Chapter 111: Factory World

Day's POV

The ship landed in the ocean. As we disembarked on the beach, the sight of the factory world unfolded before us. Large metal buildings towered over the landscape, their chimneys releasing plumes of what looked like steam into the sky. The air had a metallic tang to it, making me wrinkle my nose.

Goerld, Roan, Tessa, Misara, and Arare covered their noses, clearly not used to the harsh scent. The Titanos, however, seemed unbothered, their expressions calm and unperturbed.

Tira put a hand on her hips and glanced around the place. "This scent. This world truly is a factory planet, isn't it?"

"That's what Varia said," Wilneth replied, her gaze fixed on a giant metal city not too far from us.

Tessa coughed and shook her head. "Ugh, how can people live like this?"

Wilneth looked over her shoulder and laughed. "Different planets give rise to different species, all with their unique quirks. The people of this world probably developed a resistance to such stuff. Or they did so via technological means."

"Or both," I added.

She nodded. "Indeed, this is the realm of technology after all."

As we continued to look around, it became clear that the inhabitants of this planet were in the midst of rebuilding after some kind of war. The people here were a stocky, muscular race, with broad shoulders and stout builds, reminding me of the Doggen from the stories mom used to tell me. The Doggen were a people said to live underground who loved building stuff. They were said to be short, though. The people of this world were just half a foot shorter than us.

The Doggen-like people moved with surprising agility and strength, their mechanical suits and exoskeletons complementing their natural prowess.

Mechanical suits and exoskeletons adorned many of the workers, their movements precise and coordinated as they repaired damaged structures and machinery. The sound of welding and machinery echoed through the air, making my head ache.

"Look at them," Roan said, pointing to a group of workers. "They're using those mechanical suits to lift heavy materials and repair buildings."

"It's impressive," Misara commented. "They're rebuilding their world with technology."

Arare nodded in agreement. "Wish we had such tech back in Edesia."

However, not all the activity was focused on rebuilding. Titanos soldiers in mechas patrolled the area, their imposing presence a constant reminder of the world's recent turmoil. The mechas watched over the workers, their weapons at the ready, ensuring order and security.

"Those Titanos in mechas," Goerld said, his voice low. "They look like they're keeping a close eye on everything."

Wilneth turned to us, her expression serious. "If we encounter my fellow Titanos, play along with whatever I say. We need to blend in and avoid drawing unnecessary attention."

We all nodded in understanding, knowing that our mission depended on our ability to navigate this world without raising suspicion.

As we walked through the factory world, the scale of the rebuilding effort became even more apparent. Massive cranes and construction vehicles moved materials with precision, while workers in mechanical suits toiled tirelessly to restore the damaged infrastructure.

The people of this world were remarkable in their unity and determination. Despite their stocky builds, they moved with a grace and efficiency that was mesmerizing to watch.

"Look over there," Prince Huitlo said, pointing to a group of workers using advanced welding tools to repair a large metal structure. "They're using some kind of plasma welding technology."

"It's impressive," Wilneth said, marveling at the efficiency and coordination of the workers.

As we continued to explore, we encountered more Titanos soldiers in mechas, their presence a reminder of the world's recent conflict.

I glared at the mechas. They brought back so many memories. Memories I could live without.

Wilneth led the way, her demeanor confident and authoritative, ensuring that we blended in seamlessly.

We approached a checkpoint where several Titanos soldiers were stationed. Wilneth stepped forward, her posture commanding.

"Greetings," one of the soldiers said, his voice filtered through the mecha's speakers. "State your business."

Wilneth snickered as she brandished a badge. "I'm here to see my fellow Commander, Yusan."

The man gasped and put a fist against his chest. "O-of course, Madam! I'll contact him right away."

As the soldier hurried off to contact Yusan, I couldn't help but feel a knot of unease tighten in my stomach. Was calling for Yusan now really a good idea? I glanced at the others, who seemed equally tense but determined to follow Wilneth's lead.

"We need to be careful," I whispered to Retas, who was standing next to me. "Yusan is dangerous."

Ret nodded, his expression serious. "I know. But we have to trust Wilneth. She knows what she's doing." He raised a large hood over his head and put on a some odd black glasses, likely to hide his identity.

Arare, who was listening in, added, "Just remember to stay calm, Day. We can't afford to let our emotions get the better of us."

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "You're right. We need to stay focused."

As we waited, we continued to observe the bustling activity around us. The Doggen-like people were remarkable. Despite their stocky builds, they moved with grace and efficiency, their mechanical suits enhancing their natural abilities.

Arare leaned in and whispered, "I wish we had such tech back in Edesia. It would make rebuilding so much easier."

"Maybe someday," I replied, my eyes scanning the workers. "For now, we need to focus on our mission."

"Just remember, everyone, we're here to blend in. Follow Wilneth's lead and don't draw attention to ourselves," Goerld whispered.

We all nodded in agreement, understanding the gravity of our situation. Just then, the Titanos soldier returned, accompanied by an orange-haired man with an intimidating face. His presence was commanding, and the air seemed to grow colder as he approached.

"Commander Yusan," the soldier announced, his voice filled with deference.

Yusan's eyes swept over our group, his gaze sharp and calculating. I felt a chill run down my spine as I recognized him—the killer of my parents and grandmother. I forced myself to remain calm, trying my best not to glare at him.

Wilneth stepped forward, her demeanor confident and authoritative. "Commander Yusan, it's been a while."

Yusan's eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded Wilneth. "Wilneth. To what do I owe the pleasure?" His voice was cold and measured, but there was an undercurrent of suspicion.

Wilneth smirked, holding up her badge. "I'm here on official business. These are my allies, and we're here to assist with ensuring the capture of this world."

Yusan's gaze shifted to us, lingering on each of us for a moment. I could feel his eyes boring into me, but I kept my expression neutral, refusing to give anything away.

"Very well," Yusan said finally, his tone begrudgingly accepting. "Follow me. We have much to discuss."

As we followed Yusan, I couldn't help but feel rage. He didn't even recognize me. The memories of my parents, Syran, and grandmother fueled my resolve. I would not let their deaths be in vain. We had a mission to complete, and I would do whatever it took to see it through.