A few hours after departing from Evac 12, the rookies continue with their journey to the Goblin Base, the vastness of space stretching out before them. Juyon meanders to the pilot bay, the beeping of the ship's control panel sounding throughout the room as Rojo and Jax oversee the ship's progress. "How long will this trip take?"
"It's around 8 hours, but, Before we go to Molorx, we'll need a cloaking system to get by their planetary defense grid. Since those things cost a shit ton of royal in Ozania's normal markets, we have to go to the outer edges of the universe," said Rojo.
"Isn't it a crime against Ozania to shop in the Outer Edges' black markets?"
"Yes, it is, but we're fugitives Juyon. Even if we went to an Ozania marketplace, our pal 499 would make mincemeat of us and take us in."
"Good point, but most of us haven't even been to the Outer Edges. Do you have any place in mind?"
"I know a place," Rojo's eyes sparkle with assurance as he turns to Jax, the corners of his mouth lifting in a cocky smirk. "Jax, activate the JumpSpace."
"Ok," Jax hits the blue JumpSpace button on the control panel, the engines roaring as the spaceship prepares to accelerate.
Rojo turns on the P. A system, a buzz echoing throughout. "Hey everyone, we're about to enter a JumpSpace. For those of you who haven't experienced this, don't look out the windows. You'll get sick if you do."
A "JumpSpace" is done by flying your ship at speeds near the speed of light. It's a function used by pilots to travel to other parts of the universe much quicker than normal. Though it's a fast way of travel, it's also hazardous. One miscalculation in the coordinates or moving the ship even a bit can cause a ship to self-destruct or even a rift to occur.
The ship enters an area of warped space, and the lights of the stars and planets bend and twist in their vision. When they exit the jump space, they are surrounded by a celestial symphony of planets. "Which of these planets are we going to, Rojo?" asks Jax.
"The planet we're going to is Lotanos. That's one of the best planets for Black Markets in the Outer Edges."
Juyon's lips purse into a look of anxiety. "Lotanos? I heard bad things about that place."
"Then I suggest we need to be disguised. I got a feeling "outsiders" like us roaming a planet like Lotanos won't be a good idea. Denkei, do you have anything?" asks Rojo.
Denkei pulls out beige cloaks from his blue backpack and throws them to the group, their fabric whispering through the air. Navar squints his eyes as he inspects the cloaks. "Why are we wearing these?"
"Warriors, let alone Ozanian ones, aren't viewed in high regard in these areas of the universe. We should put these on to be safe," says Rojo.
"Alright, then that should tell us to be careful and not do anything stupid," Miri shoots Navar a sideways glance.
Navar arches his eyebrows in confusion. "What are you looking at me for?"
After a three-hour flight, the ship descends into the deserted, desert-landscaped planet, the sand stretching as far as the eye could see. "Ok, guys, let's separate into groups to find a cloaking device. The name of the device is called a Ship Bypass Cloak V5," says Rojo.
"Right," says everyone
"So, who's going with who?" asks Miri.
"Since Juyon is the strongest, he should stay behind and guard the ship. Navar, Miri and I will go with each other. While Seiju, Astran, Nozomi, Denkei, and Rojo should go together, do you think that's good?"
"Yeah," says everyone.
"Alright then, let's go," Each group heads in its direction, searching the planet for the cloaking device. We now go to the POV of the Okayasu trio, a couple of minutes removed from their parting. Jax tucks his hands into his pockets to help him feel grounded and to calm his racing thoughts. "This place seems more dangerous than Wellfort."
"Of course it is. You heard Rojo, and Juyon. These are the outer edges ruled by countless organized crime syndicates. Just stay cautious. And If it comes to a fight, leave it to Navar and me."
Navar pats Jax's shoulder, the warmth of his touch soothing Jax's nerves. "Yeah, Jax, you can count on us!"
"Glad to know I can count on you guys. Thanks."
After an hour of searching, they finally make out the silhouette of an older gray-haired man selling parts in the distance. "Maybe we can use him as a starting point for the cloaking device's whereabouts," says Miri.
