here for the time being. Stop by if you're interested.

Got it. We'll come by if we want to try out any of your weapons. Right, why don't we look around town a little more?

Hm?

Korobolk, stop being stupid. You can't do that. It's impossible.

Why? You'll never know unless you try!

What's going on?

Eek, humans!

Looks like we're gonna have to go through this routine every time...

Don't worry, we're nothing to do with the Chronos Empire. It sounded like you were disagreeing about something. What happened?

Oh, well Korobolk here was being ridiculous.

Why is it ridiculous? No one's ever tried it before.

Because no one would ever think to do that! Not any sane mek, at least.

That's right, little Korobolk. One should never dream of the impossible.

The impossible?

Hi, Korobolk. Would you mind telling us what all this is about?

I cannot guarantee we can help, but perhaps we can at least offer you some advice.

...... Nah. Forget it. Nobody takes what I say seriously anyway.

But I'm gonna do it! I'm gonna go there and be reborn!

Hey! Wait!

He's gone...

That cat...

Oh, it's you, Minalca. What about the cat?

Actually, I could swear I saw that cat in Bolton...

No, it's nothing. Now what are you up to? You seem concerned about that kid.

Yeah. It looked serious, and we wanted to help.

Ooh, we should ask the locals what happened!

You did say the Chronos Empire wouldn't interfere with whatever we got up to...right?

Yes. Do as you please. But, in moderation. Go too far, and I'll have to change my approach. Personally, I don't think fighting you would be such a bad idea.

What are you talking about? There's no need for us to fight, surely?

......

You'll have to be more direct if you want to provoke him, I'm afraid.

Hmph. Whatever. The more you find out about this city, the better you'll understand how our world works.

Do you know anything about Korobolk?

Sure, he's all anyone's been talking about. He went to Midlayer for a delivery, and got his wires in a tangle over some noble girl.

Wires? Tangled? Huh?

Is that the mek equivalent of falling in love?

Ah, that would make sense...

I don't know about you humans, but meks don't tend to get attached to specific people. The boy's reaction ain't normal.

It isn't?

So he said he'd get himself a noble's frame so that he could live on Midlayer.

What an idiot. Replace your frame, and you'll be disposed of, no questions asked. No one would ever think to do something like that. Has Korobolk gone insane or something?

Maybe. We were programmed to live in these frames. Poor Underbelly folk like us could never live with fancy Midlayer nobles. He's crazy to think otherwise.

Are the nobles on Midlayer really that important?

Yes, they're the ruling class who run the lives of all meks. They're even connected to the Chronos Empire.

There's a world of difference between us and them. Some may complain, but no one opposes it. No ordinary mek would ever even consider doing so.

......

Do you know anything about Korobolk?

Yes, I think he went to the Spark Forge.

The Spark Forge? What's that?

It's a factory west of town, past the mountains. It's where lightspark gets implanted in mek frames. Meks are born in the Spark Forge, and after a while, we go back to upgrade to a new frame. Just as our parts have a natural lifespan, our frames also deteriorate over time.

So we switch frames from child, to youth, to middle-aged, to elderly.

A mek's life, including their frame, is all decided for them. Those are the rules.

Yes, those are the rules. To try to change it, why, it's scandalous! Whatever happens to Korobolk, it's nothing to do with us. Anyone that insane is better off dead.

It's a shame, but he deserves it. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.

......

Do you know anything about Korobolk?

Nope, nothing. He never plays with us anymore.

The grown-ups told me not to go near him. They said he was dangerous. I don't really know what's going on, but I think he's tryna break mek rules or something...

It happens sometimes. Then these arby-ter people come for 'em...

Is Korobolk gonna die?

He'll be fine. I heard there's this group of meks that breaks rules like that all the time.

There's a whole group?

Yeah. Think they're called the Acacia Stargliders or something. The grown-ups say they're up to no good...

Wonder who they are?

That's enough, kids. You don't want to say too much. You never know when the Empire might be watching.

Eeep? A-Are you an arby-ter?

Eek! Run awaaay!

......

Aldo, what's going to happen to Korobolk?

I don't know, but it doesn't look good.

So he became infatuated with some noble girl and ran off to a place known as the Spark Forge. He wants to change his frame because his Underbelly self isn't good enough for Midlayer.

Très romantique, risking his life for love...

But it means breaking mek rules.

What now, Aldo?

We can't just stand by and do nothing. Let's go. Though I don't really know what we can do to help him...

Okay! Let's follow him to the Spark Forge!

Wait. I thought you were investigating the Empire? Surely the kid's irrelevant to your interests?

