The towering structure loomed before them, a jagged monument of rusted steel and crumbling concrete that stretched high into the smog-choked sky. Neon lights flickered across its surface, painting the night in a sickly glow. The Scavenger King’s domain.


    Kenshi’s grip on his katana tightened. This place stank of desperation and betrayal , two things he had little patience for. Aiko, on the other hand, looked right at home, her eyes darting around with a mix of curiosity and wariness.


    “Alright, samurai,” she whispered. “Let me do the talking. The Scavenger King’s got a thing for smooth talkers.”


    Kenshi gave her a sidelong glance. “I prefer honesty.”


    Aiko smirked. “Yeah, that’s not gonna get us very far here.”


    They pushed through the crowded entrance, past guards who looked like they’d sell their own mothers for a handful of credits. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of burnt circuitry and unwashed bodies. Vendors hawked everything from scrap tech to stolen weapons, and in the center of it all, on a makeshift throne of scavenged metal, sat the Scavenger King.


    He was a hulking figure, draped in mismatched armor pieces and adorned with trinkets from a hundred raids. A pair of cybernetic eyes flickered as he watched them approach, and a scarred grin spread across his face.


    “Well, well,” the King rumbled. “If it isn’t Aiko the Rat. Thought you were dead.”


    Aiko shrugged. “Not yet.”


    The King’s eyes shifted to Kenshi, narrowing with interest. “And you brought a samurai? What, finally got tired of stealing from me and decided to bring me a gift instead?”


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    Kenshi remained silent, his gaze unwavering. Aiko nudged him slightly, clearing her throat. “We’re looking for information.”


    The King leaned forward, resting his massive hands on his knees. “Information comes at a price.”


    Aiko rolled her eyes. “We figured. What do you want?”


    The King’s grin widened. “I’ve got a problem. A rival scavenger, goes by the name Haru. He’s been sniffing around my territory, stealing my goods, and worst he''s been spreading rumors. Take care of him, and I’ll tell you whatever you want to know.”


    Kenshi frowned. “You want us to kill him?”


    The King chuckled darkly. “I don’t care what you do. Just make sure he’s not a problem anymore.”


    Kenshi exchanged a glance with Aiko, his expression hard. “I don’t kill for favors.”


    The King raised an eyebrow. “Then I guess you don’t get answers.”


    Aiko sighed. “We’ll handle it.”


    As they left the throne room, Kenshi shot her a sharp look. “We’re not assassins.”


    Aiko rolled her eyes. “Relax. Haru’s a scavenger, not a warlord. We’ll figure something out.”


    The streets of Haven were quieter as they made their way toward the outskirts, where Haru was rumored to be hiding. Kenshi’s mind churned with unease. This wasn’t the way of the samurai going around playing mercenary games in a den of thieves. But Edo’s Last Light was too important to ignore.


    When they finally found Haru’s hideout , an old subway tunnel lined with scavenged tech and makeshift defenses ,they were greeted not with hostility, but with weary eyes. Haru himself was an older man, his armor worn and patched with scraps, his hands steady despite the years.


    “So,” Haru said with a tired smile. “The Scavenger King sent you.”


    Kenshi stepped forward. “We’re here for answers, not blood.”


    Haru chuckled, shaking his head. “Then you’re smarter than most.” He glanced at Aiko. “And you… I remember you from the old days. You were just a kid.”


    Aiko stiffened. “I grew up fast.”


    Haru sighed, rubbing his temples. “Look, I’m not your enemy. The King’s afraid because I know the truth about Edo’s Last Light.”


    Kenshi’s eyes sharpened. “Tell us.”


    Haru nodded. “Edo isn’t just a sanctuary. It’s a relic of the old world—technology, culture, everything they tried to preserve before the wasteland swallowed it up. And the Shogunate wants it gone.”


    Aiko frowned. “Why?”


    “Because it’s a threat,” Haru said simply. “A place where the old ways survived? Where people still believe in honor and tradition? That’s dangerous to people like Raijin.”


    Kenshi clenched his fists. “So it’s real.”


    Haru nodded. “Real enough to die for.” He glanced at them. “And if you’re going after it… you’re going to need help.”


    Aiko crossed her arms. “Help comes at a price, huh?”


    Haru smirked. “Not everything in this world does.”


    Kenshi studied the man for a long moment before offering a short nod. “Then let’s move.”


    As they left the tunnels, Aiko looked up at Kenshi. “So, uh… what are we telling the King?”


    Kenshi didn’t look back. “The truth.”


    Aiko groaned. “Yeah, that’s not gonna end well.”


    Kenshi allowed himself a rare smirk. “Then let’s make sure we’re gone before he hears it.”