chapter 16: The Gatekeeper's Test

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Stelle decided to give Bronya and Seele some alone time, allowing them to catch up and reflect on their past. She recalled the next thing on Natasha's list: painkillers. Determined to find them, she delved deeper into Rivet Town, searching for any traces of the elusive medicine.

As she walked through the dilapidated streets, her eyes darted from one abandoned building to another. She turned into an alleyway, hoping to find an old pharmacy or a storage area that might contain the supplies they needed.

The alley was narrow and dark, with the faint light barely illuminating the crumbling walls. Stelle's steps echoed softly as she advanced down the stairs, each step resonating in the stillness. Suddenly, she heard a beeping sound coming from below. It was a steady, rhythmic noise, unmistakably mechanical.

Stelle thought to herself.

Stelle: (What's that sound?)

As Stelle slowly descended the stairs, the voices became clearer.

???: Oh! It's here, we found it! Thank you, Perkins!

Guardbot: Beep - Don't mention it, Clara.

As Stelle approached the sound, she saw a guard robot standing protectively in front of a Clara. The robot, upon sensing Stelle's presence, shifted its attention to her.

Stelle quickly raised her hands to show she meant no harm.

Stelle: Hey now, take it easy! I'm not looking for any trouble here. Let's all just calm down and talk this out, alright?

Guardbot: Protect Clara. Initiating active defense mode-

Clara: Perkins, don't! Stop I've seen this person before. She's not bad, right?

As Stelle sighed in relief, the guard robot processed Clara's command.

Perkins: Command received. Danger removed. Deactivating active defense mode.

Clara: This place is dangerous. You should leave.

Stelle: I'm actually looking for medicine to help the injured.

Clara: Oh? I came here for these painkillers, too. There are a lot of people hurt at the vagrant camp, I guess the miners are no different? *sigh* If everyone could just get along, things would be easier...

Clara hesitated for a moment, contemplating whether to share some of the painkillers with Stelle. Finally, she decided.

Clara: Mm... Here you are. I hope the medicine is of help to you...

Stelle took the painkillers gratefully, acknowledging the gesture.

Stelle's suspicion lingered as she accepted the painkillers from Clara, prompting her to inquire further.

Stelle: What's your relationship with Svarog?

Clara: Mr. Svarog, he... he's my family. I met Mr. Svarog when I was really little. He and my brother took me in and took care of me. I'm really sorry about what happened back in the Great Mine... Mr. Svarog doesn't trust any humans besides me and my brother, especially everyone from Wildfire.

Stelle: And why did Svarog start attacking us?

Clara: Mr. Svarog doesn't want to hurt people, but he always follows the calculations of his analysis. He thinks that interaction with humans is... inefficient.Wildfire wants everyone to leave the underground... But Mr. Svarog wants everyone to stay here. According to his calculations, the overground is already unsafe.

Stelle listened intently to Clara's explanation, her concern growing as she tried to make sense of Svarog's perspective.

Stelle: There must be some error in his system.

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