A new dawn arrived at Ashwind Post, but the atmosphere today was markedly different from previous days. The usual bustle of construction and repair work continued, but it was tinged with an unseen tension and anticipation. News of the return of Ryu, Bacchus, and Taurus, along with the strange woman named Raven, and the astonishing "souvenir" of the mechanized hunter-killer patrol unit wreckage, had spread rapidly throughout the village, bringing both relief and concern.
Ryu, Bacchus, and Taurus rested and recuperated fully under the care of the village healer and perhaps some medically skilled members of the Spark Faction who might have traveled with them. Their wounds were beginning to heal, but the fatigue from the long journey and intense battles still lingered. As for Raven, she maintained her distance, observing everything around her with sharp, unreadable eyes. She spent most of her time exploring the village and occasionally talking to Kiana, seemingly undecided on how long she would stay.
But the one who seemed not to have rested at all was Leonardo da Vinci, the genius from another land. In his temporary workshop, now expanded and equipped with many more tools he had crafted himself, he was engrossed in "dissecting" and "studying" the wreckage of the mechanized patrol unit Ryu's group had brought back, his eyes blazing with curiosity and enthusiasm. Several candles were lit to provide enough light for his delicate work. His workbench was covered with metal parts, wires, circuit boards, and sketches as he meticulously analyzed its structure and working mechanisms.
"Incredible... their technology has advanced to this level?" Da Vinci murmured to himself as he used a sharp-pointed tool he had made to carefully pry open the cover of a small power source that seemed to be the core of one of the robots. "The structure of this energy crystal... it's complex, with an unprecedented arrangement of particles. It can release enormous energy from such a small volume... If we could understand its principles..."
He carefully used the power of the golden brush to "draw" faint golden energy lines to touch the crystal, trying to "read" or "decode" its internal energy structure. The golden light from the brush seemed to "resonate" slightly with the residual energy in the crystal, allowing him to briefly see a complex "pattern" or "schematic" of energy flow within before it faded.
"Fascinating... it's like... a living electrical circuit... but not quite," he quickly jotted down his observations and hypotheses in his notebook with a hurried but neat script. "And this sensor system... it can detect heat, movement, and possibly even certain types of energy waves... If we could create something similar, it would be immensely beneficial for the village's defense."
His mind swirled with various possibilities. The knowledge he gained from studying this wreckage was like opening a new world to him. It was both exciting and daunting at the same time.
While Da Vinci was engrossed in his research, Kiana, Eldrin, Ryu, Bacchus, Taurus, and Raven gathered again in Eldrin's meeting room to plan for the most important mission yet... the return journey to the Athenaeum of Embers.
"From all the information you brought back," Eldrin began the meeting, his voice grave, "it's clear that the Nebula Empire is placing great importance on hunting down 'Artificers' or 'The Awakened' according to the prophecy. And it seems the Athenaeum of Embers might be a place that holds some 'key' or 'knowledge' related to this. Otherwise, they wouldn't send a hunter of 'Eagle's' caliber to guard such a desolate place."
"But returning there again is very risky, Grandfather," Kiana said with concern. "We still don't know how strong Eagle is, or if other hunters might have reinforced him."
"I know it's risky," Eldrin replied. "But I believe it's worth the risk if that place holds the 'hope' to help us fight the Empire. And importantly... perhaps it holds information that will help Da Vinci understand and control his own power even better."
Ryu nodded in agreement. "I agree with the Elder. Even though it's dangerous, if we are better prepared and have a strong team, I believe we can definitely enter the Athenaeum." His eyes were filled with the determination not to fail a second time.
"So, who's going?" Bacchus asked. "Taurus and I are always ready for action!"
"Da Vinci must go," Kiana stated. "He's the one who needs the knowledge from there the most and might be the only one who can understand ancient records. As for me... as the leader, I will go with the team to ensure safety and make decisions in emergencies."
"I'll go too!" Ryu volunteered immediately. "I've been there once and know the route and some of the dangers."
Taurus nodded. "The four of us... should be enough for breaching and defense. But for stealth or dealing with complex traps..."
All eyes turned to Raven, who sat quietly in a corner of the room. She smirked slightly. "It seems you're all going on an interesting adventure... And if that place truly holds 'knowledge' or 'secrets' related to this 'symbol'..." She held up the small piece of cloth with the strange embroidered symbol for everyone to see. "Then I suppose I'll have to join you."
Raven's decision surprised everyone slightly, but no one objected. Her skills and abilities were evident, and having her on the team would further strengthen their strategies and versatility.
"Alright, now that we have our team," Eldrin said, "the next step is to plan meticulously and prepare the necessary equipment. Da Vinci... do you have any new 'inventions' that could help in this mission? From studying that wreckage?"
Da Vinci, who had just joined the meeting after his initial examination of the robot wreckage, smiled faintly. "I have some ideas, Elder. From analyzing their technology, I think I can create a simple 'cloaking device' using principles of light refraction and colors that blend with the environment. It might not make us completely invisible, but it should significantly reduce the chances of detection. And I'm trying to create a small 'energy wave detection device' that might help us locate enemies or unseen traps in advance."
"Excellent!" Kiana exclaimed excitedly. "If we have those devices, it will greatly increase our chances of success!"
The planning meeting continued for several more hours. They determined the travel route, assigned responsibilities to each team member, prepared provisions and medicine, and meticulously planned for various emergency scenarios.
While the main team prepared for their dangerous mission, Eldrin convened a meeting with the younger warriors and remaining villagers to assign duties for defending and ensuring the village's safety during their absence. Even without the "mechanized guardians" Da Vinci might create in the future, the defensive systems they had built together earlier – traps, stone trebuchets, and stronger walls – still served as a crucial bulwark to protect the village to some extent.
Eldrin looked at Kiana, Da Vinci, and the others on the team with eyes full of confidence. "I know this mission is extremely dangerous and challenging, but I have faith in the abilities and courage of all of you. Bring 'knowledge' and 'hope' back to our Ashwind Post... and return safely."
The dawn of a new day arrived. The team of six (Da Vinci, Kiana, Ryu, Bacchus, Taurus, and Raven) stood gathered at the village exit. Everyone was dressed in practical travel attire, ready for combat. Weapons and necessary equipment were fully prepared.
Da Vinci held the golden brush firmly in his hand. His satchel contained his notebook and various small tools he had invented, as well as some "prototype devices" he had just finished the night before. Kiana had her twin swords strapped to her waist, her eyes filled with a leader's determination. Ryu had his katana by his side, his wounds much improved. Bacchus carried his massive Earthen Hammer on his shoulder with a vigorous air. Taurus stood calmly, yet exuded a power ready to erupt. Raven performed a final check on her twin pistols, her expression unreadable.
The first light of the twin suns shone down on them as if a blessing from the heavens. A new adventure, full of danger and secrets, was about to begin again... The path to the Athenaeum of Embers... and the fate of this world... awaited them.
[End of Chapter 28]