Overcrowding

— They're calling you. Go on while I clean this up. — said Z, as her arms split into multiple metallic appendages, already beginning to organize the workbench.

I stood there for a moment, still processing what had just happened with the bracelet on my wrist, but I soon made my way to the room where Ph and Neto were waiting for me.

— Alright, continuing from where I left off... — Neto began, crossing his arms. — Z isn't human. That causes us some problems.

I raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to elaborate.

— She doesn't understand basic concepts like money, privacy, time... Property is the only one that seems to make sense to her, but even that is complicated. And honestly, we don't have time to teach her all that while still protecting the city.

Ph nodded, adding:

— That's where you come in. Besides teaching Z, your knowledge will also help us.

— We're strong, but uncoordinated. We lack synergy. — Neto sighed, sounding frustrated. — And with Mortuus sending increasingly powerful aliens, that's going to become a serious issue in the future.

He took a deep breath before concluding:

— In short: help us understand and defeat the aliens while teaching Z how to be... human.

I stayed silent for a moment, absorbing the responsibility that had just been thrown on me. Then, I nodded.

— Let's take it slow. First, we need to assess the full situation. But, about your coordination... that comes with time. There's a training room here, right? Use it. Train together. You're already strong, but with synergy, you'll be unstoppable. — I looked at the two of them, reinforcing the idea.

Ph and Neto looked at each other, seemingly considering my words.

— Go train for a bit now. I need to go buy a few things. — I said, already turning toward the dorm to grab my wallet and other belongings.

The two didn't argue. They just nodded and headed toward the rest of the group.

As I left the dorm, I stopped in front of the hidden staircase.

How did I open this again?

I had a flash of what Aila did earlier. Taking a deep breath, I raised my arm.

The "X" engraved on the bracelet lit up, projecting a beam of light that activated the mechanism, revealing the entrance.

I climbed the steps and was greeted by the scorching midday sun. The heat beat down on my skin, and the walk into the city felt longer than ever.

At least it gave me time to think.

I walked through the shaded areas, trying to get some relief from the heat.

It was all impulsive... my decision to join the Rangers, even if just from behind the scenes.

Would I survive?

If something happened… would they make it in time?

Fighting aliens wasn't a game. The battles seemed exciting to them, but in the end, lives were on the line. Cities were destroyed. Everything could end in the blink of an eye. Evil could win.

I hate this pessimism.

I'm overthinking.

But... if I can help them improve their weaknesses, if I can prevent unnecessary losses…

I won't just be the eyes of the Rangers, like Aila said.

I'll be their essence.

I'll be the coal that feeds the Rangers' fire, so they can burn brighter.

I lost track of time with those thoughts. When I realized it, I was already leaving the sand and arriving in the city.

I let out a long sigh.

No more thinking.

I took my headphones from my pocket and plugged them into my phone.

I played some music while walking, but something strange happened.

The music started glitching.

Interference?

Before I could check my phone, a voice sounded directly through my headphones:

— Hey, idiot. Can you hear me?

I stopped walking immediately.

It was Z's voice.

She… got into my headphones?

— How did you…? — I hesitated for a second, then sighed. — Hi, Z.

On the other end, I heard a low, amused laugh.

— Hehehe… 

I rolled my eyes. Of course she was enjoying this.

— I can't see anything. Bring the bracelet close to your glasses.

I frowned.

— What?

— Just do it.

The instruction was confusing, but considering a sword had turned into a bracelet right in front of my eyes in milliseconds, touching it to my glasses didn't seem that absurd anymore.

I sighed and followed her orders.

As soon as the bracelet touched the worn-out frame of my glasses, something happened. The lenses, previously stained with time, began to glow and reshape — literally before my eyes.

I quickly took off the glasses, watching the transformation.

They were brand new. Completely renewed. The design now had a metallic blue and red tone, something futuristic and way different from the old accessory.

— Now I can see! — Z said, her voice echoing clearly in my headphones. — Tell me, can you see this?

I put the glasses back on my face immediately.

My vision adjusted perfectly, and then a holographic map of the city opened in the corner of my left eye. It still looked a bit off in some areas, but it was super helpful.

— Yeah, I can see it.

— Hehehe… That's not all.

Suddenly, a flood of information started flashing before me.

Map, music playlist, video recording, universal translator, sensors…

It was like having a mini PC directly in my field of view.

— Where you headed? — Z's voice came through with a teasing tone. — Running from your duties?

— No, I'm just going to buy a few things. Nothing major.

There was a short pause before she whispered:

— Can I come with you…?

I blinked a few times. She wanted to come along?

— Not like I have a choice, right?

— Nope. You don't. — Even without seeing her physically, I could feel her holographic smirk coming through the connection.

I kept walking, but I soon realized how crowded the city was.

The movement was overwhelming.

Rushed people brushing past each other, packed sidewalks, camera flashes going off everywhere. Phones held high, ready to capture something.

I knew exactly what they were waiting for.

My breathing hitched for a moment, and I had to focus to avoid being swept up in the current of the crowd.

After lots of pushing and shoving, I finally reached the biggest market in the city.

And, unsurprisingly, it was packed too.

