Jimothy, Vman, C2, and Anon made their way back to Celdrom, searching for Chromdome.
"Hey Anon," Jimothy asked, his tone brash and confused. "Why are we even looking for Chromdome? I thought we were done with him. Is he really that important?"
Anon gave a steady look. "People don't deserve to be discarded so quickly. He helped us. And everything I do is for a reason."
Vman let out a sharp laugh, his voice edged with anger. "I'm sick of this vision crap. We're always left in the dark, suffering through it all. It's like we don't even get a choice."
Anon stared at him, dumbfounded. "You know fate can't be changed, right? No matter what you do, it ends the same—just in a different flavor. Anyway, enough of that. We're here."
They stepped into Chromdome's shop.
Chromdome looked up, startled. "You guys again? And is that the Drift you fought? Tell me it's not dangerous."
"She's fine unless provoked," Vman answered flatly. "Turns out she was under some sort of control. Seiku had his grip on her soul."
Chromdome sighed, shoulders heavy. "I worried this day would come." He pulled out a large, official document. "The city isn't too happy with me. That ruin—basically a tourist landmark—got destroyed by some so-called ruffians. I'm staring at a monumental fine. They'll kill me before I can pay it."
"That's why we're here," Anon said. "The city doesn't understand the favor we did for it. That artifact could've hurt countless people. But I'll keep it short—you've got a massive fine, and I need an expert in Drift study. Here's the deal: you come with us, do your research, and we'll 'forget' about the fine. Catch my drift?"
Chromdome gave a weary smile. "Better than death. Let me gather my research."
"We'll help you pack," Vman offered.
Together, they filled bag after bag with Chromdome's notes and equipment.
The shop filled with the sounds of shuffling papers, clattering glass vials, and groaning wood as they stuffed bag after bag with Chromdome's belongings. Shelves were left bare, the floor scattered with scraps he couldn't take.
Jimothy groaned. "How are we supposed to carry all this? Got a carriage?"
Chromdome shrugged. "No. But we're already fugitives—no shame in stealing one." He said it with a half-joking smirk.
"Great idea," Anon replied, and in a sudden flash, he vanished.
Vman blinked. "Where did he go?"
"He said the camp," Jimothy muttered. "We should just head there. He always follows through."
The group climbed onto the shop's roof with their luggage.
"Why are we up here?" Chromdome wheezed.
"Rooftop travel," Vman said with a grin. "Less chance of getting caught."
Chromdome stared at him, horrified. "I can't do that!"
"I'll handle it," C2 said dryly. Without hesitation, the armored figure scooped Chromdome up and dashed across the rooftops, reaching the edge wall before the others had even started.
"Slow down!" Jimothy shouted as he and Vman scrambled after. They barely made it to the wall.
"I can see the camp from here!" Vman called.
Down below, Anon stood casually—holding an entire carriage above his head as if it weighed nothing.
"Anon is such an ass," Vman muttered, laughing.
They regrouped at the camp.
"What took you so long?" Anon asked. "You should be capable people."
Chromdome exploded, flailing his arms. "I had to CLIMB a rooftop, then get carried by a walking suit of armor!"
"Well, that's the past," Anon said smoothly. "Start loading the carriage. We've got ground to cover."
Vman frowned. "Where's the horse? You bring a carriage but not the horse?"
Anon smirked. "Who needs one? I'll push it myself—all the way to the Dead Forest."
Jimothy raised an eyebrow. "Won't you get tired?"
"Of course," Anon replied. "Even horses get tired. We'll stop when we need to."
Chromdome tossed his luggage into the carriage with surprising speed. "Aren't you packing up your camp too? I'm already done!"
"You guys finish," Anon said, stretching his arms. "I'll start pushing."
Once the camp was packed, everyone climbed inside. Anon positioned himself at the front.
"You ready?!" he shouted with sudden energy.
Before anyone could answer, the carriage rocketed forward. The ground cracked under the sudden force, dust exploding in their wake.
"WHAT THE HELL?!" Chromdome screamed as the world blurred past.