I mean, you are right. But it's important to us to help whenever we come across those who need it.

Basically, as soon as we heard about this, it became relevant to us.

Urgh, so naive. You make me wanna puke. I'm going to enjoy watching you struggle with this one. It won't go nearly as smoothly as you expect.

Wait. Where do you think you're going? Only thing through here's the mountain path to the Spark Forge.

A mek child's gone to the Spark Forge.

We're really worried, so we're going after him.

No can do. Only factory officials, nobles, and hunters may pass.

But the kid might be in danger.

You don't know that. Look, them's the rules, I'm afraid.

You're all real sticklers for rules here, aren't you? It's getting rather tedious.

Don't even consider pushing past him. I certainly never authorized any such rough behavior.

Then what do we do?

You made reference to "hunters" before. What is a hunter?

A hunter? Huh? Come on, how can you not know what a hunter is? It's short for bounty hunter, folks who make a living defeating troublesome monsters. It pays well if you're skilled enough, so there's plenty of 'em about in the Underbelly.

So if we became bounty hunters, you'd let us pass through?

Sure, just so long as you're all licensed up. But I don't accept any apprentices. You're gotta be an official hunter, C-Class or higher.

And how do we go about becoming bounty hunters?

They run their business out of the tavern in town, known as the Hunters' Nest. That's where they take orders for bounty missions and issue out licenses.

Got it. So we need to go to the Hunters' Nest tavern?

Looks like we're making a little detour then. Let's go to the tavern and ask about becoming hunters.

So this is the Hunters' Nest? The tavern where we can get work as bounty hunters?

Why, it is a veritable party of fighters.

It's absolute chaos in here. Do you think something's going on?

No way!

Hm? Wonder who said that?

But it'll be too late by then.

Is everything okay here?

Long story short, we want to be bounty hunters.

Please let us join! We're against the clock here!

Why are you so busy? Did something happen?

Ah, so that's why it's so noisy in here.

If we were to find this missing treasure, would you grant us the status of bounty hunter?

And the jobs you have access to depends on your rank?

So to get a license, we've got to work our way up from the very bottom, from this C-Class?

And yet we are not allowed to undertake any bounty work without a license? Quite the conundrum.

It is a catch-22! A stalemate!

Um... Are you looking for bounty work?

Yeah, we are.

Then, will you take on mine? All the other hunters are busy with this noble thing an' there's no one left to help me...

Ah, looks like you're in a similar situation to us.

What's the job?

You see, I'm a delivery boy. I move the oil used to cook fried ti-chick...

*gasp*! (Fried ti-chick? The villagers did mention that...)

But some baddie came an' stole the oil... It's made with a secret recipe, so it's real special stuff. The titanium won't taste the same without it...

An' it's causin' all kindsa problems for the store. I could even lose my job...

And even worse, I'll never get to have fried ti-chick again!

R-Right... Quite the disaster.

You require us to catch this scoundrel?

Yeah. And get back the special oil!

Aldo! Do you think...?

Yes. We'll take on your request.

Really?! Oh, thank you so much!

All right! We've got our first mission! Now we just need to catch the guy.

Looks like he's in Moonsteel Forest. Come on, let's go!

Yippee! What a haul! There ain't nothin' the Great Thief Picky can't steal! But it's been forever since I got anythin' this good!

Eee?!

Are you Picky? Give back that oil you stole.

Grr! You scared me! I thought you were hunters!

I hate to break this to you, but we are indeed hunters. We are here to capture you.

Though we're still just apprentices.

Human...hunters? Don't believe it! Lyin' leads to thievin', you know! Whatever you are, I can't let you leave now that you know where I am. I'm gonna smash ya to smithereens!

Phew! That's the thief taken care of. Now what about the stolen oil?

Ah, is that it?

Hey, what is this thing? It's all shiny, like a crystal.

Well it's not the oil, that's for sure.

Scanning vicinity... Oil components detected.

Located. I have found the missing oil.

Great! Now let's go back to the hunter's tavern and return it.

What do we do with this crystal thing?

He probably stole that as well. We should take it back with us.

Okay. If we find who this belongs to, we'll return it!

We defeated the monster.

For real?! A-And what about the oil?

It has been secured.

What a relief! Now I can deliver it to the store.

Thank you so much, everybody!

Now you can eat fried ti-chick again!

Does this mean we can join the ranks of bounty hunter now?

What?

So we've got to defeat more monsters first?

Oh, you mean this crystal? We found it at that thief's hideout, so I brought it back with us. I'm assuming it was stolen...

