Chapter 33: (CH32) EXO-FORGE
Luis flopped down beneath a tree, wiping grime from his face with the back of his gauntlet. "I’m exhausted from all the fighting. We need to rest."
He glanced at the twin Knight Mechs still standing sentinel-like at the tree line.
"Mech-Knight, scan the perimeter. Alert me of any movement," he ordered.
The mech emitted a low chime and began a silent patrol.
Zyx floated above him like an over-eager balloon. "It’s only been a few hours and a dozen Iron-class monsters, but look at you—already sitting on 30,000 Soul Essence. That’s enough to pop out two more tin cans."
Luis groaned. "Yeah, but... my gear is pretty worn. I need to repair it before it turns to dust."
Zyx tilted his head. "Why not just make something better? Come on, Engineer. New world, new toys."
"I don’t want to waste essence. Just... patch it all up."
[All Gear Repaired – Cost: 10,000 Soul Essence]
Zyx made a sputtering noise. "What a total waste. Might as well have flushed it into a lava pit."
"Shut up, Zyx."