The citizens available for combat gathered at the resistance base in Ban, gradually integrating with the local army. The atmosphere was tense but resolute, a reflection of the weight of the mission that lay ahead.
"Well, that's all for today," Rodelos announced firmly, his gaze sweeping over those present. He had supervised every movement during training, carefully assessing whether everyone was ready for the challenge to come. Though some still showed signs of exhaustion, their faces radiated determination.
"How's everything going here?" Ariafilis asked as he approached.
"Well… we're doing what we can with the little time I've had," Rodelos replied with a weary sigh.
"You're a good teacher," Alcho said from the ground, though his legs wouldn't allow him to stand. "So good that I can't even move anymore," the young man added with a strained smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"Thank you, sir," murmured some soldiers, bowing their heads in respect.
"It was an honor to train with the great Rodelos," declared King Hass with sincere admiration.
"That's right," agreed the kings of Bacadolia and Pinkertalia, though they had done little more than observe. The first, Bacos, was a robust man with round glasses, dressed in an extravagant yellow suit befitting royalty; the second, Piertol, was a dark-bearded, bald man clad in simple yet elegant robes, reminiscent of a prosperous merchant. Despite their contrasting appearances, both exuded authority.
"Yes, no need to say it twice," Strongia remarked, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand. Beside her, an older man and a younger one observed the scene. The older man, her husband, King Fuerol, was slender and wore a flowing purple tunic that moved gracefully even in his advanced years. Though streaks of gray ran through his hair, he still retained the vitality of youth. The younger man, Llarol, her son and heir to the throne, was handsome and in excellent physical condition. His upright posture reflected discipline and resolve.
"No need to say it twice," echoed the other two kings, exchanging knowing glances. "It's a shame our children don't have your stamina," they continued, pointing to their respective offspring, who lay sprawled on the ground, utterly exhausted.
"In my case, my children are still just kids," Hass interjected with a melancholic smile, glancing toward a corner where a girl and a boy—about nine and five years old—played carefree.
"Yes, my father, King Leit, was strong and very cunning in battle," Ariafilis recalled pensively. "But unfortunately, he fell in battle while trying to save his people. His training sessions were tough, but not as grueling as this one under Rodelos' guidance."
"Your father was exceptional in combat," Hass affirmed wistfully. "I never managed to defeat him."
"It's a shame he fell to the enemy," Piertol and Bacos said almost in unison, lowering their voices as if afraid to disturb the memory.
"But well, he left the realm in good hands," Strongia concluded, looking at Ariafilis with maternal pride.
"Thank you, Your Highness," Ariafilis responded, blushing slightly at the unexpected compliment.
"It's time to rest," Rodelos announced as he exited the area. Before leaving, he turned on his heels and added firmly: "I expect a lot from all of you." Everyone looked at him—some leaning on their weapons, others sitting on the ground—but despite their exhaustion, they gave him grateful smiles.
"That's how you motivate people," Ludra remarked admiringly, watching as Ban kept a low profile beside her. She knew that while Ban was excellent at directing strategies, he felt uncomfortable with speeches or emotional gestures.
"What about me?" Ban replied with a shrug, feigning innocence.
In another section of the base, the professor worked tirelessly to put the final touches on his inventions. Now, with the help of Bacadolia's engineers, he had more hands eager to assist. He had sent almost all his Kbots to resolve the crystal issue, and only a few had been dispatched to Avocadalia to complete the other part of the KTeleport.
"Wow, this is great. I'm glad to help the professor," Karpi said as he inspected a panel with advanced tools.
"Yes, you're right," Paris and Chip agreed from the back of the lab, trying to keep up with the inventor's pace.
The professor oversaw every detail, ensuring everything was exactly as he wanted. Then, his gaze settled on Rose, his loyal friend, and he murmured to himself: "I should probably make some upgrades for you too, my dear friend." With care, he picked up some tools and began working inside her.
"True, Chip, the professor gave this to me for you," Karpi said, handing a metallic box to the young man.
"What is this?" Chip asked curiously, holding it between his hands.
"I don't know, but the professor said it was something that would help you," Karpi replied with a shrug.
Chip examined the box carefully, as did Paris, who was equally intrigued by its unusual design. The metallic surface glimmered faintly, and a red cross stood out in the center, spanning the entire structure.
"How strange... There's no way to open it," Paris observed after inspecting it.
"I think you're right," Karpi admitted, frowning. "I thought it would open or something. Maybe the professor just gave me a useless piece of metal."
"Well, I'll figure it out later," Chip said resignedly, gripping it more tightly. At that moment, a mechanical voice emerged from the box: "Subject located. Proceeding with the requested action."
The three froze, exchanging astonished glances when, suddenly, the box sprang to life. Tiny metallic legs emerged from its base, and with an agile leap, it latched onto the spot where Chip's missing arm should have been. Instinctively, he recoiled in surprise, but it was too late.
The box began to deform and fuse with his body, slowly molding itself into a fully functional arm. Fascinated, Chip watched as the gleaming metal took on precise, articulated shapes. A small hologram projected the image of the professor, who appeared smiling from the knuckles of the new arm: "Congratulations, Chip. This arm will help you be ready for battle. Use it discreetly."
Chip moved the arm cautiously, marveling at how it felt as though it had always been a part of him. "This is fascinating," he thought, unable to conceal his excitement. He couldn't wait to test it out and personally thank the professor for this unexpected gift.
"The Detonator... Chip is back," he said to himself, smiling with renewed confidence.
"The Detonator Chip?" everyone repeated in unison, surprised by the nickname the young man had given himself. However, Chip paid them no mind. He was too thrilled with his new arm, like a child who had just received a novel toy, and dashed off to explore it alone.
"Well, some people have all the luck," Paris remarked as she watched Chip run off with enthusiasm.
"At least he'll have a second chance for combat," Karpi added with an understanding smile, crossing his arms.
In the laboratory, the atmosphere buzzed with constant work. Everyone was busy improving the weapons and equipment that the soldiers would use in battle. The metallic clinking of tools echoed alongside the murmurs of engineers exchanging ideas and fine-tuning the final details.
Meanwhile, Ludra and Gikel were organizing the civilians who would remain at the base while the others went off to fight. Those staying behind would be responsible for managing food and supplies during the fighters' absence. Nearly all the inhabitants of Pinkertalia had taken on this responsibility, but they also taught civilians from other realms how to collaborate efficiently.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan when, suddenly, Strongia burst into the room where Ban and Rodelos were discussing strategies. Her expression was grave, and her voice carried an urgent tone: "We have a problem."