Kaida's Recovery and Meeting Aric

Kaida escapes the enforcer but is severely injured. She stumbles into the hands of a mysterious engineer named Aric, who repairs her armor and nurses her back to health. Aric offers Kaida a deal: he'll help enhance her armor and sword with his advanced tech if she helps him retrieve a stolen energy core from a rival faction. Reluctantly, Kaida agrees, but as they grow closer, she begins to question Aric's true motives.

[Kaida wakes up in a workshop, groaning from the pain of her injuries. Aric, a mysterious engineer, is repairing her armor nearby.]

Kaida:
"Who... where am I?"

Aric (without looking up):
"You're in my shop. I saved your life."

Kaida (suspicious):
"I didn't ask for help."

Aric (smirking):
"No, but you needed it. I've enhanced your gear—it's better now."

[Kaida inspects her repaired armor and sword, noticing the upgrades.]

Kaida:
"What do you want in return?"

Aric:
"Nothing much—just help me retrieve something. A stolen energy core. You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours."