On a vast plain, resembling an abandoned wasteland, shrouded in a gloomy and desolate landscape, the rain raged under a dark sky covered with clouds as black as night. Despite the unwelcoming appearance of the place, there was a group of people crossing it on horseback, heading north, as if they feared no danger. A few minutes later, they arrived at a mountain, in the side of which was embedded a massive metal door. The leader of the group approached the door and shouted:
"Professor, it's Captain Misset! We've come to collect the new stock."
After saying these words, he backed his horse a few steps and waited. Barely five seconds later, the loud sound of gears began to echo. The enormous metal door slowly started to open through a pneumatic mechanism, with the loud noise of escaping air.
Tchoooooouuuusssssssssssss
Once the door had fully opened, the Captain and his men dismounted their horses and entered as a group. Inside, the scene that greeted them was nothing short of remarkable. A gigantic tunnel, seemingly endless, had been carved into the mountain, with an enormous network of colossal pipes running throughout the interior. The visitors continued to advance slowly, admiring the complex engineering marvel before them when suddenly, a man approached:
"It's been a while, Captain. Tell me, was this round of collection fruitful?"
"Yes, Professor, it exceeded our expectations. Here's your share."
The Captain gestured to his men, who brought forward a chest filled with gold coins.
"Ooohooo! Indeed, I can see that. You've done well."
"Thank you, Professor! But, you know, without your T-Rex pills, none of this would have been possible."
"Ahahaha, come on, Captain, you're too modest."
"Ahahaha, you think so? But seriously, your lab carved into this mountain is a marvel. Every time I come, I'm in awe of all this space and technological brilliance."
"Hahaha, and you haven't even seen the actual lab yet..."
"Well, I hope one day you'll give me the grand tour..."
"Maybe, maybe... In the meantime, here are some more pills."
Toss
...
Catch
Captain Misset opened the pouch that had been thrown to him and examined its contents while the Professor continued:
"There are 500 in total. That should be enough for you and your men until the next delivery."
"Thank you, Professor. We'll make good use of them."
"Well then, gentlemen, I'll take my leave. I have much to do. I wish you good fortune on your return journey."
"Thank you very much, Professor, and give my regards to Master Himma."
"Of course."
And with that, the Professor walked away, disappearing into the darkness of the tunnel. Captain Misset and his men retraced their steps to the door where they had left their mounts. Once outside, they untied their horses and mounted. One of the men asked their leader:
"Where to next, Captain?"
"Isn't it obvious?! We're heading southeast to meet up with Linhart and Laila."
"YES, CAPTAIN!!!"
With that, they resumed their journey without further delay. After traveling a certain distance, when everything seemed calm, one of the men approached the Captain and said:
"Tell me, Captain, are those pills really so extraordinary that you're being so compliant with that little guy?"
"Huh, Ganna, is that you?!"
After confirming that it was indeed him, Captain Misset continued:
"Ahhh, that's right, you're a new member and haven't had the chance to experience the two wonders my group offers. But don't worry, these pills are one of those wonders. They provide an incredible boost in power, up to three times the subject's base strength."
"Huh?! What?? Really???"
"Yes! And I'm not even talking about the feeling of absolute power and the ecstasy they give; it's indescribable."
"Yeah, I can imagine..."
"But don't worry, Ganna. Once I have enough men and pills, we'll take over that damn lab, and I'll make Himma and that arrogant Professor eat their superiority."
"Ahahaha, now that sounds like the Captain I know."
"Of course!"
"And... what's the other wonder, Captain?"
"Ahahaha, isn't it obvious?! The other wonder is none other than my little Laila!"
"Are you serious, Captain?"
"Yes, very much... To be honest, I wouldn't know which is more delicious, Laila or a T-Rex pill."
"..."
"But if I had to choose, I'd pick Laila."
"Is it really that good, Captain?"
"Ask the others if you don't believe me."
Ganna turned to look at the men close enough to overhear his conversation with the Captain. They all nodded in agreement, as if to say, "Yes, the Captain is right."
"...GLOUPSE..."
He turned back to the Captain, who continued:
"Your first attempt the other day failed because of that other kid. But now that he's out of the picture, you'll be able to indulge yourself. Once you've tasted my sweet Laila, believe me, you won't find any interest in other women. They'll seem bland to you.
Ganna began trembling with excitement and replied, "You're making my mouth water, Captain!"
"Ahahahahaha... Wait, what?!"
Captain Misset's laughter was abruptly cut off by a most unusual sight. A group of about fifteen heavily armed people was blocking their way. These were, in fact, highway bandits, clearly targeting Captain Misset's less-armed group. The Captain then had a devilish idea, as shown by the wicked grin that spread across his face:
"Looks like it's your lucky day, Ganna..."
________________________________________
On a rare, rainless morning in these desolate lands, Nate, as usual, was deep into his daily training. He had already finished his jog and was now doing stretches. But today, something was different; there was someone else. That someone was Laila, though unlike Nate, she wasn't exercising but simply watching him. Then...
"Nate, what's the plan now?" she asked.
"The plan is to stay here for seven days. On the eighth, we'll head back to Katako to meet up with my master, and then finally get out of this backwater... or at least that's what I think."
"You think?"
"It's not really up to me; it's up to my master. He may be a bit of a grump, but deep down, he's kind. I'm sure you two will get along..."
"I see... But why aren't we waiting for him there?"
"Honestly? It's because that town makes me sick. I've seen too many things there I'd rather forget. Also, staying here helps us avoid unnecessary trouble."
"And what if Captain Misset and his men find us?"
"Don't worry. If they dare show up, I'll put them down!"
"Nate, you're strong, but you shouldn't underestimate them. They're real monsters, especially the Captain. One day, I saw him fight five men and win without much effort; and that was without any T-Rex pills."
"These pills you keep mentioning; what are they, exactly?"
"Even I'm not entirely sure. All I know is that whoever takes them becomes incredibly strong and can't feel pain."
"Hmmm... I see. If that's all, then this should be manageable."
"If you say so... But I really think you're underestimating them."
"No need to worry. Anyway, how do those clothes you took from my bag fit you?"
Nate had returned to the inn to gather some things and had bought the food they'd be eating together.
"Uh, they're a bit big, but they'll do."
"Alright, don't worry. We'll find you something better once we're back on the road."
"As you wish..."
Judging by the tone of her response, one could sense that she might have been a little upset or at least sad. Nate, who also noticed this, decided not to ask and instead resumed his training under Laila's watchful eyes.
________________________________________
Several kilometers away from Nate and Laila, Captain Misset had sent two of his men to massacre the militia that had blocked their path. In no time, Ganna and his companion had exterminated the group, which had been better armed and equipped. The Captain then said to his subordinate:
"So, Ganna, how about those T-Rex pills?"
Still in awe of his newfound strength, Ganna was marveling at the effects of the pills. When he heard the Captain's question, he replied:
"It's unbelievable, Captain. With these, I feel invincible."
"You see, I told you... Alright, men, take their weapons and anything of value. I can't wait to see my sweet Laila!"