Asukem and the group were startled by the enigmatic figure of the man. His dark brown skin and human-like appearance were offset by his digital, bluish-green eyes. He seemed to be in his mid-thirties, with a shaved head and a black goatee. Goggles rested on his forehead, and he sported a white trench coat reminiscent of a lab coat, as well as a vest and a belt with containers. His dress shoes and stylish pants, complete with pockets, were accompanied by a belt with holsters for his pistols.

Asukem faced the man and began to say, "Thank yo..." However, the man cut him off, motioning for silence and shaking his head firmly, "Gratitude is not appropriate at this moment; she remains completely focused." Asukem was puzzled by the man's words and tone, but he attempted to show comprehension by nodding slowly, his eyes reflecting confusion and worry. The man gestured for Asukem and his companions to follow him, proposing, "Allow me to accompany you to a place of safety before we engage in a discussion about the situation."

Asukem nodded in agreement and began to follow the man, with his friends trailing closely behind. The man guided Asukem and his companions through the city, skillfully avoiding the droid-like tanks and robotic soldiers that patrolled the area, searching for them. The buildings loomed like fortified structures crafted from metal and advanced technology, with towers that resembled towering radio antennas broadcasting announcements. The streetlamps stood as slender poles topped with large bulbs, while the benches lining the streets were constructed from metal, and the roads themselves were made of metal plates. The sidewalks appeared to move autonomously, and the city's inhabitants seemed almost like cyborgs, blending human and machine.

Despite his cunning nature in the alien city, the man leads them to a rounded structure resembling a bunker. He presses his hand against a panel on the wall, and the door emits a beep and clicks, indicating that it's unlocking. After quickly scanning the area, he opens the door and ushers the group inside before checking the surroundings once more and then shutting and locking the door behind him. He turns to signal them to follow, walking past them to a cellar door, which he opens before descending the stairs. Asukem and his companions follow the man into a room that appears to be a laboratory. Once everyone is downstairs with the man, he closes the door behind them, and a holographic image takes its place, making the door blend in with the floor.

The laboratory was a hub of advanced technology, featuring sleek computers and counters equipped with touch-sensitive screens and wheeled chairs. Various bottles, containers, and scientific instruments cluttered the counters. In one corner stood a massive, state-of-the-art computer, while shelves lined the walls, and overhead lights flickered before settling into a steady hum of energy. The bright illumination of the lab was so intense that it nearly forced the occupants to shield their eyes, and the air was filled with a low, continuous hum. Dust particles danced in the light, leaving a chalky taste on the group's lips, mingling with the acrid scent of chemicals and plastic. The containers on the counters were identical to those the man had used to load his pistols; some emitted a soft hum of electricity, others crackled with flames, and a few held a liquid that resembled water but froze upon contact with the glass. One container, filled with a green liquid, bubbled and boiled, releasing gas and fumes that swirled ominously within.

Despite the numerous containers and various elements present, it appeared that all the containers had turned to liquid. The man, seated in his chair, spun around while interacting with the screens of his enormous computer, seemingly typing and gazing at the display, yet also keeping an eye on the group. He apologized, saying, "I regret the mistake in this instance. The motherboard is encountering a substantial malfunction." Asukem and his friends exchanged glances filled with concern and confusion as the man spoke. Asukem responded, "Well, I suppose it's alright." The man continued to monitor the screen directed at them while also checking on the surroundings of the city, touching the screens in his lab as he introduced himself, "Feel free to refer to me as Elewa Techison."

Asukem struggles to comprehend Elewa's words, feeling bewildered and disoriented. Despite his confusion, he engages in a one-sided conversation with Elewa, saying, "Nice to meet you, Elewa. But what made you decide to help us?" Elewa responds to Asukem while multitasking on his computer, stating, " I assisted you due to the fact that you exhibit a crucial attribute needed for my research." His gaze fixed on Asukem, he continues to focus on his computer screens and inquires, "Are you able to help me in exchange?"

Asukem appeared utterly bewildered by Elewa's words, unsure of how to respond. Elewa noticed the puzzled expression on Asukem's face, smirked, and then swiveled around in his chair to gesture toward the array of containers and lab equipment. "Examine these receptacles," he explained, "The liquidized essence of earth, fire, water, and wind - the four fundamental elements - can be found within them. As an Elementologist, I am dedicated to exploring the essence of void and divine in my research." Elewa glanced at Asukem, hoping that his explanation would bring clarity to the situation. 

Asukem gazed at the counter filled with various containers, attempting to grasp Elewa's explanation, yet found himself at a loss for words. Just then, Gimp swooped down to the counter, eagerly touching everything as if exploring a toy store. "So, you collect magical samples and store them in these containers, but why?" Gimp inquired, partially grasping Elewa's words while shaking the containers. Elewa, alarmed, quickly removed the containers from Gimp's reach and looked at him with a serious expression, as if to convey that these were not toys. He then clarified, "I am designing ammunition storage units for my elemental firearms."

Clair's eyes widened as she listened to Gimp's words and turned to Elewa, questioning, "But why?" Grant, now comprehending Elewa's intentions, stepped closer and chimed in, "They make a valid point, Elewa. What drives you to create weapons?" Elewa, taken aback by the realization after the irritating imp clarified, swiveled in his chair to face the massive high-tech computer screen. He touched the screen once more, sliding a hologram towards the group. A look of bitterness crossed his face as he interacted with the screens in front of him, closing his eyes in regret, mentally preparing for what was to come next.

Images began to materialize on the holographic display, all of them appearing to be recordings. Elewa proceeded to play each recording in succession. The initial one depicted droids guiding an individual to a vast factory, devoid of any audio and abruptly ending. Moving on to the next recording, showed the droids entering a bunker-style residence and escorting another person to the factory, still without sound. As Elewa played the subsequent recording, it stood out as the droids seemed to be exerting force and forcibly removing an individual from the bunker-like dwelling, dragging them towards the factory, all while remaining silent.

Elewa paused before pressing play on the final recording, knowing that this one contained audio. The video displayed Elewa's bunker-like home, and the sound of the door being forcefully opened followed by Elewa's enraged shouts filled the room, amidst the overwhelming chaos and fear, "Nkosi Techison, you have been selected for the Upgrade scheduled for today. Comply with the motherboard's instructions or face the consequences." The video didn't stop playing when the girl cried out for her father, who happened to be Elewa, a voice of the droids saying, "Cease your resistance, Elewa Techison, or meet your demise!" At that moment, they heard Elewa calling out for his daughter in distress.