As the sun climbed higher in the sky over Fertissio, Modeus and Abigail rode their motorcycle at a moderate speed through the dusty streets toward the administrative district in the Old World Network. The strong wind carried swirling grains of sand around them, adding to the familiar desert atmosphere. Modeus, seated behind Abigail, looked restless.
"I know we need to handle some administrative tasks, but... how about we make a stop at Iron Fang Armory first?" Modeus suddenly suggested. His voice was full of enthusiasm, prompting Abigail to glance back.
"Iron Fang Armory?" Abigail raised an eyebrow. "Why there?"
Modeus smiled, clearly unable to contain his eagerness to try something new. "I just want to check out some ranged weapons. We never know when they might come in handy, especially after what happened yesterday."
Abigail sighed, half agreeing. "Alright. But don't go overboard. Remember, we're on a tight budget."
With a slight turn of the motorcycle's handlebars, Abigail changed direction, heading toward Iron Fang Armory—a renowned weapons store in the Old World Network that offered a range of firearms, from classic to futuristic.
***
When they arrived at Iron Fang Armory, Modeus and Abigail were greeted by the sight of a large store with a sturdy metal design and dim lighting. The automatic doors slid open as they stepped inside, and the distinctive smell of metal and oil filled the air.
Inside, various weapons were displayed in neat glass cases, from pistols to advanced sniper rifles. In another corner, an assortment of ammunition and combat gear was meticulously arranged, making it a paradise for relic hunters seeking new equipment.
Before they could explore further, they spotted a familiar figure near the cashier's desk. Marlene was standing there, casually leaning against the counter.
"Hey, look who we've run into," Modeus called out as he approached. "Marlene, doing some shopping?"
Marlene turned with a faint smile. "Modeus, Abigail. You're both here too? I thought you'd be busy in the administrative district."
Abigail offered a small smile. "We just changed plans. Modeus wanted to check out some new weapons."
"Oh, I see," Marlene shrugged. "I'm just here briefly myself. Picking up ammo for my sniper rifle and collecting my A.R.M. which was being repaired."
"What happened to your A.R.M.?" Abigail asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"Nothing major. Just a minor damage from the last mission," Marlene explained. "Luckily, Lin Ming here was able to fix it quickly."
At that moment, a woman with long black hair tied neatly back in a mechanic's uniform approached from behind the cashier's desk, carrying some equipment. Her face showed a rare friendliness in the harsh world of Fertissio. She looked at Marlene briefly before turning to Modeus and Abigail.
"Here are your items, Marlene. Your sniper rifle is ready, and your A.R.M. has been repaired. It should work even better now," the woman said as she handed over Marlene's gear.
Marlene took the items with a brief nod. "Thanks, Lin."
Lin Ming then glanced at Modeus and Abigail, scanning them quickly. "So, you two know each other," she said warmly, turning back to Marlene. "You haven't introduced them."
"Oh, right," Marlene replied with a slight smile. "This is Modeus and Abigail. We recently completed a mission together. They're also relic hunters."
Lin smiled warmly and extended her hand. "I'm Lin Ming. Nice to meet you both. I remember you came by yesterday but didn't get a chance to introduce myself."
Abigail shook her hand with a small nod. "Nice to meet you too. Does Marlene come here often?"
Lin chuckled softly. "Yes, you could say that. She's a regular. Whenever she needs something—ammo, repairs, or just to chat—Marlene always stops by."
"So you're the one who repaired her A.R.M.?" Modeus asked, intrigued.
Lin nodded. "That's right. I've been working with this kind of technology for a long time. If you need repairs or modifications, just come by. I can help."
Modeus smiled. "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. By the way, do you have any good recommendations for a long-range weapon?"
Lin frowned slightly and then turned to the weapon racks behind her. "Hmm... let's see. I've got a few options. Do you prefer automatic or manual?"
Modeus thought for a moment. "Manual. I want full control, but still with high destructive power."
Lin's face lit up with a smile. "I've got just the thing for you. Wait a moment."
She walked over to the weapon racks, retrieving a long-barreled rifle with a sleek black metal body that looked intimidating. "This is the Longstrike M-12, a high-precision long-range rifle. It has a classic design but comes with some modern features like an automatic stabilizer and a target tracker. It's not automatic, but every shot packs a powerful punch."
Modeus examined the rifle with admiration. "This looks like exactly what I'm looking for."
"If you want to try it out, there's a shooting range in the back," Lin offered, pointing toward a door at the rear of the store.
Modeus looked at Abigail, who shrugged. "Go ahead. I can wait here."
With enthusiasm, Modeus followed Lin to the shooting range, while Abigail and Marlene remained at the front of the store, continuing their conversation.
"So, how's it been since the last mission?" Abigail asked, crossing his arms.
Marlene sighed softly. "Tired, as usual. But it's part of the job, right?"
Abigail gave a small smile. "True. And how about your team? Have you thought about recruiting new members?"
Marlene nodded. "Maybe. I'm considering it. Fertissio never lacks people willing to work, but finding ones you can trust is another story."
Not long after, Modeus returned with a bright smile. "The weapon is amazing!" he exclaimed. "I think I'm going to buy it."
Abigail chuckled softly. "Alright, if that's what you want."
Marlene smiled and shrugged. "Good choice. Lin knows her stuff."
Lin, who had reappeared from the back, nodded with satisfaction. "You won't regret buying it, Modeus. If you have any issues or need modifications, just come back."
After completing the purchase, Modeus and Abigail said their goodbyes to Marlene and Lin and stepped out of Iron Fang Armory, now armed with their new acquisition.
Leaving Iron Fang Armory, Modeus and Abigail headed toward the main building of Old World Network. The towering structure stood tall amidst the administrative district, known as the hub of information and mission intake for relic hunters. The streets around the building were bustling with activity, mostly filled with artifact hunters and traders trying their luck in Fertissio.
As they entered the building, the cool air from the climate control system welcomed them. Inside, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the blazing desert outside. Giant holographic screens were displayed in various corners, showcasing a range of missions available to hunters. Abigail walked over to one of the interactive terminals to check out the available missions, while Modeus stood behind him, watching the screen with keen interest.
"It looks like the only high-paying mission available is the quantum artifact retrieval," Abigail said, pressing a few buttons on the terminal to bring up the mission details.
Modeus, curious, leaned closer to the screen. "Artifact retrieval? It seems like there are a lot of these missions listed."
Abigail nodded. "Yes, but this one is different. Look at this." He pointed to the mission details on the screen. "They're asking us to meet with other team members at a specific coordinate, about four kilometers from here, outside the Old World Network area."
Modeus frowned. "Why do we need to meet outside the city? Usually, artifact retrieval missions just give us the artifact's location, and we go find it ourselves."
Abigail shrugged. "I don't know either. They didn't provide more details except the meeting point and instructions to bring standard equipment. The pay is good, but this mission feels off compared to the usual ones."
Modeus crossed his arms, thinking for a moment. "Well, there might be a reason. Anyway, we'll find out once we meet the other team members. So, should we head out now?"
Abigail nodded. "Yes. We can't wait too long."
After completing the mission pickup, Abigail and Modeus left the main building and headed towards their motorcycle. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows from the towering buildings across the city streets. Abigail took the driver's seat, while Modeus climbed on behind him. The motorcycle roared to life with a smooth hum from its gyro technology.
"I'm really glad we have a vehicle now," Modeus chuckled, glancing at the increasingly busy streets. "No more walking, especially in this hot desert."
Abigail smiled slightly. "Yeah, the ride will be much quicker with this bike. But I'm still curious about this mission. Usually, we work alone, but this time there are other team members. Something about it feels off."
The motorcycle sped out of the city, leaving the paved roads and heading towards the open terrain outside the Old World Network. The desert scenery took over again, with endless sand dunes and distant ruins. The desert wind whipped around them, carrying dust and small debris.
Modeus, enjoying the breeze from the back seat, sighed. "I won't lie, Abigail. This feels strange. We usually don't have to meet anyone, let alone outside the city. But maybe they have a good reason."
Abigail kept his focus on the road ahead. "Yeah, that's what bothers me. Artifact retrieval missions usually aren't this complicated. But I think we'll be fine, as long as we stay alert."
Modeus looked out at the sprawling desert, feeling a bit uneasy. "Do you think there's something wrong with this mission?"
Abigail shook his head, though there was a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Not necessarily wrong, but my instincts say we should be cautious. This isn't a typical retrieval mission. And with a payout this high, there's bound to be some risk."
They sped across the desert, traversing seemingly endless sand dunes. The setting sun turned the desert sky into shades of orange and red, creating a beautiful yet desolate landscape. Modeus, accustomed to the desert's solitude, seized the moment to ask more.
"You've taken on a lot of retrieval missions before, right?" Modeus asked, his voice cutting through the roar of the motorcycle. "Has there been one like this before?"
Abigail shook his head again. "No. This is the first time I've had to gather with a team at a location like this. Usually, retrieval missions are straightforward: go to the spot, grab the artifact, and head back. But this time... it feels like something's off."
Modeus let out a long sigh. "Maybe we're going to meet a larger group. Who knows, maybe they want to ensure the safety of this retrieval."
"Or there might be a bigger threat than usual," Abigail replied seriously. "We'll find out once we get there."
Their conversation was cut short as the motorcycle roared past the last sand dune, and the coordinates from their mission began to appear on Abigail's A.R.M. In the distance, a large building ruin became visible—seemingly the remnants of an old industrial complex long abandoned.