Whoa, you shocked me. What are you talking about?

R-Really? That's the treasure? Then please, go ahead and return it to its rightful owner.

Now kindly notify us of the next bounty.

Really? Then...

Yay! We did it!

Now we can head to the Spark Forge.

Come on, back to that guard!

Will do! Thanks!

......

We've got the license. We can go through now, right?

What?! You're hunters? Already? No way! It's only been like five minutes! In fact, it's too quick to even be believable. What is this, a black market fake?

What? Of course not...

Wait here. I'll have to report this and let the up-aboves decide.

Oh dear. It would appear our situation has taken a turn for the worse.

Looks like we're under suspicion. But we don't have the time for this kinda delay.

It's real.

Huh?

I witnessed it myself. Now let us through.

Y-Yes, ma'am!

Minalca...

Pfft. All this unnecessary commotion was getting on my nerves. That's all.

Even so, thank you!

Now let's hurry to the Spark Forge!

Don't be too quick to thank me.

Are those brand-new mek bodies? Are they sleeping?

Yikes! What are they doing?!

How strong they are!

Hey! Stop that!

...! ......! ...... ......!

...! ......!

What is it? You want me to help you? I thought I told you, I am neither friend nor foe.

Emergency. Emergency. Unexpected error. Unexpected error. Securing deviating molecules. Confirmed similarity to thief ring over which contact was received. Significant possibility that individual is leader of said rebel organization. Eliminating deviating molecules and ensuring safety is now top priority.

...! ...... ......!

......!! ......!

Sorry to keep you waiting, Aldo, Feinne.

Thank goodness! But whose voice was that?

That was a close one. But it's all okay now.

Because the genius, Ashtear, is now here.

Ashtear?!

You really saved me back there! But what are you doing here?

Well, the Master asked me to take care of some things, so I went aboard Hydra. He let me take a little look inside, since I found him so fascinating, but then he was attacked... When I came to, I realized I'd been thrown into a world I'd never seen before. I knew you must be here somewhere, so I came looking for you.

No way! So you were here all along?

Tsk. This is the last thing I needed.

You're an Imperial arbiter, aren't you? I do my research, you know.

Oh, do shut up, or I'll shut you up!

Phew! That shut it up.

So Aldo, what are you doing here?

Well, you see...

Ah, so you're looking for this Korobolk kid.

Let's go, Aldo. I'll help you out.

Yay! Welcome to the group, Ashtear!

So this is the Spark Forge? The place where mek bodies are created?

In a sense, this is where they decide and shape all mek lives.

Now we must search for the young tadpole, Korobolk, before it is too late.

Aldo, over there!

We've found him!

Who're you?

We heard about your predicament so we came after you.

You'll get in trouble if you ignore the rules and switch frames without permission.

But...

Is it even possible to switch frames?

I don't really know, to be honest. But I couldn't just give up. I had to do something.

I'd rather regret doing something than regret doing nothing at all.

Korobolk, you'd really go this far?

Everyone always tells me that I'm weird and different. It kinda upset me, but I always figured I was in the wrong. But then...

Something made you change your mind?

Yeah. Someone once told me... No matter what people say, even if they leave you out, just keep doing what you think you ought to.

So I...

......

Kid... Was the mek who told you that...

Huh?

No, never mind.

Where are you going, Minalca?

Nowhere. I just feel like stretching my legs. Whatever happens here, I couldn't care less.

Korobolk, I understand. If you're truly resolved, you should do what you want to do. Dreams and hopes can only be realized by those who try. We'll watch over you.

Okay. Thanks.

How'd it go?

It looks like the lightspark transfer was successful. How does it feel to be reborn?

It feels kinda strange. Like I'm not myse...

Ngh!

What's wrong? Are you in pain?

Korobolk, what happened?

My...my...n-new...frame...

Ugh?! Gaaah!

Ugh... Please...let me go...to the top... I have to...see her... tomorrow...

Korobolk?!

What happened? Are you okay? Answer me!

Korobolk's functions have completely shutdown.

Oh no!

Stupid kid.

Everybody knows it's suicide to transfer your lightspark into another frame.

And who might you be?

I'm Darius, leader of the rebel group, the Acacia Stargliders.

The Acacia Stargliders? The kids in the Underbelly mentioned that name...

The group of rule-breaking meks? So you're real...

And what is the leader of such a group doing here? Were you following us?

Yes. I've been watching you. But I couldn't make contact, not with that Imperial thorn you had at your side. So I followed you here.

None of this matters right now! Just tell me what you meant before.

