P.S= #14: Yamato Minto

A day later, the group found themselves flying over the outskirts of a city unlike any they had encountered before. They all sits on Ava Dragon form back Naima, with a spark of excitement in her eyes, gestured toward the metropolis ahead.

"Welcome, you guys, to City of Steel: Forgeheart Metropolis," she announced.

"Wow, it's so... steely," Cory remarked, his gaze drawn to the metallic sheen that dominated the cityscape.

"Huh, 'steely'?" Naima questioned, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Don't listen to him; he did the same thing with the Earth Kingdom," Kiyomizu explained, sharing a knowing smile.

Naima chuckled, acknowledging Cory's penchant for quirky descriptions. "Well, guys, just wait until you enter; you will be in for a shock," she teased, building anticipation for the sight that awaited them within the heart of Forgeheart Metropolis.

"Let's make a descent, Ava," Cory instructed.

"Right," replied Ava.

"I still can't believe you can carry us, Ava," remarked Naima, a hint of amazement in her voice.

"Yah, I can," affirmed Kiyomizu with a sense of pride in his magical prowess.

"Heheh, pretty cool, huh, Naima?" Cory chuckled.

"You bet," Naima agreed, her eyes reflecting a mix of excitement and curiosity.

"Not only that, she can transform into a tiger too," Kiyomizu added, further emphasizing Ava's impressive capabilities.

Cory gracefully touched down, a burst of energy in his step. "Huh, where is the city we saw in the sky a minute ago? Where did it go? Noooooo, curse you, Elders."

"Is he always so energetic?" Naima inquired.

"Energetic is an understatement," Ava responded with a wry smile.

"No, it's not gone. It's just, you know what, it's better if I show you," Naima proposed.

Naima took a step forward and disappeared from view.

"No, where is she? Did they get her too?" Cory expressed his concern.

A moment later, Naima reappeared, her voice echoing, "Get in here, you dumbass."

As Cory, Ava, Naima, and Kiyomizu entered the hidden city, they found themselves immersed in a breathtaking world that seemed to defy the very limits of imagination. The city, cocooned within the protective embrace of an ethereal barrier, unfolded before them in a tapestry of architectural wonders.

Glistening towers of iridescent steel soared towards the heavens, catching the ambient light and refracting it into a mesmerizing array of colors. Each tower seemed to whisper secrets of ancient wisdom, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the city's storied history.

"Wow, it's beautiful," Cory marveled as he stepped through the hidden entrance.

"You see, they built a barrier so that Slayers won't bother them, and the city we saw when we were on Ava was a hologram," Naima explained, shedding light on the concealed marvel.

"Wait, so if the barrier and hologram are to hide from Slayers, why would they help us?" Kiyomizu questioned, his curiosity piqued.

**Chapter X: The Steel Secrets**

The bustling city of Forgeheart Metropolis buzzed with an industrial rhythm, its skyline dominated by towering structures of gleaming steel. The group, led by Naima, found themselves navigating through the labyrinthine streets, guided by the enigmatic allure of the Minto family.

"The thing is, they aren't hiding because, overall, the Mintos are one of the top engineering families in the world, but they hate helping the Slayer system. They only help IGS," Naima explained as they weaved through the vibrant urban tapestry.

"What is an IGS?" Cory inquired, his eyes absorbing the sights of the steel-clad metropolis.

"It means Independent Govern Slayers, those who operate autonomously, free from the constraints of the Slayer system like the five Heavenly Generals," Kiyomizu provided, adding layers to the city's complex dynamics.

"Cool, I didn't know that. Yay, let's go and..." Cory's excitement was palpable, but Naima swiftly intervened, grabbing his shirt from behind.

"Where do you think you're going?" Naima questioned, her gaze locking onto the lure of the city's diverse eateries.

"To get something to eat," Cory replied with a mischievous grin.

"Shouldn't we be looking for the Mintos?" Kiyomizu interjected, his gaze shifting between the tantalizing aroma of street food and the urgency of their mission.

"Yeah, but he's right. Let's grab something to eat first," Ava concurred, her metallic wings catching the glint of the city lights.

[Outside a Rustic Restaurant]

The group found themselves seated in a rustic yet inviting restaurant, a haven amidst the steel expanse. The aroma of sizzling delicacies wafted through the air as they perused the menu, each dish a testament to the fusion of technology and tradition in Forgeheart Metropolis.

"So, where can we find the Mintos?" Kiyomizu asked, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any clues.

The waiter, clad in a sleek uniform, approached, breaking the suspense. "Are you kids ready to order?"

"Yes, please," Cory eagerly replied.

"I would like some juice," Kiyomizu placed his order, the hum of the city's energy echoing in his voice.

"And tea for me," Naima added, her eyes reflecting both focus and anticipation.

"I'll be fine," Ava reassured, her gaze fixed on the bustling street beyond the restaurant's windows.

The waiter turned to Cory with a playful smile. "And how about you, baby boy?"

"I'll have some juice and a cheese pizza. Thank you," Cory responded, the contrast between the high-tech surroundings and his simple food choice adding a touch of charm.

"Okay then, I'll be back," the waiter said, disappearing into the vibrant rhythm of the restaurant.

"So, when we're done, we'll head out and look," Ava suggested, the clinking of cutlery and the distant hum of the city forming the backdrop to their strategic planning amidst the steel secrets of Forgeheart Metropolis.

**Inside the Rustic Restaurant**

"Order up, here you go," the waiter announced, setting plates on the table.

"Thanks," the group replied in unison.

"No problem."

"Excuse me, where can we find the Minto family?" Naima inquired, curiosity marking her expression.

"The Minto family, huh," the waiter mused.

"Yeah," Naima confirmed.

"There's one behind you right now," the waiter revealed, prompting everyone to turn around and approach the man.

"Hey, I heard you talking about the Mintos," Naima greeted.

"Yeah," the man acknowledged.

"So, how can I help you? I'm the head of the Mintos in this city, named Aoi Minto," he introduced himself.

"So, you're the head," Naima noted.

"Yes."

"We wanted to discuss something with you," Ava added.

"Oh, what's that now?" Aoi inquired.

Suddenly, a cat leaped onto the table, snatched one of Cory's swords, and darted away.

"Huh, what the my sword? Why, you son of a come back here with my sword?" Cory exclaimed, chasing after the mischievous feline with his other sword in hand.

"Should we be concerned?" Kiyomizu asked, a note of worry in his voice.

"No, this always happens; cats don't like Cory. He'll be fine," Ava reassured.

"Okay, good," Naima acknowledged.

"Don't worry; I know that cat. He'll be fine," Aoi assured.

"Okay, anyway, we wanted to ask you if you could build a ship for us to go across the Tethys Web," Naima brought the conversation back to its purpose.

"I would love to, kids," Aoi responded.

"Yes!" they all exclaimed together.

"But I can't. I'm retired," Aoi delivered the disappointing news.

"No," they expressed their disappointment simultaneously.

"But I know someone who would love to build it for you," Aoi added.

"Yeah, who?" Naima asked.

[Meanwhile, far from the Restaurant]

"I'm gonna chop you up, you damn cat," Cory grumbled as he chased the elusive feline.

In his pursuit, Cory accidentally bumped into someone with black hair and blonde eyes, clad in a black overall and black combat boots. The cat jumped, landing on the newcomer's shoulder.

[Back to the Restaurant]

"My grandson, Yamato," Aoi revealed, redirecting their attention to the matter at hand.