"It looks like we're getting close," Abigail said, slowing the bike and eyeing the ruins with caution. "Let's see who's waiting for us there."
Abigail and Modeus arrived at the specified coordinates, right at the edge of the ancient ruin yawning open before them. The massive hole resembled a dark mouth, swallowing anything that approached. Around it, a bustling scene had formed. Large trucks lined up, packed with heavy equipment and supplies. Dozens of security robots stood firm, operated by a security team in powered suits and wielding heavy weapons. Bright floodlights illuminated the entrance, revealing the path they were about to enter.
As they dismounted their motorcycle, they were immediately confronted by a large man in heavy gear, equipped with weapons on his right shoulder. The man wore a futuristic helmet with a red light glowing from its visor.
"I'm Takashima Gyoro," the man introduced himself with a deep voice, amplified by his suit. "I'm the team leader for this retrieval mission."
Abigail and Modeus exchanged a brief glance before Abigail responded. "I'm Abigail, and this is Modeus. We're part of the retrieval team for this mission."
Takashima regarded them with a cold, calculating gaze. "Alright, you can join the line. This mission isn't easy, and I don't want anyone acting recklessly." His voice was firm, as if each word carried significant weight.
The two of them followed his directions and joined the line with the other relic hunters. About thirty people had gathered, most wearing augmented suits or advanced armor, and holding heavy firearms. Modeus, quietly observing his surroundings, noticed a group of individuals that caught his attention.
In the lineup, a teenage girl stood with a rigid posture. She wore an augmented suit covered by a loose hoodie, nearly obscuring her face. However, from her movements, Modeus could tell she was no ordinary teenager. Beside her stood a much more elegant woman, dressed in luxurious royal attire adorned with the Aurelius crest on her chest—a symbol of one of Fertissio's prominent royal families. A large spear, radiating an aura of strength, was slung across her back.
Modeus glanced at Abigail, who was also observing the pair. "They look out of place," he whispered.
Abigail nodded slightly. "They're probably from a noble family or at least important figures. But what are people of their stature doing on a retrieval mission?"
Modeus shrugged, not wanting to speculate further.
Takashima Gyoro stepped to the center of the crowd, commanding everyone's attention. "Alright, listen up," he said, his voice booming through his suit's speakers. "Our mission is straightforward but dangerous. This pit was discovered only a few days ago, and the first team reported finding quantum artifacts inside."
The team members nodded, some looking accustomed to such briefings, while others watched intently.
"The cleanup team entered a few hours ago to ensure there are no monsters or other threats remaining. Our job is to collect the artifacts and quantum stones along the secured path. But remember," Takashima emphasized each word, "this is a new ruin. We don't know everything that's inside. So don't stray from the designated path. Stay behind the cleanup team."
Modeus looked towards the increasingly dark pit, despite the large floodlights. "It looks like we're going to descend quite deep," he murmured.
"Deeper than we might expect," Abigail replied, adjusting his weapon and checking his A.R.M.
Takashima spoke again, "There will be about six retrieval teams entering. You'll be divided based on your skills and equipment. Each team will work in their designated area. Don't act recklessly, or we could all end up in serious trouble."
Modeus leaned closer to Abigail and spoke quietly, "I don't like this. It's too organized for a regular retrieval mission. Something's being hidden."
Abigail kept his gaze forward with a serious expression. "Stay calm, Modeus. We're professionals. Focus on the mission."
As Takashima finished giving his instructions, the retrieval teams began preparing. Modeus glanced at the teenage girl he had noticed earlier. She stood silently, while the elegant woman beside her seemed calm and confident. The woman occasionally spoke quietly to the girl, perhaps offering guidance or encouragement.
"Who are they?" Modeus asked Abigail, who also looked curious.
"No idea," Abigail replied. "But from the Aurelius crest on the woman's chest, they're likely tied to the royal family or at least high nobility. We might learn more about them later."
Takashima Gyoro approached Abigail and Modeus, giving them a quick look. "You two are with my team. Make sure you're ready."
Abigail nodded, and Modeus adjusted his weapon on his shoulder. "We're always ready."
Once all the teams had gathered as instructed, they began moving toward the massive pit's edge. Modeus felt the tension in the air as they approached the rim, the floodlights casting long shadows of their figures. The hum of machinery and the clanking of guard robots echoed around them, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of the mission.
When they reached the edge of the pit, Takashima signaled the nearby technicians to prepare the lift platform that would take them down. While they waited for the lift, Modeus stole another glance at the hoodie-clad girl and the woman with the spear on her back. The girl remained silent, her gaze fixed on the pit as if searching for something deep within the darkness.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Modeus murmured, but Abigail just gave a slight nod.
"Save your energy for later," he replied tersely.
As the lift platform began its slow descent into the pit's darkness, Modeus, Abigail, and the rest of the team prepared to enter the ruins, which might reveal more mysteries than they had anticipated.
***