Verlena stepped forward to address the centipede man. "We apologize for the destruction we've caused, and the lives we put at risk in the process. My name is Verlena Estelle, and we are a group of contractors in search of a place to rest following our most recent contractual undertaking. My comrade, Esca Cassius, has the remarkable ability to control, and even fly our ship using a mist power of hers. However, she became distracted, and lost control of our ship, causing the wreckage you see now. I cannot express how sorry we are. Is there a way that we may repay you for the damage and danger we've brought to your town?"

Losing himself in thought for a moment, the centipede man finally replied after a moment's pause. "Yes, there is. If you're a group of contractors, then your repayment can be done through completing a contract for us free of charge. We have a situation that needs dealt with. One that I'm not sure we'd be able to handle alone. Mm, it's almost like some kind of omnipotent entity threw your ship straight into our little restaurant at a time where we need people like you the most. Fate, you could say."

His eyes scanned the group. "But you said you're here for some rest, right? It wouldn't be wise to dive straight in with you all in an exhausted state. So what do you say we discuss the details of the contract over a friendly dinner?"

Verlena nodded with a soft, gentle smile. "I say that's a wonderful idea. We accept. I'm incredibly glad there was a way for us to avoid conflict."

"So am I. I'm sick and tired of having to deal with so much fighting and struggle. I just want peace."

"Ah, yes. Don't we all." Agreed Esca. "In any case my creepy, unsanitary friend, I have an unfortunate revelation. I am actually incredibly allergic to all forms of creepy crawlies. Whether it's insect, or arachnid! So I have no choice but to ask, do you happen to have any bug free eateries around here?"

The centipede man shook his head, replying, "No, we don't. Our society is built around insects and arachnids completely. You'd struggle to find a single thing here that doesn't involve them in some form, let alone an entire restaurant." He quickly glanced down at himself. "And I take a bath everyday. What about me seems unsanitary?"

Esca surveyed all of his insect-crafted belongings—his attire, weapons, and everything else. "Must you really ask?? You're wearing a centipede on your head, who knows what for your clothes, and even your weapons are crafted from bug!"

His expression tightened slightly, a brief flash of defensiveness crossing his face. "Bugs may look unsettling at first glance, but that doesn't mean they're filthy. You should be a little more open minded about them."

"Gotta agree with him, not to mention they don't just throw on a corpse after slaughtering the things." Teres said. "Gotta good feeling that they probably clean them off first. Don't think you're in much of a position to be bitchin' about 'em anyway. The guy's treating us with enough kindness as to not start a fight after we put his people at risk and were destructive. Show him respect."

"Alright, alright. Very well then." Esca replied, offering a respectful bow toward the centipede man. "May you show us the way, good sir... uh, hey, what's your name??"

"I'm Centi-Ren, head of Insectla's police force. We certainly had an interesting introduction to one another, but I won't hold it against you all as long as you're willing to help us with this. People make mistakes after all, it's all a matter of if you're willing to make up for them."

"Of course, naturally," Esca said with a slight, confident nod.

Verlena's eyes sparkled with warmth, her voice sincere as she said, "I'm glad we've been able to meet, friend. Your name suits you very well." She glanced around briefly, then added, "We have a few other allies who came here alongside us. If you don't mind, I'm going to go and find where they ended up after that whole disaster, and then we can begin making our way to this restaurant if you can lead the way. What do you think?"

"Yes, that sounds good to me." Stated Centi-Ren. "If these friends of yours are still alive that is. If they can't even be seen from here, who knows where the crash could have launched them."

"Oh, I believe they'll be just fine thankfully. You see, they're of a different species than us. Quite a unique one in fact." Verlena remarked.

Right after her statement, a massive bolt of lightning struck the ground nearby, exploding with a deafening blast. As the dust settled, all of the Surge materialized where the bolt had hit.

Illume spoke. "Well well, a unique species you say? Hah, I guess you could say that. It is not often we make our way down here to the surface world. So our appearance could be striking to others here."

Centi-Ren studied them closely, his eyes flickering over their forms with curiosity as he said, "I've come across some intriguing entities in my day, but I've never seen any cloud men. Unique's a good word for it." He then paused for a moment before offering a welcoming gesture, "Well, regardless, welcome to Insectla. All of you. If this is everyone, shall I lead the way?"

Verlena nodded.

Illume gave a thumbs up and added, "We weren't close by for long enough to hear all the details of what's going on, but please! Go on, and we shall follow. I trust that our destination is of importance."

"I'd say you're on the money." Centi-Ren agreed with a slight wave of his hand. "We'll get all of your bellies full and discuss the details of our arrangement. Come then, let's get going."

"Hell yeah!! You don't have to ask me twice! Let's see what this place is about!!" Exclaimed Sligg.