Fire against Fire

Meanwhile, with Roter and Zäck:

Roter brought Zäck to the Shadow.

Samos, with a serious expression: "I will heal him. Could you do something for me in the meantime?"

Roter, with a determined look: "Sure, what do you need me to do?"

Samos placed a hand on Roter's shoulder and lowered his voice: "Go to Dead Town and fetch the Life Seed for me. I need it urgently."

Roter nodded and set off for Dead Town. As he fought and battled his way through enemy troops, his face was filled with determination. After some searching, he managed to track down the Life Seed. A relieved expression appeared on his face.

Samos took the seed in his hands and smiled approvingly: "Good work, Roter. Now take the seed to Onin. She will prepare it for me."

Roter immediately made his way to Onin and went to the Bazaar.

Pecker, excitedly gesturing: "Onin was wondering where you were all this time?! We even had to skip lunch! Aah... o.k... o.k. Actually, she said, 'Thank you for saving the Life Seed.' But I wouldn't have said it if I were her! Give Onin the seed, she will prepare it for Samos. Onin says, take the energized Life Seed to Samos in Haven Forest.

This energy is crucial in the fight against the Metal Heads. Hurry, go."

On his way to Haven Forest, Roter unexpectedly encountered Nr2, who blocked his path.

"Well, well, Roter?" Nr2 said with a sinister smile.

Roter was surprised and asked, "Mirella?! What do you want?"

With a solemn expression, Nr2 replied, "I was kicked out of the Guard. Praxis killed every elite soldier who failed. I barely managed to escape and decided to fight against the Baron as well."

Suspiciously, Roter responded, "Is that so."

Nr2 expressed earnestly, "I'd like to accompany you for now... because I know the plan."

Thoughtfully, Roter agreed, "Then let's go."

Finally, they reached Haven Forest, where Roter handed the Life Seed to Samos.

"Here is the Life Seed," Roter said as he handed it over.

Samos accepted the seed and thanked him, "Thank you, with its power, I can fully heal and strengthen you."

Surprised by this statement, Roter asked, "What do you mean?"

Suddenly, they were ambushed by enemy soldiers who had discovered them.

"There he is!" Soldier 1 exclaimed.

"Roger. We're on course! I see them!" Soldier 2 said.

Recognizing the danger, Roter turned to Nr2, "Mirella! You have to protect both of us until he heals me!"

Determined, Nr2 replied, "Got it!"

Nr2 bravely fought against the soldiers while Samos healed Roter. Time passed until Roter was completely healed and unleashed a powerful aura that sent all the soldiers flying back. The soldiers retreated.

"Nice to see you healed," Nr2 said relieved.

Gratefully, Roter replied, "So, what's the Baron's plan?"

Nr2 responded seriously, "The Baron plans to destroy the Precursor Stone! He wants to somehow break it open!"

Samos' voice echoed in the group's ears, "If he does that, he will unleash unimaginable energy! It will destroy the world and... eradicate all life! You must stop the Baron! Stop him by any means necessary!"

After Nr2 and Roter left Haven Forest, Nr2 parted ways with Roter.

"I have many things to do. Maybe we'll see each other again someday," Nr2 said thoughtfully. "And Roter, you've developed magnificently. You're my best student. So show the Baron!"

Roter replied determinedly, "I will!"

Nr2 added, "But I still need to reveal a secret about your power to you."

Nr2 whispered something into Roter's ear, causing Roter to react with surprise, "Really?!"

Nr2 nodded and said, "Yep. And only you can do it. So get on with it!"

Roter promised, "I will!"

Nr2 bid farewell, "Well then, take care."

Roter met the others at Kor's in Vin's laboratory.

"I can't believe it! We were so close! The Baron snatched the Precursor Stone right from under our noses! And after all the planning and hard work, Torn betrayed us!" Kor exclaimed disappointedly.

Roter defended Torn, "Torn meant well. He was protecting one of us."

Kor recognized the urgency of the situation, "We need to retrieve the Stone!"

Sick assured, "We're working on it!"

Kor admitted, "I underestimated the Baron, and now it seems he has also captured the kid! Think. What will he do next? You have to go back to the Drill Platform. The main control tower must be destroyed so that the Baron can't harm us with Eco for a while. But be careful, it seems this tower is guarded by Elite Soldier Number 1!"

