The group began following Centi-Ren as he guided them through Insectla, heading toward the restaurant he'd chosen. As they moved through the town, they took in the sights around them, their eyes lingering on the unique details of this bug-crafted world.

The buildings were constructed from countless beetle carapaces, their glossy surfaces gleaming in the sunlight. The shells had been polished and treated, and arranged somewhat like bricks, creating a mosaic of vibrant, natural tones. Deep greens, shiny blacks, and metallic blues gave the town a rich, colorful appearance.

The streets were paved with crushed exoskeletons, finely ground to create a smooth, almost shimmering surface that crunched softly underfoot. Along the sides of the road, vendors were selling goods from stalls crafted out of giant insect wings, which were stretched taut over frames made from mantis limbs. The wings, translucent and iridescent, cast a soft, colorful light over the wares on display.

Clothing shops showcased garments spun from the finest silks, with patterns inspired by all sorts of insects. The fabrics were light and breathable, featuring vibrant designs that mimicked the delicate veins and luminous colors of moth wings or the intricate spots of ladybugs. Some garments bore the shimmering, metallic hues of beetle shells, creating an almost armor-like appearance that caught the light with every movement. In addition to the clothing, the shops also offered masks crafted from the exoskeletons of various insects. These masks ranged from the elegant, with delicate lace-like designs mimicking spider webs, to the bold, with the fearsome visage of a horned beetle or the fierce mandibles of a praying mantis. Some masks were decorated with the soft, fuzzy feathers of moths or the shiny scales of dragonfly wings, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to their otherwise formidable appearance.

Accessories like belts and sashes were woven from the sturdy silk of giant spiders, with clasps made from the polished pincers of scorpions or the segmented tails of centipedes. Nearby, a blacksmith hammered away at a weapon forged from the hardened stingers of scorpions, creating a blade that was both lightweight and razor-sharp. The sound of metal on metal rang out, mingling with the hum of the town's activity.

As they continued their walk, they passed a park where benches were fashioned from the fused legs of beetles, smoothed to a glossy finish and appearing comfortable to sit on. Children played with toys made from the remnants of insect legs and wings, laughing as they chased each other around. The atmosphere was lively and cheerful, with the townsfolk going about their daily routines in a place that celebrated the beauty and utility of the insect world.

Teres smiled, glancing around appreciatively before saying, "Ya see Esca, Insectla isn't so terrible is it? It's a fascinating little place really. I'm impressed with how much these people are able to squeeze outta the creatures. Goes to show with enough smarts up in your head, you can damn near make anything outta anything."

Esca folded her arms. "I shall admit that the sheer scale of it is quite impressive indeed. But nevertheless, that does not mean I have any further interest in eating them."

"Esca! Then why not join us for a while?" Illume's form crackled lightly with energy as he spoke. "While this wondrous place is filled with so much beauty and ingenuity... upon passing by some examples, I unfortunately doubt that the food here is capable of satisfying us Surges vast diets. So instead, we're going to buy the greatest blades we can find, and then hunt a grandiose beast that can both better fulfill our stomachs, while also testing the craftsmanship of Insectla's smiths. What do you say??"

Esca sighed lightly, then replied, "Well, I'm not particularly fond of either of these tasks. But yours is certainly better than the other option. So I accept your offer Illume. Let us be off then." She then turned to Verlena and Teres, her expression unusually serious, her eyes locking onto theirs with a rare intensity. "Verlena. Teres. Stay safe."

"Heh. Will do, ship maid. It's a promise." Teres gave a small, sincere smile as he replied.

"Yes, of course. Thank you Esca. I can assure you that we will be okay. No matter what occurs." Verlena nodded firmly, her voice steady and reassuring.

Esca smiled warmly at them before turning her attention back to the Surge. "Alrighty then! So cloudy boys, you planned to check out the weapons they've been cooking up around here huh?"

Jecc exhaled a small crackle of electricity. "Yeah, that's right. It looks like they've got some pretty interesting stuff. We really don't need it but, I am curious about the craftsmanship of this place. We can see how it reacts to our lightning infusion."

