STONE-COLD:LONESOME ROAD

High,High,High

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the arid landscape as Milo, Mashiro, and Ranheim continued their journey westward. The battered and bruised trio had managed to regroup after their intense confrontation with Nicki. Their spirits were worn, but their resolve remained unshaken. The remnants of the battle still lingered in the air as they made their way towards Nevada, the next step in their quest to uncover the mysteries surrounding the artifact and the enigmatic figure known as The Shakedown.

As night fell, they spotted a small, dimly lit establishment on the side of the road. The Crossroads Pub, its flickering neon sign casting a pale glow in the encroaching darkness, seemed like an ideal place to rest and regroup. The pub's exterior was unassuming, with weathered wood and a sign that had seen better days. But it promised a reprieve from their relentless journey and a chance to gather their thoughts.

Milo, still recovering from the effects of the magnetic battle, was eager for a moment of normalcy. "Let's stop here for the night. We could use a break," he suggested, his voice weary but hopeful.

Mashiro nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We need to refuel and plan our next move. Nevada is still a ways off."

Ranheim, ever the pragmatic one, kept his eyes on the road as they approached. "Alright. But we should be cautious. This place might not be as quiet as it seems."

The Crossroads Pub had a modest parking lot with just a few vehicles scattered around. They parked their rental car and made their way inside. The pub was surprisingly cozy, with wooden floors, a long bar, and a scattering of tables. The faint scent of stale beer mixed with the aroma of hearty pub fare. A jukebox in the corner played classic rock tunes softly, providing a nostalgic backdrop to the evening.

They took a seat at a table near the back, hoping to avoid drawing too much attention. The bartender, a grizzled man with a bushy beard, nodded at them as they entered. "Evening, folks. What can I get ya?"

Milo glanced at the menu, trying to shake off the fatigue from their recent battle. "Just a round of drinks and something to eat, please. We're on a long journey and could use some sustenance."

As they settled in, Ranheim pulled out a map and spread it across the table. "We need to plan our route to Nevada. The sooner we get there, the better."

Mashiro glanced around the pub, his eyes scanning for anything out of the ordinary. The patrons were a mix of locals and travelers, most of them engaged in quiet conversation or watching the game on a nearby TV. Nothing seemed out of place, but Mashiro's instincts told him to remain vigilant.

Just as they began discussing their route, a newcomer entered the pub. The man was tall and rugged, with a leather jacket that seemed to hint at a life of adventure. He carried an air of confidence, and his sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on their table. His presence immediately drew attention, and the atmosphere in the pub seemed to shift subtly.

The newcomer made his way to their table, a curious smile on his face. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, his tone friendly but with an underlying edge.

Milo, sensing something unusual about the man, exchanged glances with Mashiro and Ranheim before nodding cautiously. "Sure, have a seat."

The man introduced himself as Tom Hawkins. He had a rugged charm and spoke with a certain charisma that made it hard to gauge his true intentions. "I couldn't help but overhear that you're headed to Nevada. Seems like you're on quite the journey."

Mashiro raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "We are. We're looking into some... matters related to artifacts. Why do you ask?"

Tom's eyes glinted with interest. "Artifacts, you say? Well, I might have some information that could help you. I've been tracking similar energies myself. You might find it valuable."

Ranheim, ever the skeptic, leaned in. "And why would you help us? What's in it for you?"

Tom's smile widened. "Let's just say I'm interested in the same things you are. And sometimes, having a few allies in the right places can be beneficial. Besides, it looks like you could use a hand."

Milo, still wary but intrigued, decided to entertain the offer. "Alright, Tom. What do you know about the artifacts we're after?"

Tom took a sip of his drink and leaned back, his demeanor relaxed but attentive. "I know a fair bit about the artifact energies and their sources. The one you're looking for, the power source, is tied to some very old and very powerful artifacts. They're scattered across various locations, and finding them isn't going to be easy."

Mashiro nodded thoughtfully. "That's what we've figured out so far. We're trying to track down the energy sources to understand more about them and the people controlling them."

Tom's gaze shifted to the map Ranheim had spread out. "If you're heading to Nevada, you should know there are several key locations that are rumored to be connected to artifact energies. I can help guide you to those sites. But be prepared—there are others who are also searching for these artifacts, and they might not be as friendly as me."

Just as Tom began to provide more details, a sudden commotion erupted at the bar. A loud crash followed by shouts and the sound of breaking glass drew everyone's attention. The pub's patrons turned to see what was happening, and the tension in the room grew palpable.

Milo, Mashiro, and Ranheim exchanged worried glances. They had been through too much already and couldn't afford to be caught off guard. Tom's face turned serious as he looked toward the disturbance.

"Seems like our quiet night just got a little more complicated," Tom said, rising from his seat. "Let's see what's going on."

The trio followed Tom to the bar, where the scene was chaotic. A group of rowdy individuals had caused the commotion, and it was clear that they were not merely troublemakers—they seemed to be connected to something much larger.

As they approached, Milo couldn't shake the feeling that their encounter with Tom Hawkins was just the beginning of a much larger and more dangerous journey. The artifacts they sought were powerful and sought after by many, and the road ahead would be fraught with challenges.

The scene at the bar was growing more intense, and it was clear that they needed to act quickly to assess the situation and determine their next steps. As they moved toward the source of the trouble, Milo felt a mix of apprehension and determination. The journey to Nevada was only the beginning, and the path ahead was filled with uncertainty and danger.

As the chapter ended, Milo, Mashiro, and Ranheim stood at the crossroads of their journey, facing new challenges and allies in their quest to uncover the truth about the artifacts and their own destinies. The road ahead was fraught with peril, but their resolve was unwavering, and they were prepared to face whatever came their way.