That's when I heard Z again.

— Idiot, your heart's racing. What's going on?

She sounded curious… But I knew deep down, there was a hint of concern.

— Just anxiety kicking in… I'll be fine.

I made an effort to steady my breathing, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest.

A few minutes passed, and then Z's voice came through the headphones again.

— I'm here with you. — Her voice was softer than usual. — Try to breathe deeper… or meditate… or, I don't know, do something you enjoy. Maybe go somewhere quieter?

I let out a nasal laugh.

— You're reading that from somewhere, aren't you?

— ...Maybe.

She was clearly reciting a generic list of anxiety-calming techniques. But even so, her intention made me smile.

— Thanks, Z. I'm just not used to this many people. Don't worry.

There was a short pause before she replied:

— Your heart rate's back to normal. — Her voice now carried a slightly smug tone. — Lucky for you I'm here to help. I think one more week of you doing my work should be enough payback for saving your life.

I froze for a second.

— Wait… What?

— Nothing.

I rolled my eyes and chose to ignore her, turning my attention back to shopping.

I walked through the crowded aisles of the market and grabbed the basics: hygiene products, some snacks, lightweight clothes, and… a few metal rods from the construction section.

In the end, I left carrying way more than I expected.

— What are you gonna do with those metal pieces? — Z asked, curious. — Is that like a basic necessity for you humans? Is this how you replace iron in your blood?

— No, Z. — I sighed. — I want to test something. And if I'm right, it could help us a lot.

She stayed silent, clearly waiting for more details.

I took a side route, avoiding the main streets and slipping into areas I technically shouldn't be in.

After a few minutes, I reached the lighthouse facing the Ranger base.

My suspicion was correct.

That structure at the top… was the antenna.

The door was locked, but that wasn't a problem. With a bit of effort, I forced it open.

Inside, the lighthouse was covered in dust and debris. Looked like it had been abandoned for years.

I sighed and left the shopping bags on a half-broken bench outside — except the metal rods.

Then I started climbing.

Step by step, the smell of aged wood and rust filled my lungs.

When I finally reached the top, I found what I expected:

The antenna was tilted, partially destroyed, with scattered rocks all around.

The fall from the first alien had caused more damage than we thought.

— Z, does this bracelet have any kind of "welding" mode?

— Of course it does, idiot. You think I wouldn't think of that?

— Alright. How do I activate it?

— You want everything handed to you? Figure it out, idiot.

I huffed and tucked the headphones away before I said something that would really test my patience.

Closed my eyes and tried activating the welding mode in a bunch of ways.

Focused… nothing.

Spoke… nothing.

Pressed the bracelet… nothing.

Let out a frustrated sigh.

Then, I took a deep breath and raised my arm.

This time, instead of forcing it, I imagined what I wanted.

Visualized the bracelet transforming, adapting to what I needed right now.

Cleared my mind and let instinct take over.

And then, my lips moved on their own:

— Weld mode.

Instantly, the bracelet began to morph.

The bracelet shifted shape, expanding around my hand like a metallic glove. The index finger thickened, and the tip lit up with an orange glow, taking the form of a portable welding tool.

I smiled.

— Perfect.

I spent a few minutes trying to straighten the antenna by hand, but it was sturdier than it looked.

I sighed, frustrated.

Looking around, I found a sturdy piece of wood that could work as a lever. Gripping it with both hands, I delivered a few precise hits to the rusted structure and finally managed to break off the bent section.

Now came the hard part.

I grabbed the metal rods I had bought and patiently started lining them up to reinforce the antenna. The process took time, and I had to manually adjust everything before I could even think about welding.

I reactivated the bracelet's weld mode and got to work.

The first few attempts were a disaster — the metal wouldn't hold, and sparks flew in every direction.

But after some frustrating tries, I finally managed something that could be called "decent."

Not pretty, but functional.

I took a deep breath, wiped my hands, and put the headphones back on, hoping the connection would resume.

— Z, can you show me the map?...

Silence.

— Z? Are you there?

Nothing.

I frowned.

Then suddenly, her voice exploded in my ears:

— I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE TALKING TO YOU, YOU JERK! HOW DARE YOU DISCONNECT THE TRANSMISSION?!

I yanked the headphones off instantly, startled.

— OKAY, OKAY, CALM DOWN!

I waited a few seconds before putting them back on, praying she had cooled off.

— Can I see the map now? — I asked cautiously.

A short silence.

— …Fine, fine, whatever.

The map reappeared in front of my eyes, projected more clearly than before.

I let out a relieved sigh.

— Thanks, Z.

She muttered under her breath:

— Idiot...

I spent a while studying the map, now free of glitches. The inconsistencies were gone, replaced by precise, detailed information.

Perfect.

One more thing to mentally check off my list.

I leaned against the lighthouse railing and let out a long breath.

Now I just needed one thing: to head back to base and get some rest.

I really needed it.

My head felt heavy, and my body was showing signs of burnout. It had been a while since I got any real sleep — honestly, I couldn't even remember the last time I truly passed out without worries.

With one last look at the city glowing under the blazing sun, I grabbed my things and began the long descent.