Oh, about the kid, you mean? Once our lightspark has been transplanted into our bodies, they won't accept a different frame type. That kid's an Underbelly type. A completely different model from the Midlayer nobles.

If you try to change frames, the new frame will reject you, and your lightspark will stop working. Meks cannot escape from the fate determined for us at birth. Not until we die.

You call this fate? Take your fate and shove it. I'm not letting him die, no way, no how!

Oh? Well, what are you going to do? Lightspark that has ceased functioning can't be revived again, even if you put it back in its original body.

If I can't use ready-made parts... I'll just have to make them myself!

Ashtear, you can't be serious!

Oh, I am. I will do this! I will make him a new body and I will make sure he wakes up again!

Seriously? How're you gonna do that?

The materials must be in this factory somewhere. If we all look for them, we might just have enough time!

......

Very well. I'll lead the way.

Huh?!

You're not like the Imperials, that's for sure. In order to make a new body, you'll need three things. A lightspark storage device, a flexible connecting cable, and a special body alloy.

And we'll find these in three different locations? Then take us to them. If we don't hurry, Korobolk will be in danger.

He will? What do you mean?

He may have stopped functioning, but for now, he's still alive. The longer we leave him like this, the weaker he'll get. Until eventually, he'll die.

He'll die?!

I'm afraid she's right. Looks like she's got this all figured out.

Then we have to collect those materials as soon as possible!

Right. Follow me.

That's the lightspark storage device.

This?

Looks like we've got company! You two can take care of this, right?

Yeah! Let's go, Ashtear!

You got it!

Great! We've got the lightspark storage device.

The flexible cable's over there. But there's someone in the way.

Shall we go, Aldo?

Huh? Oh, right!

Sorry, but you're in our way!

All right! Now we've got the flexible cable.

Hmm... It should be around here somewhere...

Ah, there it is. That's the special alloy for the body.

Whoa?!

Watch out!

Get back! We'll take care of this!

Phew! That was too close for comfort, but at least we got the special alloy.

That's all the materials acquired.

Then let's get back!

The path's blocked. I don't think we can get through.

I've got this!

Connect my atmo pump to this pipe. Then I should be able to move the crane!

That's amazing. Okay, I'll leave this to you.

Just hold on, I'll do all I can to wake you up.

Phew! This should do it! Now, wake up.

What happened? I removed the anti-rejection mechanism, and his lightspark should still function... So wake up! Don't give up on your dream!

Korobolk!

Wake up, Korobolk!

*cough* *splutter*

Korobolk!

Oh thank heavens, the young tadpole has awakened.

You did it, you actually did it. You brought him back to life!

Heheh. I don't go back on my word. Can you hear me, Korobolk? How are you feeling?

Korobolk? Where am I? Who are you?

Huh? You don't remember anything?

I...don't know...anything...

Looks like there's been an error in his memory system. His lightspark must have been dormant for too long...

Oh no...

Hm?

I don't really know what's going on, but I'm okay. See, my body's moving fine. I've only lost personal memories. Basic speech and other data have been implemented successfully.

So you don't remember anything from when you were Korobolk?

No. It has all been deleted.

Sadly, that makes sense. Memories would not be a priority for standard reuse as manual laborers.

Oh... But at least we were able to save his life.

Something doesn't feel quite right though.

No?

No. I feel kinda...agitated. Like my heart is full of emotion. I wonder why? My heart won't stop racing.

I'll bet all those dreams and wishes you once had are still there, somewhere inside your new body.

My dreams and wishes are still with me?

......

Korobolk! Come with us!

Huh?!

Now that you've been reborn, you'll have no place to go, and nothing to do. So come with us, and work out what you want to do next. There'll be something out there that will make your heart pound with excitement! We'll help you find it!

A-Are you sure?

Of course. We can hardly leave you here, can we?

Yeah, we'd love to have you with us, Korobolk!

An additional mechanical member of the team is always welcome!

Oh... Then I accept. I've only just woken up, and I don't really know how useful I'll be...

But I'd love to accompany you!

Then it's settled. You are most welcome here, Korobolk.

Thank you! But, um...to be honest, I don't recognize this "Korobolk" name you keep calling me.

No? Then what would you like us to call you?

Oh, um...

How about Korobo?

But that's just a short version of...

I love it! Korobo it is!

It's so cute! It really suits you, Korobo!

And it rolls off the tongue much better than Korobolk.

Then it's settled! You're now our buddy, Korobo.

Yay! Thanks again for letting me join!

We're looking forward to it.

Oh, and Ashtear...

Yes?

