Centi-Ren cleared his throat as he began the contract briefing: Magma-Men.

"There's a species of humanoids composed of molten lava known as the Magma-Men," he began. "Their molten bodies are encased in a hardened, rocky exterior that pulses with heat. Their power is immense... so much so, that they must carry massive ice blocks on their backs at all times to temper their heat and suppress their strength. They can melt the ice without physical contact, likely by increasing their internal temperature. As the ice diminishes, their power gradually intensifies, unleashing more of their true potential as the cube shrinks."

He adjusted one of the honey grenades strapped to his uniform, the faint clink of his weapons echoing in the room. "Now as to why they're a problem for us... well, the Magma-Men have been communicating with the divine being Tsunakhan, the ruler of the seas. I'm fairly sure that you two would know of him, he's the one with the fish for a head, who protects the civilizations within the seas, and brought down a colossal alien being that appeared on our planet a few thousand years ago. A great number of people worship his legend... but hey, you never know these days, you could be unaware of him. Either way, it's ironic that he's the god they chose, but it does make sense. He doesn't care whatsoever about anything that occurs here on land. So as long as you're able to compensate him, he'll grant the wishes of some, even if it damages the lives of others."

Centi-Ren shifted slightly, his eyes sharp behind his mask. "The Magma-Men have spent the last several decades granting an innumerable number of his requests. Taking on contracts he's presented to them. In exchange, they soon intend to request that he instantly snap into reality, an otherworldly sized, blazing utopia for them. It'll take up half the continent, the half we're on. So its instant materialization would completely obliterate Inseclta. Even if it wasn't set to materialize on this half, a nation that massive would present a catastrophic risk to us anyway."

He gestured subtly toward the group. "We're aware of all this thanks to our gnat spy system, which monitors the entire continent to ensure that nothing presenting a threat to us goes unnoticed. And then their reason for all of this? A war they lost to some other strange species long ago. They only vaguely mention them, so we aren't sure what species they're referring to. But, the loss they suffered sent their kind into a pitiful state for generations."

His tone hardened. "Since then, though, their kind has grown infinitely stronger. And once they've settled into this utopia of theirs, they seek to claim revenge on their enemies and all who treated them wrongfully throughout history."

With a resolute demeanor, he concluded, "Our mission, is to kill their most prominent and influential members who are pushing for this plan. Unfortunately, it's the only way. We've observed them slaughter anyone that opposes their idea without a second thought. Their own kind. The people in charge there are dead set on the idea, but it at least seems like there are possibly some within who are opposed to it—if any of them haven't spoken out yet and are still alive. So the possibility of not wiping them all out is there, but not guaranteed."

A pause settled over the room as Verlena and Teres absorbed the information, each lost in thought.

Valtana took a slow sip of her drink, setting the glass down with a soft clink before leaning forward, her gaze shifting eagerly between them. "It's quite an intriguing scenario, huh? Well... what do you both think of all this?? Humanoid magma entities, deals made with gods, the destruction of half a continent and possibly even more long term, so on and so forth." A grin spreads across her face. "I'm dying to know!!"

"Of course I believe that it's a terrible situation that we must do all we can to assist with!" Verlena's words came out with a hint of aggression. "Since no one was harmed, I'd even say I'm glad Esca crashed our ship here. Otherwise we'd have likely been left unaware of this entire situation. Unless you had plans to step in as the prosthetic being, Valtana."

"Oh my... that's the first time you've used my name when addressing me. We're growing so incredibly close already! I just love it!" She placed a hand over her chest in a display of affection. "Yes, though, this situation would have been what I contracted you to deal with next time we met. But you managed to stumble across it naturally instead! Its fate, no question my friends."

Teres finished off the last bite of his food, wiping his hands casually before looking up at Centi-Ren. "Alright, Centi-Ren, so where're these bastards at now? What kinda defenses are we up against, and which of their members are first on the kill list?"

"Well, they're..." Centi-Ren began to explain.

Some distance away from Insectla, deep within the blistering heart of a fiery swamp, a towering magma entity sat, an ice block cigar clenched between his jagged, molten teeth, glowing faintly as it melted with each exhale.