When Fa opened her eyes, the light of the glowing platform had transformed into a gentle golden yellow. Rex stood quietly by the door, the rhythm of his metallic chest core astonishingly synchronized with her heartbeat: "Your star eye has now linked with the relic core of Louyue City. You can now hear the heartbeat deep within the desert."
Tesk's laughter came from outside the door: "Finally out! While you were in there I studied every single one of Rex's joint bearings—this guy's locking system is three times more precise than the mechanical golems of the Dwarf Kingdom—" Before he could finish, Arya gently poked him in the ribs. The elf's eyes shimmered with moisture, yet she forced herself to stay calm as she handed over a damp silk cloth: "Your forehead is covered in sweat. The trial must have been hard, right?"
Salsa's mechanical cat body suddenly pressed close, rubbing the top of its head against Fa's palm—an extremely rare display of affection from her. The soul's voice came from inside the shell: "While you were in the trial chamber, I detected memory crystals hidden in the walls left by the Creator… they contain the principles for breaking the Soul-Devouring Bell…"
Suddenly, ten thousand rays of golden light poured from the dome of the sanctuary. The illusory image of Shaharwin descended upon stardust. The thousand-year-old sage's robe was studded with flowing sand and gears. His gaze swept across the star pattern in Fa's right eye: "The three trials have proven that you are a team capable of fusing magical souls with technological iron and blood." He raised his hand. Blue light rippled across Rex's metal body, and the same pattern as Fa's star eye appeared on his chest. "Rex's core program has been unlocked. From this day forward, he is no longer merely a relic guardian—he is your comrade who will fight shoulder to shoulder with you."
Tesk excitedly swung his war hammer, the head clanging against Rex's metal arm and throwing sparks: "Hell yes! From now on, whether it's assembling or disassembling, I finally have someone who can help me analyze energy circuits!" Salsa suddenly floated out of her mechanical shell, her soul body passing through Rex's frame before frowning: "Inside his matrix core is stored flight authority for Louyue City's aircraft… Lord Shaharwin, did you once build a flying mobile fortress?"
Shaharwin's image smiled without answering. He pointed toward the gradually materializing Star Gate in the distance: "The Star Gate will take you back to the surface, but the threats of this world have not been eliminated. Remember—" His gaze fell upon Fa's star eye. "True stellar resonance has never been the shine of a single star, but the orbital harmony of an entire galaxy."
New Journey: The Call of the Desert's Heart
When the team stepped through the Star Gate, they found themselves standing at the entrance of the Quicksand Cavern. The sandstorm had subsided, and a Milky Way of stars spilled across the yellow sands. From afar came the rustling sound of sandfish swimming through the dunes—this time, they were heading back to Shad Fort.
Rex knelt on one knee, his metal palm brushing the sand. A three-dimensional map of Louyue City instantly rose from the ground: "The Creator hid the 'Heart of the Desert' in the deepest part of the ruins—a core device capable of manipulating the magical veins of the entire desert. If the sand bandits and soul-body clan use the Soul-Devouring Bell to control Shad Fort, we can use the Heart of the Desert to reverse their conspiracy."
Fa looked at her companions: Arya was fine-tuning Rex's shoulder joints, Tesk was squatting on the ground sketching mechanical designs, and Salsa's soul body was circling the Star Gate at high speed, apparently recording spatial fluctuations. She touched the fragment at her neck, feeling the Heir's Stone pulsing in perfect sync with Rex's core—the rhythm of true fusion between technology and magic.
"Let's go," Fa drew her stellar dagger, the blade reflecting the shadows of all five of them. "The winds of Shad Fort are already calling us."
Tesk hoisted his war hammer and strode forward, his armor gleaming under the starlight: "Let's get one thing straight—can Rex's left arm be swapped for a cannon? I think we need heavier long-range firepower—" Rex's calm voice responded: "According to the Creator's notes, my body supports modular transformation. No modification is needed; I can execute technological reconfiguration on the fly."
