Nameless and Donnie strolled through town under the midday light, the faint bustle of street vendors and the clang of metal in the distance creating a gentle hum around them.
"So first, Dianne wants to test the Nuclear Charger. Let's meet up with her," Donnie said.
"Weren't we supposed to pick up supplies?"
"We were, but she hasn't told me what to gather yet. Figured we check in with her first."
"Understandable."
They walked beyond the edge of town, entering an open field. Trails of lightning cracked through the air. Dianne stood at the center, drenched in sweat, swinging her rod. Each motion sent arcs of electricity streaking through the air—the Nuclear Charger replenishing the charge effortlessly.
"How is it?" Donnie called out.
"Amazing!" Dianne beamed, wiping her brow.
Nameless approached, struggling to connect his own charger to the rod.
"Need help?" Dianne asked, walking over.
"I don't know how to link them."
Dianne took the components from his hands. "Like this," she said, showing the locking points. A soft snap echoed as the rod and charger locked into place. She handed it back.
"Thanks."
Nameless gave it a few test swings. Lightning surged through the rod so smoothly it felt like part of his body. He swung wider—an electric projectile blasted forward, startling him.
He froze. "That might've hurt someone."
Dianne laughed. "Don't worry! Just keep swinging!"
Nameless resumed, experimenting. A forward jab launched a piercing electric bolt. A slam to the ground released a burst, lightning crackling across the ground in a chaotic dance.
"That's... awesome," Nameless whispered.
"Told you! Donnie's here too."
"Yup," Donnie said.
"Hey, weren't you scavenging?" Dianne exclaims.
"I didn't know what to look for!"
"Metal. Anything durable."
"Oh. I got some."
---
The trio returned to their hideout. Nameless dropped his duffel bag onto the floor with a heavy thud. Dianne inspected the contents, weighing scraps and knocking on them.
She laid a handful of pieces on the table. "Nameless, get more of these specifically."
"When do you need them?"
"As soon as possible. And please, come back quickly."
"I will. Promise."
Nameless grabbed another duffel bag and left again.
---
He descended back into the Graveyard Layer and entered Lily's hideout. Her head tilted slightly as he arrived.
"Nameless!" she ran to him and embraced him tightly. He returned the hug before they stepped back.
"I need scrap metal. I'll need the mask."
She handed it to him, and he slipped it on without a word, leaving immediately.
"Sorry, Lily. I can't talk while wearing this," he mumbled to himself, just before she rushed out again.
"You forgot your light!" Lily said, handing him the bulky flashlight. Nameless nodded and headed out.
He moved through the metallic ruins, digging through rubble and collecting the specific metals Dianne had requested. After a while, he returned—three full bags weighing him down. He dropped them inside the hideout with a loud thud.
"Are you okay?" Lily rushed to his side, cupping his cheek.
"Yeah. Don't worry," Nameless said, removing the mask. He chuckled and rubbed her head.
"Thank you."
Her cheeks flushed. "You carried too much... what's it all for?"
"An expedition. We're preparing."
"So you're leaving soon?"
"Yeah..."
She lowered her gaze.
"No," Nameless stepped forward, hugging her. "Don't think of it that way. I'll always come back."
They held each other for a while before parting.
"Bye, Lily. I promise I won't die."
"Bye, Nameless."
---
Nameless returned to the hideout, only to find it empty. A note on the table read:
"Nameless, if you're reading this, go to the blacksmith with your metals."
Without hesitation, he rushed to the forge.
He dropped the three duffel bags at the blacksmith's feet, panting.
"Here's the metal."
"That's a lot!" Dianne exclaimed. "No wonder you were late."
She passed the bags to the blacksmith.
"What's it for?" Nameless asked.
"Armor. For all of us."
"Where's Donnie?"
"Said he's resting. Didn't run into him?"
"No. I came straight from the hideout."
"That guy's unpredictable."
A few hours later, the blacksmith called them over.
"First set done. Who wants to try it on?"
Dianne stepped forward and donned the armor. It adjusted automatically to her frame.
"So that's why we didn't need measurements," she said, smiling.
"Right. Self-adjusting fit."
The armor shimmered faintly as the Nuclear Charger powered it. Dianne bounced in place.
"I feel so light! This is incredible."
Armor for Nameless and Donnie was completed shortly after, along with several new gadgets—an energy rifle, and a retractable shield.
"None for me?" Nameless joked.
"You can have my rod," Dianne said.
"No thanks."
Donnie appeared mid-slurp from a drink.
"What'd I miss?"
"Just in time. Try your armor."
Donnie grinned and slipped into the suit. Both he and Nameless jumped around, amazed at how light they felt.
Meanwhile, Dianne approached the blacksmith.
"How much do I owe you?"
"Nothing. But if you really want to repay me... I have one request."
"Go on."
"Make a tunnel between this layer and the Mid-Class layer."
Dianne raised a brow. "That's absurd."
"You asked. I've heard it's possible."
She smirked. "Then we'll do our best."
They waved goodbye and returned to the hideout. Inside, several duffel bags full of canned food lined the floor.
"So this is what you did while we were gone?" Nameless asked.
"Yup. Awesome, right?"
"It is."
---
The three lounged in the living room. A quake shook the space—Gerald had arrived, flopping down on the bed above them.
Nameless glanced upward.
"Gerald... can I ask something? Why do you hate Lily so much?"
Gerald stared at the ceiling. "Propaganda, I guess."
"That's not the truth. You knew her."
Gerald was silent. Then he sighed.
"Back when she first arrived... we were the ones who welcomed her. Named her. Treated her like family. Then, the tragedy came. I saw her again. She was far—but I still ran. She hurled projectiles. I dodged, panicked, and hid. Reinforcements found me days later, curled up in a crate."
"So that's why..."
"She betrayed everything we gave her. That's why I'll never forgive her."
Nameless sat quietly, frowning.
"Maybe she didn't mean to hurt anyone. Maybe she's innocent."
Gerald didn't respond.
Only snores filled the room after that.
Nameless lay back down, staring at the ceiling. The silence felt heavier than ever.