D.E.M.O.N.S: Getting Summoned Weekly isn't so Bad Chapter 2192 Steel Report

Kat ---

The remainder of the night saw Kat and Lily engrossed in conversation. Even when Kat eventually rose to prepare breakfast, their dialogue flowed unabated. The pair simply relished each other's company, albeit from a distance. Kat harbored a hope of seeing Lily in person relatively soon... a wish that would, in a fashion, be granted. More or less, anyway.

Once breakfast was ready and everyone had taken their seats, Steel made his entrance. As he joined them at the table, Kat offered him a seat. "Thank you. I have a bit of time, so I can explain the situation while we eat."

Kat gave a nod, then observed Steel practically devour three slices of quiche, pausing only briefly to take a drink. To be fair, Tanisha wasn't much different, so he didn't seem out of place. Appoline and Hedera maintained a far more elegant dining style. Kat was grateful she had prepared so many quiches, as all four were consumed by the table's occupants. They weren't small, either, each roughly pie-sized, but apparently Steel, Tanisha, and surprisingly, Furen, were all quite famished. Kat attributed this to their lack of proper meals the previous day.

After Steel finished his meal with remarkable speed, he remarked, "Apologies for that. I was up all night and forgot to eat. This is my first substantial meal in over twelve hours. Now, it's not urgent, but a team is assembling to investigate the core. In theory, this is the team destined to explore the facility, mostly the same individuals...

"However, the core is the absolute most critical element within, and it will essentially be their sole focus. I would like you, and anyone else interested in joining, to be ready to escort them into the facility. The objective is to proceed directly to the core chamber and commence reinforcing it against any potential incursions to the best of our ability.

"We've vetted the team as thoroughly as possible, and the core group is certainly clear... but we needed to bring in additional personnel for the guarding duties. While they appear clean on the surface, they haven't undergone the same level of background scrutiny as the others. We also have a last-minute replacement among the warders; they are twins who requested a switch because one suffers from claustrophobia, and the other does not. The claustrophobic twin was the one originally assigned to the team," Steel elaborated.

"I have a few questions..." Kat stated slowly.

"As do I," added Appoline.

Steel offered a shrug and reached for ANOTHER slice of quiche, this time seemingly making an effort to savor it. At the very least, it was being chewed. "Please, the expedition isn't scheduled to depart until after lunch, so we have ample time. I theoretically have more work to attend to...

"But my current intention is simply to rest in my bed here until our departure is required. The work isn't so critical that it must be done immediately, and I... have been persuaded that I require some sleep, so a few hours before lunch will have to suffice."

"That makes me feel I ought to keep my questions brief," Kat pointed out.

Steel shrugged, unsure of what else to say. Appoline, however, voiced her inquiry. "Is there a particular reason I'm being offered a position on the team?"

"Yes. Frankly, you remain the most skilled alchemist known to us, and given the unique flora in the vicinity, we wish to examine them with haste. Furthermore, we do not anticipate you betraying anyone, even if your background isn't entirely spotless. The agreement would ALSO stipulate that you depart the area once Kat does." Steel then turned to Kat. "I'd like you to remain in the lower levels for a day or two, primarily until the defenses are established. Afterward, you'll be free to pursue other activities, if that still aligns with your plans? I recall there was a discussion about leaving earlier, but I haven't received any updates on that from either you or Hedera."

Kat gave a shrug. "Well... we probably require some more orbs. The supply is looking rather depleted, but aside from that... Hedera and I had a discussion a few nights ago, and we determined that remaining here is for the best. Has that changed?"

Kat glanced at Hedera, who shook her head. "Nope, I'm still content with staying. I'm not exactly thrilled about going underground, but I don't dislike it either. It's more that my bow isn't quite as useful down there. If you have no better assignment for me, I'll go... but" Hedera concluded with a shrug.

Steel returned the shrug. "I've been trying primarily to keep you two together, or at least in relative proximity. Perhaps there's a more suitable role for you, but I haven't actively searched for one. Shall I begin looking?" Hedera shrugged again, and Steel sighed. "Alright, I'll keep it in mind but won't go out of my way."

"Well, allow me to interject once more," Appoline cut in. "What are the plans for dealing with the poison?"

"Is this something you wish for me to do?" Kat inquired.

"Not at this moment," Steel confessed with a heavy sigh. "I'm uncertain if I should even seek approval for it. The current strategy is to maintain a defensive posture unless the base we intend to establish comes under attack. In that event, the plan is for you to restore the golem's hands, transforming it into another defensive measure. However, no one is entirely content with this arrangement."

"I understand..." Kat murmured.

A brief period of quiet descended upon the table before Furen decided to break the silence. "What are the implications for Tanisha and myself? My understanding was that we were placed here for our protection. If all potential safeguards have been removed, what does that signify for us?"

Steel nodded in affirmation. "Well, you have several alternatives. The first is to accompany us on the expedition, but should you choose this path, a tracking bracelet will be required. Furen regarded Steel with a perfectly flat expression. "Your other options include returning home and hoping for the best, residing in one of our more comfortable cells within a secure sector of the city, accepting placement in one of the concealed bunkers, or I might be able to arrange passage for you to leave the city, at least temporarily. However, that option may still involve a tracker. I can extend this offer to both of you, but Tanisha was not considered a primary target. The focus was primarily on you."

Furen allowed a sardonic smile to grace her lips. "Are there no plans to mend her arm?"

Steel responded with a raised eyebrow. "Unless Appoline is offering her services, then no. While I sympathize with her predicament, she is not the only individual in the city missing an arm. Restoring a limb is no simple feat, and honestly, I'm unsure who I would even consult."

Furen cast a glance towards Appoline, who offered a shrug. "It's not as if I possess the necessary components for such a potion, even if I were inclined to volunteer my expertise. Perhaps if she is extraordinarily fortunate, the facility might house rare botanical specimens that could aid in the process, but I wouldn't advise holding your breath. Regrowing severed limbs presents a significant challenge."

"My apologies," Kat offered.

"It's quite alright," Tanisha replied with a dismissive wave. "I was likely doomed anyway, so I'm not overly concerned. If it isn't healed, it isn't healed."

Kat perceived a subtle falsehood in Tanisha's words. Yet, with Thyme present, she doubted the limb would remain absent indefinitely. This likely accounted for the slight insincerity. The actress harbored the knowledge that the limb *would* eventually be restored, a certainty the character lacked. Wasting time on a potentially substandard repair would be problematic. Kat's brow furrowed.

After a few more moments of silence, Furen let out a sigh. "I suppose we will need to deliberate on this matter. Perhaps venturing closer to those botanical specimens might prove beneficial, or perhaps prioritizing safety is the wiser course. I am uncertain of my preference. What are the probabilities of me being targeted should I return home?"

"There's no way to ascertain that," Steel admitted. "We still lack definitive knowledge regarding the identity of those orchestrating these events, making it exceedingly difficult to predict the depths to which they are willing to sink."