2026-01-16 08:40:30
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CHAPTER 13: KILL ZONE
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
CHAPTER 12: SELLING FAIRY TALES
“Remember the plan, Prince,” Grimbolt’s voice was weak but urgent. His optics flashing dimly. “Your goal isn’t to get the cash. That’s impossible without verification. Your goal is to lure them here. Make them believe this asset is too large, too valuable, and too dangerous to move without a team.”“I know,” Valerius replied, nodding.He tightened his belt to suppress the hunger that was churning in his stomach.“I sold a nightmare as a good dream. ‘Rare cargo unit, slightly dented, previous owner died suddenly.’ That’s classic.”“And try not to die,” added Cogs, perched on Grimbolt’s head. The bird was cleaning its dirty metal wings. “Your death would be a hassle for my repair schedule. Who’s going to turn the screwdriver if you’re a corpse?”Valerius stared at his two friends. One was a giant, dying machine, and the other was an annoying mechanical bird.They were part of his kingdom now. His people. And a king had to feed his people, even if it meant entering a lion's den.“I'll be
CHAPTER 11: SILENCE AND THE COUNTDOWN
“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
CHAPTER 10: SECOND LESSON IN CHEMISTRY AND CHAOS
Every bang on the door made the entire wall vibrate, sending vibrations through the concrete floor and dancing dust in the lamplight.“Making improvised explosive devices is a complex discipline,” Grimbolt replied. His steady optics were fixed on the dented door. “It requires an understanding of chemistry, chain reactions, and containment design. Introductory courses typically take a few weeks.”Valerius blinked as he listened to Grimbolt's story. The banging on the door made him realize that time was running out.“We only have about ten minutes!” Valerius said, frantically looking around the workshop. “There’s got to be something in here, right?! Gunpowder? Nitroglycerin?”“This workshop is a mechanical facility and not a weapons laboratory, Prince,” Grimbolt said. “Stable explosives are not found here.”A small crack appeared on one of the door hinges, briefly distracting Valerius.“Then make an unstable explosive!” Valerius hissed urgently.“Yes,” Grimbolt replied quietly. He turne
CHAPTER 9: FIRST LESSON IN METAL AND FAT
“For now,” Grimbolt said. He tried to stand, and this time with great effort, he managed to rise and lean heavily against the workbench. “But he’ll definitely be back. And he’ll bring more friends.”Valerius stared at the shattered door. They had won the battle, but they had turned the fortress into a marked target. The peace only lasted a few minutes.“So, what do we do now?” Valerius asked. He felt more tired than before and thirsty.“Now,” Grimbolt replied. His optics scanned the damage to his own leg. “You’re learning to be a mechanic. And you’ll learn fast.”“Me?” Valerius replied, his voice choked with shock. “I’m a prince, not a mechanic. I don’t even know how to change a light bulb.”Valerius looked at the still-sitting Grimbolt and then at the shattered door. The reality of the situation hit him with renewed force. They weren't safe for long, and they were only buying time.“A plain and sad fact,” Cogs screeched from his perch atop the control lever. He then flew down and lan
CHAPTER 8: FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Then his eyes fell on a heavy lead pipe. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.Valerius then stood between the door and Grimbolt's helpless body. He was now the last line of defense.Valerius's heart was beating erratically. At times like this, he couldn't think of anything else. He only thought about his life, Grimbolt's, and Cogs's. Even though he was annoyed with Grimbolt and disliked Cogs' sarcastic remarks, he would still defend them. Because they were now his family.Valerius glanced at Grimbolt. Grimbolt's core pulsed brighter.Buzz… buzz… buzz.Then Valerius' gaze shifted to the door. The hole in it was now the size of a fist. He could see sparks coming from the other side.Buzz… BUZZ… BUZZ.Valerius swallowed hard.“This is the time,” he muttered, holding the lead pipe tightly in his trembling hands.Suddenly with a soundKLANGWith a loud bang, a square section of the door fell off, revealing Lieutenant Jax's charred, triumphant face. Valerius stared in horror at Jax
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