Deal with the Devil

As Kairro and Yumeru wandered through the industrial halls of the Horizon Centre, the hum of yellow Lumina energy resonated around them. Workers moved with purpose, boots clinking against the metal floors as they carried tools and machinery.

“Do you even know where you’re going?” Yumeru asked, her tone sharp but measured.

Kairro shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Does it matter? It’s not like they’re going to kick us out for looking around.”

“They might if you break something,” Yumeru muttered, her eyes scanning the bustling workshop ahead.

A loud crash echoed from a nearby room, followed by frantic muttering. Kairro raised an eyebrow. “What now?”

Inside, a young woman with bright yellow hair scrambled to gather gadgets scattered across the floor. Sparks flew from one device, while a small drone buzzed angrily, skittering past her feet.

“Kana, right?” Kairro asked, watching the chaos unfold.

Kana glanced up, cheeks flushing. “Oh, it’s you.” She stuffed a device into her satchel, rising quickly. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

“Neither are you, judging by that mess,” Kairro quipped, smirking.

Yumeru crossed her arms, stepping forward. “We’re just exploring. What are you doing?”

Kana huffed, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Working. Unlike some people, I don’t have the luxury of wandering around causing trouble.”

“Looks like you’re doing a fine job of that on your own,” Kairro teased, nodding toward the scorched floor where a device had sparked out.

Kana glared but couldn’t entirely hide her smirk. “You’re lucky I don’t report you to Commander Ryvok.”

“Go ahead,” Kairro said with a laugh. “I’m sure he’d love hearing how his best engineer can’t keep her tools in check.”

Yumeru shook her head. “Ignore him. What exactly are you working on?”

Kana hesitated, then gestured to the cluttered workbench covered in half-finished devices. “Prototypes. Experimental tech for... classified projects.”

“That sounds like an invitation,” Kairro said, leaning closer.

Kana sighed, clearly debating her next move. Finally, she relented. “Fine. Just don’t touch anything.”

Kairro and Yumeru leaned over the table as Kana picked up a sleek, compact device shaped like a small gun. Its surface gleamed with black and silver plating.

“This,” Kana began, holding the gadget carefully, “is a prototype Lumina Blaster. It channels and amplifies Lumina energy into concentrated blasts.”

Kairro’s eyes lit up with curiosity. “A blaster? Now we’re talking.” He snatched the device, inspecting it eagerly. Pointing it at a wall-mounted target, he pulled the trigger.

Nothing happened.

“It doesn’t even work,” he muttered, lowering it.

Kana rolled her eyes, taking it back. “It works. You just can’t use it.”

She held the blaster, yellow Lumina swirling around her hand and flowing into the device. Its engravings lit up as a faint hum filled the room. Kana aimed and fired, sending a sharp blast of yellow energy across the room. It struck the bullseye with a crack, leaving sparks in its wake.

Kairro’s jaw dropped. “Now that’s impressive.”

Kana smirked. “It only activates with Lumina energy. You’d need yellow Lumina to power it.”

Yumeru nodded thoughtfully. “If you could make it work without Lumina, it’d be groundbreaking.”

Kana shrugged. “I’m working on it. Until then, it stays here.”

Meanwhile, Taro wandered the lower levels of the Horizon Centre, grumbling as he searched for food. The scent of bread and roasted meat had led him down a maze of corridors until he found a small storeroom. As he reached for a loaf, a large rodent darted out, snatching it.

“Hey! Get back here!” Taro whispered, chasing the creature as it disappeared into an open vent. Without thinking, he crawled in after it.

The vent twisted and turned, the hum of machinery growing louder. Finally, Taro paused, peeking through a grate into a glowing chamber.

It was the council room.

The council of engineers sat in tense silence as a tall figure entered, flanked by crimson-armored soldiers. His pale skin and sharp red eyes gleamed under the Lumina light, and his crimson robes flowed elegantly as he strode to the center.

“Zaryth,” one of the councilors muttered, her voice sharp with disdain.

The noble smiled faintly, bowing slightly. “Dear friends, it’s been far too long,” he said smoothly, his gaze settling on a female counselor. “And you, Councilor Dreyva—time has only enhanced your brilliance.”

Dreyva’s expression hardened. “Why are you here, Zaryth?”

Zaryth’s smile widened. “To extend an invitation on behalf of Lord Theron and the Crimson Dynasty. It’s time for our clans to engage properly once again.”

“And by ‘engage,’ you mean the attacks on villages and the search for forbidden power?” another councilor asked sharply.

Zaryth’s gaze flickered, but his smile held. “Let’s not dwell on trivialities. I come with an offer.”

He stepped forward, his soldiers looming ominously. “Aid the Red Clan in defeating the Blue Clan, and the Solaris Empire will be richly rewarded. Resources, technology, land—yours to use as you see fit. Together, we could achieve the extraordinary.”

“And what do you want in return?” Dreyva asked.

Zaryth’s smile turned cold. “Your cooperation. Help us end this war, and Lord Theron will leave your empire untouched.”

The council exchanged uneasy glances.

“And,” Zaryth added, his tone casual, “if you’ve encountered anything unusual, I’d appreciate your help. Particularly regarding a human who wields Lumina energy. The Crimson Dynasty is most eager to… meet him.”

Taro’s breath caught. They know about Renjiro.

The council remained silent, their expressions guarded.

“Consider my offer,” Zaryth said, inclining his head. “I’ll await your response.”

With that, he turned and strode out, his soldiers following in strict formation.

Taro waited until the room was empty, then scrambled back through the vent, heart pounding. "I have to warn the others."