YN POV

Its only been a few days since Eli and I got new blasters. So far his works perfectly when using powerful slugs. As for mine, works perfectly for long range like if we need a sniper when facing Dr. Blakk.

Speaking of which, we finally have a fighting chance to save the slugs thank to Doc who can cure them. Though it still grudge me that its still not enough, then again, we just gotta train a lot. Right now I'm just practicing my new blaster until I hear my friends doing "The art of psyching out" of your opponents.

Kord POV

I was walking alone in the middle of the area, watching out for anyone near until I knew someone is close.

Kord: (Smirk.) I'll apologize now for what's gonna happen to you in a few seconds.

I turn my head to see Eli behind me.

Eli: (Smirk.) Too bad your threats aren't as strong as your breath.

Kord: I'm a cave troll, what do I care about breath?

Eli: Good point.

We're both now facing each other as we get ready to pull out our blasters until we were interrupted by Trixie.

Trixie: Uh, what's are you guys doing?

Kord: Practicing a fine art of psyching out your opponent. YN taught us about that.

Trixie: (Smirk.) How bout less psyching and more slinging.

Trixie blast a tormato and causes a tornado at us. Eli uses a jellyish slug to avoid while I counter it with my rammstone to knock out her tormato. Just then Eli attack from above and blasted his armashelt as I used my hop rock slug. But it was not enough as it knocks my slug before knocking my blaster away. Soon Eli landed with Bubbaleon safely.

Eli: Way to go, Banger. (Offers Kord a hand.) Don't get so worked up for it. Its just practice.

Kord: (Sigh.) For you maybe, a few months ago you didn't even know what end of the blaster of the slug came out. Now I can't even get a shot in-

Just then a large snowball came from above and hits us.

3rd POV

The snowball came from Frost attack by YN shooting from a distance.

YN: You guys sure can to cool down. (Chuckles.)

Eli: Very funny.

YN offers them a hand as they both accepted it.

Kord: (Sigh.) At least YN can keep up with you of course. You've only had less than a week and now you're getting better with long rang attack.

YN: To be fair, I did practice a lot with my slugs. Plus they enjoyed it.

Suddenly they all see Pronto is struggling to put a lot of luggage on his mecha beast until it all fell on top of him.

Eli: Pronto? What's with all the luggage?

YN: Are you heading somewhere?

Pronto: (Smiles.) Ah, yes. Very good question. Allow me to ask all of you: are you tired of spending hours with tedious dueling?

Eli: Uh, no? That's the best part of being a slug slinger.

Kord: (Roll his eyes.) Yeah, when you win every time.

Pronto: Are other slingers leaving you in the dust?

Kord: Well...

Eli: Its never bothered me.

Pronto: Yes it does, and that is why I have paid for all of us to spend a luxurious weekend at club slug!

Eli: Yeah, I'm a slinger not a dancer,

Trixie: Its not that kind off club, they advertise the late night vid screen.

YN: Well that explain why some of us never heard of it.

Trixie: Its like a boot camp for slugs and a vacation for slingers.

YN: Stop, you got me on vacation part. My slugs and I could use it.

Eli: (Interest.) Vacation? Really?

Pronto: Oh, you could use one Eli. You've been working so hard, and while you're sipping fresh squeeze nectar by the heated pool. Your slugs will be gaining power and experience. All in one weekend.

The slugs then get excited.

Eli: Well, its hard to swallow, but the pool does sound pretty nice.

Kord: If it helps me get a leg up on you Eli. I'm in.

YN: Wait a minute, how did you afford a vacation with enough money?

Trixie: (Concern.) And how much did it cost us?

Pronto: Uh, well um, can you put a price on uh success?

Eli: (Concern.) How much Pronto?

Pronto: (Nervous chuckle.) Uh did I mention we got a group discount?

Suddenly YN aim his blaster with Shocker at him.

YN: Reveal thy secret you hold from us...

Pronto: (Sigh.) Only half our gold.

Everyone: Pronto!

Trixie: Urgh, I can't believe you! I've been saving for a new blaster!