Roter inquired with concern, "How is Zäck doing?"

Kliflie regretfully replied, "Still unconscious."

Sick observed, "Then it looks like it's just the three of us against Number 1."

Roter corrected, "Just the two of us. The Championship is coming up. I have to go."

Sick reminded him, "Right! So it's just you and me, Kliflie."

Kliflie took on a fighting spirit, "Whatever. He's in for a surprise. Good luck, Roter!"

Sick encouraged him, "You've got this!"

Roter thanked his friends, "Thanks, guys!"

Kliflie and Sick headed to the Drill Platform.

Meanwhile, Roter went to the stadium.

"I'll show you what I've been working on, but you have to promise not to laugh," Keira said and led Roter to her recreated rift vehicle made from the old artifacts. "But I'm still missing two parts. According to Vin, I need a certain 'Time Map' and an old energy gem called the 'Heart of Mar.' I've checked every history book on the Precursors, but the rift ring seems to be missing!"

Roter was curious, "But what's it for?"

Keira explained, "Samos' plan is to hide the child in the past so it can grow up in peace."

Roter was determined, "Alright, the Heart of Mar! Krew has it! We'll get you the artifacts, Keira."

In the stadium, an announcement was made, "Attention, rac

ers. The championship race of the first class will begin shortly!"

Roter knew that this would be his most important race, "This is it then. The race of my life!"

Keira encouraged him, "Roter, I wanted to tell you something... Well, you're actually a nice guy, so win this! Leave them in the dust, Roter!"

Roter stepped onto the race track, and Erol drove alongside him.

"I don't just want to win, Eco-Spinner... I want your head!" Erol provoked.

Praxis, the organizer, announced, "Greetings, racers! Today, your nerves and skills will be put to the test. If any of you can truly defeat our champion, Erol, you will receive a month's supply of Eco and a mini-tour of my palace to see how the other half lives. Good luck and die bravely! On your marks!"

Roter felt the adrenaline rush through his veins as he prepared for the upcoming challenge.

The engines of the vehicles roared as the drivers took their positions at the starting line. Roter felt the vibrations of the powerful engine beneath him as he tightly gripped the steering wheel and focused his gaze on the race track.

The starting light illuminated, and the crowd held their breath. As the signal to start was given, Roter pressed the accelerator, and his vehicle shot forward, accompanied by a deafening engine noise.

The race track was a demanding course full of tight turns, steep climbs, and dangerous obstacles. Roter showcased his driving skills as he masterfully maneuvered through the curves with precise steering and quick reactions, leaving his opponents behind.

However, Erol, the champion of previous races, didn't give up easily. He attempted to overtake Roter and repeatedly pushed closely alongside his vehicle. But Roter remained focused and unshaken.

The spectators were thrilled by the breathtaking duel between Roter and Erol. They cheered and loudly supported their favorites as the vehicles raced at high speeds around the race track.

Roter felt the wind on his face as he sped down the straights with incredible velocity, seizing every opportunity to widen his lead. He knew he had to give it his all to achieve this crucial victory.

Finally, they approached the finish line. The tension was palpable as Roter and Erol raced side by side toward the last turn. With a skillful maneuver and a targeted burst of acceleration, Roter gained a decisive advantage and crossed the finish line first.

A deafening cheer erupted in the stadium as Roter was celebrated as the new champion of the first class. He savored the moment as he stepped out of his vehicle.

As Roter looked around, the Baron swooped in and threw him the identification badge for the palace.

"Ah, a brave man of the people... and who might this worthy opponent be?" Praxis mockingly asked. "In my world, good people are either bought or broken... So, what will it be?"

Roter removed his helmet, revealing his identity, "Surprise..."

Praxis was shocked, "WHAT?"

Roter said resolutely, "Come a little closer. We need to talk..."

Praxis became angry, "Fool! Finally understand! It's over, Roter! The heroes have long been dead! Only survival matters... no matter the means! The city belongs to me! These lives belong to me! This war belongs to me! And in war... PEOPLE DIE! Kill him!"

Just as Roter was about to retaliate, a sudden warning filled the air.

Suddenly, he heard the soldier's words warning him of an imminent danger. He quickly turned around and saw Erol racing towards them with incredible speed. In Roter's eyes, he could see determination and superiority.

