Theo and Dawn stumbled wearily into the main hall, packed with workers seeking refuge from the disorder outside. The atmosphere was tense, but amidst the unrest in the room, David, Isabella, and Benny sprang into action, rushing over to assist them.

"Theo, you're bleeding! What happened to you!?" David inquired, worry drawn across his face as he carefully examined the wound.

Dawn's voice, tinged with genuine worry, turned to Isabella and pleaded, "Bella, please, can you do something? Help him." Her eyes filled with unease.

Theo attempted to downplay the severity of his injury. As he shrugged off their worries, his words strained with discomfort. "It's fine... Don't worry about me..."

Isabella, impressed by Theo's brave facade, took charge. She guided Theo to remove his shirt, gently settling him onto a nearby stool. "Leave it to me," Isabella assured him, reaching into her inner pouch and retrieving a small vial.

With a flick of her wrist, a radiant glow emanated from the water within the vial. With a soothing touch, Isabella allowed the luminescent water to cascade over Theo's wound, its flow resembling a tranquil river. Gradually, the bleeding ceased, soothing the pain.

"So, tell me," Isabella ordered, her curiosity piqued as she tended to Theo. She couldn't help but be intrigued by what could have caused the wound on his back. "Tell me, what exactly happened out there?"

Theo, wincing slightly from the healing effects of the Dyna-infused water, began to recount the encounter. "These weird monsters got in through one of the doors..."

"Monsters?" Isabella repeated, surprised by the statement.

Theo nodded, his face twisted with grief as he replied, "Yeah, they had black fur, red glowing eyes, and huge claws." Isabella's eyes widened in astonishment as she listened to Theo's vivid portrayal.

Dawn interjected, providing further details. "Not only that, but they had razor-sharp fangs, and their drool dissolved anything it touched. But most importantly, they can shoot fire and blast wind."

"...Wait, they can use Dyna?" Isabella was shocked by the report. Her mind raced to comprehend the new information.

Meanwhile, Theo's voice resonated with a mix of anguish and self-disgust. "A few of the workers didn't make it..."

Benny, sensing Theo's remorse, drew near. Benny moved closer as Theo and Dawn both hung their heads in shame. "We're sorry, Benny..." Dawn muttered.

Benny lowered his head, "The ones you two were able to save told me what happened. Thank you both for being so courageous and risking your lives for them," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude.

Theo and Dawn exchanged glances, their mouths sealed shut, uncertain about the appropriate words to express. The group sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts. They knew they needed to plan their next move, but for now, the group took comfort in each other's company and the understanding that they had each other's backs.

Suddenly, a blaring explosion erupted from the depths of the Iron Fortress. The abrupt detonation jolted everyone in the hall, catching them off guard. Curtis stood alongside Clarissa, turned to her, and asked, "What do you think that was?"

"It sounded like an explosion from the inside," Clarissa responded, her voice blending with the eerie silence that enveloped the hall.

"Don't move. Stay still," Isabella urged Theo, her touch completing the mending of his wound. On his back, three deep claw marks had left a lasting scar before she handed him his tattered shirt.

"Listen up, everyone!" Isabella raised her voice, attempting to capture the room's attention. However, Aida, Aeda, and Bryce were too engrossed in peering out the windows.

"Hey Curtis, Arthur! You've got to see this!" Bryce's voice boomed across the hall, drawing the attention of the two.

"What is it?" Arthur inquired, his gaze fixated on the night sky painted in a mesmerizing blend of fiery red and vivid orange, a consequence of the ongoing wildfire.

"Whoa..." Arthur gasped, stunned by the raging inferno devouring the forest. Aida pointed in the distance, directing her sister's attention to the fire tornado spiraling into the sky. "Look, Aeda! It's like a twister made of fire!"

Eager to witness the spectacle, the room flocked to the windows. Isabella stood there, her expression mirroring, one of shock as she watched the unfolding events.

"A twister made of fire?" Isabella muttered as she stared out of the window. The blazing vortex swept the land, its voracious force fueling the ferocious wildfire.

