Theodore stepped out of the Road Runner, the soles of his boots hissing as they touched the cooling rock.
The SUV was covered in a thick layer of grey ash and soot, its MagTek plating glowing a dull, angry red from the environmental heat.
"9S, status report on the girl,"
Theodore commanded, patting the hood.
9S popped the hood, a cloud of superheated steam erupting into the air.
"The cooling system held, but only because 2B reinforced the gaskets. The AMP Pulse capacitor is drained to 5%, and the tires are... well, they're practically racing slicks now. We need a full service before we hit the road again."
2B knelt by the wheel well, her fingers tracing a deep gouge in the armor plating left by a falling piece of the Disc.
"The structural integrity is at 82%. It is sufficient for travel, but combat readiness is compromised."
Theodore nodded.
"We'll limp back to Lestallum. I want to see a professional about these plates, and I think we've kept our 'benefactor' waiting long enough."
As they pulled back into the Lestallum parking terrace, the Regalia looking equally battered, a man was leaning against the railing.
He wore a long, eccentric coat and a purple scarf, his hat tilted just enough to hide his eyes.
Ardyn Izunia.
Theodore felt a chill that had nothing to do with the mountain air. His INT 10 screamed at him—this man wasn't just another NPC. The mana density surrounding him was stagnant, oily, and ancient.
"My, my,"
Ardyn drawled, his voice like silk over gravel.
"You boys certainly know how to make an entrance. To survive the Archaean's tantrum and come back with such... interesting companions."
He looked directly at 2B and 9S. His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Tell me, Theodore, was it? Where does one find such exquisite pieces of craftsmanship? They don't look like Niflheim's usual clunky toys."
Theodore stepped in front of his team, his hand resting casually on his hip.
"They're private contractors, Ardyn. And we're not in the habit of sharing our trade secrets."
Ardyn chuckled, waving a hand dismissively.
"Of course, of course. Keep your secrets. But if you wish to leave this city before the Imperial blockade tightens any further, I suggest you follow me. I have a... penchant for helping lost kings."
While Noctis went to speak with Ardyn in private, Theodore took the Road Runner to the back of a local shipping warehouse.
He didn't want the Imperial spies at the main garages seeing what they were doing.
"Alright, 9S, 2B. We're going to double down on the 'Gamer' tech,"
Theodore said, pulling out some high-tier components he'd been saving in his inventory.
9S began installing a Cloaking Module into the Road Runner's electronics.
"If I can sync this with the car's paint, we can bend light around the chassis. It won't make us invisible to the eye, but we'll disappear from Imperial radar."
She used the leftover heat from the engine to forge new, serrated spikes onto the bumper.
"If we are forced to ram another blockade, I want to ensure the target's engine block is pulverized."
By the time the moon was high over Lestallum, the Road Runner was humming with a predatory energy. Theodore sat on the roof of the SUV, looking out at the city.
[System Notification: Road Runner Upgraded]
[New Perk: Ghost Drive — Reduces encounter rate by 50% when active.]
[New Perk: Ramming Prowess — 2x damage when striking environmental obstacles or enemies.]
"Theodore,"
2B said, appearing beside him silently.
"The man in the purple scarf. My sensors could not categorize him. He is neither human nor machine. He is... a void."
"I know, 2B,"
Theodore replied, his expression grim.
"He's an npc we aren't ready to face yet. But for now, he's our ticket out of here."
9S climbed up next to them, holding three steaming cups of coffee.
"Well, whatever he is, he's got a fancy car. He wants us to follow him to Caem. Says there's a boat waiting there."
Theodore took a sip of the coffee.
"A boat, huh? Probably another trap. But hey, that's where the best loot is, right?"