In an endless wasteland.

The ground here is desolate, strikingly so.

Only gray sand and settled dust remain on the ground, devoid of life.

No breeze blows by, only a dead silence pervades.

The place has completely lost all sounds of nature.

Click, click, click...

In such a silent wasteland, a sound like some mechanical structure turning came from a distance.

The dust on the ground seemed to be disturbed by some minor vibration, causing some tiny stones to roll around.

Bang.

A sound was heard as a mechanical component stepped onto the wasteland.

Below the mechanical structure were three toes and a toe resembling a heel at the back.

The structure looks somewhat like a bird's claw.

Looking from the ground up, the entire mechanical leg had no outer shell, with exposed bearings, gears, and visible, bouncing lines inside.

Looking further up, it appeared to be a humanoid mechanical device about three meters tall.

The limbs, composed mainly of the device's arms and legs, looked extraordinarily robust.

The middle part seemed relatively small, out of proportion with the overall shape.

At the head position, there was a completely exposed cockpit.

A humanoid creature with slightly gray-blue skin sat within.

Apart from the skin differing somewhat from humans, she had broad, pointed ears that drooped down on both sides rather than standing upright.

With slender fingers, she lifted the goggles from her face.

A corner of the goggles showed some cracks, evidencing long-term use with clear signs of repair.

As the goggles lifted, her eyes were revealed.

Slightly larger than normal human eyes, they shimmered with a bright luster.

She opened her mouth, revealing two rows of somewhat sharp teeth, and said: "Why do we have to patrol here?"

The voice carried a hint of incomprehension and more irritation.

Just then, the sound of mechanical movement accompanied by heavy footsteps emerged behind her.

A similar yet slightly different machine also stepped forward.

Inside the cockpit sat a humanoid creature similar to her.

However, from here, a clear distinction could be drawn between them, as this one was clearly male.

Still, largely similar to humans.

"Kavala, stop complaining. The Elder told us to patrol, so there must be a reason."

Hearing the man's words, the speaking Kavala pursed her lips: "All you know is how to say useless things."

Saying this, she glanced behind her and took out a tubular object about the length of her finger.

Transparent at both ends, the middle had a slightly rough mechanical structure with what appeared to be connectors.

A blue light emanated from the tube, revealing a vertical blue line inside.

It was clear that Magic Power was stored inside.

"Alas, wasting such a small amount of Magic Power is such a pity."

As she spoke, the man piloting the Mecha nodded helplessly.

"Alright, let's get going." he said, driving the Mecha forward accompanied by the squeaking sound of turning.

Though called a Mecha, it was more like a mechanical exoskeleton-like device.

Kavala hurried to keep up beside.

"Waku, what do you think happened with the previous tremor?" Kavala curiously asked while catching up.

Waku shook his head: "I don't know; it's not the first time I've encountered such a situation."

About half an hour ago, their world experienced a violent tremor, causing panic among their people.

Therefore, the Elder asked them to explore whether anything had occurred in the outside world.

Because none of the living, including the revered Elder, had ever encountered such a tremor.

Surely something has happened, something possibly significant.

The wasteland lay silent and lifeless.

"I hope the recent tremor reveals some Magic Power," Kavala said.

"What dream are you having?" Waku replied without hesitation.

But from his expression and words, it was evident he harbored the same hope.

Soon, they seemed to reach the boundary of the wasteland.

At the boundary stood a semi-transparent barrier, appearing infinite on the outside, possibly pitch black, giving an unclear, impenetrable, fuzzy feeling.

Yet under the reflection of light, the barrier emitted a crystal-like luster.

"See, there's nothing here. It's a total waste of time." Kavala said directly upon seeing this scene.

Waku carefully examined the boundary in the distance and then looked afar: "Let's circle around the boundary here and take a closer look."

"Ah! Fine." Kavala said reluctantly.

Fortunately, they were just one of the exploration teams. It was coincidental that they were responsible for this direction, only needing to circle around the approximate area for which they were accountable.

The two of them thus began to walk slowly along the boundary, in this silent world, leaving only the sound of mechanical movement and their conversation.

"To be honest, is it just me? Why do I always feel like something is watching me. Goosebumps all over." Kavala couldn't help but say while vigorously rubbing her exposed arm.