The broken gear

Exit

Thomas and Nelle decided to exit the park instead of exploring it due to them not wanting to deal with anymore creatures. Thomas had been trying to learn how to throw fire, so far he had only learned how to throw flames a couple of inches before they disappeared.

"You're getting better."

"Thanks."

They walked by paths branching out into other sites and natural wonders. Thomas kept thinking about the upgradite and how it could have gotten inside the flower. He eventually managed to learn how to set his hands on fire and shoot a couple of sparks a few inches away.

"I think you did well."

"I want to learn repair magic."

"It would be useful."

They made it to the main lobby of the park and realized why it was closed. It had strange events sightings of a man in a striped suit that was black with thin lines, black aviator sunglasses, and hair combed to the side. He had a walking stick that slightly spiraled down and had a golden ball on top. Ever since the first sighting people have gone missing and fauna had started to attack visitors. The park was eventually closed until the proper authorities had taken care of the man.

Thomas stared at the sign. "I'm not sure how I feel now."

"We should be fine."

Thomas thought he heard footsteps and immediately turned around, he didn't see anything so he brushed it off as being paranoid. He was still uneasy.

"Hey, umm, what do we do if we see him."

"I don't know, but if he attacks us we should be fine."

"Excuse me," said a voice from behind them.

Thomas turned his head and immediately felt a wave of fear. The man was standing in front of them.

"What do you want?" said Nelle.

"No need to be rude, I just want my upgradite back."

"I-It's illegal to carry that much." Thomas had a bad feeling about him.

"I'll pay 20 grand."

"Deal"

"Nelle!"

"I'm joking," she said with a smirk.

"Nelle is it? I thought you went by Ellih."

Nelle froze, she clenched her fists. "Where did you get that from?"

"It seems I won't get it back will I?"

"Answer me, where did you get that from?"

"Let's just say I know a lot of things. The name's Jackal, although I doubt we'll be seeing much of each other as I have some business in the future. I'll let you keep it as I'm headed to the Slavic Union and then the UFNA. You might be interested in the following political events," he said as he exited the park and seemed to vanish.

"I'm guessing I shouldn't bring up the name?"

"Please don't." Nelle calmed down a bit.

"Do you two know each other?"

"I'm not sure."

They walked out of the park and found a near empty parking lot except for an ranger's car.