YN: My mom's gonna kill me before a ghoul could...

Eli: We all worked hard for that gold Pronto!

Pronto: And that's why you need a vacation. (Stammered.) You see, it all evens out.

Kord: If this doesn't work, I'd better get my gold back!

Pronto: Sorry, no refunds.

Eli: Guess we'll just have to load up at the buffet to get our money's worth.

YN: This better be worth it.

Time skip

They arrive at the Club slug as well as other people arrived for the club.

Trixie film the club while explaining about the club slug and ask the people about the club until the owner name Sarge came.

Sarge: All right! Line up and stand straight!

Everyone did exactly what he said.

Sarge: You floppers ready to do some heavy lifting? (To slinger.) At ease, the only floppers who are going to be working here are your slugs. They do the work, so you don't have to.

Soon he notice Eli and YN.

Sarge: I see we have a Shane and a LN with us today. (Salute.) It'll be an honor to train up your slugs boys.

YN: Appreciate it, but I'm just here for a vacation. Especially for my slugs since we trained a lot this week.

Eli: I'm also just here for the waterslide. No offense sir, but I think this sounds a little too good to be true.

Sarge: (Smirk.) No offense taken young man, I hear it all the time. But by the end of this weekend, you boys are gonna be a believer. Come on everyone, I will show you how its done.

YN POV

We all followed Sarge who lead us to two of the machines. If you ask me, it looks like a turret version of blaster for the slugs.

Sarge then explain how the machine works by using Pronto slug who volunteer. Just as Sarge put the slug in a larger tube, he added slug treats for him.

Sarge: My special blend of slug chow allows for a quick recharge and here's why they'll need it.

He then place the slug in the machines before he activates it. He also explain that the machine blast the slug towards the other and it return fire back over and over again while it transforms and learning some new moves.

Sarge: Hand over your slugs everyone and we'll give them all the spin.

Everyone except for me and Eli hand their slugs to him as he gives the slugs treats before beginning the process. One by one, it fires each slugs and returns fire.

Sagre: (Grin.) Look at them go, all without anybody lifting a finger.

Desdemona: (Grin.) My slugs looks meaner already.

Sarge: So what do you two say, ready to my method a try? (To Eli.) Your slugs sure are.

Eli: My slugs and I like powering up old school. We're all on vacation this weekend.

Eli slugs were depressed until I spoke up.

YN: Same here. Though I am curious, what is it that you feed them before you load them in the machine?

Sarge: Just some extra boost for them, they'll need a full energy for this.

YN: Interesting. Then again, I'll pass.

Sarge: You Shane's are famous for being traditional while you LN's always prefer the old fashion. Well, I've already got your gold.

YN: Wait, what?-

Sarge: (Interrupt.) Okay everyone, go out and relax. That's an order!

Everyone left as I join them to relax. But what got me concern is that the part he mentioned about our gold.

Time skip

We are all now relaxing by the pool while Eli is at the waterslide with his slugs.

I gotta admit, this is actually nice. Relaxing outside while my slugs and I have some cool F/S (Favorite smoothie.) smoothie. Definitely a paradise.

YN: Now this is like paradise here. Nice going, Pronto.

Kord: (Smiles.) Yeah, I gotta admit Pronto, I can get use to this.

Just then I see one of the worker using a grinder to trim Kords toenails which left me speechless.

YN: Uh, when was the last time you chipped your toenails?

Kord: A month ago.

Trixie: You better leave a tip Kord.

Aside from relaxing, I'm still thinking of what that Sarge mean by already got our gold, especially for giving the slugs some treats for boost them up too quick. I kept thinking about it until Sarge arrive to announce the news.

Sarge: Listen up everybody, its been a few hours now. How'd you like to see firsthand how your slugs are progressing?

This caught me interested while everyone else got excited to try out their improvement slugs.

Sarge: (Smiles.) Thought so. Who's up for a friendly duel?

Just then Eli splash in the pool from riding on the waterslide as well as his slugs.

Eli: Did someone say duel? (Smirk.) Count me in.

Sarge: That's right Eli, who wants to test their new and improved slugs against a Shane?

