Mei Zhen stood amidst the flickering lights of her makeshift workshop, surrounded by an array of tools and discarded mechanical parts. She wore the usual uniform given to the engineers of Camelot, as well as her customized goggles, which had been specially designed to reduce the harsh glare of the electric lights. For a moment, as she stood silently in the center of her workshop, she felt a sense of peace.

Though the tools and parts around her were evidence of her ingenuity, she was nevertheless reminded of the countless others who had done the same. Even as she worked on her projects, she was enveloped in the presence of those who had come before her, and the knowledge that their work had made it possible for her to be here.

She was in one of the lower levels of Excalibur, the massive tower in the middle of the wasteland. It was the one who delivered energy to Camelot and the city that lay underground, below the tower.

It was a building of magnificent architecture, created with the best technology available some centuries back.

After the world dried and the humans developed the Withering, a disease that worsened with each generation, Excalibur was one of the few remnants of a glorious past.

Now it just served as the headquarters for the Dust Knights, the ones dedicated to protecting the wasteland. Still, their reduced numbers meant they were only to attend matters in the region called The Kingdom.

Mei was one of many engineers in charge of helping the Dust Knights and the few soldiers who guarded the city. Their tasks also meant taking care of the tower, since it was the main source of energy.

The electricity delivered to Camelot made life possible, making their inhabitants capable of having enough food and water. Besides the factories and laboratories, the citizens had different forms of entertainment. Despair could flow in the Wasteland, but under Excalibur life was decent.

The air carried a scent of metal and grease as Mei worked diligently on her new project, her gaze focused and determined. Kay, a young apprentice, appeared with a set of tools. Mei raised her head.

"Come here, Kay"

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Kay, a young boy wearing a similar outfit, approached, watching with wide eyes, eager to absorb every bit of knowledge that his mentor had to offer.

"Kay" Mei said, her voice tinged with both authority and warmth, "observe closely. Today, we delve into the heart and soul of the Dust Knights."

Curiosity brimming within him, Kay inched forward, his attention captivated by the sight of the armored exosuits adorning the workshop walls. They weren't the official armors, but different approaches to emulate the same advanced technology.

Each suit was a project designed to have more Knights or, at least, help their soldiers and guardians to have more protection than what some Mid-Tech armor could provide.

Mei gestured towards the intricate designs and reinforced plating of the core, speaking with a mix of pride and reverence.

"The suits, my young apprentice, are not merely forged from scraps and steel. They embody the spirit of the Dust Knights, granting them the power to make a difference."

Her nimble fingers caressed the polished surface of the core of one of the armors, tracing the contours with reverence.

"See these mechanisms? They enhance strength, agility, and endurance. They power the suit, so they can have magnetic shields and different kinds of forcefields. Also, thanks to the energy delivered by the core, they can sustain heavy wounds and resist even the worst radiation."

She smiled.

"And here, concealed within, lies the heart of our power—the Blue Plasma."

Kay's eyes widened as Mei lifted a vial containing a pulsating blue liquid, its ethereal glow casting an otherworldly shimmer across the room.

"The Blue Plasma," Mei continued, her voice filled with awe, "is a source of boundless energy, the lifeblood that powers the armors. Green Plasma doesn't have enough energy and is corrosive. Red Plasma holds more power but it's unstable. The Blue Plasma here is a great balance. It delivers massive amounts of energy. And it looks cool too."

The young apprentice leaned closer, mesmerized by the fluid's swirling glow.

"Can anyone wield such power?" Kay asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mei smiled, a glimmer of determination in her eyes.

"Not just anyone, Kay. The path of the Dust Knights requires unwavering resolve, relentless training, and unyielding dedication. It's a life of sacrifice and service, but also one of honor and purpose. To wield the great power that brings the Blue Plasma and the suits, you also have to be a great person"

Kay's gaze met Mei's, his voice filled with aspiration.

"Do you think... do you think I could become a Dust Knight one day, Mei?"

Mei's smile widened, pride emanating from her.

"You have the potential, Kay. Your dedication, curiosity, and unwavering spirit are the foundations upon which Dust Knights are forged. I want to be one, too. But right now there are enough Dust Knights. We don't have more armor, and the Knights don't need more members"