Chapter 2 : Jerry's Confession

While Jerry was distracted, Nat retrieved her knife and began slicing through the ropes that bound her. Jerry stood frozen, gripping his gun tightly, unable to believe his eyes.

The Jester continued to smile at Nat, unfazed by Jerry's reaction. He was pleased that his memory had returned, but it was only his old name that he could recall. Not everything had come back to him. Taking advantage of the situation, Jarvis stood up and headbutted the henchman. Jerry snapped out of his daze, sensing that something was about to happen.

Jerry reached for his back pocket, but Nat was quicker. She dashed forward and seized Jerry in a chokehold, pressing her knife to his throat. With a steely gaze, she challenged his henchmen to surrender.

"Drop it," Jerry cried out, and his henchmen surrendered. The Jester proceeded to help untie the rest of Nat's crew, and miraculously, the situation turned in favor of her team. Everyone was now free, but there were still many unanswered questions, and even Nat hadn't expected things to turn out so well.

"Poor Jerry", Jarvis said while tying Jerry. "Wherever you go, your dumb luck follows you, just like the good ol' days"

"Shut up!", Jerry cried angrily. "It was because of this man. I don't know what the hell is he!".

And that was true for everyone listening.

Nat and the Jester shared a quick glance, both feeling uneasy. Despite his cheerful demeanor, the Jester seemed to be hiding something. Nat couldn't help but wonder how he had managed to turn the tables so quickly.

"Untie Bark," Nat ordered. She realized she had almost forgotten about him.

Azim and Festo headed towards a large tree where Bark was tied up. After much struggle, they managed to cut down the thick ropes used to tie him up, freeing him. The crew then gathered outside the deposit.

"What do you think will happen to you, Useless Jerry?" Nat asked solemnly, keeping her knife pointed at him and stroking his face with it.

*******

After mining a significant amount of manatel, Bark carried it all back to their base. Despite the potential danger they faced, Nat's crew managed to return safely with their valuable findings. The camp was filled with joy and excitement as they awaited their arrival. When Casey saw Nat, she ran over and gave her a warm hug. The rest of the crew, along with Jerry and his associates, were brought back as well.

"Casey, look who we mined," Nakisa said with a smirk as he pointed at Jerry. Jerry's frustration grew as he glared at his former companion. His muscles tensed up in anger.

"Oh, Jerry, it's you," Casey whispered softly, her voice as sweet as honey.

Jerry felt embarrassed, not wanting Casey to see him in such a miserable state — tied to a pole, no less. While Nat asked Ranald to test the grade quality, she went ahead to question Jerry.

"Tell me about what's going on in the capital," Nat asked Jerry.

"And what would I receive in return for such an exchange?" Jerry retorted.

"Still think you have a choice, Jerry?" Nat asked, smirking.

Jerry surveyed his former comrades, who were staring back at him with anger and resentment. He let out a heavy sigh before speaking. "Alright, I'll talk," he said reluctantly. "But please, don't harm my crew."

"We're not like you, Useless Jerry," Nat sneered, her eyes locked onto him as if ready to pounce at any moment.

"The rumors in the capital suggest that the current king desires to ascend to the inner sanctum of the Eternal Monarchs, to the position of the Four Great Kings," Jerry explained. "The lower five are not privy to important discussions; they merely follow the orders of the Fours. Apparently, King Gideon is after the dimensional Artifact of Strength."

"Shit, this could get worse if he gets his hands on it," Nat exclaimed.

"That may be true," Jerry admitted. "We can't be certain yet, but I happen to know someone in the capital who might have more information on the matter."

"How do we know if we can trust this person?" Nat countered.

"It's someone you know as well, Nat," Jerry replied.

"Someone I know?" Nat repeated, racking her brain to try and recall the person. When she couldn't, she asked Jerry, "Who is it?"

"You'll have to find out for yourself," Jerry replied with a smirk.

The Jester was munching on the cookies that Casey had brought.

"Do you like them?" Casey inquired.

"I do," the Jester replied with his mouth full, savoring the taste of Casey's cookies.

Jarvis approached the Jester and said, "You're amazing, you know that? Without you, we would've been done for. But how do we know if you're a friend or foe?" Jarvis's doubt was beginning to show.

Nakisa nodded in agreement, while Ranald was busy using the Manatel Grader to test the grade quality. It was a time-consuming task, but it got the job done. Meanwhile, Nat's gaze shifted towards the Jester, and as she took in his solemn expression, the air around them grew quiet. All that could be heard was the sound of the Jester's chewing.

Nat's voice held more curiosity than hostility as she asked, "Who are you?"

The Jester swallowed the cookie he was eating and turned to face Nat.

"I can help you," the Jester replied. "You need the Artifact of Strength, right? I can retrieve it for you."

"But how? You don't even-" Nat began to speak, but then she remembered what had happened at the manatel deposit. "You're an artifact user!" she exclaimed.

"Indeed," agreed Jarvis. "I have never witnessed such remarkable regenerative abilities before. They far surpass any grade of manatel armor that I am aware of."

"I may not be an expert in artifacts, but I can still assist you guys," The Jester said, a smile spreading across his face.

Casey's eyes darted from one person to another as they exchanged conversation.

"According to the Manatel Grader, it has a grade rating of B," reported Ranald.

"Nat, do you know what that sounds like?" Jarvis asked.

Nat's face lit up with excitement as she responded, "Looks like we have an invitation to a party in the Capital!"

Bark scratched his head in confusion, unable to keep up with the conversation. However, he had a feeling that he was going to have some fun soon.

"Are we going?" The Jester inquired, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Nat's grin widened in response, her excitement mirrored in her eyes.

"Absolutely, we're in for a wild ride!" Nat exclaimed with contagious energy that reverberated throughout the entire camp, filling everyone with excitement.