Navar, Miri, and Jax approach the seller, and the man at the stand huffs at The Okayasu Trio with a foul expression. "Do you know where you guys are? This ain't a place for kids like you."
Miri presents the man with a diagram of The Ship Bypass Cloak V5. "We're here for this. Do you know where it is?"
"Oh, so you're trying to bypass a planetary defense system? What are you planning to do? Are you planning to invade a planet?"
"That is none of your concern. Tell us where to find the thing, and let us get on with our day."
The man's lips curl into a satisfied smile, his cheeks dimpling. "How daunting at a young age. I like it. There's a man named Iko Bones. He's in the south town district. Find him, and he'll grant you the device."
"What does he look like?" asks Jax.
"He is tall and slender, with brown hair, straight eyebrows, and bright red boots."
"How far is this Southtown district?"
"It's only a few minutes from here."
"Ok, thanks," says Miri.
"Wait," says the man.
"What do you want now?"
"Be sure to tell him Shin Ohmiya sent you. If you do so, he'll take you seriously."
"Alright, we'll keep that in mind."
After gathering the lead from Shin, Navar and his siblings continue their journey, the heat of the day bearing down on them through the lawless land. Miri pages Nozomi and requests her to open a Mental Link. "Hey, Nozomi."
Nozomi opens the Mental Link. "Yes, what do you need?"
"We have the description of a guy named "Iko Bones" and he's a lead to the cloaking device we need."
"Ok, what does he look like?"
"Wait a moment," says Denkei.
"What are you doing?" asks Nozomi.
"I know a spell that can draw an accurate description of a person to make it look realistic based on the recollection of the people who saw him."
"Ok, draw the spell so I can cast a mental image for us."
Denkei lays a piece of paper on the ground, and Nozomi shuts her eyelids tighter, her concentration intensifying with the action. "Ok, guys, go on ahead."
"He's lanky, with brown hair. He has straight eyebrows and wears bright red boots," says Miri.
"I have the appearance of a creature. Replicate their appearance to perfection! Magic Spell Alchemy: Creature Identification!" The paper presents an identical match for Iko's appearance.
"Ok, that's who our guy is. Let's go find him," says Denkei. The Mental Link between everyone ends. We now enter the POV Nozomi, Seiju, Astran, Denkei, and Nozomi, entering an area with a myriad of scruffy-looking dealers tending to concession stands, the hustle, and bustle of the large crowd being the ambiance of the environment. "So, where do we start?" asks Rojo.
"I suggest we go up to people and ask if they've seen the guy in the picture," says Astran
"I don't think that's smart, Astran, I've been on this planet before, and the people here aren't friendly," says Rojo.
Astran scoffs with a hint of haughtiness, her gaze turning away and face remaining stern. "What can they do to us? Most of us are Supernatural's Rojo."
"Good point. But it wouldn't hurt to be a bit cautious," They walk through the cramped section with their picture of Iko Bones, asking anyone they pass if they've seen him. To their disappointment, no one gives them clues about Iko's location.
Seiju groans audibly, flailing his arms back in frustration. "Bro, we've been roaming around for five hours and still haven't found the guy.."
Luckily, Rojo sees a stand with various ship parts in the distance. "Hey guys, look over there. It's a ship part vendor!"
They arrive at the vendor and wait for a couple of minutes in line until it's their turn. Rojo's eyes widen in awe as he takes in the dazzling array of ship parts on display. "Wow, look at all those ship parts!"
"Hey, stop nosing around the objects and wait a moment, now will ya!" says the creature at the vendor.
"Ok, my bad," Rojo scans the assortment of parts until he feels a surge of excitement when he sees the Ship Bypass Cloak V5, his grin widening. "Oh look, there it is!"
"Oh, that, you want the Ship Bypass Cloak V5?" asks the middle-aged creature.
"Of course!"
"Ok, that'll be 800,000 Royal or an object of equal value."
"Sweet, Nozomi. Can you hand me the gold that we have in that bag?"
"S-sure," Nozomi rummages through the bag and finds no gold. Um, Rojo, it's missing."
"What do you mean, Denkei gave both groups that in case we had to pay for it!?"
