> “The clang of failing machinery pierces me, the grit in the air chokes my breath. My hands tremble like the rattling chains around me.
I recall the Batal Stone’s whisper in my father’s voice, its eerie glow foretelling burden and strength, a promise etched in cold rock.
Tomorrow, I will rebuild this factory, make it hum with life. I vow to wrest triumph from these rusted ruins. ✴”
— Scene 1, *The Hero’s Stone* ⟁
_Batal Vol.2 · Ep.2 · Scene 1 – Factory Manager · At the Factory_
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📖 **Excerpt from the book:**
> Factory Manager: It’s defective. Again, it’s defective. What exactly is the problem?!
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