The research

While Nioh flipped through the research logs, Akron and Althea returned from their individual scouting routes.

"I found traces of combat, north from here," Althea reported, walking up briskly. "There's dried blood and some plasma residue. Judging by the patterns, someone in the research group is probably injured."

"They're moving by flyship. An old model," Akron added as he pulled out his communication device and projected a map. "It's likely equipped with a low-altitude frequency jammer—nothing advanced—but based on the energy trail and speed, they should still be within a thousand-kilometer radius."

He tapped on the map, zooming in on a single location.

"This is the only safe zone nearby."

Nioh didn't respond immediately. His eyes narrowed as he sent the research log to both of them.