“We have to block that door so it doesn't gape like that.”Valerius' voice sounded hoarse in the smoky workshop. Several hours had passed since the explosion. They had spent most of the time in tense silence.They listened intently for any sounds in the charred corridors, waiting for Jax's return or for the arrival of more Vexxos troops. But nothing came. There was only silence.“That door weighs half a ton and you saw it thrown twenty meters away,” Cogs said from his perch on the lathe. “Unless you suddenly grow muscles like Hercules, I don’t see how we’re going to move it.”“Cogs is right, Prince,” said Grimbolt from where he was leaning against the wall.His efforts to assist in the defense had depleted his temporary power reserves. His optics were dimming again.“And even if we could, it would only be a temporary solution,” the robot added. “They know we’re here. This is no longer a fortress. It’s a trap waiting to be sprung.”The reality of those words sounded cold and heavy.Val

It was a bluff. But Valerius delivered it with the confidence of a prince accustomed to giving orders.The Rust Worm grinned, revealing yellow teeth. “Don’t worry, kid. I’m an honest businessman. Tomorrow night. Don’t be late.”Valerius turned and walked out. He resisted the urge to run. His legs felt weak. He had already cast his bait. Now, he could only pray that the incoming shark wouldn't swallow him whole.In the dimly lit shop, Rust Worm took the paper. He didn't keep it in his pocket. He stared at it with a sly smile.He wouldn't look for a buyer. He knew there was one party that had spread the word throughout the underworld, offering a large reward for any information about Sentinel technology or a boy with blue eyes.He reached for the communicator in his pocket. His fingers quickly dialed the encrypted frequency code.“Connect me to the Vexxos line,” he whispered into the microphone. “Priority code: Kael. Tell him I found what he’s looking for. And tell him the price just do

“Calm down!” said the Rust Worm, his voice rising an octave. “Look, it’s open!” He opened the suitcase lid with a quick jerk. Valerius leaned forward, squinting. Inside was no gold. Or a pile of glowing power cells. The suitcase was empty. Except for a small black device affixed to its center. A red LED light blinked on it. “It's not gold,” said Valerius. “No,” the Rust Worm replied quietly. He then took a quick step back, trying to get away from the drum and away from Grimbolt and toward the pillar. “That’s a tracking transmitter. And it’s been active since I stepped inside.” The Rust Worm's face changed, previously filled with friendliness, now crumbling, replaced by fear and despair. “I’m sorry, son,” he whispered, trembling violently. “But they found me.