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Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: The Logic of Survival

The sun of Ares had barely crested the canopy when Haruto had them moving. He had spent his watch not just observing, but planning. He'd retrieved the memory core and power cell from the escape pod, salvaging the most critical components before rendering the rest into a slag of useless metal with his pistol. There would be no advanced technology left for locals to stumble upon.

"Where are we going?" Kaito asked, his earlier aggression replaced by a cautious curiosity. He and Riku flanked Himari, their eyes constantly scanning the dense, alien woods.

"There," Haruto said, pointing towards a series of jagged, granite peaks visible through a break in the trees. "High ground is defensible ground. Caves offer shelter from the elements and predators. We need a secure base before we can plan any next steps."

Akari's translation was, as always, literal.

The journey was slow and arduous. Haruto moved at the head of the small column, his senses augmented by Akari's constant stream of environmental data. He pointed out edible-looking plants, only to be corrected by Himari who identified them as poisonous, and in turn, she pointed out roots and fungi that were safe. A slow exchange of knowledge began.

Midday, they stopped by a stagnant-looking pool of water. Riku began to pull out a waterskin, but Haruto held up a hand.

"Don't drink that," he commanded. "It's contaminated."

"It's water, isn't it?" Riku grumbled. "Beggars can't be choosers."

Instead of arguing, Haruto produced a small, metallic cylinder from his survival pack. He unspooled a thin tube, dropped it into the murky pool, and pressed a button. The cylinder hummed softly. A second tube began to trickle crystal-clear, pure water into his own canteen.

"What is that device?" Himari asked, her eyes wide with fascination. "Another magical artifact?"

"It's a portable hydro-purifier with a built-in nanocite filter," Haruto explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "It removes bacteria, heavy metals, and viral agents at a molecular level."

Akari did her best to translate the technobabble. ** **

The explanation was as baffling as it was miraculous. He filled all their waterskins with perfectly clean water, the simple act cementing his otherworldly nature in their minds more than any feat of arms. To them, he had just turned poison into life with a casual touch.

As they walked, Haruto's mind was a flurry of calculations. Three allies. Limited supplies. Hostile environment. The problem was complex, but the methodology was simple. Secure. Stabilize. Expand.

** Akari reported in his mind. **

"Good," Haruto thought back. "From now on, speak their language directly when I address them through you."

That evening, as they made a temporary camp, a sudden, piercing cry echoed from the trees above. It wasn't the roar of a Grayha. It was something high-pitched, chittering, and unnervingly close.

** Akari warned. **

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