Miss Bladewei, the Halfling Witch who called herself a "baker" and "mechanic," held her Alchemical Handgun in one hand and an iron bucket in the other. She then softly chanted an incantation, and nine clusters of Warm Fire floated in an arc above her head. This was the Secret Art of Fire.
As for Gina, she was a Pureblood Gem Dragon. Her noble bloodline granted her physical strength beyond human imagination. But the cleanliness-loving Dragon Maid naturally had no desire to fight the bizarre Flesh Creations in the Factory at close range. She spat out another string of bubbles, forming a completely transparent protective layer around herself.
Shade could not make sense of where her "Bubble Secret Art" had come from, but he was certain it was not part of the Gem Dragon's Racial Inheritance.
"I specialize in Moonlight Series Mystic Incantations."
Shade briefly introduced himself as well, then stood behind Old Madam Gustav. The Old Witch nodded gently.
"I'll lead the way. Mr. Hamilton, protect Linor. Gina, be careful at the rear."
"Yes, Madam."
"Then let's go. Remember, if the monsters we kill along the way leave behind Flesh and Bone Remains glowing with bloodlight, take them whenever possible. The Life Furnace only wants such things. But do not directly touch any Flesh that does not belong to you. Even touching it with gloves is not safe."
The Old Witch waved her staff, applying the effects of Silent Steps and Isolate Aura to the group of four. Then she stepped forward and reached the room's only door.
She pulled the door open directly. Standing behind the Old Witch, Shade looked through it and saw that it was no longer the huge Blood Collection Workshop where he had appeared earlier.
"Before finding the Life Furnace, any door can only be