"Haha! I like the way you're thinkin' now Jecc!" Sligg exclaimed. "That's the mindset to have my buddy!"

"Tch, shut up.. you get too damn excited about everything. We're still not tourists, it just doesn't hurt to check what these people are capable of. You never know when you might need a weapons supplier, or even something else in the future. Always betting on the fact that we'll have our own blades and tools isn't smart. Anything can happen in this world."

"I mean, I guess that's true. But it sounds more to me like an excuse you came up with to justify it. Heh heh, oh Jecc." Sligg then smiled even wider than he already was. the excitement in his voice unmistakable. "Whatever though, I'm just happy we'll get to fight with something different for a change! This is exactly the kinda opportunity I was looking for! To see just how different places craft their weaponry. And it doesn't get much more unique than this place, I mean these guys had to make them out of bugs!"

"It certainly is quite the opportunity my comrades." Illume said, turning to Esca. "Perhaps Esca, we may even be able to change your mind on the idea of hunting by our side. It is not as foul as you believe, I can assure you."

"You're absolutely welcome to do your best. If there's a way for me to enjoy slaughtering and eating whatever wondrous creatures you go after, I'm by no means opposed to it. My only demand is that you are not allowed to hunt a moose!" Esca said.

As the three continued to converse amongst one another, they gradually made their way towards the weapon shop.

Centi-Ren watched them head off. "Hm. Well, as long as you two can relay the information to them later, they're fine to go off. Hopefully they enjoy their hunt." He then gestured ahead, adding, "In any case, we've still got a little ways to go. But we'll arrive soon here. Please follow my lead for a bit longer."

After some more time walking, they finally reached their destination—a restaurant known as Roach Realm, its entrance marked by a sign crafted from polished insect shells, carved with the restaurant's name in bold, jagged lettering.

Teres looked up at the sign, squinting slightly. "Must be new, don't remember a Roach Realm bein' here during my last visit. That was a good chunka years back now, so guess I should expect to find some new sites around the place."

"Yeah, Roach Realm's pretty new. It became the most popular eatery here pretty quickly though, they have some pristine service and a great selection. The owner... well, they're one intriguing character. A little bit of a pain in the ass to talk to admittedly. But I can't deny that this place of theirs they brought in around a year or so ago has really helped Inseclta out financially. Regardless of what they're like as an individual, their success is undeniable." Centi-Ren said.

Suddenly, the door to Roach Realm burst open. An individual stepped out, dressed in elegant, Victorian-style attire that radiated both class and danger. A unique, stylish hat perched atop their head, shadowing their devilish smile and piercing gaze. Deep violet hair spilled out beneath the brim, complimenting their striking purple eyes. Their delicate appearance clashed with the arsenal of large firearms strapped to their body. They raised a hand to their mouth, their expression shifting to exaggerated surprise. "Oh?? A pain to speak with you say??!" they gasped, their voice dripping with mock offense. "Consider me offended Centi-Ren. I'd thought we were close friends... I loved you like a brother." They paused for a beat, then chuckled darkly. Their soft, alluring lips curved into a smirk. "Keh heh heh.... I'm only kidding of course. If you dropped dead right here and now, it'd be a little sad I guess, but I really wouldn't care that much."

They cast a glance over the newcomers, violet eyes gleaming with amusement. "Regardless, you've certainly brought to my fine establishment here quite the interesting duo. Oh yes... Verlena Estelle, and Teres Bright themselves. The two most decorated contractors in the entire world, and the only two ranked ahead of me."

They extended a hand with a graceful flourish, the devilish smirk never leaving their lips. "Welcome, you two... to Roach Realm. Would you be so kind as to follow my lead to our special little seating area that I only reserve for the most important of guests? I have some things I'd like to discuss with you..."

As the final words left their lips, a massive, sinister looking worm slithered out from within their attire, its glowing yellow eyes flickering as it wrapped itself around them in a slow, deliberate motion.