Kord: (Grin.) Yeah, I'll do it.

YN: (Whispers to Trixie.) You might want to film this part.

Trixie: Why?

YN: Got a feeling it might come useful.

Short time skip, Eli POV

Kord and I are now dueling in a open area while the test was watching. Sarge then hands Kord his improved Rammstone.

Sarge: Okay boys. one slug, one shot.

Kord: (Grin.) I am taking you down! You are slug meat Eli Shane. You hear that?

Eli: (Grin.) Keep talking kord, that's about all you can do.

Burpy gets excited but I decided to use a different slug.

Eli: Not this time Burpy. (Picks Banger.) Go easy on them Banger.

Banger nods as I load him in my blaster.

Sarge: Enough talk, get ready slingers. On my mark.

Kord and I stare at each other as we quickly draw our blaster and aim.

Sarge: Duel!

We both blast our slugs simultaneously and both our slugs transformed. But his Rammstone overpowered Banger and painfully knocks me back which made Kord victory.

Sarge: (Smirk.) So Eli Shane, still think my system's a joke?

Kord: Eli! (Offers me a hand.) You okay buddy?

Eli: (Takes his hand.) Yeah, I think so. You beat me.

Kord: (Smiles.) You're right, I did! I beat ya!

Trixie: With a whole new move, that was amazing!

YN: Guess that improvement really did paid off.

Kord: I know right?

Pronto: Yes, now I wish I bet on you.

Sarge: Now are you two convinced?

Eli: That was pretty convincing. Are you okay Banger? What happened?

Waylon: (Grin.) You got owned is what happened!

To think a slug can pull that off in less than an a day of training, I couldn't believe that Kord beat me with an improved slug for the moment. However, when I saw Kord's slug, I notice it was panting from exhaustion even its eyes are yellow until Sargent snatches it from Kord.

Sarge: All right, back to the machine tough guy. (To Kord.) Takes a few sessions for him to get seasoned like old Butch here.

Pronto: Oh! Me next, me next! Haha! The mighty Pronto will defeat Eli even better than a troll.

Sarge: Soon enough son. How about it you two, ready to get off the sidelines and into the game?

Eli: (Sees Banger nods excitedly.) Okay, maybe we can give Bangers spin and see how he does in a rematch.

YN: I'd like to think about it for a bit.

Sarge: Suit yourself.

Time skip

Its only been a few hours since Sargent convince YN and I. Banger wanted to try out the machine. Right now its morning and Sarge came back with Banger now with improvement. Although, something was wrong with Banger.

He looked like Kord's slug but twice stronger. As if he has a lot of energy beyond his limit.

Sarge: What did I tell you kid?

Eli: Okay, I'm a little impressed. How do you feel Banger?

Banger just screeches loudly which made Eli worried.

Eli: I think he's had enough.

Sarge: Suit yourself. (Smiles.) Guess its time for breakfast guys, and all you can eat buffet.

We all head back until Banger hop off from my hand and approach the machine.

Eli: Come on, banger. You've had enough.

Just when I reach for him, Banger almost try to bite me.

Eli: Whoa! Banger!

Banger then looks shy until I head YN calling me.

YN: Hey Eli, everyone's waiting for us at the buffet. What's the hold up?

Eli: Its Banger, he's been acting crazy ever since the machine.

YN: (Curious.) Crazier as Kord's slug?

Eli: Probably more.

YN: Hmm... Something doesn't feel right. Look at his eyes, they're yellow.

Eli: Yeah, must be the machine messing up with him.

YN: No, a machine like that couldn't do that. Not completely at the very least.

Eli: What do you mean?

YN: I've been watching the slugs from Trixie's camera and I notice that Sarge feed them some food before putting them in the machine? I'll bet that's the main reason on why they're going crazy.

Eli: If it is, then its something that's definitely not healthy. Not in the short run at least.

YN: Only one way to find out.

YN leaves but I stop him by asking him curiously.

Eli: Where you going?

YN: Do what sheriff do best.

Eli: Don't you mean detective?

YN: Okay maybe, but still.