What kind of enemy are we facing for them to use that...? Isabella pondered silently while a group of workers gathered around Benny.

"Why is this happening to us, Benny?"

"Do you think the Section Commander is upset with us?"

"It doesn't make any sense. We shipped out the last shipment exactly on schedule."

"Benny, it's because you allowed those rebels inside the Iron Fortress."

Another explosion rocked the foundations of the formidable Iron Fortress, sending shockwaves of terror through the room, leaving the workers shaken and apprehensive.

"Everyone, please remain calm! Let's not jump to conclusions until we understand the situation," Benny urgently addressed the room filled with his anxious workers, attempting to instill a sense of order amidst the chaos.

Yet another explosion reverberated within the deteriorating structure, intensifying the urgency of the predicament.

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"The fortress won't last much longer if this keeps up. Should we relocate?" David questioned Benny and Isabella, seeking guidance amidst the uncertainty. However, instead of answering, Isabella motioned for silence, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger.

Outside the door, eerie echoes of footsteps and ominous growls filled the air, further heightening the tension. Sensing the mounting peril, Aida sought refuge behind her sister Aeda, finding solace in her presence. Isabella clandestinely conjured a whip-like torrent of water from her concealed bottles, preparing herself for an imminent confrontation.

The footsteps abruptly ceased outside the door, replaced by a powerful impact as something violently rammed against it from the other side. The fortress quivered once more, accompanied by yet another explosion, sending shivers down the spines of the workers in the room. Despite their overwhelming fear, they held their breath, maintaining a silence born out of sheer necessity.

Gradually, the demonic assailants retreated from the door, their unsteady gait echoing through the corridor. Benny pressed his ear against the door, straining to discern any lingering threat.

"It seems they've moved further down the hall," Benny informed the room, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the workers. A gentle breeze wafted through the window, finding its way to Isabella's ear and leaving a perplexed expression on her face.

"What is it?" Benny asked, his gaze shifting towards Isabella, eager for any sign of insight.

"Recruits! Listen up! I've just received a message from Commander Nozomu. Approximately, there are one hundred of these creatures, known as Devils, in total. It appears that about thirty of them are en route to our location. However, based on Theo and Dawn's report, it's safe to assume they have already infiltrated the Iron Fortress. At this rate, the fortress will not hold up much longer," Isabella revealed, her words laced with a grave sense of urgency.

Meanwhile, in the distance from the Iron Fortress, Nozomu and Pop soared through the sky, locked in fierce combat with the relentless Devils, their expert swordsmanship on full display. The blazing tornado, a manifestation of their intense battle, gradually lost momentum, diminishing its size and power.

"It's almost out of Dyna," Nozomu murmured to himself, observing the waning strength of the tornado. Finally, he and Pop landed away from the marauding Devils, their bodies weary and marked by wounds, evidence of their arduous struggle on the battlefield.

The Devils closed in, slowly encircling the Nozomu and Pop, suffocating the air with an oppressive aura. Gasping for air, Pop mustered enough energy and asked, "Nozomu... how many... do you think... are left...?"

Nozomu's gaze remained fixed upon the encroaching Devils as he replied, his voice composed and unconcerned. "About half, give or take."

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon Pop. "Still that many, huh?"

Nozomu's eyes narrowed, his focus unwavering. "They recover too quickly." With each passing moment, the menacing presence of the Devils drew nearer, their intentions clear.

"Hey, Nozomu..." Pop's voice wavered, hesitating before he found the courage to pose his question.

"What is it?" Nozomu's tone held a quiet intensity.

A brief pause hung in the air, filled with uncertainty, before Pop finally voiced his concern. "Can we win this?"

As Pop struggled to catch his breath, Nozomu cast a discerning glance at his companion, a realization dawning upon him. Pop's dwindling reserves of Dyna were evident, his stamina near its limits.

"Yes," Nozomu affirmed, his voice laced with determination. A swirling wind current enveloped his sword, a testament to his resolve. "I have a plan. We have to keep them at bay a little while longer."