You're the one who revived me, aren't you? I really am so grateful. I don't think I can ever thank you enough. I'll carry this debt with me my whole life.

Come on, you're making a big deal out of nothing. It's honestly fine. You just live how you want to live. That's all I want.

Ashtear...

Incredible. So incredible, I want to scout you into our group right away. But as things stand now, you can't truly say that he is free, can you?

What do you mean?

Frames and components made in the factory all have a kill switch. Sometime after leaving the factory, his functions will cease, and he will be no more. Completed meks are only allowed freedom once that switch has been removed.

That's awful! How do we remove this kill switch?

You should be able to disable it from the control room further in. I wouldn't recommend any other method, not even to those of your skill. The risks are too great.

You mean, one slip up could lock the kill switch for good? Okay then. We'll have to find the control room.

Go if you like, but there'll be a security bot waiting for you. You'll have to fight it.

That's fine. Together, we can take anything. But why are you helping us?

What are the Acacia Stargliders after?

I'm not really helping you. I heard something strange was going on with the Empire, so came to Omegapolis to check it out.

And then you saw us and decided to follow us to find out who we were?

I guess. I just wanted to see if you had any use. But...

But?

That kid... Folks in the Underbelly said all kinds of things about him. That he was odd, that he was crazy...

Yeah, we heard the same thing.

We're like the kid. We're a band of outcasts who don't accept the world as it is. But that woman...Ashtear, was it? You said you wouldn't let him die. That you wouldn't accept our fate.

......

I want to see the bond between meks and humans...if such a thing exists. If I had to give a reason why I helped you, that would be it.

So that was Darius, leader of the rebels...

Right, let's go release Korobo's kill switch.

Okay, he said the control room was further inside.

The security will be tighter up ahead. Oh, that reminds me. When I brought you back, Korobo, I made this out of some spare parts.

It's just upcycled junk, so I'm not expecting much from it... But if we install this, it should help a little during battles.

Thank you, Ashtear! Everyone's being so nice to me!

So this is the control room. Now let's sort Korobo's kill...

Intruder alert! Intruder alert! Evacuate immediately! Failure to evacuate will necessitate force! Loss of life may occur!

So this is the security bot Darius warned us about. If we don't get past this thing, we won't be able to help Korobo! At arms!

I-I'll give it my all, too!

Non-standard illegal frame detected! High risk of contamination to world order! Total shutdown of extralegal, illegal machine is now top priority! Activating forcible removal execution mode!

Eeek!

Korobo?!

Are you okay?

I...I'm fine! It'll take more than that to bring me down!

Non-standard frame? He's contaminating the world order? Don't make me laugh. I'll take you on. If you want to apologize, now's your only chance. But you won't get any forgiveness from me!

That's that taken care of!

Phew! I thought I was a goner for sure!

You did great, Korobo! I'm proud of you!

No, this was all your doing! Thank you all!

Okay, let's release your kill switch, quick as we can. Come over here, Korobo.

Okay!

Okay. Kill switch...released. You should be free to go anywhere now.

Yay! Thanks so much, Ashtear!

Now you're officially free.

It's great to have you with us, Korobo.

Thanks! It's great to be here.

Congratulations. Looks like this matter's finally been laid to rest.

Darius? You're back?

We have much more to discuss. Come to Lashval.

Lashval?

It's a city on the sea. You can get there via the Shore Runner from Omegapolis.

A city on the sea, you say? Oh, how that makes me yearn for the blue waters of Acteul.

I'm sure it will suit your skin better than the damp, steam- covered Omegapolis. I'll even throw you a welcome party. Set off some fireworks.

And why don't you come out from the shadows now, madam arbiter?

Minalca! Have you been watching us this whole time?

Pfft, don't be ridiculous. I only just got back from taking a walk. You expect me to know what you're up to and who you're meeting at all times?

It's still pretty suspicious if you ask me...

I see, so that's how you're playing this. I'm glad I haven't caused you any trouble.

An Imperial soldier and the leader of the Acacia Stargliders cannot simply smile and say hello. So run off back to your little nest. I'll turn a blind eye this once, but never again.

I appreciate that. I'll be sure to be careful.

Now let me give you all some advice. A terrible secret is hidden in this world. And the Empire is using it in their schemes.

A terrible secret?

The Empire's plotting something, is it? What nonsense.

No matter what, we will uncover the truth. Until next time.

I guess we may as well go back to Omegapolis for now.

Yes, we must find out how one reaches this town of Lashval.

Okay, let's go back to Omegapolis.

Come on, Korobo!

Okay! One foot in front of the other, for a brighter tomorrow!