章 2025: Domestic Affairs (Part 1)

"Follow me. I want to introduce you to the rest of my team. We are split into groups of seven because we are going to employ a tactic similar to the one that was used against you in Verendi." Faluel said.

"Wait! Don't you know how to haggle?" Crank jumped off the wooden bench, trotting to catch up with them. "What about holograms? You teach me the basics and I'll learn the rest on my own."

"That's better, but it's still too much." The Hydra said. "I have no idea of what you can do or how useful you might be in real combat. We'll resume this conversation after the battle, but only if you've done something worthwhile for me."

"This is not haggling! This is straight blackmail. You are coercing me to follow you around the battlefield and cover your back." The Hyperion was flabbergasted.