Salsa's mechanical cat let out a sudden "meow" and leapt onto Rex's shoulder: "Let's move before dawn. My shell needs charging. Oh, and Tesk—let me see those cannon blueprints you mentioned—"
Yellow sand rolled beneath their feet as five figures marched in the direction indicated by the Star Gate. The ruins of Louyue City slowly sank back into the quicksand, only the stardust lamps in the dome still twinkling—like the never-extinguishing heartbeat deep within the desert. And in Shad Fort, the city they were about to reach, the shadow of the Soul-Devouring Bell loomed over this metropolis where technology and magic intertwined, awaiting the arrival of starlight and iron blood.
The Crisis in Shad Fort
The blazing sun roasted the endless yellow sands, grains dancing in the hot wind and raising curtains of fine dust. After the trials deep in the desert, Fa finally led her team back toward Shad Fort. Her right eye—the star eye—flickered with silver light from time to time, as if sensing the unknown ahead. Beside her, Arya moved lightly, the elf's keen senses catching every unusual stir in the wind. Tesk strode forward carrying his war hammer, eyes burning with enthusiasm for new technology. Salsa's mechanical cat form followed silently, ghostly blue eyes scanning the surroundings, while Rex, the ancient robot, walked calmly at the rear, his metal body reflecting blinding light under the sun.
Along the way, Tesk eagerly talked with Rex about the technological miracles of Louyue City's ruins. "Rex, how does that mechanical heart's energy core manage to last a thousand years without decaying?"
Tesk stroked his beard, eyes full of curiosity. Rex's voice was steady, carrying the texture of machinery: "The core uses a fusion of geothermal energy and magic crystals, maintained by a self-circulating system. This design was extremely common in Shaharwin's era."
Tesk's eyes lit up. He slapped Rex's shoulder, producing a crisp metallic clang. "Incredible! If we could apply that tech to my war hammer, I could forge a weapon that never wears out!"
Rex turned his head, his optical lens flickering slightly. "Your forging skills are already exceptional. Combined with modern materials and my database, something similar could certainly be achieved."
Tesk grinned proudly. "Hear that? Even Rex approves of my craftsmanship! When we get back, we're definitely collaborating."
Fa listened to their conversation, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly, yet a faint unease grew in her heart. The pulsing of her star eye became more frequent, as if warning her of something. She stopped and raised a hand, signaling the team to halt. "Wait. Something's wrong."
Arya immediately stepped forward, looking into the distance. "What is it, Fa?"
Fa pointed toward the horizon, her voice low: "Over there—figures moving. A lot of them."
Tesk narrowed his eyes, straining to see. "Refugees? But why are they coming from Shad Fort?"
Salsa's mechanical cat ears twitched. Her tone carried alarm. "I'm picking up fear and chaos. They're fleeing for their lives."
Rex's sensors emitted a soft hum. "Based on the time you entered the ruins, seven days have passed in the outside world. Something major may have happened in Shad Fort."
Fa frowned and gave the order without hesitation: "Let's go find out."
The team quickened their pace. After cresting a dune, they finally saw the scene ahead clearly. A group of ragged refugees staggered forward—men, women, and children of various races, faces etched with exhaustion and terror. They carried simple bundles, some bearing unhealed wounds, clearly having fled in haste.
Fa stepped forward, raising both hands to show she meant no harm. "Stop! We're not hostile. What happened to Shad Fort?"
A middle-aged man emerged from the crowd, apparently their leader. His clothes were tattered, his eyes filled with despair. "Who are you? Here to capture us?"
Fa shook her head firmly. "No. We're travelers just returning from deep in the desert. Please tell us what happened to Shad Fort."
The man hesitated, then sighed, his voice hoarse: "Seven days ago, everything changed. The fort lord—he's the leader of the sand bandits. He and his men allied with the soul-body clan and seized control of Shad Fort. They're using the Soul-Devouring Bell's soul-devouring technique to torture the souls of everyone in the city, trying to force them to reveal the location of the star fragments. Now eighty percent of the population is under their control. We're among the few who managed to escape."
Fa's pupils contracted sharply, silver light flashing in her star eye. "Star fragments? They're looking for the fragments?"
The man nodded, voice trembling. "Yes, but no one knows where they are. They've gone mad—using that bell to control minds and torture souls. We couldn't stay any longer."