Erol smiled triumphantly as he approached Roter. "I will win, Roter!" he confidently declared, his words filled with a mixture of arrogance and challenge.

Roter skillfully dodged the charging Erol, who ultimately crashed uncontrollably into the month's supply of Eco. The impact caused a massive explosion... The only thing left of him was his mask lying on the ground.

Praxis witnessed Roter attempting to flee and ordered his soldiers, "After him!"

Roter fled from the enraged guardsmen, rushing through the corridors of the palace. Eventually, he reached the throne room, where he encountered Red. Their gazes locked in a tense silence for a moment.

"You've been using and manipulating me all this time!" Red accused, taking a step towards Roter. She unleashed her anger with a furious kick that knocked Roter aside.

"What are you talking about?" Roter responded, confused, as he propped himself up on the ground and caught his breath.

Red clenched her fists and unleashed flames towards Roter. He instinctively jumped aside, staring in surprise at the burning flames. "Flames...?" he muttered, astonished.

"That's right! I also inherited an Eco power from my father," Red explained, aiming a tremendous flame at Roter. "I wanted to be like you, so I chose fire. But now I deeply regret it!"

Roter couldn't believe what he was hearing. "What's wrong with you? I haven't done anything to you!" he desperately exclaimed, trying to defend against the flame attack.

Red fixed him with a cold gaze. "My father was right from the beginning. You're a false snake who manipulated me."

Roter attempted to calm the situation. "Can't we just talk about this first?" he pleaded, defending himself against Red's attacks.

But Red was relentless. "Talking is pointless now!" she replied, attacking with full force. Roter fought bravely, but Red surprised him with her acrobatic combat technique and inflicted painful blows.

Suddenly, a bone-chilling scream from Red pierced the air, and the throne room was engulfed in flames. Roter instinctively reacted and countered with the same technique. The room was now divided into two halves, one illuminated by Red's bright red fire, while Roter's flames glowed in dark red.

"Red... please listen to me," Roter begged, struggling against the heat and the furious flames. "Your father will kill us all!"

Red let out a bitter laugh. "My father can wipe out the Metal Skull Army with a single strike! And you... no, you won't be able to stop it!"

Roter realized that Red wouldn't budge from her position. "I guess you really can't be convinced," he sighed resignedly.

With one last mighty motion, Red attacked. "I had to endure the state of the city my whole life, and now that we have a solution... here you come!" she screamed amidst the flames.

Roter felt anger rising within him as Red persistently fought against him. He focused on defending against her attacks and searching for an opportunity to counter.

"That's not a solution!" Roter shouted, trying to reach Red with his words. His voice trembled with emotional pain and a strong conviction that Praxis's plan wasn't the solution. "It would only worsen the problem. We have to find another way!"

Red's eyes sparkled with anger as she heard Roters arguments. She shook her head and struck with even greater fury. Roter was hit by a powerful blow and was thrown back a few steps before regaining his balance.

Roter stood up again, his eyes fixed on Red with a determined gaze, his voice calm but filled with resolve. "But I know what it feels like to lose everything. And I won't allow others to experience that feeling too. There must be another way."

Plagued by doubts, Red formed a massive ball of flames in her hands. "It's over," she declared with a mix of anger and despair. "I'm putting an end to this now. TAKE THIS!"

Roter looked at the powerful ball heading towards him. His expression became serious but composed. "I guess you leave me no choice," he murmured softly, gathering his energy.

Suddenly, Roter opened his eyes wide, and an incredible power surged out of him. The energy formed an aura around him, suffocating all flames in its path. Red's ball was dissolved in the air as if it had never existed.

Red stared at the spectacle, stunned, as a sense of confusion and uncertainty rose within her. "What the...? How did you do that?" she stammered, her voice filled with disbelief.

Overwhelmed by Roter's powerful aura, Red lost consciousness.

Roter swiftly grabbed the security pass to the weapons factory that fell out of Red's pocket.

Unwavering, Roter fought his way through the various rooms of the palace. The guards who stood in his way were quickly overwhelmed by his fire powers. His determination pushed him forward as he overcame every obstacle that stood in his path.

The escape from the palace was marked by chaos and fire. Roter left a trail of devastation as he inexorably approached the exit. His thoughts were focused on the greater goal—the revelation of the truth and the fate of the city.