Meanwhile, back with Esca and the Surge, they sat around a gentle fire that danced with soft, mesmerizing flames, casting a warm golden glow across their surroundings. The patio of a beautifully crafted hut sheltered them, the structure built entirely from nearby forest materials. Smooth, interwoven branches, polished hardwood, and large, vibrant leaves forming its roof. Above them, the sun dipped low on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of amber and crimson as its light filtered through the treetops.

They were surrounded by countless corpses of giant bugs, their remains scattered across the area. Nearby, a towering stack of massive griffin and white tiger corpses had been stripped and cooked into an extravagant feast... perfectly seared tiger steaks, honey-glazed griffin wings, and a thick, savory stew made from the tender meats of both creatures, seasoned with wild herbs and spices.

Esca, Illume, Jecc, and Sligg sat with bowls and plates piled high with the freshly prepared dishes, savoring the rich, hearty flavors of their bounty.

Swallowing, Illume smiled warmly at his comrades. "Ah.. so tasty! What a splendid meal we get to enjoy alongside one another. I couldn't be happier that this forest was indeed home to such beautiful beasts, rather than being filled with nothing beyond those bugs." He took another bite, savoring it before continuing. "Now a dish like this, is enough to satisfy the stomachs of us Surge. No disrespect to those who reside within Insectla, but those critters are simply too hollow for our tastes." Illume turned his gaze to Esca, his tone softening with sincerity. "And Esca, I am so glad you came. Your performance during our hunt and battle was nothing short of remarkable. But more importantly, you pushed through your fears, and have evolved my friend. Remember our time together here in the future, when your fears and hesitations creep up and try to pull you down. Remember, that you are powerful, strong, and capable. You have the word of a storm blade wielder after all."

"I unquestionably will, Illume. Thank you very much, I mean it. I've struggled with mental weakness and this fear so much throughout my life. I can't say it's completely gone, but you've helped me take an important step." Esca smiled softly. "Heh, you cloudy boys are pretty great, I must say. I'm glad you joined us too. I promise that we'll do what we can to avenge the death of your brother."

"It's appreciated, Esca. Gael... he was no weakling. He led the wind Surge for many centuries, I never imagined he'd meet his end without even having the chance to retaliate. That it'd be done in an instant. That 'Dishonorable Samurai' must have an impeccable ability for stealth, as we are well aware of how easily others can invade our home with the right technology and means of travel, and have several systems in place for it. And despite it, he was somehow able to get behind Gael entirely undetected." Illume paused, his hand resting near his plate as he stopped eating for a moment. "In any case, I must request that you leave him in particular for me to face. I wish to be the one who kills the son of a bitch."

Esca gave a thumbs up. "Yes, no need to worry whatsoever my fluffy friend. I'll make sure Verlena and Teres know, you'll be the one to take that bastard down."

As the night wore on and discussions gradually came to a close, Esca and the Surge retreated to their hut, settling in for a well-deserved rest.

Back at Roach Realm, Verlena and Teres were offered accommodations in the upper floors, an invitation they gratefully accepted.

With the night passing peacefully, everyone gained plenty of rest, rejuvenating their energy and resolve for the challenging contract that awaited them in the coming day.

As dawn broke, Verlena, Teres, Valtana, and Centi-Ren gathered in the heart of Insectla, where they met with Esca and the Surge. They stood beneath a towering golden ant statue, its surface gleaming brightly in the morning light.

The situation was carefully explained to Esca and the Surge, detailing the contract.

Centi-Ren nodded firmly as he addressed the group. "Well, I'm going to gather a number of my men to join us for this contract. My brother, Centi-Rain, will handle the protection of our home while we're gone. So if anyone was concerned about that, don't be." He adjusted his centipede mask before glancing back at the group. "Anyway, see you soon." With that, he turned and walked away.

Watching Centi-Ren walk away, Valtana wasted no time shifting her focus to Esca. Leaning in slightly, her ever-present worm tilted its head to mimic her movement, its unsettling gaze locked onto Esca alongside hers. "Oh my, it's Esca Cassius. Your antlers look so flawlessly shaped, might I say."

"Well of course they are, I am a particular moose after all. Some of it is up to genetics, yes, but my own willingness to treat them with care plays a big factor as well. But, thank you kindly nonetheless."

"Ah, top tier genetics and your own passionate effort. There isn't a better combination in this world you know. Wouldn't you agree with me, Sludge?" Valtana turned her gaze to the worm.

Sludge opened his mouth, and replied.
"Valtana, you are ridiculous. These are worthless subjects I couldn't possibly have less of an opinion on, no matter how much I may try. Don't ask me about such things."

Verlena, Teres, and Esca stared at the worm in shock, their expressions frozen as they processed what they had just heard.

Verlena was the first to break the silence. "What..? Valtana, the worm leader is capable of completely coherent speech?"

Valtana clasped her hands together dramatically, a mock expression of heartbreak on her face. "Ridiculous you say? Oh Sludge, why must you always shatter my heart so relentlessly. All I want is to share a deep and special bond with one another, like we're two lovely peas in a pod." She sighed, stroking the worm leader's head gently. "Mm.. but oh well, I'm not worried. You'll learn to appreciate these small things in life eventually."

After a final pat on Sludge's head, Valtana turned to Verlena with a bright grin. "And gosh, yes! I can't apologize enough for forgetting to mention it! He can in fact speak quite intelligently. He's a silly little critter ha ha, he truly is. But he'll come around sooner or later, don't you worry. They always do with me..."

Esca jabbed her finger in Valtana's direction. "Valtana! I'm going to be completely blunt with you, you're an unsettling individual. Not only do you walk around with a talking evil worm slithering all over your body, but you also spy on others without their consent! Did you at least let us use the bathroom when you kept tabs on us, or sleep privately?? Who am I kidding.. it's a question I'll never know the answer to!"

Valtana replied, "My sweet girl Esca, no need to fret, you'll absolutely know the truth behind your question. Because the answer is no I did not! People do some secretive things while in the bathroom you know, and I did it while you were sleeping because I couldn't risk missing some action that may have taken you by surprise during your beauty rest. Keh heh heh... my robots have some truly impressive capabilities, they don't always have to be in nearly nine foot tall forms that practically announce their presence to all around them. Gosh I love Kiness. We'll definitely have to go there together sometime!"

"No thank you ma'am! We'd prefer to go alone, and you'll be with us anyway from a third person perspective!"

Teres popped a small piece of bug candy into his mouth, chewing casually before speaking. "Maybe we'll take ya up on it. Have to see how the future plays out."

Esca's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at him. "What! Teres!! Why?!"

Illume suddenly tightened his fluffy fist, a faint crackle of lightning sparking around it as the tension in his posture grew.

The others took notice, their attention shifting toward him with curiosity and some with concern.

Verlena stepped forward slightly, her tone calm but firm. "Illume. Is everything alright?"

After a brief pause, Illume exhaled, his gaze steady as he finally spoke. "You stated that these Magma-Men were driven into ruin by an unknown Kingdom. Well, my friends, that Kingdom you speak of..."

His expression hardened.

"It was the Surge Kingdom."