Astran gestures to Seiju, standing in front of a kiosk in front of fragrances. "Look over. Pretty boy is at the fragrance vendor testing colognes."
"Oh, shit!! Why didn't you say anything!?" Rojo bounds over to Seiju, panting heavily.
Seiju uses a significant amount of gold to buy many cases of cologne with the gold given to them by Denkei.
"You dumbass!" says Rojo
Seiju's brow creases as he absentmindedly scratches his head. "What do you mean, dumbass, bro? What did I do?"
"You used the money we needed for the cloaking device, you loon!"
"I never agreed to any of that crap. You guys said that, not me, and besides, this fragrance smells great on me!" Astran marches to Seiju and swipes the cologne from his fingertips. "Hey, what do you think you're doing?"
"We're getting the same value back and trading this cologne case."
"Wait, no, that's unfair!"
"Nope, not gonna take it!" says the man at the vendor.
"What do ya mean ya ain't gonna take it? It's an object of equal value!" said Rojo.
"Nope, I have no use for that bullshit. You guys keep that amongst yourselves!" says the middle-aged man at the vendor.
Seiju jumps with excitement, laughing joyfully. "Yes, I get to keep it!"
Astran grits her teeth and punches Seiju multiple times. Seiju cringes and winces, and his arm aches as he rubs it. "Ow! That hurt!"
Rojo lets out a deep sigh, his breath carrying his frustration. "Great, thanks to pretty boy here. We can't get that damn cloaking device!"
"Good going, Seiju," says Astran
Seiju gives Astran a coy wink, his lips parted in a flirtatious grin. "Aw, don't give me that, Astran. You know you can't resist the sexy smell of this cologne."
Astran clenches her fists and fixes her gaze on Seiju. Seiju's shoulders shake as a nervous laugh escapes from his mouth. "Woah, calm down, Astran. I was kidding."
"Hold on. Instead of being angry at pretty boy, why don't we use a metal detector throughout the sand and look for something of great value?" says Denkei.
"Yeah, but that'll take hours," says Rojo.
"Would you rather wander the planet, bickering at Seiju, or use the metal detector?"
"Fair point. Let's just use the metal detector."
They search the hot desert for hours until Astran's metal detector finally emits a sharp beep. "Hey, guys, we got something!"
"Finally! Magic Spell Alchemy: Object Summoning." Denkei's spell turns clay objects into five shovels. Seiju, Rojo, Astran, Denkei, and Nozomi shovel the area until a loud clanking sound rings out from Nozomi's shovel.
"Guys, I found something!" She uncovers the sand and hears a soft clink, and there, beneath her fingers, a ruby appears, its color a deep, fiery red.
"Sweet, a ruby! This should be enough for the device!" says Rojo.
Then from behind them, the sound of Ion guns charging alerts them all. "Move one inch, and you're done for," says one voice.
"Dammit," says Astran.
We now return to the POV of Navar, Miri, and Jax. "Damn, this sucks! We've been searching for six damn hours!" says Navar.
"No one wants to spill anything that's expected on a planet like this," says Miri.
While they survey the area, Jax spots a pair of bright red boots in the crowd. "Hey, guys, I see someone with Red Roots!"
"Let's follow him. I hope he's the person we're looking for," says Miri.
Navar, Miri, and Jax follow the sight of the red boots until they arrive at a hidden area behind a building. Miri draws her arms close to her chest and peers at her brothers with worry. "Should we continue? It could be a trap?"
"This might be our only chance. If we get too scared and let him get away, we may not see a chance like this again," says Navar.
"Alright, let's go then," They follow the red boots until the sound of Ion blasters charging gathers their attention.
"You won't go any further," says one voice.
Miri attempts to unsheathe one of her daggers from her waist. "If you even think about drawing it, we'll blow one of their heads off," Miri sheaths her dagger per the request of the bandit. "Ok, let's take them back to the area."
The bandits take Navar, Miri, and Jax to a small, isolated hut in the middle of the desert, where they hear the wind's howling. Once they enter, they see their comrades held hostage with bags over their heads.
"Now then, I think it's time we kill these kids for coming to this planet..." Shin emerges from the shadows with a malicious glint in his eye.