Arya gently grasped the man's arm, comforting him softly: "You're safe now. We'll find a way to fix this."
Tesk gripped his war hammer tightly, fury boiling. "Those bastards! Using such despicable methods—I'm going to smash them to pieces!"
Salsa's mechanical cat body trembled slightly, her voice icy: "The Soul-Devouring Bell is a dark magical weapon of the soul-body clan, capable of manipulating and destroying souls. We must proceed with extreme caution."
Rex stepped forward, his metal form radiating authority. "The alliance between the fort lord, sand bandits, and soul-body clan indicates a highly organized plan. The appearance of the Soul-Devouring Bell poses a major threat to us."
Fa turned to her team, eyes blazing. "The star fragments are with us—they don't know that. But we cannot let Shad Fort remain fallen."
Arya nodded firmly. "But they control most of the city. Attacking directly would be too dangerous."
Tesk slammed his hammer down. "Then we use strategy. Rex, any good ideas?"
Rex's optical lens flickered as he analyzed: "We need intelligence. We can infiltrate under cover of night, locate the Soul-Devouring Bell and destroy it, while looking for opportunities to free the controlled residents."
Salsa's voice came from the mechanical cat: "I can scout inside the city. My soul form won't be easily detected."
Fa thought for a moment, then nodded. "First, we ensure these refugees' safety. They can't stay in the middle of the desert."
The refugee leader looked up weakly: "There's an oasis ahead. That's where we were headed."
Fa decided immediately: "Good. We'll escort you to the oasis first, then plan our assault on Shad Fort."
The team escorted the refugees toward the oasis. Along the way, the weight on Fa's shoulders grew heavier. The power of the star fragments was their hope—and the enemy's target. She glanced at Arya beside her; their eyes met briefly, conveying silent support.
Tesk and Rex continued their technical discussion at the rear of the group. "Rex, could we use your core energy to build a small jammer specifically for the Soul-Devouring Bell?"
Rex replied: "Theoretically feasible, but we need precise frequency data. I can attempt to analyze the bell's magical fluctuations."
Tesk clapped excitedly. "Perfect! Together we'll make something huge!"
After reaching the oasis, the team helped the refugees set up a temporary camp. The water and shade restored some of their spirit. Fa gathered her companions around a small campfire to discuss the next steps.
"We need to infiltrate Shad Fort and learn the enemy's deployment," Fa said, looking at each of them in turn. "Primary objective: destroy the Soul-Devouring Bell and free the residents."
Arya leaned forward, eyes filled with determination. "I'll use a magical barrier to protect these refugees."
Tesk grinned. "Rex and I can whip up some toys—jammers, bombs—catch them off guard."
Salsa's mechanical cat eyes glowed bright blue. "I'll infiltrate the city tonight and scout the bell's location and enemy weaknesses."
Rex added: "I can deploy nano-scale flyers to scan all infrastructure inside and outside the city, finding the optimal infiltration route and possible hidden passages in Shad Fort."
Fa looked at her team, warmth surging in her chest. "Excellent. We each have our roles. But remember—the enemy is strong. We must be cautious."
Arya took Fa's hand, gentle yet firm. "We'll succeed, Fa. As long as we're together."
Fa squeezed back and nodded. "Yes. Together."
Night fell. The team split up to act. Salsa's soul detached from her mechanical cat, becoming a wisp of ghostly blue light that silently slipped toward Shad Fort. Arya summoned light and wood magic to form a protective dome over the oasis. Tesk and Rex worked nearby, using local materials and Rex's components to craft temporary devices.
Fa sat by the fire, closing her star eye to sense magical fluctuations. Vague impressions came: the eerie sound waves of the Soul-Devouring Bell, shadows of black-robed soul-body clan members—this would be a fierce confrontation. She opened her eyes, brow furrowed, her resolve only strengthened.
Soon Arya returned, breathing heavily. "Finally done."
Tesk proudly held up a fist-sized device: "Rex and I made an acoustic jammer—it'll briefly disrupt their communications and mechanical operations."
Rex displayed another device: "This is a stealth module. It can shield our life signals for a short time to aid infiltration."