Encouraged by Nozomu's unwavering conviction, Pop braced himself, striving to regain control of his breath and fighting spirit. "Alright then..." He raised his sword, the gusts of wind intertwining with his gleaming blade. "Let's do this!"

Meanwhile, deep within the confines of the Iron Fortress, Benny and a few of his weary companions emerged from an adjacent room, their arms laden with an assortment of augmented shields designed for battle. They placed them on the table, gathering around Isabella, who stood as a beacon of authority amidst the turmoil. The ground beneath them quaked as a substantial portion of the fortress crumbled, its ruins crashing to the earth beyond the shattered window.

"The situation is dire," Isabella solemnly declared, her voice infused with haste. "If we remain holed up in this room, those lurking Devils outside will eventually find us. It's either that or get crushed by the crumbling weight of this building."

Isabella's words hung heavy, casting a shadow of despair over the gathered workers. Benny, ever keen, sought to dispel the silence and kindle a flicker of hope within their hearts.

"Now, now, everyone. Wipe those sad expressions off your faces. Our utmost priority is ensuring the safety of every one of you. As Bella stated, the hazards of this place have escalated to a point where it's no longer secure. That's why we have devised a detailed plan to escape and make it outdoors," Benny declared, his voice resonating with perseverance, before gesturing for Isabella to take the lead before the recruits and his men.

"To protect everyone from the threats of the Devils, we'll be equipped with these extraordinary shields, ingeniously crafted by Benny and his colleagues here."

"The Section Commander contracted us to produce them. Crafted to withstand the brute force of the elements, so I'm sure they'll hold up for a while against these Devils," Benny interjected.

"We will split into two groups: one to protect the remainder of Benny's people, and the other will provide a defensive shield around me as I confront the Devils," Isabella continued as she addressed the recruits and men.

"Marco!" Benny called out, his voice cutting through the crowd like a sharp blade, prompting a timid young man in his late teens to step forward. Marco, standing slightly taller than most, possessed a slender frame. His silky brown hair cascaded gently, with a few tufts of facial hair adorning his face.

"I'm here, sir," Marco responded, inching closer with a blend of timidity and loyalty.

"You're familiar with the terrain and its surroundings. Once we get outside, our group will fend them off. You will lead everyone to a safe location," Benny instructed, his hand resting on Marco's shoulder, radiating with authority and reassurance.

"But, sir, I—" Marco attempted to voice his concerns but was swiftly interrupted.

"I have faith in you, son," Benny interjected, ensuring Marco's words didn't reach completion.

"I'll give it my all, sir," Marco pledged just before a piercing screech erupted from the crowd, capturing everyone's attention.

"Benny! Benny!" a woman's voice rang out, her urgency propelling her toward him. Benny attempted to console her, yet her tear-streaked face resembled a cascade of tears, similar to an unstoppable flood.

"Easy now, calm yourself. What's wrong?" Benny inquired as the woman struggled to catch her breath and articulate her anguish.

"It's Mera... She was right beside me, and now my precious daughter is gone..." the woman choked on her words, her heartrending anguish consuming her with emotions at the thought of her missing daughter.

"Mera is missing?" Benny muttered, his words a mere echo to himself, before hastily traversing the main hall in search of answers

"Listen up, everyone! Has anyone seen Mera recently!?" Benny questioned his workers, his voice echoing through the room, only to be met with a collective chorus of negative responses.

Benny pressed on, scouring every nook and cranny of the main hall in search of Mera, when suddenly, two young children approached Marco.

"Uhmm, Marco," a small, wide-eyed girl whispered, her tiny fingers tugging at the fabric of Marco's shirt, desperate for his attention. Glancing down, Marco met her gaze and answered, "Yes, Faye?" His voice held a mix of curiosity and anticipation, intrigued by the urgency in her eyes.

With a hint of worry, Faye turned to her companion, Colt, a young boy standing by her side. His eyes sparkled with the secret they were about to unveil.

"We know where Mera is..." Colt declared anxiously, breaking the silence that had settled over the room.

In an instant, the atmosphere seized with anticipation, and the eyes of everyone present turned towards the two young children, hungry for the revelation they were about to share.