YN POV

Okay, so far we know that something is going on with the slugs after going through "improvement." They're strong, too strong that it'll make them go crazy. And I'm gonna get to the bottom of this.

Since Sarge is too busy from counting his gold we paid, this gave me the opportunity to sneak in his food storage. Whatever food he gave them to make them crazy, its there or at least any leads. The storage is lock but thankfully we came prepared.

YN: All right Spike, just like we've practice.

My Dirt Urchin name Spike made two spikes for me and one for himself before we start picking the lock until we manage to unlock it.

YN: Good work Spike. Now let's see what we got.

I enter the food storage and I gotta say, is all empty and rarely even scrap of food. They probably used it all up because of the buffet. Either way, this makes it easier to find some clues and which I did. Found some slugs snack but suddenly I hear foot steps coming.

YN: (Whispers.) Floppers!

3rd POV

The footsteps are from Sarge coming in the kitchen and notice the food storage is open. He loads his thresher slug and ready to fire.

Sarge: Whoever is in there, you've got a lot of nerves trespassing here. So show yourself!

The door open and it revealed to be the Chef along with his flaringo slug.

Chef: Uh, I'm just here for the ingredients to cook.

Sarge: Its you, I thought you've used up all of it for the buffet, just as I ordered you to.

Chef: I did, they're just eating pretty fast. Well, mostly that molenoid.

Sarge: Hmph, then you better figure it out, I'm not paying you to wait for the food to arrive. Get to work, that's an order!

Chef: Uh, yes sir!

The chef left with some remaining food as the sarge grabs his slug snacks before leaving a piece of paper on the wall. As soon as Sarge left, The chief turns back to YN thanks to Blindsight.

YN: Thanks Blindsight. Now, let's see what do we have here.

Blindsight smiles and picks the paper that Sarge left. He learned that its the ingredients for the slug snacks but to his shocking, the ingredients are incredibly wrong and unhealthy.

YN: This isn't good, gotta warn Eli.

YN sneak his way out and finds Eli outside.

YN: Eli, we need to talk-

He was then interrupted by Eli shooting Banger right towards the the cliff and he destroy it to which caught them by surprised. Soon Banger became exhausted from transforming less than a second.

Eli: Banger are you okay?

Eli offers a tube for Banger to get in, but Banger was too weak to even climb back in.

Eli: You look like you're losing steam.

YN: That must've taken a lot out of him, even for one blast.

Eli: What's going on?

???: A scam is what's going on.

Stranger: I fell for the claim same as you, now look at my slugs. That machine makes them crazy.

Eli: I thought so. How?

The stranger then explains that the machine gets the slugs all pumped up but soon collapse after a few shots and they have to come back and pay more.

Stranger: But that's the part of the problem, I couldn't figure out of the main reason about this.

YN: Then this is your lucky day pal, I found this. (Shows them the ingredients.) Sarge's been making slug snacks with this ingredients which gets the slugs high energy but in a unhealthy way. We need to stop it before it gets worst.

Eli: That's just what we needed to hear.

Short time skip

Everyone except for Eli and YN are gathered for graduation as Sarge arrive with their improvement slugs.

Sarge: (Smiles.) Congratulations crads. As promised, here is your new and improved ammo.

He then hands them their slugs as they were all excited to try their slugs.

Sarge: Don't forget to tell everybody you know what club slug did for you.

Eli: You mean rip all these people off?

Eli and YN arrive just in time.

Eli: These artificial level ups don't last guys and you're gonna have to keep coming back here for more.

YN: And that you'll be wasting your money for nothing.

Waylon: Dude, I like coming here!

Person: My money, my slugs. Why would you guys care?

Eli: I care when it hurts the slugs, I care when its dangerous for you. There's a reason it takes a long time to train a slug, its so you'll have the experience to handle it. This way, somebody's gonna get hurt and bad.

YN: Ain't no better than them ghouls.

Sarge: You may be a Shane but you're bad for business.

YN: He may be bad for business, but I'm also bad at ignoring the situation that ya causing to the slugs. People would do anything to pay better until its too late to know its a scam.