Salsa's soul returned shortly after and reported: "The Soul-Devouring Bell is in the central square, guarded by the fort lord and a high-ranking soul-body clan member. They're torturing captives but getting nothing. Also, I overheard discord among the sand bandits—some are unhappy with the alliance."
Fa's eyes brightened. "That's our opening. Internal division can be exploited."
Arya smiled. "Divide and conquer—classic."
Rex analyzed: "According to the nano flyers' scans, the drainage system in the southeast corner has a weak point that can serve as an infiltration route."
Fa stood up, voice decisive: "Plan set. We enter through the drainage system, create chaos, destroy the Soul-Devouring Bell, liberate the residents. Prepare to move!"
The team quickly gathered their gear and advanced on Shad Fort under cover of darkness. As they approached, the city's silhouette looked sinister beneath the starlight; its former prosperity had been replaced by deathly silence. The stealth module activated, allowing them to slip past outer patrols and reach the drainage outlet Rex had indicated.
Tesk easily pried open the rusted grate, and the team filed in. The drainage system was damp and dark, reeking of mold, but Rex's precise navigation led them smoothly forward. After a winding journey, they emerged into a hidden alley.
Inside Shad Fort, the streets were eerily empty—residents either controlled or in hiding. Salsa's soul scouted ahead again and soon returned, whispering: "Activity in the central square. The fort lord is addressing captives—could be our chance."
Fa nodded. "Move in closer to observe."
The team crept through shadows, avoiding patrols, until they reached the edge of the square. Peering from behind a broken wall, they witnessed a heart-chilling scene: the massive Soul-Devouring Bell hovered above the high platform, radiating sinister black-green light that seemed to devour the surrounding vitality. The sand-bandit fort lord—a burly man with a cruel face—stood beside the bell, coldly surveying the kneeling captives. Next to him stood a tall figure in black robes wreathed in chains, exuding an icy aura: the leader of the soul-body clan—Ksulru.
Fa and her team hid behind the broken wall at the edge of the square, holding their breath as they watched the enemy. Fa's right eye—the star eye—flashed silver, as if foreseeing the coming battle. She gripped her dagger tightly, filled with resolve. Arya stood beside her and whispered encouragement: "Fa, we'll succeed." Fa nodded; their eyes met briefly, silently supporting each other.
Tesk and Rex were making final checks on their devices. Tesk held up the fist-sized acoustic jammer proudly: "This little beauty will mess up their comms and machinery." Rex displayed his nano-scale magic flyers, saying calmly: "These will deliver precise strikes." Salsa's mechanical cat form quivered slightly, ghostly blue eyes fixed ahead, ready to act at any moment.
Confrontation Before Battle
Ten soul-body clan cadres swirled in black robes like thick fog. Their withered palms pressed against the foreheads of ten hostages. Their chanting sounded like scraping chains, and the magic seeping from their fingertips turned into black tentacles that probed into the captives' skulls like octopus arms, rummaging through memories.
The men, women, and elders on the ground trembled and muttered, heads ringing as they shook violently, veins bulging on their foreheads like living worms. Yet the invaders only retrieved fragments: camel bells, market clamor, infant cries. When the ten captives collapsed, all the soul-body subordinates twisted their faces, revealing translucent blue fangs: "Lord, these people's minds contain nothing but the trivialities of ordinary lives."
Ksulru stood motionless beside the Soul-Devouring Bell, the shadows at his robe's hem coiling around the bell's frame like living creatures. He lowered his gaze to the captives being dragged away. As they were pulled offstage, their desperate eyes swept across the corner of the square, meeting Salsa's ghostly blue soul gaze hidden there.
"Continue," Ksulru said, his voice like silk soaked in venom. "Bring up the next ten captives—even the infants."
The sand bandits below shoved the next group onto the platform. These ragged civilians clutched their children tightly, trembling yet keeping their lips sealed.
Suddenly Ksulru turned to the fort lord. "It seems we have uninvited guests." The corner of his mouth lifted in a meaningful, cold smile.
Fa, behind the broken wall, felt her heart tighten upon hearing this. She whispered to her team: "They know we're here. Get ready to move."