The rain continued to lash against the windshields as the two vehicles pulled into a secluded haven beneath a massive rock overhang.
The neon glow of a "Haven" magical sigil provided the only warmth in the oppressive darkness.
While Ignis set up the camp stoves and the four friends sat in a shell-shocked silence around the fire, Theodore retreated to the back of the Road Runner.
He had a different kind of work in mind.
Theodore sat on a crate, watching his Mana Recovery skill passively refill his blue bar.
He checked his status; the brief skirmish at the border had granted a small chunk of EXP, but the real treasure was the pile of shattered Magitek scrap 2B had tossed into the trunk.
"Alright, engineers,"
Theodore said, nodding toward the pile of glowing red metal and hydraulic fluid.
"Command says the Empire's power comes from these things. I want to know how they tick before we hit the next blockade."
9S and 2B didn't need a second invitation. They set up a portable research station using the Hub's linked technology, their faces illuminated by the eerie red glow of the Magitek cores.
9S used his interface cables to dive into the "brain" of a Magitek Trooper.
His brow furrowed as he scrolled through lines of code that looked fundamentally wrong.
"Theodore, this isn't standard programming,"
9S reported, his voice dropping to a whisper so the others wouldn't hear.
"It's... forced. There's a digital signature here that acts more like a parasite than an OS. It's designed to override the natural 'will' of whatever is inside. And the encryption? It's ancient. It feels like they're using a modern shell to contain something very, very old."
9S identified a "Kill-Switch" frequency. He began coding a localized jammer that could potentially stun Magitek Troopers in a small radius.
2B was systematically dismantling a Trooper's limb with surgical precision.
She held up a small, vial-like component filled with a shimmering, dark liquid.
"The hydraulic systems are augmented by this substance,"
2B explained, her eyes scanning the molecular density.
"It reacts to electrical impulses by expanding rapidly, providing the machines with strength that exceeds their structural limits. However, it is highly unstable. A precise strike to these 'Ether-Vials' would cause a localized explosion."
2B began modifying their own weapons. By coating the tips of her blades and Theodore's palms with a specific neutralizing agent, they could bypass the Magitek armor's kinetic resistance.
Theodore walked over to the main campfire where Ignis was serving a simple, quiet meal.
Noctis was staring into the flames, his plate untouched.
"Your bodyguards,"
Ignis said softly, looking over at the Road Runner where blue and red sparks were flying.
"They seem... dedicated to the craft."
"They're looking for an edge,"
Theodore said, taking a seat.
"The Empire has the numbers. We need the tech. 9S is already figuring out how to shut their ships down from the ground."
Prompto looked up, a bit of hope returning to his eyes.
"Seriously? You can hack a dropship?"
"He's a hacker, Prompto. He cheats,"
Theodore joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Before falling into a light sleep, Theodore checked his notifications.
The research session and the border fight had pushed him closer to his next goal.
[EXP Gained: 350 (Combat) + 200 (Research Bonus)]
[9S and 2B have gained 'Magitek Familiarity' LVL 1]
[Effect: +10% damage against Imperial units]
The next morning, the rain had stopped, leaving the desert air crisp and smelling of wet earth.
Theodore stood by the SUV, watching 2B finish sharpening her blade.
"Ready?"
Theodore asked his team.
"I've mapped the frequency of the Magitek sensors in the valley,"
9S said, hopping into the passenger seat.
"We can get to the Tomb of the Wise without being spotted."
2B climbed into the back, her expression set in that familiar, lethal calm.
"The mechanical weaknesses are identified. Extermination will be efficient."
Theodore looked over at Noctis, who was walking toward the Regalia with Gladiolus and Ignis.
The Prince looked tired, but his eyes were different now.
The mourning was over; the hunt for the Royal Arms had begun.
"Let's move,"
Theodore commanded.
"We've got a Marshal to meet."