Sarge: Ha, there's nothing going on for the slugs.

YN: We have evidence. (Shows them the paper.) Ingredient that it'll cause your slugs unhealthy in a short run. So what do you say, turn yourself in or we'll make you. Either way, we're taking you in for scamming and harming the slugs.

Sarge: You know what I say? (Smirk.) I say anybody who's with me gets a free month's maintenance.

The three of them join his side while the rest of the Shane gang join up with Eli and YN.

Sarge: Looks like we got ourselves a deal and a duel.

Kord: We got your back guys.

Eli: Its not my back I'm worried about.

YN: Either way, there's only one way to stop this for good.

They all start fighting against them. However, each improved slugs they blasted were powerful yet became out of control. Enough that its destroying the entire area and it almost cost their lives until the Shane gang manage to get them out of the harms way.

Eli: Keep the others safe, their slugs will lose power in a few minutes!

Kord: Uh, a few minutes can be a long time!

Trixie: Maybe too long!

YN: Try using Frostcrawlers. It'll stop them from going out of control!

Eli nods and blasted Chiller to freeze the Thresher.

Eli: (Smirk.) Chill!

Trixie: Seriously, chill?

YN: (Shrugs.) Its pretty good consider how crazy these slugs are.

Trixie: You make a fair point.

Sarge continues blasting slugs at them.

Sarge: I got a whole army of amped up slugs kid. What have you got?

YN: (Smirk.) How bout one slug winter? Get em Frost!

YN blasted frost as Sarge did the same with a thresher. However, Frost slows it down as it begins to get exhausted from using tii much power.

Eli: Looks like your amped up slugs are deflating Sargent.

Sarge: (Smirk.) Funny thing, I have just a solution to that problem.

Sarge grabs his slugs and runs of while YN and Eli chase after him until he grab the machine and uses it against them.

Sarge: You're gonna shut me down? I don't think so! Your slugs are beat, mine are pumped.

He begins fire slugs rapidly as they both duck in cover.

Eli: We gotta destroy that before he destroys the cavern.

YN: I chill it, you Banger it.

Eli: (Nods.) Got it. (To Banger.) You sure you're up for this?

Banger nods.

Eli: Let's make it count.

YN: Ready when you are.

Eli: Now!

YN blasted Chill and freezes the machine before Eli shoots Banger to destroy it. Soon the machine exploded.

Eli: Wayda go Banger!

Just when Sarge was about to get up, YN aim his blaster at him.

YN: Looks like your scamming days are over. And your under arrest.

YN pulls out handcuffs and arrest Sarge. After it was over, everyone left the club are were now outside.

Trixie: Well, out slugs didn't exactly power up and we almost got killed. But now at least no one else will get scammed

Desdemona: As much as I hate to admit it, you were totally right about this bogus boot camp. I'd never have gotten drop on my brother with a bunk slugs they barf out here.

Person: Maybe I'll try the old fashion way next time. And when I say I, I mean our butler and perhaps the cook and chauffeur.

Waylon: (Smiles.) That was still pretty awesome though. You know, the way our slugs went totally nuts! Whoo!

Eli: Waylon, not awesome.

Waylon: Yeah, in case you haven't noticed, I'm not a real fast learner.

YN: Give it time, you can't always rush thing too quick.

They head back to their mecha beast until they notice Pronto is finding something in the rubble.

Pronto: Please be there, please be there!

Trixie: What's wrong Pronto, is one of your slugs under there?

Pronto: Slugs? (Scoff.) I'm trying to find. (Picks up the bag of gold.) Our money! Haha!

YN: Finally, at least my mom won't kill me for wasting money for some lousy scam.

Pronto: Now we can rake advantage of an interesting opportunity I have recently become aware of.

Trixie: (Sigh.) Opportunity?

Eli: Some people never learn.

They all leave while Pronto explain the opportunity.

Pronto: Apparently some genius has decided a method of supercharging the mecha beast SK they run five times faster.

Eli: Pronto.

Trixie: Seriously?

YN: Don't even think about using my cut for this one.