> “The machines scream louder, drowning my humanity. The oil stench invades my lungs. A deeply etched fatigue stings my bones.
Grandfather’s tales—Batal Stone whispers—promised power and rebirth. Hidden weight in my pocket, aching for solace.
Morning will see me fight. The factory will bend to my will, or I will break it.
✴”
— Scene 1, *The Hero’s Stone* ⟁
_Batal Vol.2 · Ep.2 · Scene 1 – Factory Manager · Factory Floor_
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📖 **Excerpt from the book:**
> Factory Manager: It’s defective. Defective again. What on earth is the problem?!
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