[ The Open Plains - Far from the Agricultural Zone ]
Night descended, draping the world in a velvet blanket of stars.
Far out on the open grassy plains, well away from the precious crop fields, a massive bonfire roared, its sparks dancing upward to compete with the starlight.
The air tonight did not carry the scent of blood or decay... instead, it was heavy with the mouth-watering aroma of roasting meat.
The colossal carcass of the "Stone-Armored Boar" was being butchered by the mechanic team (who had to use hydraulic saws to cut through its thick hide) and roasted over the open flames.
Clang! Clang!
Villagers raised their cups—some filled with fresh water, others with fermented fruit juice—in a toast to their survival and their protector.
"Eat up, Boss! This meat is tough as leather, but it's packed with energy!"
Axel sat on a large log, tearing into a giant roasted leg with his bare hands. He chewed enthusiastically, his cheeks bulging with delight.
Murphy sat quietly on a pile of hay a short distance from the main circle, enjoying a skewer of grilled meat. The cool night breeze brushed against his face, washing away the heat of the fire.
It was peaceful.
But then, a sound drifted through the air that made Murphy pause mid-bite.
... Oh, the sun rises over the golden fields... and the shadows fade away...
It was a song.
The villagers were singing together—a simple folk melody with an upbeat, rhythmic tune. Some were clapping, while others danced around the fire.
Murphy's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"They're... singing?"
In all his years growing up in the slums, he had never heard anyone sing. The only sounds in the slums were cries of hunger, pleas for mercy, or the heavy silence of fear. No one had the energy or the heart for music.
But tonight, under the starry sky, they sang with genuine joy.
A warm feeling swelled in Murphy's chest. 'So this is what peace sounds like.'
As Murphy finished his meal, feeling his energy reserves fully restored, Philip approached him. Two subordinates followed close behind, struggling under the weight of a long metal case.
"Brother," Philip adjusted his glasses, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Do you have a moment?"
Murphy wiped his hands on his tattered pants and stood up.
"What's up? Or is that..." His gaze locked onto the case.
Philip nodded. "You've been using that cheap iron sword for a year. Even though you've mastered the technique to coat it with energy so it doesn't break, a standard blade can't draw out even 10% of your potential."
"I've had this ready for a long time... just waiting for its owner to come home."
Philip entered a code on the keypad.
Hiss...
The case depressurized and unlocked, releasing a faint mist of cold air.
Resting inside on velvet cushioning was a weapon that looked deceptively simple.
The New Sword: "Silent Edge"
It wasn't a blinding laser sword or a bulky mechanical contraption filled with gears.
At first glance, it looked exactly like his old sword.
It was a straight, single-edged blade with a simple square guard—a no-nonsense weapon designed purely for killing.
But the difference lay in the material.
The blade was a deep, matte black that swallowed the firelight. It didn't gleam or reflect. Upon closer inspection, the dark metal bore a faint, ripple-like pattern within the steel, similar to Damascus but far more intricate.
"I know you don't like things that are too bulky or high-tech," Philip explained.
"So I kept the design identical to the one you're used to. But I forged it using a Titanium-Tungsten alloy recovered from the old reactor core, compressed under extreme pressure."
"Its conductivity for Kinetic Energy is 500 times greater than steel. You can pour your maximum output into this, and it won't shatter. Also... it's three times heavier, to match your current swinging force."
Murphy reached out and gripped the handle.
Clack.
He lifted it. The weight was substantial, heavy in a way that felt reassuring.
He gave it a casual swing.
Whoosh!
The sound of the blade cutting the air was deep, low, and terrifyingly quiet.
"Perfect... It feels incredible, Philip. It feels like an extension of my own arm."
2. The Sidearm: "Gravity Knives"
Next to the sword slot, there was a smaller compartment housing six throwing knives. They were sleek and matte black, matching the sword.
"These are a bonus," Philip picked one up.
"You prefer close combat, but sometimes enemies fly or keep their distance. These knives have 'Mana-Magnetic Cores' embedded in the hilts."
"Meaning?" Murphy twirled one of the knives in his fingers.
"Meaning... if you throw them and then trigger a specific frequency of Kinetic pulse from your body..."
Philip snapped his fingers.
The knife in Murphy's hand vibrated slightly, humming in resonance.
"You can 'pull' them back to you within a 20-meter radius. Like a boomerang, but faster and deadlier."
"Use them to distract, cut ropes, or hit mechanisms from afar without wasting energy running over there."
Murphy's eyes lit up like a child with a new toy.
"Whoa... that is cool. Now I don't have to carry a hundred disposable knives anymore."
He expertly slotted the six knives into the magnetic holsters on his belt and boots.
"Thanks, Philip." Murphy placed a hand on his brother's head, ruffling his hair.
"You really know what I need. No powered armor, no laser guns... just a good blade and these toys. That's all I need."
Philip beamed with pride, fixing his messy hair.
"Welcome home, Brother... But enjoy the party while you can."
His expression turned slightly serious.
"Because tomorrow morning... we need to have a long talk about the 'Visitors from the East'."