With Flicker scouting ahead, Kaelen directed the Iron Cradle to a secluded alleyway behind The Rusty Cog. The grimy space reeked of stale energy and forgotten hopes, but it offered a semblance of privacy for him to focus on the System's upgrade options. The encounter with the mind-controlled Rust Hounds and the subsequent chaos had reinforced the need to improve the Iron Cradle's capabilities. If he was going to survive in Forge City – and ultimately rebuild the Titan-Fall – he needed every advantage he could get.
The options displayed by the System were tempting, each offering a significant boost to a different aspect of the Iron Cradle's performance. The [TITAN-FALL ACTUATOR] for mobility was undoubtedly the most desirable, promising a dramatic increase in speed and maneuverability. But the resource requirements were steep, demanding not only a Titan-Fall Actuator (a rare find, no doubt) but also a significant quantity of Metal Fragments and Minor Energy Crystals. He would have to postpone that upgrade for the time being.
The [SCRAPPER II] weapon upgrade was a more attainable goal. It would enhance the Scrapper I's damage output and potentially add new combat functions. However, Kaelen knew that firepower wasn't his primary weakness. He needed to improve the Iron Cradle's overall resilience if he wanted to stand a chance against the tougher opponents he was likely to face.
The [Energy Optimizer I] was a solid choice, improving the Iron Cradle's energy efficiency and allowing him to use his abilities more frequently. However, while that would be a great upgrade for the long haul, it did not offer the quick boost that was needed.
That left one option: [Titan-Fall Armor Plating I]. The upgrade promised to significantly bolster the Iron Cradle's defenses, making it more resistant to energy weapons and kinetic impacts. The resource requirements were demanding – 500 Metal Fragments, 10 Minor Energy Crystals, and the precious Tier 2 Power Cell he'd claimed from the Skitterer Alpha – but the added protection would be invaluable in the upcoming confrontation with Vargas.
Kaelen mentally confirmed his selection. The System responded instantly, initiating the upgrade process. A familiar Nexus Grid materialized over the Iron Cradle, shimmering with a soft, green light. Metal Fragments and Minor Energy Crystals vanished from his inventory, their essence flowing into the grid. The Tier 2 Power Cell glowed intensely, then faded as its energy was absorbed into the Iron Cradle's chassis.
The armor plating began to materialize, forming a protective layer over the Iron Cradle's rusted frame. The new plating was sleek and modern, crafted from a high-density alloy that gleamed with a dark, metallic sheen. The transformation was subtle, but the difference was immediately noticeable. The Iron Cradle felt sturdier, more resilient, more capable.
[UPGRADE COMPLETE: Titan-Fall Armor Plating I]
[Durability: 30/30 -> 50/50]
With the upgrade complete, Kaelen felt a surge of confidence. The Iron Cradle was still a far cry from the legendary Titan-Fall, but it was improving, evolving, becoming something more than just a scrap heap.
Just then, Flicker's voice crackled over the comms, breaking his concentration. "Kaelen, you ready? I've located Vargas. He's holed up in the manager's office inside the mine. The security is light, but there are a few drones patrolling the area. They are nothing we haven't seen before, but let's not let our guard down."
"I'm on my way," Kaelen replied, engaging the Iron Cradle's engine. He maneuvered the Frame out of the alleyway and back onto the bustling streets of Forge City, the crowds parting before him like water.
As he made his way toward the mining sector, he couldn't help but think about Flicker. Her quick thinking, her sharp intellect, and her unwavering loyalty had impressed him. She was a valuable ally, a skilled fighter, and…something more. He felt drawn to her, captivated by her energy and her independent spirit.
He pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the mission. He couldn't afford to get distracted. Vargas was waiting, and he had a debt to pay.
The mining sector was located just outside the city limits, a sprawling complex of tunnels, processing plants, and abandoned machinery. The area was desolate and sparsely populated, the only inhabitants being the few remaining miners and the security forces guarding Vargas's hideout.
Flicker led Kaelen through the maze of tunnels, her movements swift and silent. She disabled security cameras and deactivated sentry turrets with ease, clearing a path for Kaelen to follow.
"We're almost there," she whispered over the comms. "The manager's office is at the end of this tunnel. I've spotted two drones guarding the entrance. They're armed with energy weapons, so be careful."
Kaelen acknowledged her warning and proceeded cautiously. He rounded the corner and saw the office. The drones, sleek and menacing, stood sentinel before the door.
He charged forward, the Scrapper I whirring to life. The drones reacted instantly, firing bolts of energy that sizzled through the air. Kaelen dodged the attacks and retaliated, the Scrapper I tearing through the drones' armor plating. They exploded in showers of sparks, their lifeless bodies falling to the ground.
With the drones eliminated, Kaelen turned his attention to the office door. He knew that Vargas was inside, cowering in fear. It was time to settle the score.
He kicked down the door, sending splinters flying. Inside, Vargas was huddled behind his desk, his face pale with terror.
"You!" Vargas screamed, his voice trembling. "You betrayed me! You sided with those…those mercenaries!"
Kaelen stepped forward, his expression grim. "You had your chance, Vargas. You could have paid your debts. But you chose to double-cross people, to manipulate them, to control them. Now, you have to face the consequences."
Vargas pleaded for mercy, offering Kaelen credits, information, anything to spare his life. But Kaelen was unmoved. He had seen the damage Vargas had caused, the lives he had ruined. He wasn't going to let him get away with it.
"I'm not going to kill you," Kaelen said, his voice cold and resolute. "But you're going to pay for what you've done. You're going to work for the Rust Hounds you manipulated, for free. You will be their slave and nothing more."
Kaelen contacted the freed Rust Hounds to alert that Vargas was available, they happily came to ensure that justice was served.
With Vargas dealt with, Kaelen and Flicker left the mining sector, leaving the former crime lord to his new fate. As they walked, Kaelen couldn't help but smile. He had completed the mission, he had stood up for what was right, and he had done it with the help of his new friend, Flicker.
He turned to her, his heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you," he said. "For everything. For helping me with the Rust Hounds, for scouting ahead, for always having my back."
Flicker smiled, her eyes sparkling in the fading light. "Anytime, Kaelen. That's what friends are for."
Friends. The word resonated within him, filling him with a sense of warmth and belonging. He had found a friend in this harsh and unforgiving world. And perhaps, just perhaps, it could be the start of something more.
"So… what do you want to do with your cut of the earnings?" Flicker asked, breaking the silence.
Kaelen thought for a moment. "I think… I think I'll save it for