"This one, that one, and this too!"
After a flurry of adjustments in the driver's seat, Belle finally started the car, slammed on the gas, and sped off.
"Let's go! Destination: the former Brant Street construction site!"
...
Former Brant Street construction site.
"We're almost there! Our boss is just up ahead!"
"Even though he's young, he's already like the King of Beasts. Don't worry about being nervous—it's totally fine!"
Anton waved his arm enthusiastically, then clenched his fists with excitement, his jacket flapping in the wind as he smiled wide, flashing bright white teeth. It was obvious—he felt a deep sense of pride in Belobog Heavy Industries.
"Uh… usually people say 'don't be nervous'..."
Belle glanced up and muttered. A few steps behind her, Zane walked quietly alongside a hopping Panta.
This place… they could already see Dead End Hollow from here.
Zane looked into the distance. The dark Hollow stood out starkly, the colorful glow at its edge scattering in the sunlight, adding a surreal beauty to its menacing presence.
Just then, a shout rang out from nearby.
"Watch out—!"
The construction site fence was suddenly blown apart, and a massive machine burst through.
It had four massive, mechanical legs, stomping forward with the weight and presence of a charging rhino.
Getting hit by that thing wouldn't just hurt—it'd be deadly!
Perched on top of the machine was a woman clutching a tablet, desperately trying to stay balanced and not be flung off.
"Whoaahhhhh!"
"What the hell is that?!"
Belle saw the huge machine barreling toward them and darted to the side in a panic. She hadn't even entered the Hollow yet and was already facing this kind of danger?!
"What the heck is going on? Never mind—first, we've got to stop that thing!"
"Brother, take Miss Proxy aside for now! We'll handle this and talk after!"
Anton glanced at Zane as he spoke, preparing to charge in—but then hesitated when he saw Zane also raise a hand, seemingly about to jump in too.
"Bro, good man..."
Anton grinned wide. He didn't stop to question it—just that this new brother of his was ready to fight side by side!
But before Anton could finish speaking, Belle—who'd just started to relax—spotted Zane's movement and her face changed again.
She threw her arms around Zane's waist and yanked him backward.
"Don't be reckless, Zane! You'll get us in trouble!"
Hearing Belle's frantic words, Anton calmed down too. Zane did look like a regular guy—getting physical here could be dangerous. He quickly spoke again.
"Right, bro. No need to push yourself. Leave it to me!"
With that, Anton charged straight toward the machine, arms spread wide, and slammed into it head-on!
With a thunderous crash, the machine's rear legs lifted off the ground—its momentum completely stopped.
Anton held his ground, then quickly looked up and shouted to Grace, still perched atop the machine.
Meanwhile, Belle, having successfully held Zane back, exhaled in relief—and felt a little proud, too.
Wow, she actually managed to stop Zane!
"What are you doing…"
Zane lowered his fist, baffled as he looked at Belle. Wouldn't it have been easier to just stop it right away?
"Zane, I can't afford that thing!"
Belle let go and answered hurriedly.
Who knew if Zane's punch would just stop the machine—or destroy it completely?
Last time he kicked something, the Dead End Butcher flew halfway across the city and never got up again!
She'd never forget that scene as long as she lived!
If that happened again, their whole "Phaethon" commission would go up in smoke—and they might not even be able to afford the damage…
She'd looked into Belobog Heavy Industries in advance. She knew what that machine was, how much it was worth, and that woman on top seemed to be mid-testing it...
In short, letting Zane make a move was out of the question.
Zane read her expression and sighed helplessly. It's not like he couldn't control his strength—he could absolutely hold back.
Otherwise, every time he flicked Belle or Nicole's forehead…
"Don't worry, sweetie—it's just a firewall plugin… Really, it won't hurt at all…"
Atop the machine, Grace was finishing the final steps. She'd just finished inputting the program and reached out to press a button tucked in the corner.
But in that moment, the machine's face screen flickered wildly. It jerked side to side—and flung Grace off before it bolted back the way it came.
Zane reacted instantly. He reached out, forming a bundle of elemental energy to catch Grace midair, then raised his hand as Ether crystals began condensing in the air.
"Seriously, why make this so complicated? If you hadn't stopped me earlier, I could've just—"
"No, Zane! Don't do it!"
Belle jumped up and grabbed onto Zane's arms, hanging off him and pulling them down with all her weight.
As his arms fell, the half-formed Ether crystals in the air dissolved before they could drop.
Just as the berserk machine staggered toward a steel frame, a flaming rectangular pillar shot down from above, followed closely by a powerful figure.
The two collided midair and smashed into the machine.
Bear strength!
Boom!
Dust exploded into the air, a thick fog spreading. As it slowly cleared, Anton—who had rushed over—put a hand on his hip and let out a relieved sigh.
Next to him, Belle—who had come with Zane—also relaxed.
Thank goodness… one of their people handled it. Not Zane.
She looked ahead, ready to see who had stopped the rampage—when a massive figure appeared before her.
Towering, solid—like a wall in motion. On his shoulder rested a colossal metal pillar, and every step he took seemed to shake the ground...
"Sorry I'm late!"
The deep, booming voice echoed as the pillar hit the ground with a heavy thud. Belle looked up, stunned.
A man like the King of Beasts... Was this the boss of Belobog Heavy Industries?
She watched as the burly Thiren approached and, without thinking, reached out with a hand and said cautiously,
"Uh, hi..."
Ben glanced down at her, and in the next instant, bent forward with a wide smile, grabbing her hand with both of his massive ones.
"Ah, hello, hello! It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Proxy!"
"Really sorry you had to walk in on that mess..."
Ben let go of her hand and scratched his head awkwardly.
"Bit of a rough first impression, huh…"